At the end of April, I wrote about research which assessed the relationship between vitamin D status and physical function in a group of elderly individuals [1]. Briefly, the results of this study found that lower vitamin D levels were found to associated with lower muscular strength and physical function in both men and women. […]
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Sunlight linked with relative protection from multiple sclerosis
While it seems we are frequently warned of the supposed skin-related hazards of sunshine, there is abundant evidence that sunlight exposure is associated with general benefits for health. For instance, sunlight helps protect against low mood and depression, as well as several forms of cancer. There is also evidence that it might help prevent multiple […]
Vitamin D supplementation found to reduce cancer risk in women
On Monday, I wrote about sunscreen, and in particular the apparent hazards associated with their use. One potential effect associated with sunscreen use if the blocking of vitamin D production in the skin. This is a shame, as this nutrient has a number of health-promoting properties, including relative protection from several forms of cancer. I […]
Sunscreen dubbed ‘snake oil’ by American lawyer
Here in the UK most parts have enjoyed a hot and sunny weekend. Yesterday, I spent a good portion of the day out in the sun, and there was a distinct whiff of sunscreen in the air. But it wasn’t coming from me: For some years now, I’ve been wary of using this form of […]
Combating depression might be as easy as ‘taking a walk in the park’
I’m a great believer in the health-boosting capacity of regular activity both for body and mind. I was therefore interested to read today the results of a study conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Essex in the UK which looked at the effects of walking on mood. The study involved comparing […]
Sun exposure looks like a free way for the elderly to maintain their physical function and mobility
Earlier this month one of my blogs focused on the benefits of sunlight exposure, and in particular the seeming ability of higher vitamin D levels to protect us from a wide range of cancer. Vitamin D is believed to have other roles within the body, including some ability to help ensure normal muscular function. In […]
The research on sunlight and cancer puts melanoma scare stories in the shade
Here is the UK the weather has brightened a bit of late and, rather predictably, news stories are already starting to warn us that sunlight can boost skin cancer (specifically, malignant melanoma) risk [click here]. However, I do believe that when it comes to examining the relationship between a lifestyle factor and disease, we should […]
Vitamin D linked with blood pressure reduction
In recent years evidence has been amassing which has linked vitamin D with protection from a variety of ills including osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, low mood and several forms of cancer. Recently, US-based researchers have produced research which suggests that this nutrient has the capacity to ward off high blood pressure (hypertension too). A part of […]
Bulimia shown to be more common in cities, and two highly effective remedies for this condition for those not planning on moving to the country
Last week saw the publication of a study in the British Journal of Psychiatry which has found that the eating disorder bulimia nervosa is 5 times more common in cities than in more rural areas [1]. The authors of this study suggested that this difference may be due to the relative anonymity of a big […]
How vitamin D deficiency in winter poses hazards for our health (and what to do about it)
The contracted days and climatic changes that come at this time of year can us not only cold, but short on sunlight too. Getting adequate exposure to the sun’s rays is important for maintaining mood, and it’s action on the skin is also the main way the body meets its needs for vitamin D ” […]
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