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News.com.au
20-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Doctor disgusts after showing two-month old McDonald's order
A doctor revolted fast-food fans after showing off an order of McDonald's that didn't show any signs of decay despite being two months old. 'This 'food' refuses to rot … and that should terrify you,' Dr Robert G. DeBease, a doctor of traditional naturopathy and chiropractic, warned in the caption to the viral clip. The physician, who is based in Georgia, in the US, then busted out the age-defying meal on camera while expressing his disbelief to his 1.2 million followers. 'I have a 62-day-old bag of McDonald's French fries and a McDonald's hamburger,' exclaimed Dr DeBease. The medic said he found these specimens disturbing as there were 'zero changes,' explaining, 'There's no mould, there's no decay. Personally, I don't get it. If this was a piece of bread, it would be the colour of Kermit the frog right now'. Why weren't these decomposing like normal? Because it's 'not real food,' according to Dr DeBease. He compared the seemingly immortal meal to a 'chemistry experiment' that's 'designed to keep it looking fresh on the outside while slowly rotting you and I on the inside'. The doctor explained in the caption that the fast food makers pump their product full of additives such as calcium propionate, BHA [butylated hydroxyanisole], and TBHQ [tert-butylhydroquinone]. These cause side effects ranging from hormone disruption to weight gain and insulin resistance, per the health professional. 'If this food doesn't rot, maybe your body doesn't know how to break it down either, right?' explained DeBease in his PSA. Viewers were understandably freaked out by the ageless dishes with one writing, 'What's insane is people are still eating this stuff even after knowing the facts'. 'Whatever they are using to make their food should be used to make a face cream to prevent it from ageing just like the burgers,' said another. This comes after a recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that exposure to ultra-processed foods like the Golden Arches was associated with 32 poor health outcomes, including mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and metabolic complications. A 62-day-old burger is a mere whippersnapper compared to some seemingly eternal noshes churned out by the Golden Arches. Perhaps the most notable is an immortal quarter-pounder in Australia that has never shown signs of decay despite being bought nearly three decades ago. It's unclear why McDonald's foods seem to defy Father Time. However, the burger merchant has attributed their products' longevity to a dry environment that inhibits the growth of mould and bacteria. 'Food prepared at home that is left to dehydrate could see similar results,' it declared. 'Look closely, the burgers you are seeing are likely dried out and dehydrated, and by no means 'the same as the day they were purchased'.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How do I know if my child is obese or just holding on to puppy fat?
In the UK, childhood obesity is a common problem, with nearly a third of children aged two to 15 now classed as overweight or obese. While excess weight can put children at risk of serious health issues in their younger years, new findings suggest that it can also tee them up for ongoing problems later in life. At this week's European Congress on Obesity, researchers from the Netherlands revealed that children who are overweight are twice as likely to be obese in adulthood, putting them at risk of serious health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. But if you're a parent, how do you actually know if your child is overweight? Many kids hold onto extra fat during the early years, when their bodies are preparing for growth spurts and hormonal changes, so it can be hard to know what's a cause for concern. Children are all different shapes and sizes after all, and no parent wants to risk unnecessary upset. To help you navigate this sensitive topic, we explain how to tell when weight might be an issue, and what you can do about it. Puppy fat is a common term used to describe the extra weight that young children often carry before they hit puberty. For decades, it's been believed that as children grow taller and become more active, their excess fat naturally falls away. However, a study published online by British Medical Journal revealed that this phenomenon as largely a myth, finding that obesity in early adolescence tends to persist through to the end of school life. The researchers tracked over 5,800 children from South London schools and found that those who began secondary school at age 11 with a weight problem were very likely to carry that excess weight through to their GCSE years. While it's true that weight can fluctuate during childhood due to growth spurts, the study highlights how important it is for parents not to immediately dismiss a weight issue as so-called 'puppy fat'. With childhood obesity estimated to rise by more than half by 2050, supporting children early on in achieving a healthy weight is vitally important, as habits and patterns can become harder to change with age. The most widely used method to check if children are a healthy weight is body mass index (BMI). You may have already heard about this simple calculation, which uses height and weight to estimate how much body fat