Rude Health News & Events

The latest news, research and events from the world of natural health

Fizzy drinks and coffee consumption linked to higher stroke risk

People who frequently drink fizzy drinks, fruit juice or coffee have an increased risk of stroke, a new study has found. The researchers, from the University of Galway and McMaster University in Canada, carried out two analyses of data from a large international study of the risk factors for stroke. The study, called INTERSTROKE, involved almost 27,000 people from 27 countries.

The researchers found that fizzy drinks, including both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened, were linked with a 22% increased chance of stroke, and the risk increased sharply with two or more of these drinks a day. Fruit juice drinks were linked with a 37% increase in the chance of stroke due to bleeding (intracranial haemorrhage). With two of these drinks a day, the risk triples.

Drinking more than four cups of coffee a day increased the chance of stroke by 37%, but was not associated with stroke risk for lower intakes. Drinking tea was linked with a reduced chance of stroke by 18 to 20%.

Professor Martin O’Donnell from the University of Galway said: “A key goal of the INTERSTROKE study is to provide usable information on how to reduce one’s risk of stroke. While hypertension is the most important risk factor, our stroke risk can also be lowered through healthy lifestyle choices in diet and physical activity. The current study adds further information on what constitutes healthy choices on daily intake of beverages.” The findings were published in the Journal of Stroke and the International Journal of Stroke.

What's in season?

Rooster potatoes, pak choi, spinach, kale, celeriac, beetroot, mushrooms, parsnip, lettuce, leeks, celery, cauliflower, carrot, cabbage, Brussels sproutds, broccoli, thyme, parsley.

Study sheds fresh light on dementia risk factors and cognition

How a person rates their own memory is more strongly associated with dementia risk factors than their performance in standard cognitive tests, new research from Trinity College Dublin has shown.

The researchers gathered data from 3,327 people through a smartphone app to investigate how well-known risk factors for dementia, such as hypertension or loneliness, are linked to reduced cognitive abilities.

They found, for the first time, that a person’s subjective impression of their own memory problems had stronger links to modifiable risk factors for dementia than their performance on objective standardised tests measuring cognitive impairments.

The researchers commented that their findings add to our understanding of very early changes to brain health in otherwise healthy adults and highlights the value of subjective cognitive assessments in healthy adults.

Unlike most prior studies, cognitive ability was assessed in two ways – using standardised cognitive tests and by simply asking people to report on their own memory problems.

Associate Professor Claire Gillan, who supervised the research, said that “the study showcases the great potential of remote, self-administered smartphone assessments in studying and detecting the earliest stages of cognitive decline and dementia risk factors. This can be particularly valuable in settings where access to standard in-person assessments is limited, such as low- and middle-income countries.”

The research was published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Irish women encouraged to look after their heart health

Only half of women say they recognise the symptoms of heart disease and stroke, while 28% have never had a heart health check, new research from the Irish Heart Foundation has shown.

The national Ipsos survey of 1,056 respondents also reveals 70% of the public believe females are more likely to contract breast cancer than both heart disease and stroke. This is despite the fact that statistics show they are six times more likely to die from both conditions.

“The perception is quite different to the reality that one in four women dies from heart disease and stroke,” said Dr Angie Brown, Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director with the Irish Heart Foundation. “Women are six times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than they are from breast cancer so a significant gap in awareness of the symptoms has opened up.”

The campaign is being supported by broadcaster Maura Derrane, who said: “One in four women dies from heart disease and stroke, the same as men. But women often neglect their own heart health. They are caught up taking care of others, their children and their partners. I want to get the message to all women, that they need to listen to their bodies. Know the symptoms, which are often different from men’s. If you are not feeling right, don’t ignore it. Go to your doctor and talk about your heart health.”

New health podcast launches for winter

As the temperature drops, the Irish Rhinologic Society is encouraging people to consider the health of their noses this winter. The society has launched a patient educational podcast series, Follow Your Nose, hosted by award-winning Irish podcaster Sinead O’Moore.

The podcast aims to educate listeners on all things relating to nasal health, including rhinitis, allergies, polyps and asthma, through conversations with leading medical experts and patients. As statistics show that 1 in 10 GP visits are dedicated to ear, nose and throat issues, the society hopes the series will help listeners to better understand these conditions and take charge of their health and wellbeing. The series is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

November events

Galway Mind Body Experience
3 November, Leisureland, Salthill, Galway City
www.mindbodyexperience.ie

Diabetes Ireland Health Awareness Exhibition
10 November, Riu Plaza, The Gresham Hotel, Dublin 1
www.diabetes.ie

Find more natural health events here...