Latest news with #healthexperts
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scientists urge Brits not to drink ORANGE JUICE during the UK heatwave
The UK heatwave is well and truly here, with today set to be the hottest day of the year so far. Temperatures across parts of the country will hit 32°C today, before similar highs tomorrow and then 33°C on Saturday. To cope with the heat, you might be tempted to reach for a delicious cold drink. But if you want to avoid dehydration, make sure it's not orange juice. That's according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), who have urged Brits to avoid fruit juices and smoothies during the heatwave. 'Fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks can be high in sugar which dehydrates the body,' the UKHSA explained. 'Limit the amount of fruit juice or smoothies that you drink, and swap sugary soft drinks for diet, sugar-free or no added sugar varieties.' Instead, it's best to stick to water, diluted squash, or lower fat milks, the experts advise. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Worryingly, if left untreated, dehydration can lead to more serious issues including heatstroke, kidney failure, and even brain damage. To prevent dehydration during spells of hot weather, it's important to drink fluids regularly throughout the day - especially if you are active. 'You should drink enough that your pee is a pale straw colour,' the UKHSA advised. Sugary juices, smoothies and soft drinks aren't the only drinks that the experts advise against. Despite the temptation of a sunny beer garden, it's also wise to avoid alcohol. 'Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body, so it is a good idea to choose alcohol-free options, or alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water,' they added. The advice comes as the UKHSA activated yellow heat-health alerts for most of England, which will run until Sunday evening. The Government alerts warn of an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and cover all regions of England apart from the North East and North West. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three days in a row, with thresholds varying from 25°C to 28°C in different areas. The current warmest day of the year so far was last Friday when temperatures reached 29.4°C at Santon Downham in Suffolk. That broke the previous record for 2025 which stood at 29.3°C, recorded on May 1 at Kew Gardens in London. But records are unlikely to be broken this week for the UK's highest temperature in June, which was 35.6°C in Southampton during the historic heatwave of 1976. WHY YOU HAVE TO DRINK WATER Odell Beckham Jr, wide receiver for the New York Giants, said he doesn't like water. Water accounts for about 60 percent of the human body, including 90 percent of our blood. That's why it is essential for almost every bodily function to work effectively and smoothly. There is no consensus on how much water a day you should drink, but it is generally agreed that eight glasses of water a day is sensible. A FEW REASONS WHY WATER IS ESSENTIAL 1. For clear eyes and full hearts Water lubricates the eyes to keep them moist and help vision. It also pumps oxygen through the body, which is key for heart health. 2. To stay limber Cartilage is 80 percent water. Those who swap out water for soda have a higher risk of joint pain and injuries. 3. For clarity of thought The brain is used to a certain amount of water, and when it's dehydrated we get dizzy, slow of thought, with slower reactions. 4. To digest food Water is like gasoline for our bowels. Without it, stool doesn't break down properly, the stomach can fill with acid, increasing the risks of stomach ulcers, colon cancer, heartburn, constipation, and metabolism disorders. 5. Keeping blood pressure in check When the blood lacks water, it thickens, increasing blood pressure. WHAT IF YOU ONLY DRINK SODA? 1. Tooth decay Water is essential for flushing bacteria out of your mouth. Soda does a great job at loading up teeth with plaque. 2. Dehydration Most soda has caffeine in it, which is a diuretic and dehydrating. Because it's a diuretic, it means you need the toilet more than if you were drinking water, which also increases dehydration. 3. Poorer athletic performance A recent study showed dehydration and fluid loss worsens performance in any physical activity that lasts longer than 30 minutes. 4. Weight gain Even low-calorie sodas are no match for water when it comes to calories. Two Cokes, for example, will add 300 calories to your daily total. Even Diet Coke, with zero calories, affects your weight because the replacement sweetener, aspartame, has been shown to derail metabolism.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Can YOU tell how much we drink from our faces? One of these women sinks 10 G&Ts a night, one's a weekend drinker and one's teetotal. Now they reveal exactly what it's done to them...
Are your drinking habits written all over your face? Alcohol is said to cause untold damage to your appearance. Not only can it trigger skin complaints such as psoriasis, but it's also believed to deepen wrinkles and cause puffiness and bloating. Alcohol's dehydrating effect means your skin loses fluid and nutrients, leaving it looking dull and grey.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How much water should I drink in hot weather?
