Latest news with #KingstonUniversity
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Coffee warning: Just one cup could trigger alarming effects for millions on common medication
A pharmacist has warned that drinking coffee can be harmful for thousands of people who take common medications. This includes those on thyroid medication, SSRI antidepressants, drugs for ADHD and even over-the-counter decongestants for cold and flu. The energy-boosting drink can also make life-saving heart medication less effective, increasing the risk of a deadly irregular heartbeat, according to pharmacy expert at Kingston University, Dipa Kamda. While in other cases, caffeine can interact with prescription drugs, causing a range of debilitating symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, fast heart rate, raised blood drowsiness, confusion, and even stomach bleeding. 'While your morning brew might feel harmless, it can interact with certain medicines in ways that reduce their effectiveness, or increase the risk of side-effects,' warned Dipa Kamda, writing for The Conversation. 'From common cold tablets to antidepressants, caffeine's impact on the body goes far beyond a quick energy boost. 'Coffee may be part of your daily routine, but it's also a potent chemical compound that can influence how your body processes medicine.' Caffeine is a stimulant that speeds up activity in your brain and nervous system, she explained. Popular cold and flu medicines, like Sudafed, contain a decongestant called pseudoephedrine, which also has stimulant properties. If you combine this with the caffeine in coffee, the effects can be amplified, causing jitters, restlessness, headaches, fast heart rate and insomnia. Combining caffeine with pseudoephedrine can also raise blood sugar and body temperature, particularly important for people with diabetes, studies have found. With many cold medications already containing added caffeine, drinking coffee can increase the risks further. The risk also applies to those taking stimulant medications to treat ADHD, like amphetamines, or asthma drugs such as theophylline, which has stimulant properties. The pharmacist warned: 'Using them together may increase the risk of side-effects such as a rapid heartbeat and sleep disruption.' There is also added caffeine in some branded over-the-counter painkillers, such as those containing paracetamol or aspirin. Drinking coffee can speed up how quickly the drugs are absorbed and while this helps them work faster, it can be dangerous. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant found in dozens of cold and flu medicines on the shelves 'It could raise the risk of side effects like stomach irritation, or bleeding,' said Ms Kamda. '[Although] no serious cases have been reported, caution is still advised. Drinking coffee while taking some types of medicines to control irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or blood pressure is known to make them less effective. However, Ms Kamda added those with heart conditions don't have to stop drinking coffee entirely, but may want to 'consider limiting intake or switching to decaf'. If you drink coffee immediately before or after taking thyroid medication like levothyroxine, studies have found absorption of the drug can fall by up to 50 per cent. This can cause symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain and constipation, to return 'even if you're taking your medicine correctly,' she explained. It is recommended those taking the medication should wait 30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking coffee. However, this is most common with tablet forms of levothyroxine, and less likely with liquid forms, Ms Kamda pointed out. This timing rule also applies to a class of medications used to treat osteoporosis and other bone conditions called bisphosphonates, including alendronate and risedronate. It can also make the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant, selective serotonin inhibitors, for example sertraline and citalopram, less effective, lab studies have found. And drinking coffee with the older and less commonly used tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such amitriptyline or imipramine, can tirgger side effects. The pharmacist, with 17 years experience, explained: 'TCAs are broken down by the liver enzyme CYP1A2, which also metabolises caffeine. 'The competition between the two can slow drug breakdown, increasing side-effects, or delay caffeine clearance, making you feel jittery or wired longer than usual.' The problematic ingredient in coffee, caffeine, can also be found in a cup of tea, a can of Coca Cola, and even in green tea. The pharmacist added: 'Everyone metabolises caffeine differently. Some people feel fine after three cups, while others get side-effects after just one. 'Pay attention to how your body responds and talk to your pharmacist or GP if anything feels off. 'If you're ever unsure whether your medicine and your coffee are a good match, ask your pharmacist or doctor. 'A short conversation might save you weeks of side-effects or reduced treatment effectiveness, and help you enjoy your brew with peace of mind.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Not a good mix
Tea Sudafed clozapine Dipa Kamdar Kingston University For many of us, the day doesn't start until we've had our first cup of coffee. It's comforting, energising, and one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. But while your morning brew might feel harmless, it can interact with certain medicines in ways that reduce their effectiveness – or increase the risk of common cold tablets to antidepressants, caffeine's impact on the body goes far beyond a quick energy contains caffeine but not in the same concentrations as coffee, and doesn't seem to affect people in the same way. Here's what you should know about how coffee can interfere with your medications – and how to stay is a stimulant, which means it speeds up the central nervous system. Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant found in cold and flu remedies such as, is also a stimulant. When taken together, the effects can be amplified – potentially leading to jitters or restlessness, headaches, fast heart rate and cold medications already contain added caffeine, increasing these risks further. Some studies also suggest that combining caffeine with pseudoephedrine can raise blood sugar and body temperature – particularly important for people with effects are also a concern when combining caffeine with ADHD medications such as amphetamines, or with asthma drugs such as theophylline, which shares a similar chemical structure to caffeine. Using them together may increase the risk of side-effects such as a rapid heartbeat and sleep the standard treatment for an underactive thyroid, is highly sensitive to timing – and your morning coffee can get in the way. Studies show that drinking coffee too soon after taking levothyroxine can reduce its absorption by up to 50%.Caffeine speeds up gut motility (the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract), giving the drug less time to be absorbed – and may also bind to it in the stomach, making it harder for the body to take in. These effects reduce the drug's bioavailability, meaning less of it reaches your bloodstream where it's needed. This interaction is more common with tablet forms of levothyroxine, and less likely with liquid absorption is impaired, symptoms of hypothyroidism – including fatigue, weight gain and constipation – can return, even if you're taking your medicine same timing rule applies to a class of osteoporosis medications called bisphosphonates, including alendronate and risedronate, which also require an empty stomach and around 30-60 minutes before food or drink is interaction between caffeine and mental health medications can be more serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline and citalopram, are a type of antidepressant medication widely used to treat depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions. Lab studies suggest caffeine can bind to these drugs in the stomach, reducing absorption and potentially making them less antidepressants (TCAs), such as amitriptyline and imipramine, are a class of older antidepressants that work by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters in the were among the first antidepressants developed and are less commonly used today, compared with newer antidepressants such as SSRIs, due to their potential for more side-effects and higher risk of are broken down by the liver enzyme CYP1A2, which also metabolises caffeine. The competition between the two can slow drug breakdown, increasing side-effects, or delay caffeine clearance, making you feel jittery or wired longer than an antipsychotic, is also processed by CYP1A2. One study showed that drinking two-to-three cups of coffee could increase blood levels ofby up to 97%, potentially increasing risks such as drowsiness, confusion, or more serious over-the-counter painkillers, such as those containing aspirin or paracetamol, include added caffeine. Coffee can speed up how quickly these drugs are absorbed by accelerating how fast the stomach empties and making the stomach more acidic, which improves absorption for some medications such as this may help painkillers work faster, it could also raise the risk of side-effects like stomach irritation or bleeding, especially when combined with other sources of caffeine. Though no serious cases have been reported, caution is still can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate, typically lasting three-to-four hours after consumption. For people taking blood pressure medication or drugs that control irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), this may counteract the intended effects of the doesn't mean people with heart conditions must avoid coffee altogether – but they should monitor how it affects their symptoms, and consider limiting intake or switching to decaf if may be part of your daily routine, but it's also a potent chemical compound that can influence how your body processes medicine. Here's how to make sure it doesn't levothyroxine or bisphosphonates on an empty stomach with water, and wait 30-60 minutes before drinking coffee or eating cautious with cold and flu remedies, asthma treatments and ADHD medications, as caffeine can amplify you're on antidepressants, antipsychotics, or blood pressure drugs, discuss your caffeine habits with your reducing intake or choosing a decaffeinated option if you experience side-effects like restlessness, insomnia or heart metabolises caffeine differently – some people feel fine after three cups, while others get side-effects after just one. Pay attention to how your body responds and talk to your pharmacist or GP if anything feels you're ever unsure whether your medicine and your coffee are a good match, ask your pharmacist or doctor. A short conversation might save you weeks of side-effects or reduced treatment effectiveness – and help you enjoy your brew with peace of mind.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Expert issues warning over deadly risk of three popular spices - millions could be at risk
Three popular household spices used in everything from cakes to curries may make life-saving drugs useless, a medicines expert has warned. Cinnamon, turmeric and ginger—said to naturally reduce inflammation and boost the immune system—can affect how the body metabolises a range of drugs, including those used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, and common infections. A recent study found that the main compound in cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, which gives the spice its unique smell and taste, also activates receptors that trigger the body to process drugs much more rapidly, reducing their effectiveness. While people who sprinkle cinnamon on their porridge should be safe, people who take cinnamon supplements could be at risk. 'Overconsumption could lead to a rapid clearance of the prescription medicine from the body, and that could result in making the medicine less effective', scientist Shabana Khan explained. Studies have shown that for some medications, such as blood thinners, therapid metabolism spurred by cinnamon can exacebate the drug's effect. In the case of aspirin and warfarin, this means a risk of potentially deadly bleeding, according to Professor Dipa Kamdar, a pharmacist from Kingston University. Experts now say the type of cinnamon matters too. 