Latest news with #vitaminD
The Independent
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Mea Culpa: It's about time
Chronology – that is, the matter of when things happened, or are going to happen – is often a nuisance to get right, and that's just the nature of the beast. Journalists are familiar with the difficulties of wrangling a complex sequence of events into an accurate and readable report, and normally they manage it quite well. There are certain trends, however, that we should definitely attempt to discourage, and one of these is the wrongful use of 'throughout'. In a fascinating article about the benefits of vitamin D, we wrote that 'omega 3 fatty acid supplementation did not have any significant effect on telomere length throughout follow-up'. I'm still not quite sure what a telomere is, but regardless, this doesn't really work: 'throughout' is an expansive term that means 'in every part of', and as such sits awkwardly beside a negative. It's a bit like saying 'I didn't like all of that programme': no one can tell if you mean that you only enjoyed some of it, or that you hated the whole thing. It feels like trying to go backwards and forwards at the same time. We said in another piece, about an actual programme: 'It was praised by critics, received 18 Emmy nominations throughout its six-season run, and is commonly held up as an example of television's golden age.' Again this was unclear, but for a slightly different reason. The word 'throughout' already suggests a profusion of something, in terms of either distribution or frequency, so if we try to use it in conjunction with a specific quantity, we create a conflict. In this case it's clear enough what we mean, but in a sentence such as 'Susan ate four puddings throughout the week', we don't know if that means she ate four every day for a week, or four in total. (Unless we know 'Susan', in which case the answer is a given. I digress.) The point is that the right word to use in each of these examples would have been 'during', which is a much more modest one and carries no notion of extent or frequency, only confirming that the thing(s) we describe took place within a certain period. The use of 'throughout' in its place can cause confusion, and it's time we through it out. Coming soon: I'm not talking about the imminent death of a national treasure: rather the launch on TV of his new documentary, which is already out in cinemas. It seems that David Attenborough is not just continuing to narrate superlative nature programmes, but is also alive and well – albeit we suggested, unintentionally, that this might not be for long. In an article last week we described the near-centenarian 'standing on a deserted beach in Dorset, white hair blowing sideways' as he reflects on 'his approaching mortality'. The usual word is 'encroaching', and there is a subtle difference: to encroach means to intrude, so the term refers to a person's growing awareness of the fact that they will not be here for ever. To talk about someone's 'approaching' mortality suggests that the end point is already in sight. Let's hope the great man has a few more years in him yet. The chips are down: We caused some bafflement in an interview with a Welsh actor this week, when we wrote: 'It goes without saying, then, that Rhys does a great Yank accent. So much so that it's a shock to hear him speak in the rolling consonants and round vowels of his birthplace when, on meeting him, he asks after a packet of crisps.' It's a strange term, 'ask after', with its curious preposition that has nothing to do with chronology. I'm not sure about its function in regional dialect, but in normal usage, it means to politely enquire about somebody's wellbeing, with perhaps just the slightest connotation that the enquirer doesn't necessarily care how they are (or didn't really ask). In other words, it's very English. In any event, no one asks after a packet of crisps in that sense, because crisps don't really come under the category of things one can reliably say are enjoying life, or a wee bit despondent, or going through an untidy divorce. The word we wanted was 'for'. There was another problem with this sentence, as some (all right, all) of you will have noticed already, which was the participle – in this instance, not so much dangling as firmly affixed to the wrong person. 'On meeting him' was replaced with 'on arriving for our interview'. Copy that: Talking of connotations, we used a peculiar word later on in the same piece when we quoted our subject describing an encounter with Anthony Hopkins: ''I remember he invited me into his trailer, and he gave me three rules to follow: be on time; know your lines; be bold, and greater gods will come to your aid,' Rhys says now in a gruff intimation of his hero.' To intimate means to hint or suggest, so I don't think we can have meant that. We changed it to 'imitation' as that seemed the most obvious solution. I know why the beige curd sings: We published a recipe for 'grilled halloumi and black honey' in which we described using charred aubergine skins to 'impart a rich, unique and smokey flavour'. I'm not entirely sure why we specify that the word 'smoky' should be spelt without the 'e' except when we are writing about the famous singer Smokey Robinson (real name William, who has been in the news himself this month, though the less said the better). But we are not alone: most publications seem to feel it makes sense to spell it differently depending on the context, and we second that emotion. Until next time.
