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In pictures: 8th Century monastery dig in Cookham

In pictures: 8th Century monastery dig in Cookham

BBC News2 days ago
Archaeology students have been uncovering evidence of early end-of-life care during excavations at an 8th Century monastery.Students and staff from the University of Reading have been taking part in an annual dig at the site in Cookham, Berkshire.This year Thomas Hayes, director of the university's field school, said they had found evidence of illness and treatment in human remains, including bedsores, suggesting palliative care may have taken place.Doctor Sophia Mills, a forensic archaeology expert at the university, said it had been a "very delicate process" as "these individuals have not chosen to be excavated and so we are being as respectful as we can be and very, very careful".
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The worst foods for cellulite
The worst foods for cellulite

Telegraph

time3 minutes ago

  • Telegraph

The worst foods for cellulite

Orange peel. Cottage cheese. Dimples in the wrong places. Cellulite is one of the most common, and stubborn, body complaints. It's harmless but there's still no definitive cure. It happens when fat pushes through a web of connective tissue beneath the skin, a bit like a lumpy mattress with loose springs and bulging stuffing. ' Cellulite is the inflammation of the fat tissue, and it has many causes including poor circulation, hormonal changes, ageing, genetics, and lifestyle choices including lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol and a poor diet,' says Dr Ariel Haus, a dermatologist at Dr Haus Dermatology on Harley Street, and the Royal Free Hospital. Around 85 per cent of sufferers are women and cellulite is usually found on the thighs, bottom and sometimes the stomach. It's not confined to the overweight: slim people can also get it, but research is increasingly showing that diet is a major factor. 'Cellulite is something nearly all women have – it's normal, natural, and nothing to be ashamed of. There are a few things we can do to support our skin through the foods we eat. Certain foods can make cellulite more visible by damaging the collagen in our skin or causing changes in how fat and fluid sit under the skin's surface,' says Kirsten Humphreys, a nutritional therapist at Bare Biology. How your diet can make cellulite worse Eating processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt, as well as not consuming enough fibre, increases inflammation, causing fat cells to expand and water retention and puffiness. Inflammation can also make the skin thinner and less elastic, making cellulite more noticeable. New research shows that eating foods that irritate our gut microbiome could also be a factor. An early-stage study published in October 2022 in Obesity Reviews suggests that lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are molecules from gut bacteria, may leak through the gut wall, accumulate in fat layers, and trigger changes that lead to cellulite. More research is needed – but poor diet may raise LPS levels and increase cellulite risk. 'Foods that are bad for the gut and the liver are going to exacerbate cellulite in someone prone to it, so that's processed, refined food. They've got more additives, they're low in nutrient value and they can contribute to toxin build-up,' says Sarah Carolides, head of nutrition at Zooki. So, while cellulite has no cure, if you want to delay it or improve the look of it, here are the foods to cut out (or limit to an occasional treat). Foods to avoid Parmesan and other salty cheese While cheeses like feta, halloumi, parmesan and cheddar are rich in protein and calcium, they are surprisingly high in salt – with a typical 30g serving providing up to 10 per cent of a 6g daily allowance. 'Eating too much salt impacts your gut, your liver and your kidneys and leads to inflammation throughout your body, which is linked to cellulite,' explains Dr Haus. Salt also increases water retention and puffiness, which can make cellulite look worse. Research shows that women are more sensitive to salt than men, particularly in midlife and beyond. Carolides recommends women have around 3-5 grams maximum, depending on how much exercise they get, which is lower than the 6g allowance recommended by the NHS. 'If you're eating a balanced diet, you should get enough sodium from your diet without adding more, maybe just have a little on your eggs,' she advises. If you're worried about cellulite but still can't resist the cheese board, lower salt options include mozzarella, Swiss cheese, ricotta and cottage cheese. Similarly, many plant-based processed meat substitutes, while marketed as a healthier option, are often high in salt and preservatives, as are so-called low-calorie or healthy ready meals. Packaged, mass-produced sliced bread is also high in salt, as well as emulsifiers and preservatives, which some animal studies suggest may disrupt gut bacteria. Always check the amount of salt on the label and try artisanal bread instead. Look at the per 100g information, low salt is 0.3g or less, medium is up to 1.5g and high salt is more than 1.5g. ' Giving up sugar is the first thing I recommend to a client with cellulite. A high sugar diet triggers glycation, oxidative stress and inflammation, which interfere with the production of collagen, so your skin will be weaker and thinner, allowing the fat pockets to protrude, making cellulite more noticeable', says Carolides. Pasta sauces bought in jars and pouches are a prime sugary example, with some popular tomato-based sauces containing more sugar than a biscuit, and a typical serving delivering 25 per cent of your daily limit. Too much sugar also leads to insulin spikes and encourages a build up of fat. Fizzy drinks are also to be avoided as they're packed full of sugar which makes them one of the most inflammatory, metabolism-disrupting products in our diets, hitting multiple cellulite triggers all at once. The average fizzy drink contains between 28-35g of sugar per can, more than the recommended daily limit of 30g. Diet drinks that contain artificial sweeteners are not much better, as these chemicals may also disrupt the gut microbiome. Fizzy drinks also mean you're forgoing healthier choices like water or tea which promote better circulation and hydration. Meal replacement protein shakes Carolides says many of her clients have replaced meals with protein shakes, missing out on vital fibre. 'There's no fibre in a commercial protein shake – and while there can be a role for them in a balanced diet, there's a big push for high protein diets, so instead of good carbs like brown rice, sweet potatoes and vegetables, people are downing protein shakes,' she says. Fibre encourages good bacteria in our microbiome and helps us stay regular, but most people struggle to consume 10g a day, let alone the recommended 30g. 'If you're constipated and your gut is sluggish, then toxins are sitting there for a lot longer. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are being produced, and are more likely to get into the bloodstream and cause problems linked to cellulite, so you want your gut to be happy and humming and emptying every day,' says Carolides. Protein is important as we need it to build and repair skin and muscle tissues – and good muscle tone can make cellulite less visible. However, it's best to get protein from lean sources like chicken, fish, cottage cheese or plant alternatives like tofu. If you are going to have a protein shake, make sure it doesn't have added chemicals, sugar and sweeteners and preferably choose an organic brand. Processed meat If eaten excessively, foods high in saturated fat contribute to inflammation and the release of LPS levels in the blood, which could trigger cellulite. These include fatty red meat cuts, processed meat such as burgers, bacon and salami, and fast food like chips. 'Saturated fats aren't inherently harmful in moderate amounts and are even essential for certain bodily functions, including hormone production. However, diets excessively high in saturated fats, especially when combined with low intake of vegetables and healthy fats, can contribute to poor circulation, higher body fat, and inflammation, which may exacerbate the appearance of cellulite,' says Kirsten Humphrey, a nutritional therapist. If you're craving red meat, make it an occasional treat, and choose non-processed options like a good cut of steak.