Let's face it: not many of us drink enough water. We've all experienced feeling faint and dehydrated after opting for fizzy drinks or sugary teas instead. Staying hydrated is essential for your body to function properly, especially in the UK's summer heatwave, as the rising temperatures mean we're more likely to feel groggy. It's also important to drink plenty of water in the winter months, when cold and flu symptoms are more common. Water can help to clear out toxins, clear up skin and boost energy levels, according to studies. But how much do you actually need to drink to feel the benefits? Here's what the experts say. The NHS recommends drinking six to eight glasses of fluid per day – or about 1.2 litres – to stay hydrated on an average day. As well as water, this includes: Sugar-free tea and coffee Lower-fat milk Fruit juice and smoothies (no more than 150ml a day) On a warm day, however, you'll need to drink more water to replace the liquid you'll lose through sweat. Dehydration is one of the biggest health issues caused by a heatwave, as well as overheating, heat exhaustion and heatstrokes. Every person's body is different, so the exact amount you need may depend on factors such as your health, age, size and weight. It's equally important to stay hydrated during winter, as water can help boost your immune system during flu and cold season, helping you to fight off these viruses, and also give you a much-needed energy boost if you're feeling run-down. It seems like a lot to drink in a day, but a slight change in diet can reduce the amount you need to consume. Try eating foods with a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber and courgette, to contribute to your fluid intake. Cut back on salty foods such as bacon and cheese, as they will cause your body to use up fluids to dilute the sodium consumed. It's possible – but rare – to over-hydrate if you drink too much water in a short period of time. This can lead to a condition called hyponatremia – sometimes known as 'water intoxication' – if your blood's sodium content becomes diluted. The symptoms include disorientation, nausea and vomiting, and cases are most common among endurance athletes. As a rule of thumb, you should only drink water when you are thirsty, and not drink so much that you feel bloated or put on weight.
Health Line
3 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Is Salmon Skin Safe to Eat?
Salmon skin is generally safe to eat and offers health benefits, like decreasing the chance of heart disease. But some exceptions exist. You may need to consider factors like individual health or where the salmon is from. Salmon is both delicious and nutritious. In addition to being a source of protein, it provides omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B and D, and minerals like niacin and phosphorus. Many people looking to substitute red meat in their meals turn to salmon for its health properties. While some people like to remove the skin before cooking a fillet of salmon, others swear by leaving the skin on and eating it for an additional health benefit. Health benefits The skin of a salmon, like the flesh, contains high amounts of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. There's strong evidence that these fatty acids can reduce triglyceride levels and decrease your chances of heart disease. Cooking fillets with the skin on can also keep nutrients and oils inside the salmon itself that might otherwise be lost in the preparation process. Salmon is one of the fish that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends eating two to three times per week for health benefits. Safe forms and doses Much of the world's salmon supply has been contaminated by environmental pollution. But when it comes to human exposure, these toxins have a cumulative effect. That means that it's still generally safe to consume salmon and salmon skin in conservative amounts. It's also important to pay attention to where your salmon comes from. The FDA, with the help of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has compiled recommendations to advise people how to consume fish safely. The most contaminated fish is farmed from the Atlantic Ocean. Wild-caught salmon from the Atlantic is slightly less contaminated. If your salmon was caught in the Atlantic Ocean, it might be best to avoid eating its skin. The best kind of salmon skin to cook and eat would come from a wild-caught Pacific salmon. Risks and side effects Salmon skin is generally safe for people to eat. However, fish are known to be contaminated by pollutants in our air and water. Chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can be absorbed by salmon during their life through their skin and in other fish that they eat. PCBs are a known carcinogen and have been linked to birth defects. Methylmercury is also absorbed by salmon during their lifetime. These chemicals can be toxic to humans when consumed in large amounts. Pregnant woman are especially prone to experiencing negative side effects from these toxins, and might even pass them to their unborn child. Methylmercury has also been linked to birth defects. Parents may also want to be wary of the effects of these toxins on their young children. A 19 95 study found that skinned salmon from the Great Lakes area had 50 percent fewer pesticides than salmon with the skin on. Takeaway If you're a pregnant or nursing woman, you may want to avoid salmon skin altogether to be on the safe side. For most other people, the benefits of eating salmon skin will probably outweigh the risks for if the salmon comes from uncontaminated waters. Salmon skin can be cooked by itself, apart from the flesh of the fish, to make tasty recipes you might never have tried before. Crispy fried salmon skin has a similar texture to bacon, but without many of the health concerns associated with that high-sodium pork product. And baked salmon skin can be broken apart to serve as a salad garnish (think croutons without carbs!), used in sushi, or eaten as is for a healthy snack.