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
The 6p supplement that helps prevent agonising hay hever symptoms – and 5 others to ease your misery
IF you're one of the 16 million Brits plagued by hay fever every... single... summer, chances are you'll do almost anything to banish the misery. And while you've no doubt stocked up on antihistamines and nasal sprays, prayed for 90s wrap-around sunnies to come back into fashion and slathered local honey on your toast, it seems we might all be missing a simple - and super cheap - trick. 4 It turns out a cocktail of supplements might be the missing weapon in your hay fever armoury. While the first cries of sufferers begins as the trees shed their pollen, as early as March, it's now when the majority of hay fever victims emerge, streaming eyed and snotty nosed. And the culprit? Grass pollen. The season typically starts in May and lasts until August - and it's grass that's to blame for 95 per cent of pollen allergies. According to the Met Office's handy pollen forecast, levels are creeping up from today and are expected to be high across the south of England across the weekend. So, if you're one of the unlucky ones, our experts firstly suggest popping a daily vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D, known for its immune-boosting properties, could play a crucial role in supporting the body's ability to handle the increased pollen exposure and reducing the severity of hay fever symptoms, they say. Benjamin Bunting, a sports nutritionist, physical training instructor in the British Army and founder of beForm Nutrition, tells Sun Health: "The UK has just come out of a winter with very little sunlight, and your vitamin D levels could be low if you've not been taking any supplements. "Vitamin D is essential for a healthy immune system, calcium absorption and bone strength. You are at risk of deficiency if you do not get enough sun or take enough vitamin D. "It's like a double-punch with the end of cold and flu season, which can have a lingering effect on immune systems and cause us to overproduce antibodies when we encounter pollen. "I'd recommend taking vitamin D supplements a few weeks before the season to help build your immunity to hay fever, reduce the severity of its symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve how the body manages allergic responses. hayfever recommendations from a boots pharmacist "Check your vitamin D levels with a doctor to determine the right dosage for you, as it is possible to take too many vitamin D supplements." Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics, backs up Benjamin's claims. He tells Sun Health: "Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system, particularly by supporting the function of T-cells and reducing inflammation. "When vitamin D levels are low, the immune system may become more reactive to allergens such as pollen, leading to heightened hay fever symptoms. "Additionally, vitamin D may help modulate the body's inflammatory response." Dr Eamon Laird, assistant lecturer of nutrition at the Department of Nutrition, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland, adds: "Research papers have shown positive benefits of vitamin D for allergic rhinitis (for example hay fever - sneezing, itching, congestion, and a runny nose). 4 "Studies have also shown a reduced number of symptoms particularly when used in combination with treatments other than corticosteroids." A study looking at the effect of vitamin D supplementation on allergic rhinitis found that it significantly reduced symptoms and improved overall quality of life for patients. Another study, comparing vitamin D with a placebo, showed that vitamin D supplementation without corticosteroids alleviated hay fever symptoms. Dr Perry adds that ideally you should start taking vitamin D supplements in the late winter or early spring, which is a good amount of time before hay fever season begins. He explains: "This gives your body time to build up adequate levels ahead of peak pollen exposure. "Because many people in the UK and Northern Europe are vitamin D deficient by the end of winter due to reduced sunlight, which is the main natural source of vitamin D. "Since it plays a role in regulating immune response and inflammation, low levels may make hay fever symptoms more intense. "By starting with the supplement around February or March , you're giving your immune system better support before spring and summer allergens appear. "It's always a good idea to check in with your GP prior to taking any form of supplement, especially if you experience recurring seasonal allergies or low energy in winter months." Can vitamin D from sunlight help? 4 One of the best ways to get vitamin D is through sunlight exposure. But during pollen season this may also increase the chances of you having hay fever symptoms. GP and Olbas spokesperson Dr Roger Henderson says: "Some people whose hay fever symptoms definitely improve when their vitamin D levels go up may find that being outside in the sun regularly can help, but for most people the benefits of being out in the sun (and avoiding sunburn or too much sun exposure) come