Health News & Info
The Dose Makes the Poison: A Question of Perspective in Food Safety Regulation
We recently withdrew a batch of our FibrePlan product from sale due to a technical regulatory non-compliance. Importantly, there was no identified risk to consumer health. However, the batch exceeded the legal limit for pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) established per kilogram of botanical preparations, including extracts used in foods and food supplements. The situation prompted me to reflect on a broader principle that lies at the heart of toxicology and risk assessment. When I was a child, my grandmother made what I still consider the finest apricot jam I have ever tasted. During apricot season, the kitchen would be filled with...
Back to School - Morning Breaks, Screen Time, and the Developing Child
As families prepare for the back-to-school season, it is an ideal time to consider how a child’s daily routine is structured. A healthy routine includes nutritious meals, adequate sleep, appropriate homework, physical activity, social interaction, and time to relax and play. Among these elements, morning breaks deserve particular attention. Children spend much of the school day in structured academic environments, where they are expected to concentrate, process information, and follow instructions. A break provides an essential mental and physical reset. Unstructured play allows children to decompress, reduce stress, improve their mood, interact with peers, and return to the classroom better...
Muscle Cramps: Why Electrolytes May Be Better Than Water
Muscle cramps are a common and painful problem experienced by many people, especially athletes and individuals who exercise regularly. For years, many people have believed that dehydration is the main cause of muscle cramps and that drinking plenty of water is the best way to prevent them. However, recent research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) suggests that electrolytes, rather than plain water, may play a more important role in preventing muscle cramps. The study, published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, found that people who consumed electrolyte-enhanced water during and after exercise were less likely to...
Fish Oil: The Everyday Supplement That May Help Control Blood Sugar levels
When most people think of fish oil, they think of heart health. For decades, fish oil supplements have been recommended for their rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These essential fats have earned a reputation for supporting healthy cholesterol levels, cardiovascular function, brain health, vision, and joint mobility. But exciting new research suggests that fish oil's benefits may extend even further. Scientists are increasingly discovering that omega-3 fatty acids may play an important role in supporting healthy blood sugar regulation, reducing chronic inflammation, and helping the body respond more effectively to insulin....