Green Health and Complementary Medicine
Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides which are found in the cell wall of fungi and yeasts. However, modern agricultural practices and processes have removed the majority of the beta-glucans in our diet. In the Victorian era, even though infant mortality was high, research suggests that following childhood, life expectancy was not markedly dierent than it is today. It is thought that the consumption of foods rich in beta-glucans may have played a key role in the Victorians’ long and healthy life spans.1
Good health cannot exist independently from a strong immune system. Every minute of every day, this complex system is under constant attack from pollution, germs, viruses or stress.
A weakened immune system is susceptible not only to colds, flu and infections, but also to more serious health conditions. Various factors can negatively impact immune health such as alcohol,
sugar consumption, lack of sleep and a nutrient poor diet.
In a survey of over 45,000 menstruating women in the UK, 63% women reported often suffering with PMS, severely affecting the quality of life in up to 10%. Causes of PMS are multifactorial but have often been linked to an imbalance of oestrogen and progesterone, more specifically oestrogen dominance. The amino acid methionine, found in meat, fish, beans, eggs and onions may help facilitate the removal of excess oestrogen via the liver.
It may seem that we take our reproductive health somewhat for granted. In fact, a survey found that 25% of Britons experience reproductive health issues and the current prevalence of infertility lasting for at least 12 months is estimated to be around 9% worldwide for women aged 20-44. The encouraging news is that according to extensive studies, dietary and lifestyle interventions can have significant impact to help keep our sexual health in shape. This article highlights some interesting areas in this complex field of research.