'True' cinnamon, a more expensive version of the spice originating from Sri Lanka, has been linked to a range of health benefits: it's rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, helps regulate blood sugar levels and has even been found to lower the risk of heart disease, according to Dr Kamdar. Cinnamon bark, however, which is usually found in supermarkets, contains high levels of coumarin, which can cause liver damage in high doses. Research also suggests that cinnamon could interact with other medications, like statins and antidepressants, making them more potent or less effective. Another household staple with adverse side effects is turmeric, which has previously been linked with liver failure. Turmeric has long been lauded for its anti-inflammatory properties, found in everything from immune boosting shots to curries. 'There's evidence that curcumin [the active incredient in turmeric] can affect how some drugs are metabolised by interfering with liver enzymes [that process drugs],' Prof Kamdar explained. Curcumin is a compound that naturally occurs in turmeric, giving it its bright yellow colour. Experts warn that taking multiple supplements at one time carries potential dangers due to unknown interactions that can make prescription drugs more potent or less effective Prof Kamdar continued: 'This means it could potentially interact with antidepressants, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs and certain antibiotics.' In extreme cases, high doses of curcumin taken with black pepper—which helps the body absorb the spice—have been linked to severe liver damage. Prof Kamdar also speculated that, because turmeric has been found to lower blood sugar levels in animals, it could have the same effect in humans. 'This means it could increase the effects of anti-diabetic drugs or insulin. 'Additionally, turmeric has been shown to reduce blood pressure, which when combined with blood pressure medications could cause an excessive drop', the pharmacist explained. However, she stressed: 'As with cinnamon, these effects are most often linked to high dose supplements, not the small amounts used in food.' Ginger is another common spice lauded for its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects. But, Prof Kamdar warns, its active compounds could interfere with the body's ability to process medication. Some studies suggest high doses of ginger may lower blood sugar, potentially increasing the impact of diabetes medication, risking deadly hypoglycemia. Ginger can also act as a mild blood thinner, Dr Kamdar added. She said: 'If you're taking medications, especially blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or chemotherapy drugs, it's worth having a quick chat with your doctors or pharmacist before starting any new herbal supplements.' 'But for most people, using spices in typical culinary amounts is safe. So go ahead: sprinkle, pinch, or dash—just be mindful of what's in your medicine cabinet—and be wary of taking any herbal supplement in high doses.'
The Guardian
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
New research into menstrual cycles offers hope of reducing ACL injuries
'I've had not one, two, but three ACL tears – all three have been on my period.' Those were the frank words of the double World Cup-winning former United States international Megan Rapinoe, speaking on her podcast A Touch More with Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe on 8 May, as they expressed their exasperation at how long it has taken for more in-depth research to be conducted regarded the relationship between menstrual cycles and serious knee injuries in female athletes. Finally, though, something is happening. Trying to help address the issue, with the ultimate aim of reducing instances of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, is a new, year-long academic study at Kingston University in London, which has received funding from football's world governing body, Fifa. Starting in June, the university's sports science experts Dr Simon Augustus, Dr James Brouner and Dr Michelle Richards, and the project's lead, PhD student Blake Rivers, will analyse hormone concentrations from blood samples collected from 20 to 25 adult female players, aged between 18 and 35, and then examine how they perform specific movement tests at different stages of their individual menstrual cycles. 'We know the hormones fluctuate within those different phases of the menstrual cycle and some of them might be related to things like increased ligament laxity or decreases in neuromuscular control,' says Dr Augustus, senior lecturer in sport biomechanics. 'What we want to do then is to correlate that with how they perform certain physical-performance tests so, in terms of being able to identify ACL injury risk, we do things like change-of-direction tests or a landing test, and really we want to see whether the changes we see in terms of physiology, in terms of the hormone profiles, whether they extend through to changes in their functional movement patterns and how they actually perform these various tasks which might be ones that are indicative of injury risk.' ACL injuries have been prominent in the sport for decades but the issue has been brought into sharp focus in recent years after a string of high-profile cases, such as when the former Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas tore her ACL on the eve of the last European Championship finals at a time when she was widely considered to be the world's best women's player, or when the England captain Leah Williamson suffered the same injury and missed the 2023 World Cup. However, it is much more widespread than those headline cases: in the Women's Super League alone, there are 14 players out with ACL injuries. Experts are not expecting to be able to completely eradicate the problem but the science will aim to help reduce the risk, as Dr Augustustold Moving the Goalposts: 'There are going to be certain injury occurrences that are unavoidable, if you get a bad tackle, your leg is in the wrong position, no matter how much science we can do in terms of the research. 'The ones we might have the potential to intervene with, and lower the rates of, are the ones that seem to happen when players are performing an action on their own, where there are no external forces, no external contact, so ones like when they are changing direction or landing from a header, when they seem to be slightly off-balance. 