Antioxidants – pro or anti? Theories of ageing

Dr Paul Clayton’s Health Newsletter June 2014 New theories of ageing are emerging, which put antioxidants and free radicals in their place. Chronic inflammation as degenerative disease promoter is overtaking the Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Ageing. Life, and ageing, used to be so simple. Findings that older organisms, from helminths to mice to men, … Read more

Deep-fried cancer risk offset by fruit and veg?

Dr Paul Clayton’s Health Newsletter June 2014 Interpretation of health research is often difficult. A study showed that people eating deep-fried foods more than once a week had a one-third higher risk of cancer. But was this because the foods themselves caused more cancer; OR because those who ate more fried foods were also eating … Read more

The looming antibiotic crisis

Dr Paul Clayton’s Health Newsletter May 2014 The WHO recently warned that “a post-antibiotic era in which common infections and minor injuries can kill … is a very real possibility for the 21st century.” The word is in common use, but what exactly is an “antibiotic” and why might they be in “crisis”? An antibiotic … Read more

How beta glucans prime the immune system

Learning lessons from the Victorians – their immune systems were better at fighting infections In a recent series of articles published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, Dr Paul Clayton revealed fascinating facts about the health and life expectancy of the mid-Victorians. They lived just as long as we do today, and … Read more

10 a day the smart way

Dr Paul Clayton’s Health Newsletter April 2014 “The smart way to 10-a-day fruit and veg – don’t just count portions, but choose the foods which are most health-protective.” You may have seen recent press headlines telling us that we should be eating a minimum of 7 and an optimum 10 portions of fruits and vegetables … Read more