someone has. Unlike adults, the NHS say that children are still in a growing phase, so their BMI is calculated using a slightly different method. As well as utilising height and weight, the childhood BMI calculator also looks at their age and sex, and compares them to other children who are the same age. The result is then shown as a percentile, which basically maps how your child compares to their peers. For example, if they're in the 60th percentile, that means they're heavier than 60% of children their age. The NHS stipulates that a healthy weight result sits between the 3rd and 91st centile, with children typically weighed and measured at school in reception and Year 6. Calculating BMI this way is useful, as it accounts for the natural changes in body fat as kids grow and develop, which are both normal and healthy. To work out where your child falls on the chart, you can use the free NHS BMI calculator, which is suitable for children and young people aged two to 18. All you'll need is their date of birth, height and weight to get started. Getting a high BMI result can be worrying, but there's lots that parents can do to remedy the issue. Speaking to your child's school nurse, GP or practice nurse is a good first step, as they can formally assess your child's weight and help put together a safe weight loss strategy. The word 'obese' can carry a big societal stigma, but this clinical term can be a useful flag for parents, as it helps to identify children that are at risk of future health problems. Often, obesity can be a result of too much sedentary time and not enough movement, so finding fun activities you can do together as a family, such as cycling, rock climbing or games of football in the park, can help to build additional exercise into their day. Using rewards such as stickers when they hit activity goals can encourage healthy habits, while modelling nutritious food and exercise behaviours yourself can influence younger people to follow suit. Finally, it's important to be kind and patient with children, and to avoid setting strict targets or rules that could encourage unhealthy thoughts or feelings around eating. Young people can be very sensitive, and you have a big influence on how they think and feel about their weight. Avoid criticising their appearance, and instead focus on making a healthier lifestyle a fun and positive shift for the whole family. Read more on childhood obesity: 8 ways you can manage your child's weight as obesity rates soar in the UK (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read) Number of obese children and adults in the UK 'will rise substantially by 2050 (PA, 4-min read) Ultra-processed foods account for nearly half of calories eaten by UK toddlers, study finds (Euro News, 3-min read)
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Signs that you are dangerously addicted to ultra-processed foods
Image credits: Getty Images I n an era where splurging on multi-national cuisines and coffee cultures is the way of being at par with trends, people have stopped caring about what they put inside their bodies. Any new snack in the market is worth a try or a dozen, no matter how it is made and what ingredients it contains. According to a 36-country study published in the British Medical Journal, ultra-processed food or junk food can be as addictive as alcohol, tobacco, or gambling. The team of researchers reviewed 281 studies to find out that " ultra-processed food addiction ' is estimated to occur in 14% of adults and 12% of children. This is why they are now demanding that some ultra-processed food be labelled as having properties of addictive substances to "improve global health" The addiction to these foods is so much that they can have symptoms such as intense cravings, symptoms of withdrawal, and continued consumption, despite their adverse effects. But did you know, there are certain signs that can help you figure out if you are dangerously addicted to ultra-processed foods? Here's what they are. Intense cravings Image credits: Getty Images When one consumes ultra-processed food high in sugar, fat and salt, they can experience hormonal and neurobiological changes that lead to addictive behaviours such as intense cravings. Ghrelin is a hormone responsible for regulating hunger and leptin is responsible for signalling satiety and inhibiting food intake. Consumption of ultra-processed food can disturb the balance in these hormones leading to people experiencing intense cravings and even going as far as developing leptin resistance, where the body no longer responds to overeating. Signs of withdrawal Image credits: Getty Images When you develop an addiction to a particular junk food and are trying to lessen its consumption, it is normal to experience signs of withdrawal such as irritability, difficulty in concentrating or headaches. For example, some coffees contain added ingredients that can lead to addiction to a level where you don't feel awake if you've not had coffee, experience headaches and are in an irritable mood because the body has not received its daily dose of the addictive substances in the coffee. Loss over control of consumption Image credits: Getty Images In July 2022, for a study the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging asked a sample of adults between 50-80 about symptoms of addiction to ultra-processed food and 19% of them explained loss of control over the consumption of the food as a