from maintaining their overall vitamin D levels." How much vitamin D should you take? Taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body - a condition known as hypercalcaemia. This can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart. If you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms a day will be enough for most people, advises the NHS. You can buy vitamin D supplements or vitamin drops containing vitamin D (for under 5s) at most pharmacies and supermarkets - and they don't cost the earth. For example, Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin D 1000IU, which contains 96 tablets, is priced at £6.15 - meaning it's 6p a pill. Can any other supplements help? Vitamin C, omega-3 (fish oil), and probiotics may also offer a helping hand when lessening hay fever symptoms, according to studies. Dr Perry explains: " Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that can reduce sneezing and watery eyes and can help lower histamine levels and support the immune function. " Omega-3 (Fish Oil) is an anti-inflammatory and may reduce the body's allergic response, and can help calm an overactive immune system. "And finally probiotics help to support gut health, which is closely linked to immune balance." Dr Laird said other macronutrients to consider are zinc and selenium. Zinc plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy immune system and can help manage allergic responses. Selenium, an essential trace mineral, bolsters the immune system and may offer some benefits for allergies. How else can you dodge pollen while you're out in the sun? Dr Henderson has some additional tips for those looking to be hay fever symptom-free this summer. He recommends: "Wearing wraparound sunglasses when outside can help to minimise how much your eyes are exposed to pollen, which in turn can reduce eye symptoms. "Simple products that can help soothe symptoms of hay fever include an aloe-vera based nasal decongestant, nasal saline washes and non-sedating antihistamine tablets, sprays or drops." 1. Monitor pollen forecasts Stay informed about pollen counts by checking local weather forecasts or allergy apps. Reduce outdoor activity when the pollen count is high. 2. Stay indoors When the pollen count is high, minimise time spent outdoors. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering. 3. Protective gear Wear wrap-around sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes. Consider wearing a mask, especially when mowing the lawn or doing other outdoor activities that may release pollen. A wide-brimmed hat can help protect your face and neck. 4. Clean up Shower and change clothes after being outside to wash off pollen. Consider washing hair to remove pollen particles. 5. Indoor environment Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter to remove pollen and dust particles. Keep your home clean and dust-free. Avoid keeping fresh flowers in the house, as they can release pollen. Consider using an air purifier. 6. Car Keep car windows closed when driving. Install pollen filters in your car.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Study finds link between low Vitamin D in babies
Babies born with low vitamin D levels are more likely to develop mental disorders like ADHD, schizophrenia, and autism later in life, according to a new study from the University of Queensland. Researchers analysed data from over 71,000 people, many of whom had a mental health disorder diagnosed during childhood and early adulthood. Professor John McGrath from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute led the study and says they found evidence that people with lower vitamin D concentration as a baby had an increased risk of schizophrenia, ASD and ADHD. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Tan-hating woman who covered every inch of her skin from sunlight suffers broken BONE just from rolling over in bed
MADE OF GLASS She always covered her body from head to toe, rarely wore short sleeves outside and always applied sunscreen A WOMAN who covered every inch of her skin from sunlight because she hated being tanned broke her bone just by rolling in her bed. The woman, 48, is said to be suffering from extreme vitamin D deficiency which made her bones so brittle that they broke even when she casually rolled in her bed. 4 4 The bizarre news broke in China's Chengdu region, where the woman was rushed to the hospital after experiencing a bone fracture from merely rolling over in bed. Long Shuang, an attending doctor in the emergency department at XinDu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, revealed that it was a consequence of her prolonged avoidance of sunlight. This led to a severe calcium deficiency in the woman's body, which weakened her bones - so much so that her shoulder bone got crushed by the weight of her own body. Medical tests revealed that her vitamin D level was critically low, which had accelerated bone resorption and led to severe osteoporosis. According to Shuang, the woman had shunned sun exposure since childhood. She always covered her body from head to toe, rarely wore short sleeves outside, and always applied sunscreen, the South China Morning Post reported. It is unclear if the woman's family knew about the prolonged habit of avoiding sunlight. Jiang Xiaobing, Chief Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, issued a warning after the shocking case emerged. He said: It is now common to see people fully covered from head to toe for sun protection – this is indeed unhealthy. "All the bones in our body regenerate every 10 years, but from age 30, we begin to lose bone mass at a rate of 0.5 to 1 per cent per year. "Low calcium intake, lack of sun exposure, and vitamin D deficiency all hinder calcium absorption. A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive drinking also compromise bone health. 