'These are the ones where, if we can get a really good holistic understanding of the load-demands that are placed on the skeletal and muscular systems, and the various factors surrounding that, if we can really understand how those contribute to the loads placed on the player, then – whether via strength and conditioning, load-management or looking at players' techniques as they develop up through the age groups – these are the ones that we might be able to intervene with and help prevent.' That said, there is not expected to be a one-size-fits-all model for how to mitigate hormonal changes during a player's period. As Dr Augustus explains: 'The important thing to say with this is it's extremely variable within women. If you think about a menstrual cycle, the 'average', which probably doesn't really exist, is 28-35 days, and we know that within naturally ovulating and menstruating women, there should be a certain profile, but even within that, there's going to be a huge variation in terms of how those hormones are released within the individual. 'That's even before we start to think about the many different types of contraceptives that the athletes could be taking, and different contraceptives will do different things to those hormone profiles. So, again, what we're really going to have to get to grips with is making sure we understand the individual profiles of the athletes we're investigating, because that's going to be key if we're going to make meaningful conclusions.' The findings of Kingston's study will be sent to Fifa next year and Dr Augustus added: 'For them to back it and give us some finance to do the project justice is great for us and great for everyone that is pushing towards a greater understanding of these types of things in the women's game. Studies have looked at this before but have potentially not been performed very well. 'The work we're doing is a smaller part of a much bigger jigsaw puzzle in this area. We hope the findings we produce will help contribute, ultimately, to reducing ACL injury rates, but it's part of a much wider effort. There are a lot of different factors.' We want carnage! It's tactically going to be crazy, which I think is what we want. It will make everyone laugh and it is entertaining. My players want to play in it. We'll have to learn the format as we go. The first one will just be utter carnage and fun' – the Manchester United manager, Marc Skinner, discussing his side's upcoming participation in the inaugural World Sevens Football competition in Portugal. Flocking to Switzerland: Ticket sales for July's Euros have reached 550,000, Uefa has revealed, seeing the tournament edge closer to surpassing the record cumulative attendance for the women's event from 2022 in England which was 574,875. Overall, there are 673,000 available tickets for the tournament, meaning that just over 120,000 remain, with under two months to go before the event kicks off in Switzerland. Of the tickets sold so far, 137,000 were purchased by fans from outside of Switzerland, which is forecasted to see an injection of at least 180 million Swiss Francs into the local their prizes: The Spain and Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey was named as the WSL's player of the year at the league's inaugural end-of-season awards night on Sunday, while the Netherlands and Manchester City forward Vivianne Miedema was awarded goal of the season for her curling strike into the top corner at Villa Park. The English second-tier's player of the year prize went to Isobel Goodwin of London City Lionesses, while an award for the best matchday experience went to Manchester City. Swanson announcement: The United States forward Mallory Swanson has announced she is pregnant. The 27-year-old and her husband, Dansby Swanson, a Major League Baseball player, revealed on social media they are expecting their first child and said the news was their 'greatest blessing'. Mallory Swanson, who helped the USA win gold at last summer's Olympics, has not played for Chicago Stars this season, because of what had initially been explained as personal reasons. The latest Women's Football Weekly podcast will be out on Tuesday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Barcelona scored nine goals as they wrapped up their 10th Spanish league title and their sixth Liga F triumph in a row, with their 9-0 win on Sunday away at Real Betis, who were relegated with the defeat. Here is Alexia Putellas scoring the seventh after a nice one-two. The WSL season is over, and here's our unrivalled writers' review of the 2024-25 campaign. Good news for Sarina Wiegman and England – three key players are back in the squad after injury. Tom Garry has more. And will a long winless run and 11th-place finish in the WSL cost Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn his job?
South China Morning Post
01-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
UK university to research possible menstrual cycle link to knee injuries
A groundbreaking Fifa-funded study at Kingston University will investigate whether hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles could be contributing to an alarming rise in career-threatening knee injuries in women's soccer. Advertisement The research comes after players including Arsenal's Beth Mead, Manchester City's Vivianne Miedema and Chelsea's Sam Kerr have all suffered serious injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which runs diagonally in the middle of the knee. Kerr, who is Australian, has been out for 15 months with a ruptured ACL. Led by PhD student Blake Rivers alongside a team of sports science experts, the year-long study at Kingston near London will analyse blood samples from elite and grassroots footballers to track hormone concentrations through their menstrual cycles. 'We want to examine whether athletes may be more predisposed to injuries because of the functional changes in terms of their anatomy and physiology during the menstrual cycle,' Simon Augustus, Senior Lecturer in Sport Biomechanics, said. Advertisement 'We know hormones fluctuate during different phases of the cycle but we don't yet know how much of an influence that may have on the risk of injury.'
