What is the ‘herb of grace' and how does it benefit your health?
It is believed to offer brain -boosting benefits, primarily through its antioxidant properties that help protect the brain by stimulating the body's natural defense system.
The herb functions as an adaptogen, potentially reducing stress by interacting with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which regulates the body's stress response.
Studies indicate that Bacopa Monnieri can reduce inflammation in the central nervous system and alleviate related pain, with chronic inflammation being linked to various health issues.
While generally considered safe, not all risks have been thoroughly studied; it is advisable to consult a doctor and opt for supplements verified by a third party.
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BreakingNews.ie
2 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Alcohol and drug use in e-scooter injuries doubles since law change, research shows
The presence of alcohol and drugs in patients involved in falls and collisions from e-scooters has doubled while use of helmets has decreased since the use of e-scooters on public roads was legalised last year, according to the findings of new research. Doctors at one of Dublin's largest hospitals found there has been no significant reduction in injury incidence, severity or adoption of protective measures such as helmet use and avoidance of intoxicants since legislative reform allowing the use of e-scooters on public roads was introduced in May 2024. Advertisement Instead, overall injury rates are continuing to increase due to the growing popularity of e-scooters, although fewer related injuries have been recorded among young people under 16 years. The research by doctors at the National Maxillofacial Unit at St James's Hospital also revealed that alcohol or some other substance had been consumed by the victims of an e-scooter related injury in 36% of cases since the passing of the legislation compared to 18% beforehand. As a result of the study's findings, they recommended that mandatory safety training or educational modules should be implemented as a prerequisite for use of e-scooters. The study analysed patients presenting with e-scooter related facial injuries for two 10-months periods before and after the passing of the legislation which classified e-scooters as 'personal powered transporters'. Advertisement The law requires users to be over 16 years and to adhere to a maximum speed limit of 20km/h, although the use of helmets is not mandatory. The study, which is published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science, highlighted how e-scooter-related injuries rose from 1.7% of all facial trauma presentations at St James's Hospital to 2.5% since the use of e-scooters on public roads was legalised. Rates of admission to hospital of such patients have also increased from 31% to 36% with an associated rise in the number of related surgical procedures. The use of helmets by patients with e-scooter-related facial injuries declined from 23% to 18% over the same period. Advertisement Prior to the legislation being introduced, most injuries occurred between 4pm and 7pm. Since the passing of the legislation, however, more than half of all cases took place between 7pm and 6am, of which more than half reported having consumed alcohol at the time. In contrast, the lowest frequency of injuries occurred during the busy commuter period of 6am-9am. 'Alcohol use and poor helmet compliance in the later hours of injury incidence was a prevalent finding in both cohorts,' the study noted. Advertisement The researchers said such findings highlighted the critical need to tailor public health and safety interventions to periods of elevated risk. 'Infrastructure improvements—such as enhanced street lighting—and targeted public awareness campaigns focused on evening and night-time riders may offer substantial benefits in reducing both the frequency and severity of e-scooter-related injuries,' they added. The analysis showed 22 patients had presented with 26 maxillofacial injuries between May 2023 and February 2024, while 28 patients with 36 maxillofacial injuries were recorded between May 2024 and February 2025. Many of the same patients had also suffered injuries to other parts of their bodies. Advertisement The overwhelming majority of patients over both periods were drivers of e-scooters with only three of 50 cases involving pedestrians. The analysis also revealed that the proportion of patients with e-scooter-related injuries who were male increased from 59% to 71%. Non-Irish nationals account for almost half of all patients with such injuries with their share of total cases increasing from 41% to 46% over the two periods analysed. There was also a significant increase in the proportion of patients who live in Dublin which increased from 45% to 75%. The study said such figures suggested an increased uptake of e-scooter use within the capital. The average age of patients remained stable at approximately 33 years. Only one person under 16 years sought treatment for an e-scooter-related facial injury after the legislation was introduced compared to three in the period before they were legalised for use on public roads. However, the study found an increase in injuries among both the 16-34 and 35-44 age groups. Nobody over 60 years was reported as suffering from an e-scooter-related facial injury during either period. The study said there had been a shift in frequency and severity in facial fracture patterns since implementation of the new