Rude Health News & Events

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

Show some love for organic living

The theme of this year’s Organic September campaign is simple: “Love Organic.” The annual campaign is headed up by the team at Soil Association Certification and the aim is to celebrate and promote the benefits of an organic lifestyle.

The month-long Organic September campaign has been running for over 10 years now. This year the focus is on celebrating the joy of doing something good for our health, nature and the planet. Organic living isn’t just about food and drink – it also incorporates fashion, health and beauty – and new customers are being encouraged to give it a try. The campaign will encourage people to share their favourite organic product and why they love it so much.

Be sure to head to your local independent health food store on Saturday 21 September to join in with the organic celebrations. Stores across the country will be holding tastings and inviting their ‘local food heroes’ – organic growers and suppliers - to meet customers and share the benefits of organic living for nature, climate and our health.

Meanwhile, on social media, consumers, chefs and influencers will be challenged to answer the question: “What do you love about organic?” and asked to come up with a joyful affirmation of what makes them feel really great about their sustainable choices.

For more information on Organic September, visit www.soilassociation.org

What’s in season?

Marrow, pak choi, radish, courgette, peas, kale, French beans, beetroot, mushrooms, tomato, cucumbers, peppers, rhubarb, parsnip, onion, lettuce, leeks, celery, cauliflower, carrot, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, strawberry, raspberry.

Sports recovery, hydration and performance

In all forms of sport, whether professional or amateur, when it comes to performance, the same principles apply: recovery and hydration are critical. These in turn rely on a number of factors, including electrolytes.

Electrolyte levels can reduce when the body loses water, primarily through sweat and urine, which increases during intense exercise. Electrolytes are another name for minerals including magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium, which play an important role in regulating muscle contractions, keeping you hydrated, balancing your pH levels and maintaining normal nervous system function. Maintaining an electrolyte balance is vital for your body to remain hydrated and function effectively, especially during sports or exercise.

Scientists at Dublin City University (DCU) have completed intensive research on the benefits of a new liquid form of magnesium, minerals and trace elements from Irish brand Oriel.

Dr Ronan Murphy from the School of Health and Human Performance at DCU explains: “Our focus was on the speed and impact that these high-performance electrolytes, working in a mutually supportive manner, could have on the vascular system, muscle recovery and hydration when taken in liquid form and rapidly absorbed to the bloodstream in less than 30 minutes.” The research has demonstrated the benefits of electrolytes in getting to where they are needed by the body – fast, efficiently and in sufficient volume.

Seniors really need these two antioxidants

The combination of selenium and coenzyme Q10 comes with an array of health benefits, according to baffling science studies.

Imagine if there was a supplement that could cut your risk of dying of a cardiovascular disease by more than half. Does that sound far-fetched? Well, in 2013, a group of scientists from Scandinavia published a study¹ demonstrating that healthy older men and women had 54% lower cardiovascular mortality when they took a combination of selenium and coenzyme Q10 daily for four years.

No medical drug has ever come close to offering a similar degree of protection. Not only did these two antioxidants provide substantial protection against heart disease, but they also strengthened the heart muscle and improved quality of life. The study, which included 443 men and women in the ages 70-88 years, was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study and was published in an esteemed science journal.

The volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either 200 micrograms of selenium and 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily or a matching placebo. Also, the researchers took blood samples that were stored in freezers for later analysis. In the years to follow, they looked for additional proof that the combination of selenium and coenzyme Q10 offered health benefits and found an abundance of proof. Looking for so-called biomarkers in the blood samples, the scientists could see that the people taking the supplements had less inflammation, slower ageing at a cellular level, better kidney and thyroid function, and better overall health, compared to those taking dummy pills.

A total of 25 follow-up studies have followed in the wake of the original study from 2013, and they have all been published in science journals.

1 Cardiovascular mortality and N-terminal-proBNP reduced after combined selenium and coenzyme Q10 supplementation: A 5-year prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Int J Cardiol. 2013;167:1860-1866.

Project will examine micronutrient deficiency

Researchers from University College Cork have been granted funding for a project that will examine nutritional deficiencies in the population of Europe.

Through the Zero Hidden Hunger project, Prof Kevin Cashman and Prof Mairead Kiely will explore the problem of micronutrient (MN) deficiency, which arises from inadequate intake or absorption of essential minerals and vitamins. It is feared this issue particularly affects groups including children, adolescents, pregnant women, older adults, migrant communities, and those affected by social inequalities. Because it is likely to be highly prevalent, addressing the issue of micronutrient malnutrition requires comprehensive data on MN deficiency prevalence, its underlying causes and possible solutions.

Professors Cashman & Kiely said: “Zero Hidden Hunger represents a landmark effort to confront the silent crisis of MN deficiency in Europe. By leveraging innovative research methodologies and collaborative partnerships, we aim to drive meaningful change and ensure equitable access to essential nutrients across European populations.”

September events

Wild & Well Festival
7 September, Annaghmore House, Collooney, Co. Sligo
www.westcoastwellness.ie/wildandwellfest

Elevate Fit Fest
7–8 September, Shanbally House, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
www.elevatefitfest.ie

Find more natural health events here...