symptom. This essentially meant that even though they desired to cut down the intake of the food item at least 2-3 times a week, they were unable to do so. If you feel any such food item is essential to your mental or physical functioning, you must take it as a sign of addiction. Hoarding food Image credits: Getty Images This is the most common and direct sign of addiction to ultra-processed food. While in children hoarding food can come as hiding bites of food in drawers or under their beds, in adults, it might look something like buying one pizza and eating it in a manner that lasts for two to three days. While some may push it under the guise of a financial decision, on close elaboration you are sure to find out that it is so you don't have to keep on buying more junk food to satisfy the cravings in the future. In case you follow this process, it is high time to overlook the cycle of consumption of junk food in your daily routines. Secret stashes Image credits: Getty Images Some, who may be called out on their addiction to certain ultra-processed food items, begin keeping secret stashes. These are commonly used during the late nights and early mornings when no one is watching and you are free to satisfy your cravings. If you keep secret stashes of any junk food, it is a sign of addiction as it showcases that you can not function without consuming them and need them to make you feel better. Note: These signs are based on common research. To properly diagnose any kind of addiction, please consult your general physician. Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India Today
05-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Do you really need magnesium? Your doctor might disagree
The rising popularity of magnesium supplements, largely fuelled by wellness influencers, reflects a broader shift toward proactive and self-directed supplements have suddenly exploded into the market, with dozens of influencer-backed and celebrity-backed companies promising everything from 'glowy skin' to 'increased productivity' to 'a better night's sleep.'According to the Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2024, the wellness industry reached a record $6.3 trillion in 2023 and is projected to hit $9 trillion by Where did this trend come from, and how did magnesium become the star of the supplements?While this trend has contributed to increased awareness about the importance of micronutrients like magnesium, it also raises concerns around misinformation and first, let's break down what magnesium actually does in the body, and why it's suddenly getting so much does magnesium do?Magnesium is an important mineral that is naturally present in the environment. The human body also contains a sufficient amount of magnesium that enables more than 300 enzymes to perform from the smallest to the greatest functions in the body. Magnesium is involved in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation. () advertisementMagnesium is involved in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis (a function that helps break down glucose) and improving sleep mineral also transports other minerals like calcium and potassium to various cells to help maintain heart an adult body contains 25 grams of magnesium, with 50% to 60% present in the bones and most of the rest in soft our bodies cannot make magnesium, we need to consume it from our much as this mineral is important for the body, a global study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Nutrition, Prevention & Health, revealed that magnesium is the second-most common deficiency after vitamin D among Indians, particularly those who have magnesium improve sleep quality?Magnesium and melatonin (sleep hormone) are closely linked when it comes to sleep regulation and circadian rhythm. Since magnesium regulates neurotransmitters in the brain, like GABA, it encourages relaxation and sleep initiation. Since magnesium regulates neurotransmitters in the brain, like GABA, it encourages relaxation and sleep initiation. () "Magnesium also supports the body's parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the body's 'rest and digest' state. Based on these mechanisms, the mineral eases mild insomnia and enhances sleep quality, particularly for individuals who have a clinical deficiency," said Dr. Navita Purohit Vyas, Consultant, Pain, Palliative & Rehabilitation Medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, deficiency impairs melatonin levels and sleep quality.A randomised clinical trial published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that older adults who took 500 mg of magnesium daily for 8 weeks experienced increased melatonin levels, improved sleep efficiency, shorter sleep onset time, and reduced early morning Dr. Sanjay Manchanda, Chairperson, Sleep Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said despite what is being claimed by companies, there are actually very few studies about effectiveness of magnesium in providing quality sleep."It a natural element in blood pressure, diabetes, and calming of the nerves. Magnesium is being used but not being fully proved," said Dr. Manchanda, adding, "It is being dubbed as a 'magical molecule' but that's not the truth. There could be side effects like diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and nausea."advertisementHow common is low magnesium?For adults who maintain a well-balanced diet of proper nutrition, it's rare to be deficient in since diets high in processed foods, which are often low in magnesium, are common, it has led to more people being typically require between 310 mg to 420 mg of magnesium per day. If you're experiencing fatigue, contraction or spasms of muscles, numbness or tingling sensation, irritability, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea or constipation, it could mean low magnesium levels, and a simple blood test can solve this problem. Doctors have said that most adults don't have to worry about their magnesium levels, since most of this depends on symptoms.