'We need to ensure adequate calcium intake, exercise regularly, and limit smoking and drinking." The shocking incident rocked people in China, where avoiding sunlight is said to have become a trend lately. The bizarre news quickly drew public attention in China. One person wrote on social media: 'This is unbelievable – she broke her bone just by turning over in bed?' Another added: 'This is so extreme. Was she also crash dieting in addition to avoiding the sun? Seriously, everyone needs some sunlight every day.' A third wrote: 'Sadly, this reflects how society has conditioned many Chinese women to prioritise fair skin over their health.' Vitamin D is essential for keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy. It is vital to help your body absorb calcium as well as strengthen the immune system. And according to the British Dietetic Association, even if you have a calcium-rich diet, without enough vitamin D you cannot absorb the calcium into your bones and cells where it is needed. What happens during vitamin D deficiency PEOPLE who don't get enough of the vitamin are more likely to suffer recurring headaches. Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to rickets, heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer. The body makes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight – so those in cooler and less sunny climates have a higher risk. People with darker skin need more sunlight than those with pale skin to generate enough vitamin D. Those who spend most of their time indoors or have their skin covered when outdoors are upping the risk. Also vulnerable are people with long-standing conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. Symptoms include: Muscle or joint pain and weakness Tiredness/fatigue Bone pain Low mood The following vitamin D-rich foods can help: Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, pilchards, trout, herring, kippers and eel contain reasonable amounts of vitamin D Cod liver oil contains a lot of vitamin D, but pregnant women should not take this Egg yolk, meat, offal and milk contain small amounts which vary during the seasons Margarine, some breakfast cereals, infant formula milk and some yoghurts have added vitamin D 4
CNET
4 days ago
- General
- CNET
Want Better Sleep? These Are the Best Foods to Eat Before Bed
We all know that sleep is important -- after all, one night of poor sleep can have an impact on your entire week, leaving you feeling exhausted, groggy and unmotivated. Fortunately, you can adjust your lifestyle to promote better sleep quality, and that includes your diet. If you're looking to get the best sleep possible, consider adding certain foods to your dinner or before-bed snack. Other foods, you want to avoid at all costs. How your diet impacts sleep quality Most people accept that nutrition is essential to keep your body working at peak performance -- you need calcium to keep your bones strong and potassium to keep your nerves and muscles functioning. But did you know that your vitamin and nutrient intake also impacts how well you sleep? Studies have indicated that certain nutrient deficiencies such as magnesium, calcium and vitamins A, C, D, E and K -- can lead to sleep troubles. For example, a vitamin D deficiency may contribute to sleep disorders and shorter sleep duration, possibly because it's crucial for melatonin production pathways. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients will set your body up to get better sleep. There are a few rules you should follow when you're eating to improve sleep quality. First, avoid eating big meals too close to bedtime to avoid acid reflux and heartburn. You also should be careful of the types of foods and drinks you consume, as some can keep you up at night. Foods to avoid before sleep Foods to stay away from at night to get better sleep: High-fat and sugary foods Spicy foods Caffeine Alcohol Acidic foods Chocolate Experts generally recommend avoiding eating at least two hours before bed. LordHenriVoton/Getty Images Foods to help you sleep Thankfully, late-night snacks aren't completely off the table. Foods that include tryptophan, magnesium, vitamin D and complex carbs can promote sleep. Swapping out your usual go-to goodies for one of these options might help you drift off easier, curbing poor sleep. Proteins such as fish and poultry Whole grains Leafy greens Cruciferous vegetables Milk and yogurt Nuts Fruits such as berries, bananas, kiwis and oranges A