Fashionable superfoods and supplements do not prevent cancer but instead may cause it, according to a scientist.

James Watson, who helped discover the structure of DNA, said that the cure for many cancers will remain elusive unless scientists rethink the role of antioxidants, which include vitamin pills and food such as blueberries and broccoli, the Daily Mail reported.

It is widely believed that they boost health and fight cancer by mopping up oxygen molecules called free radicals.

But Dr Watson argues that these may be key to preventing and treating cancer – and depleting the body of them may be counter-productive.

Free radicals not only help keep diseased cells under control, they are also pivotal in making many cancer drugs, as well as radiotherapy, effective, he said.

(more…)

Sure, portion size and exercise are important factors for losing the extra kilos, but psychologists say that dieters should pay attention to the role emotions play in weight gain and loss if they hope to succeed.

The survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, asked more than 1,300 licensed psychologists how they dealt with clients” weight and weight loss challenges.

When asked which strategies were essential to losing weight and keeping it off, psychologists cited “understanding and managing the behaviors and emotions related to weight management” as essential for addressing weight loss with their clients (44 percent).

Survey respondents also cited “emotional eating” (43 percent) as a barrier to weight loss, and included “maintaining a regular exercise schedule” (43 percent) and “making proper food choices in general” (28 percent) as keys to shedding pounds. In general, gaining self-control over behaviors and emotions related to eating were both key, indicating that the two go together.

(more…)

If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to eat better, you are in for luck, as a new report suggests that Weight Watchers and the government-developed DASH diet are the best for boosting health and losing weight.

According to the magazine’s health and wellness editor, Angela Haupt, in its third annual “Best Diets” report, US News and World Report ranks 29 popular diets on their impact and user-friendliness, ABC News reported.

Weight Watchers topped the list for weight loss and being easy to follow, while the DASH diet — designed to lower blood pressure — earned top marks for healthfulness and preventing and managing diabetes. It also earned the “best diet overall” title for a third year.

Haupt said that it was designed to treat hypertension but it’s also effective for weight loss, adding that it’s a smart, sensible plan that’s safe and nutritious and helps control diabetes in addition to supporting heart health.

(more…)

Dr. Alpana Somale Kondekar is a pediatrician practicing neurology and related issues in pediatrics at TN Medical College, Mumbai. She is also a co-certifying authority for autism, learning disabilities, etc.

Along with that, she has also been an active member of the Epilepsy Detection camp and patient education programmes arranged all over rural Maharashtra in collaboration with National Rural Health Mission.

Alpana answered Sify readers’ queries related to the above in an exlusive chat. Read the transcript below

Hello Dr. My son is 3yrs old, and often getting cold and wheezing. How can we prevent this?
if he is getting it often we need to see whether he allergic to certain things like dust ,fumes, some food items. keep house clean free of dust, do wet mopping, remove soft toys . maintain a food diary. you need to consult pediatric allergy and asthma specialist to rule out allergic rhinitis.

(more…)