legislation. The most common facial fracture experienced by e-scooter users is to the cheekbone followed by the jaw. The authors of the study said their findings suggested that recent legislative changes had 'some modest impact' on e-scooter-related facial injuries due to fewer injuries among younger teenagers, while a decrease in head trauma incidents might be attributable to the introduction of a statutory speed limit. In addition, they claimed the increasing rate of facial injuries among e-scooter users was contributing to a rising burden on healthcare services. They also observed that a growth in the number of injuries of e-scooter users from Dublin coupled with the increased prevalence of alcohol consumption and night-time riding 'underscores a potential growing risk profile.' The study recommended that ongoing surveillance and policy evaluation were essential for having effective strategies to prevent injuries from e-scooters.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
The 7 supplements to avoid in hot weather – or risk life-threatening heatstroke, second-degree burns and overdose
WHILE supplements can support our health year-round, some should be taken with caution during the summer. Increased sun exposure, heat, and even certain food and drink combinations can cause serious issues, and in severe cases, be fatal. There are several common pills, powders, oils and gummies that carry risks. These are the ones to be wary of this summer... 1. Diuretics People take diuretics, also known as water pills, primarily to reduce excess fluid in the body. They're commonly used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and oedema (swelling). But pharmacist Abbas Kanani, from Chemist Click, warns: "Diuretics help your body remove excess sodium and water, but this can lead to dehydration, especially with hot weather." Dehydration can cause a range of problems, from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening complications. Mild symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. More seriously, it can cause low blood pressure, kidney problems, heat injuries, seizures, and even death in extreme cases. 2. St John's wort St John's wort has been used for a variety of conditions, but it is most widely promoted for symptoms of depression. However, anyone taking it should be aware that it can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, a condition known as photosensitivity. This occurs because St John's wort (which comes in tablet, capsule, gummy, oil and powder form) contains hypericin, a substance that absorbs light in the UV and visible ranges. Mr Kanani says: "This can put people at increased risk of sunburn." Other skin reactions may include rashes and blistering, so it's especially important for individuals with fair skin or those taking large doses of the supplement to be cautious about sun exposure. Wear at least SPF30 with a UVA rating of at least four stars, reapply it every two hours, and seek shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is hottest. 3. Vitamin D People obtain vitamin D from sunlight when ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun interact with a chemical in the skin. But in the UK, the general advice is for everyone to consider taking a daily 10 microgram (400 IU) vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months (October to March) - when the sun's UVB rays aren't strong enough. Some people, including those who aren't often outdoors, have dark skin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or infants and young children, may need to take a vitamin D supplement (in pill, gummy, powder or liquid form) year-round. But Mr Kanani warns: "This could put you at increased risk of vitamin D overdose. "Vitamin D overdose can happen if you're using supplements in high doses, as well as getting extended periods of sun exposure." The NHS warns adults and children aged 11 to 17 not to take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin a day as it "could be harmful". Kids one to 10 should not have more than 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) daily. The signs of heat exhaustion - and when it becomes heatstroke HEAT exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. The signs include: Tiredness Dizziness Headache Feeling sick or being sick Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy or getting a heat rash, but a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach Fast breathing or heartbeat A high temperature Being very thirsty Weakness Diarrhoea HEATSTROKE is a medical emergency, so get inside and call 999 for an ambulance. Stay with the person, who may not be able to help themselves. Try to remove clothes if possible and lie the person down. Use a cool flannel and sponge them down and use a fan to try and help them lose heat by evaporation. If they are conscious and able, try to encourage them to drink. If they lose consciousness, put them into the recovery position while you wait for an ambulance. The NHS says to call 999 for signs of heatstroke that include: Still being unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids A very high temperature Hot skin that's not sweating and might look red (this can be harder to see on brown and black skin) A fast heartbeat Fast breathing or shortness of breath Confusion and lack of coordination A seizure or fit Loss of consciousness 4. Thermogenic fat burners Thermogenic fat burners are dietary supplements marketed to promote weight loss by increasing the body's metabolic rate and fat burning process (thermogenesis). They