Could the ringing in your ears be trying to tell you that you're at risk of going blind, deaf or have cancer?
Could the ringing in your ears be trying to tell you that you're at risk of going blind, deaf or have cancer?

The Sun

time3 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Could the ringing in your ears be trying to tell you that you're at risk of going blind, deaf or have cancer?

DO you hear ringing, buzzing or hissing in your ears for no apparent reason? Once considered an 'old person's condition', tinnitus is on the rise in all age groups. 3 By the end of 2025, more than eight million people are expected to be affected, according to Tinnitus UK. It accounts for over a million GP appointments annually, costing the NHS £750million – predicted to rise to £850m by December. It's sometimes more than a minor nuisance - the occasional ringing sound or sensitivity to loud noises. But one in six adults living with tinnitus are severely affected - with hearing loss, difficulty concentrating, insomnia and depression. Thankfully, it's not something you just have to put up with; there are treatments that can help. And while there's usually nothing serious going on medically, in some cases there may be an underlying cause that needs investigating. So, to work out which solutions are right for you, it's worth asking: could your tinnitus be trying to tell you something? 1. Your tinnitus started after working in a noisy environment ALONG with ageing, noise exposure is a leading cause of hearing loss, and sometimes tinnitus is the first thing people notice. 'When around loud noise, to protect itself, the ear has the ability to stiffen the bones in the middle ear, which reduces the ear's sensitivity,' Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at Specsavers, tells Sun Health. I thought the ringing in my ears was tinnitus but the truth was far more sinister - everyone must get checked 'For a short period, with this reduced sensitivity, people often report noticing tinnitus for the first time. 'However, the ear will generally return to normal sensitivity and the tinnitus is likely to reduce.' Over extended periods of time though, hair cells in the inner ear can become permanently damaged. 'In the absence of an external noise source due to a reduced ability to hear, many people report that they can hear other noises, such as ringing or buzzing,' says Harrison. Avoiding too much exposure and protecting your ears in loud environments reduces the risk. Mr Harrison adds: 'As soon as you notice any ringing or noise in the ears, or other changes to your hearing, you should contact an audiologist at your local opticians to get your hearing checked for free, or contact your local GP.' 2. Your tinnitus is in time with your heartbeat It could be saying: you've got pulsatile tinnitus and should see a doctor 'PULSATILE tinnitus is a rarer form, where people hear sounds (such as whooshing, rushing or thumping) in time with their heartbeat,' says Mr Harrison. 'You can experience it in one or both ears. 'Compared to 'normal' tinnitus, it's more likely that an exact cause can be identified. 'Most cases are caused by a change to the blood flow of the vessels near the ear, in the neck or head. 'This can happen for several reasons, including: strenuous exercise, pregnancy, certain medications or severe iron deficiency (anaemia), which can cause an increase in blood flow around the body; an irregular-shaped blood vessel; or a condition called atherosclerosis, which occurs when the artery clogs up with fatty substances and stops blood flowing smoothly. 3 'Other causes include benign or idiopathic intracranial hypertension, which is when the pressure inside your head is raised and can lead to headaches, sight problems and pulsatile tinnitus.' Pulsatile tinnitus can also occur due to cancerous and benign tumours in the head or neck. Scans can be used to confirm a diagnosis or rule out anything serious. If you are concerned, speak to your GP. 3. Your tinnitus is accompanied by fatigue It could be saying: your sleep needs some TLC ONE in eight Brits say they feel 'tired all the time', according to a YouGov survey. Many of these people might have tinnitus, as sleep problems are common in those with the condition. 'At night, when quiet, the brain is actively searching for things to listen to,' says Dr James Jackson, a chartered psychologist and member of Tinnitus UK's scientific advisory board. 'So, it's only natural for it to focus on incoming tinnitus, and by concentrating on this, the tinnitus appears louder. 'It's a frustrating cycle but one that can get better.' What else your ears can reveal about your health By Isabel Shaw, Health Reporter IT turns out ears do a lot more than help us hear. From what creased lobes mean for your ticker, to how wax could be a warning sign of deadly cancer - ears are able to reveal a lot about the state of your health. 1. HEART DISEASE If you're under 60 and have a diagonal crease across the earlobe, you could be at greater risk of coronary heart disease (CAD). The unusual warning, dubbed Frank's sign, has been seen on the likes of Steven Spielberg and George W Bush. 2. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Suffering from infuriating tinnitus could indicate blood pressure issues. The common hearing problem is not usually a sign of anything serious and may get better by itself, but it could mean you have high blood pressure. 3. FUNGAL INFECTION Itchy ears might indicate the presence of a fungal infection. When Aspergillus causes a fungal ear infection, you may see yellow or black dots and fuzzy white patches in your ear canal. If Candida is the culprit, you might see a thick and creamy white discharge coming from your ear. Other symptoms include earache, flaky skin around the ear canal, headaches, tinnitus and hearing loss. 4. BREAST CANCER Some earwax is normal and beneficial; the yellow stuff prevents bugs and dirt from entering the ear canals. But earwax with a wet and sticky texture is not normal. And some studies suggest wet wax might be sign of a mutation on the ABCC11 gene, which can increase your chances of developing breast cancer. 