() However, if symptoms become severe, like tremors or shaking of certain muscles, mood changes, seizures, irregularities in heart rhythm, sleep disturbances, and increased stress sensitivity, then supplements are required, once a doctor checks the to Dr. Vyas, magnesium deficiency is found with tests like red blood cell (RBC) magnesium tests, magnesium loading (tolerance) tests, along with dietary histories which can help evaluation of magnesium status, especially in chronic patients or those on long-term medications known to cause magnesium diagnosis can help find out the associated deficiencies of calcium and potassium, since these deficient states frequently accompany you need magnesium supplements? Contrary to popular belief, doctors have said that most adults don't have to worry about their magnesium levels, since most of this depends on magnesium supplementation undergoes a thorough process by a doctor, who checks medical history and health tests, popping pills could lead to several problems. For adults who maintain a well-balanced diet of proper nutrition, it's rare to be dificient in magnesium. "Many influencers promote magnesium for a range of generalised benefits without sufficient evidence or disclaimers about potential risks. Such simplified messaging lacks nuance and can mislead individuals into assuming that supplements are universally beneficial and risk-free," said Dr. Vyas. Magnesium deficiency is found with tests like red blood cell (RBC) magnesium test. () advertisementThere is also a tendency to overlook the importance of clinical evaluation, dietary balance, and the root causes of Rujuta Dwivedi, in an Instagram video, said that "a single supplement as the novel cure is just that - business as usual, one that's good for profits and not for people.""Not just new diets, the weight-loss industry likes to have people on new supplements too. The business model is intriguing because the diet itself creates a market for the supplement in vogue. When eating low fat was the trend, it was calcium supplement that everyone was recommended to be on. Low fat meant lesser access to fat-soluble vitamins like D and poor assimilation of calcium."She pointed to low-carbohydrate diets as the reason for various people experiencing magnesium deficiency. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rujuta Diwekar (@ people, we need the same old things - ghar ka khana, kasrat and neend. Home-cooked meals, exercise and sleep. The magic is in not forgetting the basics," she taking magnesium supplements safe?Given magnesium's wide-ranging benefits and its influence on social media, many people end up purchasing and taking supplements over the counter or online without medical guidance."Certain medical conditions, like kidney problems, can increase the risk of magnesium build-up and toxicity. And magnesium can decrease the absorption of some medications and interact with others," according to Dr. Noorhan Nassar, a primary care doctor at Houston real question is: do you actually need a magnesium supplement to meet your daily needs?For healthy adults without a deficiency, there's no strong evidence that taking magnesium supplements offers any added Vyas said that unsupervised magnesium supplementation can lead to a range of adverse effects like gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, or nausea. For healthy adults without a deficiency, there's no strong evidence that taking magnesium supplements offers any added benefit. () More serious complications arise when excessive magnesium accumulates in the body, especially in individuals with impaired kidney can lead to a condition called hypermagnesemia, characterised by low blood pressure, confusion, slowed heart rate, and in extreme cases, respiratory distress or cardiac arrest."Magnesium has interactions with a number of over-the-counter medications as well. It will decrease the absorption of some antibiotics (such as tetracyclines and quinolones) and interact with osteoporosis drugs, thyroid medications, and certain diuretics," added Dr. also changes the action of drugs that regulate electrolyte balance, adding to the danger of overdosing on food rich in magnesium insteadThe take-home message here is to skip supplements unless prescribed by a doctor, since having a healthy diet doesn't really put you in a deficiency high in magnesium include seeds and nuts, like pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds and cashews, leafy greens, such as spinach, kale and collard greens, whole grains, including brown rice, oatmeal and whole grain bread, beans and legumes, including black beans, kidney beans, edamame and peanuts, dairy, such as yogurt and certain milks, including cow's milk and almond milk and fish, particularly salmon and halibut. Skip supplements unless prescribed by a doctor, since having a healthy diet doesn't really put you in a deficiency mode. () When it comes to magnesium supplements, "it is important to differentiate between educational advocacy and commercialised health marketing," said Dr. Vyas."Relying solely on social media advice for supplement decisions may lead to overuse, improper dosing, and neglect of more appropriate or necessary medical care," the expert Watch
