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Bayer commits to rebuilding public trust!

In a move that’s likely to garner more distrust than trust, Bayer are launching an initiative to give consumers access to safety related information on their products. Historically chemical companies have avoided sharing safety data, but Bayer say they are prepared to lead the industry forward in an effort to restore consumer confidence in their products. Call us pessimistic, but Bayer will have to go a long way to restore confidence in products that have been shown to be carcinogenic or in the interests of people and the planet. The question now is how much information will be shared and how honest will it be in regards to safety issues?

Lower sugar cereals not the answer

At first glance the announcement from Kellogg's to cut sugar in some of their products, sounds like good news. Unfortunately, processed, heat extruded, cereals are never going to be a healthy option. Even ‘wholegrain’ versions are so highly processed they cause our bodies to react in the same way as when we eat straight sugar. They are also high in acrylamides, which are classified as probable carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Rather than exposing yourself or your family to the health risks associated with highly processed, refined, low nutrient density breakfast foods download our breakfast recipe eBook for ideas on how to kick start your day the healthy way.

Saturated fat exonerated

Confusion continues to surround the issue of what type of fat we should be eating. Government advice tells us that to be healthy we should replace saturated fats (SFA) with polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) despite mounting evidence to the contrary. A meta-analysis published earlier this year has added to that evidence by finding that replacing SFA’s with PUFA’s is unlikely to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or that eating SFA’s will increase the risk of CVD. The analysis exposes the limitations of previous studies supporting the use of PUFA’s over SFA’s by looking at evidence only from adequately controlled trials. As our diets have changed so have the types of fat we eat. We evolved with a fat intake of around 1:1 omega 3 to omega 6, but today it’s more like 1:20! The gross lack of omega 3 fats in our diets, creates heightened risks of inflammation, impaired brain and neurological function, as well as cell membrane and immune system health. In extremely simplified, crude terms; the omega 6 pathway is pro-inflammatory and the omega 3 pathway is anti-inflammatory. Along with the results of the recent PURE study this new paper provides more than enough evidence for governments to review current dietary guidelines. Public health policy needs to focus on correct nutritional advice based on up to date science and other interventions likely to be more effective at reducing cardiovascular, and other chronic, diseases risk. For more information on changing your diet to improve heart health and reduce your risk of disease visit the ANH-Intl Food4Health guidelines.

NHS blacklists natural treatments

Despite a vociferous public outcry and in direct contravention of its own Constitution, the NHS will stop funding a range of natural approaches. Included are homeopathy, herbal treatments, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, lutein, antioxidant and omega 3 fatty acid supplements. Whilst this decision doesn’t stop these treatments from being available it will restrict availability to some patients who would benefit enormously, but are unable to fund them privately. With the NHS crippling under the financial burden created by chronic disease, one must ask why it’s the cheapest and some of the most popular treatment approaches that are being axed. Surely the spotlight should be on the eye-wateringly expensive drugs, that have been inadequately tested, often don’t work and can cause more harm than good?

Unsafe Dengue vaccine use suspended

Despite concerns over its safety and guidance on its use from the World Health Organization, the Sanofi Dengvaxia vaccine was made available in the Philippines. Use of the vaccine has now been suspended and an enquiry launched after its maker issued safety guidance due the vaccine’s potential to worsen the disease in those who haven’t been exposed to Dengue Fever previously. The Philippines Health Minister and Sanofi have denied claims that children have died as a result of the vaccine. Once again, we state the case for health authorities being brought to account and stopped from claiming vaccines are safe and effective before more people are harmed. Please sign our petition to help us to stop these claims.