In this 6-part series, I look into some recent science in the field of health and wellness. As a clinical naturopath I read so much research and want to share with you some highlights. This month I let you in on some secrets that could add years to your life. Happy reading!
Start before the beginning
Health begins even before conception, according to groundbreaking new research. A mother’s diet before conception can affect her unborn child’s genetic make-up and immune system.
Researchers from the MRC International Nutrition Group, based at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and MRC Unit, conducted a study that has been described as the “first concrete evidence” that a mother’s nutritional status before pregnancy is vitally important for the child’s health.
The study found that a mother’s diet before conception had a significant affect on the properties of her child’s DNA. A mother’s nutritional status at the time of conception can permanently change the function of a gene that influences her child’s immunity and cancer risks.
Reference: Dominguez-Salas, Moore et al (2014) Maternal nutrition at conception modulates DNA methylation of human metastable epialleles. Nature Communications 5, Article number: 3746 doi:10.1038/ncomms4746
To live longer, eat less
According to new research, occasionally adopting a diet that mimics fasting could slow ageing.
The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, found that following a four-day cycle of a low-calorie intake twice a month can lead to a reduction of belly fat and extended lifespan.
Increased longevity was not the only benefit. Periodic fasting in mice was shown to improve metabolism, decrease bone loss, improve cognitive function and lower cancer incidence too.
In humans, the researchers noted a drop in risk factors related to ageing, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The researchers think the diet works by slashing a hormone which encourages growth in the body and has been linked to cancer susceptibility. Essentially, it tricks the body into ageing more slowly.
Reference: Brandhorst, Choi et al (2015) A Periodic Diet that Mimics Fasting Promotes Multi-System Regeneration, Enhanced Cognitive Performance, and Healthspan. Published online in Cell Metabolism. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2015.05.012
Avoid hazardous cookware
Certain kinds of kitchenware can discharge toxic fumes and chemicals into your food. Over time these foreign substances can build up in your body and damage your health.
According to recent research, the following substances found in some cookware can be harmful:
- perfluorochemicals (used in Teflon)
- non-anodised aluminium
- copper.
Safe alternatives include:
- ceramic
- cast iron
- enameled cast iron
- stoneware
- glassware
- stainless steel.
References:
- 1. Granum B, Haug L (2013) Pre-natal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances may be associated with altered vaccine antibody levels and immune-related health outcomes in early childhood. Journal of Immunotoxicology 2013 10:4 , 373-379
- Uhl SA, James-Todd T, Bell ML. (2013) Association of Osteoarthritis with Perfluorooctanoate and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate in NHANES 2003–2008. Environmental Health Perspectives; DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205673
- Forbes NA and Jones D (1997). PTFE toxicity in birds. Vet Rec 140(19): 512.
- Evert, A (2013) Cooking utensils and nutrition. Accessed online July 2015 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002461.htm
Absorbing toxic plastics could affect your health and hormones
Components of some types of plastics are known to be hazardous to human health, especially when exposed to heat. Heating food in plastic before eating can cause toxic substances to be absorbed into the body, resulting in compromised health and possible kidney damage – potentially leading to reduced lifespan.
According to research, some of these toxic substances are:
- melamine resin (found in children’s dinner sets, picnic sets and take-away soup bowls)
- polypropylene
- bisphenol A (BPA)
- phthalates (such as diethylhexyl phthalate or DEHP.
Studies have shown that both BPA and phthalates are endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological and immune effects in humans.
For hot food, it’s best to stick to glass or ceramics. When it comes to heat, there are no materials – short of ceramics – that don’t leach something. Or for a safe alternative for kids, try biodegradable bamboo dinnerware.
References:
- Chia-Fang Wu et al (2010) Urinary melamine and adult urolithiasis in Taiwan. Clinica Chimica Acta. Volume 411, Issues 3–4, 184–189
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2015) Endocrine Disruptors. http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/