good night's sleep can influence your food choices I don't know about you but if I'm tired, my stomach rumbles for the worst grub -- I'm talking greasy french fries or chips or cookies. It's as if the only thing that can get me through hours of brain fog and poor concentration is a shot of sugar right to the brain. But we know consuming a lot of sugar isn't ideal for mental health. When you're sleep-deprived, you're more likely to make bad food choices and increase consumption without balancing it with energy expenditure. This could be one reason that sleep deprivation is linked to a higher risk of obesity and chronic health conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes. Before you feel bad about yourself, know there are hormones at work. Ghrelin and leptin are the hormones in charge of regulating appetite. Leptin's role is to maintain energy balance and inhibit hunger. It naturally rises when we're sleeping. Conversely, ghrelin release tells your brain it's time to eat. That's why it's also known as the "hunger hormone." Studies have shown that when your sleep is compromised, your leptin levels are down and your ghrelin levels are higher. So you feel hungrier even when you don't need to eat. Research published in the journal Sleep found that sleep loss sends chemical signals that boost the pleasure and satisfaction one gets from eating. This is why you'll find yourself reaching for snacks instead of healthful alternatives, leading to unforeseen weight gain. Compromised sleep doesn't just leave you tired and foggy the next day; it can also lead to poor food decisions that only add to your discomfort. Ways to improve your sleep and diet Your nutrition and sleep habits rely on one another to be their best, meaning you can't ignore one without it affecting the other. If you don't know where to start, speaking with your doctor is a good jumping-off point. They can help you identify any nutritional deficiencies or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and help you tailor a nutritional plan to your needs and get healthful sleep. There are a few daily habit changes that you can make to promote sleep at night. Focus on your sleep hygiene : When I say sleep hygiene, I mean your environment and habits before sleep. Having good sleep hygiene will help you get better sleep at night. A few hours before bed, it's a good idea to start winding down your routine and integrate relaxing activities such as reading a book or taking a bubble bath. Then, it's best to put away your phone at least 45 minutes before bed so the blue light doesn't keep you up. Making slight changes to your nightly routine can go a long way in improving sleep quality and helping you fall asleep. When I say sleep hygiene, I mean your environment and habits before sleep. Having good sleep hygiene will help you get better sleep at night. A few hours before bed, it's a good idea to start winding down your routine and integrate relaxing activities such as reading a book or taking a bubble bath. Then, it's best to put away your phone at least 45 minutes before bed so the blue light doesn't keep you up. Making slight changes to your nightly routine can go a long way in improving sleep quality and helping you fall asleep. Keep it light at night: Going to bed hungry can disrupt sleep. So if you need a snack before bed, try to keep it light and choose food off the sleep-promoting list, such as a banana, yogurt or nuts. Going to bed hungry can disrupt sleep. So if you need a snack before bed, try to keep it light and choose food off the sleep-promoting list, such as a banana, yogurt or nuts. Don't drink caffeine late into the afternoon : Caffeine can linger in your body hours after you consume it. Because of this, it's best to stop drinking caffeine in the early afternoon so it doesn't interfere with sleep. : Caffeine can linger in your body hours after you consume it. Because of this, it's best to stop drinking caffeine in the early afternoon so it doesn't interfere with sleep. Be intentional about what you eat during the day: A balanced diet full of nutrients will go a long way in ensuring you sleep well at night. This isn't to say you have to cut out all the fun stuff, although moderation is a good way to make sure you're getting everything your body needs. Avoiding blue light and reading or journaling before bed instead can signal to your brain it's time to wind down. jarenwicklund/Getty Images Dietary changes may be first step to good sleep Sleep and diet have a chick-or-egg relationship. At any point, you can be the chicken (not getting restful sleep because of what you eat) and then the egg (making bad food choices because of poor sleep quality). And there's no definitive way to determine which came first, your poor sleep or your poor food choices. The only way to fully address your sleep troubles and improve sleep health is to also examine your diet. Does your diet have too much saturated fat? Or are you eating the wrong foods at night? Making changes to your eating habits -- while making sure a well-balanced diet is maintained -- will significantly impact your sleep, which in turn will help you make better food choices.