aim to help users burn more calories, potentially leading to a calorie deficit and subsequent weight loss, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. But in their efforts to boost metabolism, these fat burners (which usually come as pills or powders) can lead to a rise in heat production and core body temperature. Also, similarly, by stimulating the nervous system they can increase heart rate. Mr Kanani says: "Caution should be taken to avoid serious issues such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion." Heat exhaustion, which causes tiredness, dizziness, headaches, sweating and cramps, does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, of which symptoms include a very high temperature, hot skin that's not sweating, a fast heartbeat, confusion, seizures, or not being well after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place with fluids, it needs to be treated as an emergency. 5. Vitamin A 5 People take vitamin A supplements for several reasons, primarily to support vision, boost the immune system, and maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, particularly in dim light, and is essential for cell growth and development, including bone growth and reproduction. It also plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the skin and the lining of various body parts, like the nose. But you should be careful if you're exceeding 10,000 IU per day, warns Ian Budd, prescribing pharmacist expert at Chemist4U. He says: "High-dose vitamin A can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, potentially leading to sunburn. "Sun sensitivity reactions can cause burning, blistering, and dark patches on the skin (called hyperpigmentation). "These reactions sometimes happen even if you're wearing clothes or sitting behind glass, like in a car." 6. Essential oils (used topically) Essential oils offer a diverse array of potential benefits, including mood enhancement, stress relief, and connection to nature. They're often used in aromatherapy to create a calming atmosphere and can be incorporated into daily routines for both physical and mental wellbeing. But Mr Budd cautions: "Certain essential oils, such as bergamot, lime, lemon, and other citrus oils, contain furocoumarins, which can cause phototoxic reactions when the skin is exposed to sunlight." He adds that you may experience worse sunburn than usual, even with very little sun exposure. "These can look like regular or even second-degree burns and may take a day or two to appear," he says. 7. Niacin (vitamin B3) 5 Niacin is a B vitamin the body makes and uses to turn food into energy and keep the nervous system, digestive system, and skin healthy. Also known as vitamin B3, many people take it as part of a daily multivitamin tablet or gummy. However, Mr Budd says: "In high doses, this supplement can cause flushing and increased heat sensitivity, which may be more problematic in hot weather." Men need about 16.5mg a day, while women need 13.2mg. The NHS warns: "Taking high doses of nicotinic acid supplements can cause skin flushes, and doing so for a long time could lead to liver damage." Food interactions Some supplements may also interact with certain foods and drinks and make side effects worse in the heat. For example, excess salt can affect or stop diuretics working. Mr Kanani adds: "Avoid foods that contain tyramine when taking St John's wort, like aged cheese and wine. "They can raise your blood pressure to potentially dangerous levels so should be avoided. "Vitamin D is actually best taken with a meal that contains dietary fat, such as whole milk. "Thermogenic fat burners can generally be taken with food and this is something preferable to reduce the risk of a stomach upset." If you're using one of these supplements, sometimes simply changing the timing can reduce the risks Ian BuddPrescribing pharmacist Mr Budd says: "Caffeine or energy drinks can make you feel hotter and more dehydrated, especially if you're mixing them with certain supplements, such as niacin and St John's wort. "Drinking alcohol can also make flushing caused by niacin supplements worse and increase then chance of dehydration, since alcohol impacts how your body handles heat. "And citrus foods and drinks can make you more sensitive to the sun, especially if any citrus oils touch your skin while taking a supplement that causes your skin to react negatively to sunlight or UV rays." Some alternatives... If you need to take these supplements during the summer months, you should talk to your GP or pharmacist first. But there are plenty of options you can ask them about. Diet and lifestyle changes are recommended when looking for alternatives to these supplements. Mr Kanani advises: "For diuretics, that means reducing your salt intake and increasing the amount of water you drink. "Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish and nuts can be a natural alternative to St John's wort to help with depression, as they're thought to help regulate mood through neuroinflammation and supporting normal brain function. "You can also try thermogenic foods such as chicken, chilli peppers, caffeine drinks, turkey or fish. "They require more energy to digest than carbohydrates or fats, which increases thermogenesis and calorie burning." Instead of high-dose vitamin A, Mr Budd says beta-carotene, mixed carotenoids from food sources, like carrots or sweet potatoes, and lower-dose vitamin A (under 5,000 IU a day) can be considered. He says: "Instead of high-dose niacin, alternatives include niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 that doesn't cause flushing), lower doses of niacin taken with food, slow-release versions, or there are other options for managing cholesterol. "And instead of citrus essential oils that can cause sun reactions, you could try oils like lavender or tea tree that have properly been diluted, using citrus oils only in the evening, or giving synthetic fragrance alternatives a go. 