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Marathon runners 'at risk of death' experts warn - alert after 13 deaths
Ninety thousand runners will take part in London and Manchester marathons this week—and despite months of training the events are not without risk. For those taking part in the gruelling 26.2 mile race, researchers warn that participating in such an extreme event could prove deadly. Since the inaugural London Marathon in 1981, a total of 13 runners have died. Experts say that a combination of genetic factors, race conditions and age can leave individuals in peril. A major review of studies published in the British Medical Journal in 2019 found that the death rate for running a marathon was one fatality per 149,968 participants—meaning that someone is likely to die once every three years running the London Marathon. An unnamed 36-year-old man died during the race in 2022, so, if the experts' calculations are correct, there could be a tragedy this year. They also found that men were more than twice as likely to suffer catastrophic problems—and the average age of marathon runners who have died is 41. The researchers concluded that the risk was small but deaths were more likely to occur in the last quarter of the race. The most likely reason for fatality is a sudden cardiac arrest. 'The reason why [heart failure] happens with exertion, and, in particular with dehydration, is that there's a decrease in the blood volume,' says Dr Peter McCullough, a cardiologist at the Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. He explains that for younger marathon runners that die during a race it is likely due to a genetic problem. 'When someone suddenly dies in an athletic event, particularly in teenagers and those in their 20s and 30s, the most common cause is hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy,' says Dr. McCullough 'This is a genetic abnormality of the proteins used by heart muscle cells. 'The heart becomes abnormally thick in one area and when the heart pumps, it has trouble ejecting blood past that thick point.' As to why some deaths seem to occur at the end of the race, McCullough says, 'There's still a lot of circulating adrenaline so the heart is pumping very, very hard, but there's relatively little blood to fill it.' Other factors include a build up of lactic acid, humidity and dehydration. Experts say that there has been a rise in fatalities in recent years. Dr Dan Tunstall-Pedoe, former London Marathon Medical Director, wrote in journal Sports Medicine that an increase in the sport's popularity was one contributor to the apparent increase in deaths. He examined the records of documented sudden deaths across 650,000 marathon completions during that time, concluding that such risk in the London Marathon was one in 80,000 finishers. Studies have shown though the survival rate after having a heart attack has increased significantly in the last two decades. In a paper published in March, American researchers analysed data from 30million runners and found that the risk of dying from cardiac arrest at a race has decreased by approximately 50 per cent compared with 2000 to 2009. 'The incidence of cardiac arrest has remained relatively stable, apart from a slight unexplained rise after 2020, but despite that, the risk for death has markedly declined, by close to 50 per cent,' said Jonathan Kim, MD, cardiologist at Emory University in Atlanta, at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session last month. 'We believe this is due to continued enhancements in the emergency action plans.' According to Peak Performance, seven cardiac deaths occurred at the London Marathon between 1991 and 2003. In 2007, David Rodgers died after completing his first London Marathon because he drank too much water. Rogers, 29, collapsed at the end of the race and passed away in Charing Cross Hospital. Five years later, a 30-year-old woman collapsed and died while running in the London Marathon—near St James' Park, on the final stretch of the 26.2-mile course. A year later, another runner, Claire Squires, 30, suffered a cardiac arrest towards the end of the race and never regained consciousness. An inquest heard the drug DMAA, a now-banned substance found in some nutrition supplements that was legal at the time, was in her system. The coroner said she died of cardiac failure caused by extreme exertion, complicated by DMAA toxicity. Captain David Seath, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while running the 26.2-mile course in 2016 and later died in hospital. Seath was a fire support team commander in the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery. In 2018, Matt Campbell—who appeared on Masterchef: The Professionals—died after running the hottest-ever London Marathon. Campbell collapsed during the marathon just four miles from the finish. In the last death, the 36-year-old man collapsed just two miles from the finishing line. Despite receiving immediate medical treatment and ambulance assistance within three minutes, the participant later died in the hospital.
