Monthly Archives: August 2012

More on Adiposity and Physical Activity

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Robert Barrington

The fact that obesity is caused by a simply energy imbalance that leads to fat accumulation is ingrained into mainstream scientific and medical thinking. This highly over-simplified hypothesis is obstructive because it prevents open-minded debate and unbiased research from occurring, … Continue reading →

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Some Benefits to Breastfeeding

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Evidence suggests that breast fed infants have a significantly lower risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, when compared to formula fed infants. This is interesting because these disorders increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, … Continue reading →

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Vegetarian Diets and Cataracts

Posted on August 19, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Age related cataracts are responsible for 48% of blindness worldwide, a figure that represent around 20 million people. Cataracts are characterised by a clouding of the lens of the eye which occurs over time, and this eventually causes obstruction of … Continue reading →

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Cranberry Juice and Arterial Stiffness

Posted on August 18, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Berries are protective of cardiovascular disease, possibly because of the flavonoids that give them their blue and red colours. Although the mechanisms by which flavonoids provide vascular protection is unknown, epidemiological and clinical evidence continues to accumulate to show their … Continue reading →

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The Downside of High Protein Diets

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Evidence suggests that high protein diets are effective at aiding weight loss. The mechanisms by which increased dietary protein may decrease body weight include improved postprandial satiety and better control of insulin and glucose levels. During periods of intense exercise, … Continue reading →

Posted in Fibre, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Galacto-oligosaccharides, Phenolic Acids, Protein, Short Chain Fatty Acids | Comments Off on The Downside of High Protein Diets

Insulin Resistance and Cardiac Function

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Insulin resistance is a condition that is characterised by a desensitisation of the insulin receptor to the hormone insulin. Insulin resistance is present in the metabolic syndrome, a disorder of metabolic dysfunction that can increase the risk of developing obesity … Continue reading →

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Do Artificial Sweeteners Really Increase Diabetes Risk?

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Robert Barrington

It is well established that consumption of soft drinks containing sugar increases future risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. This is concerning because in the United States between 1997 and 2001 consumption of soft drinks increased by … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsulfame-K, Aspartame, Diabetes, Fructose, Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, Sucrose, Sugar | Comments Off on Do Artificial Sweeteners Really Increase Diabetes Risk?

Stress and Prebiotics

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Robert Barrington

The mammalian gastrointestinal tract contains considerable neuronal tissue and is capable of releasing many of the same hormones and neurotransmitters found in the brain. Recent research suggests that there may be bidirectional communication between the gut tissue and the central … Continue reading →

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Coffee and Hypertension

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Hypertension is a known risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney disease and also increases all cause mortality. Many lifestyle factors have been identified that are known to affect blood pressure, including stress, smoking and exercise. The link between coffee consumption … Continue reading →

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Playing Electronic Games Increases Energy Intake

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Research has shown that playing electronic games and watching television can cause weight gain and are associated with obesity. For example, subjects playing an electronic game while eating have been shown to consume more energy when compared to those given … Continue reading →

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