5. RED EARS SYNDROME Spending too long in the sun and even getting embarrassed can turn the ears red - but so can suffering from red ear syndrome (RES), which causes the lobes to burn and ache. It can also spread from your lobes to your cheeks, jaw, or back of your head. 6. KIDNEY DISEASE Ears that have a few skin tags - small, fleshy growths - may indicate the presence of kidney disease. A study published in the British Medical Journal suggests this is especially the case for newborn babies. 'Managing tinnitus accompanied by fatigue can be challenging,' adds Sonja Jones, a clinical audiologist and also a member of Tinnitus UK's scientific advisory board. As well as seeking professional support if you're struggling, she recommends trying self-help methods. 'A consistent sleep schedule regulates the body's internal clock and promotes better rest,' she adds. 'Create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your sleeping environment is quiet, dark, and comfortable. 'Something that's really important is minimising screen time before bed. 'Exposure to the blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the body's production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and achieve a restful night's sleep. 'Switch off electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime.' 'Sound therapy' – via white noise machines and various apps - can also be great for helping you drift off. 'Background noise, such as white noise, nature sounds, or soft music, can help distract you from your tinnitus and create a soothing environment,' Ms Jones says. 'And during the day, engage in physical activities like walking, swimming or yoga, to boost energy levels, improve mood, and manage tinnitus symptoms - though always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen. 'A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides essential nutrients for maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health. 'Limit caffeine, alcohol and sugar intake. 'Although self-help strategies may not eliminate tinnitus or fatigue entirely, they can make symptoms more manageable and improve overall quality of life.' 4. Your tinnitus is impacting your work and personal life It could be saying: you need some mental health support 'TINNITUS goes hand in hand with anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and emotional exhaustion,' says Dr Jackson, who has tinnitus and profound hearing loss himself. 'For a small percentage of individuals with tinnitus, quality of life plummets. 'As a psychologist, it's all about your appraisal of your tinnitus; the more worried you are, the worse it is. 'Anything realistic to reduce anxiety and stress will be beneficial.' 3 Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can sometimes help, and Jones suggests adopting the same self-help techniques that can address sleep and fatigue. 'Stay connected with friends and family for emotional support and to combat feelings of isolation,' she adds. 'While it's natural to be worried, it's important to know that there are things you can do. 'Do seek professional support - consult a doctor, audiologist, or therapist for additional guidance and tailored treatment options. 'Reach out to Tinnitus UK for more information via its website or helpline.' 5. Your tinnitus spikes when you're stressed It could be saying: it's time to listen to your body WHILE stress doesn't cause tinnitus, it can 'trigger' symptoms and make them seem worse – similar to what's going on when your sleep and mental wellbeing are impacted. Dr Jackson knows how tricky this can be, but he now sees it as a reminder to keep his stress levels in check. 'You can learn to manage this,' he says. 'There was a time when my own tinnitus would 'spike' and I would be convinced that that day – or week – was now ruined. "But now, I see this as my body telling me that I need to take a break. So, it's a kindness, not a burden. 'Some people can change their thinking more easily than others. But support is there, though the Tinnitus UK helpline, support groups, and online. 'It does become easier, and it won't always be like this.' or call the free Tinnitus UK helpline on 0800 018 0527 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm). 'I want to rip my ears off sometimes, says Jamie Laing By Callum Wells, Showbiz Reporter MADE in Chelsea star Jamie Laing was diagnosed with tinnitus almost a decade ago. He admits that there are times when he wants to "rip his ears off". Jamie said: "I haven't heard silence for eight years. "The very first time I ever heard tinnitus, I woke up one morning and I got out of bed, and I could hear this ringing noise - this whooshing, ringing noise and I was thinking, looking around, thinking, 'Where the hell is this noise coming from?' "Then it suddenly dawned on me that it was inside my own mind, inside my head. "That, for anyone who has ever experienced tinnitus, is a really scary moment. "You cannot imagine how debilitating it is. You think you're never going to sleep again; you think you're never going to hear anything again apart from this ringing. "I've had this awful, constant ringing in my ears for about eight years now and over time I've managed to find ways to ignore, deal or come to terms with it. "But occasionally it lifts its evil head; it's like an alarm bell ringing in my head (shout out to fellow sufferers). "The past couple of days it's been that alarm. It's almost hard to focus on anything else - a nightmare, yes! "It is, however, good to listen to it and use it as an alarm - perhaps you're tired, stressed, anxious maybe. "But listening to it helps. Instead of seeing it as your enemy, try to see it as your friend trying to tell you something, so that's what I'm trying to do. "The reason I'm writing this is because when it's this loud (and it's LOUD) it helps so much more talking about it. "I hope this message connects with someone else dealing with it badly today, this week, this month or the whole time."