'Even if you're using one of these supplements, sometimes simply changing the timing can reduce the risks. "But always check with a GP or pharmacist before starting or switching supplements, especially if you're on medication or have health conditions." The nasty ingredients hiding in supplements Supplements can help us reach vitamin and mineral recommendations. But Dr Carol Granger, a registered nutrition practitioner with a degree in biochemistry and a masters in microbiology, warns of many additions to supplements, medications and foods that could cause side effects, and suggests doing your research before buying commercial pills. She tells Sun Health: 'Ingredients like talc, E numbers, and gelatin are all used as bulking agents or as colourings and they can have serious long-term health impacts like heartburn, dizziness, fainting and severe allergic reactions." Here are the worst culprits: Magnesium stearate Unlike the name suggests, this ingredient contains no magnesium (which may help with sleep, anxiety and bone health). Dr Granger says: 'This is used as a lubricant - it prevents ingredients sticking together and means the machines that make the tablets don't block.' But she warns that 'high amounts can cause a laxative effect and it can cause inflammation too, especially in those who are sensitive to allergies'. It's unlikely the small amount found in supplements is enough to do harm, but it may be worth reconsidering if you have been taking it for a long time. Ascorbyl Palmitate Ascorbyl palmitate is a form of vitamin C made by combining ascorbic and palmitic acids. It's considered safe in the amounts that are used when added to skincare. Dr Granger says: 'This is used as an antioxidant food additive and preservative meaning things with it in can have a longer use by date.' But she claims 'excess amounts can cause nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting'. Aspartame You'll may be familiar with aspartame, which is a sugar-alternative often used in things like soft drinks, sweetened diet products or other 'low/no sugar' foods. Dr Granger says: 'This is a sweetener a lot of people have heard of. 'It's a flavour enhancer but because it's an artificial sweetener, it has been linked to weight gain.' Studies have found both that sweeteners like aspartame help people lose weight, but also gain weight by potentially increasing appetite. Several studies have linked high intakes to more serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia but there has been much debate about the results. But Dr Granger claims: 'It can affect metabolism so if you see it on any ingredient list, my advice would be to give it a wide berth.' Carrageenans Carrageenan is an ingredient that has long had concern surrounding it. Products with it may be labelled as 'natural' because it is derived from seaweed, therefore it is also found in some plant-based/vegan foods. But Dr Granger says: 'The processing used to make some types of carrageenan makes it into something you definitely don't want to consume. 'They're widely used as gelling agent and thickener. They can be used to prevent powder clumping so may be in powder supplements you add to smoothies. 'But some cause inflammation, are really bad for digestive health and have been linked to ulcers too. 'Some can also destabilise blood sugar and cause problems with blood sugar balance.' Calcium Phosphate Calcium phosphate is a mineral (calcium and phosphate) which are essential for bone, muscle, blood and nerve health. Some may benefit from additional calcium, such as menopausal women with weakening bones. But calcium phosphate is also used as an additive to products, from supplements to toothpaste and fertilizers. Dr Granger says: 'This is used to bulk out and buffer ingredients like vitamin C. 'Side effects can include kidney problems, loss of appetite and weakness.'
BBC News
5 hours ago
- BBC News
Doctors train to use robotic surgery machine in Stockton hospital
A group of doctors have begun training which will allow them to use robotic equipment to carry out have been learning how to use the multi-million pound Da Vinci robotic surgery machine at the University Hospital of North Tees robotic surgery suite in will allow them to carry out less invasive procedures with quicker recovery hospital's robotic surgery matron, Sarah Waite, said the training suite and theatre was a "huge benefit for patients" and helped attract new doctors to work at the site. "Robotic-assisted surgery is the future. It's much more precise, more efficient and less intrusive for patients," she said."The doctors we are training will spend a year with us, learning all the intricacies of robotic-assisted surgery. "It's not an easy task but I'm sure they will all rise to the occasion." The robotic suite carries out about two to four surgeries a day for gynaecology, colorectal and urology Sarah Safdar, who was being trained in obstetrics and gynaecology, said the classes had allowed her to see the robotic surgery process for the first time."It's a new innovation in gynaecology and I'm really excited to learn more," she said. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
