HEALTH NOTES: How a vegan diet can lead to tooth decay
Turning vegan could be bad for your smile, a leading dentist has warned.
Dr Mervyn Druian, from the London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, says he has seen a rise in patients showing signs of tooth decay after cutting out certain foods.
Many are following a vegan diet, which can lack protein and calcium – vital for keeping teeth healthy.
Turning vegan could be bad for your smile, a leading dentist has warned. Dr Mervyn Druian, from the London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, says he has seen a rise in patients showing signs of tooth decay after cutting out certain foods. (File photo)
And he warns that some vegans may also eat more sweet and starchy foods such as fruits and grains.
These cause bacteria in plaque to produce acids, which can harm enamel.
‘Because veganism has sky-rocketed, we are seeing more patients with erosion and cavities,’ Dr Druian says. ‘It’s not just down to the lack of vitamins, but also because of the food swaps they make.’
Preventing deadly infections… with a magic glass disc
Antibacterial glass could prevent a third of all hospital infections.
Urinary tract infections, caused by unsanitary catheters, are responsible for about 35 per cent of complications following operations, according to studies.
A catheter is a tube attached to a bag and is used to drain urine when it is difficult for patients to urinate unaided.
But the devices are a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause potentially lethal infections.
Now scientists at Birmingham’s Aston University have developed glass discs which, when inserted into the catheter, immediately destroy bugs, thanks to being coated with the antibiotic compound zinc oxide. Crucially, researchers found this has no toxic effect on the bladder lining.
The discs are still prototypes but it is hoped they may be in NHS hospitals soon.
The UK’s leading stroke charity says thousands of people are failing to recover – because they are lonely.
Social interaction is integral to long-term rehabilitation, says Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of The Stroke Association. Yet, according to a new poll of 1,000 survivors, eight in ten victims are too afraid to leave the house, fearing a second attack.
The UK’s leading stroke charity says thousands of people are failing to recover – because they are lonely. (File photo)
And one in five keeps these fears secret, not wanting to burden family or friends, even though studies show loneliness can raise the risk of death by a third.
‘One of the best things we can do for someone who has had a stroke is to get them out to meet other survivors,’ says Ms Bouverie. ‘There are more than 600 stroke clubs and groups in the UK offering activities, advice and support.’
Visit stroke.org.uk for details.
MS link to child obesity
Being obese in childhood can increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis in later life.
Scientists studying 40,000 people over several decades found that obese children were almost a third more likely to develop the condition in adulthood.
But the weight itself may not be the cause. Researchers at Montreal’s McGill University discovered that carriers of 23 specific genetic variants were more likely to be both obese and develop MS.
Corns are small lumps of hard, rough skin, usually on the knuckles of the toes and hands
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE… between corns and calluses?
Corns are small lumps of hard, rough skin, usually on the knuckles of the toes and hands.
They may also appear on the sides or sole of the foot.
Corns are caused by excess pressure from poorly fitting shoes.
Calluses are larger patches of rough, hard, yellowish skin on the heel or under the ball of the foot.
They are normally associated with pressure on the ball of the foot.
Corns and calluses can be treated by soaking in warm water and removing the hard skin with a pumice stone.
Health hacks
Feeling anxious? Pop a lavender pill
Many people add it to a relaxing bath, but swallowing lavender oil can help calm your nerves too.
Recent research has shown that taking an oral capsule called Silexan, containing a concentrated form of the plant, can help those with anxiety disorders.
Some studies have found that the capsules are more effective than oil applied to the skin.
Scientists believe that compounds in lavender act on receptors in the brain involved with feelings of calmness.
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