Kent mum thanks 10-year-old daughter for saving her life
Kent mum thanks 10-year-old daughter for saving her life

BBC News

time33 minutes ago

  • BBC News

Kent mum thanks 10-year-old daughter for saving her life

A mother said she has her daughter to thank when she gets married after she helped to save her life when she had a sudden heart from St Mary's Bay in Kent, was driving with her two children in April when she began to experience nausea, jaw pain and severe chest something was seriously wrong, she managed to pull the car over in a lay-by in Ashford, where her 10-year-old daughter Alice called East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) praised Alice, who managed to remain calm and described her mum's symptoms to emergency services on the phone. When paramedics arrived on the scene, they confirmed Rachel was having a "serious heart attack".She was taken to William Harvey Hospital where surgeons discovered a blockage in a major said that thanks to the "courage" of Alice and ambulance colleagues, Rachel received the treatment she needed and was discharged four days later, returning home to her fiancé and two daughters. 'Difference between life and death' Alice has now been awarded with a certificate of bravery from East Kent Hospitals NHS said: "I am so proud of Alice and over the moon that she's been recognised for her bravery that day. "Thanks to her, and the Secamb team, I'll now get to walk down the aisle and marry my partner of 19 years."Paramedic Rachel Lees, who helped to give treatment, added: "It really was a miracle that Alice was in the car with her mum that day and that she knew exactly what to do. "Her quick thinking really was the difference between life and death."

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