News24
4 days ago
- Health
- News24
Rates of obesity are soaring worldwide. Have we been misunderstanding the problem?
Obesity affects more than 1 billion people worldwide yet there isn't really a conclusive definition of the condition. A Lancet Commission argue that obesity should not just be seen as a risk factor for other diseases – but in some cases, should be seen as a disease itself. In the first of this two-part Spotlight series, we break down the debate around the issue, and its implications for health policy. In 1990, just 2% of all young people around the world aged 5 to 24 were living with obesity. By 2021, this figure had more than tripled to over 6%. This is according to a recent study, which relied on Body Mass Index (BMI) data from 180 countries and territories around the world. It estimates that the rise in obesity among children and young people will only continue in the coming decades. South Africa certainly isn't immune to the crisis. A survey conducted in 2021/2022 found that 16% of all children aged 6 to 18 were 'severely overweight'. Meanwhile, World Health Organization (WHO) data suggests that about 30% of all adults in South Africa are living with obesity, meaning a BMI of over 30, which is almost double the global level. BMI, which simply looks at a person's weight in relation to their height, is a crude measure of obesity. For instance, a person may have a high BMI simply because they have a lot of muscle rather than fat. But while it is agreed that BMI is a flawed indicator at the individual level, many experts recommend using it as a rough proxy for ' health risk at a population level '. For instance, a study which collected data on nearly three million people found that those who had very high BMI levels were, on average, more likely to die at an early age. The study also found that this was true of people with very low BMI levels (those who were underweight). In this context, the above figures paint a concerning picture. Given the rising rates, experts argue that we need health systems to be able to track and respond to obesity urgently. But, according to a Lancet Commission published in January, health systems around the world may struggle to do this, because of a failure to accurately conceptualise and measure what obesity actually is. READ | SA plastic surgery trends: From lip fillers to facelifts, what each generation wants done The Lancet commission was developed by 58 experts from different medical specialties and though it has been the subject of debate, it has since been widely endorsed as a new way to understand obesity. Spotlight takes a look at what it concluded. Delaying treatment for no reason Obesity is often regarded as a risk factor for other diseases, for instance, type 2 diabetes. But according to the commission, there are certain cases in which obesity is not just a risk factor, but a disease itself – one that should be immediately treated. One of the reasons for this is that obesity not only contributes to the emergence of other conditions but sometimes leads to clinical symptoms directly. For example, the cartilage that protects the joints in a person's knees can sometimes become eroded when adults carry too much weight. In this case, a person could suffer from joint pain, stiffness and reduced mobility where obesity is clearly the cause. Take another example. If fat deposits build up in the abdomen, this may limit how much the lungs can expand, causing breathlessness. Similarly, a build-up of fat around the neck can narrow a person's upper airways, which can cause sleep apnoea. Thus, obesity is not simply something which increases the risk of developing a separate disease in the future - but something which can directly (and presently) affect the functioning of organs. More broadly, the commission argues that by hindering a person's 'mobility, balance and range of motion' obesity can in certain cases 'restrict routine activities of daily living'. In these instances, obesity is a disease by definition, according to the commission. This is given that it defines disease as a 'harmful deviation from the normal structural or functional state of an organism, associated with specific signs and symptoms and limitations of daily activities'. But why does this conceptual debate matter? Because at present, people often have to wait for other diseases to crop up before insurers or public health systems cover them for weight loss drugs or bariatric surgery - a procedure to help with weight loss and improve obesity-related health conditions. And when they do cover these services, it is often only after severe delay. Because obesity is only considered to be a risk factor, it isn't typically treated with the same urgency as life-threatening diseases, according to the authors of the commission. Professor Frances Rubino, the lead author of the commission, details how this problem manifests in the healthcare system. 'I've been doing bariatric surgery for 25 years in four different countries; in America, Italy, France and the UK,' he tells Spotlight, 'In all of those countries, to meet the criteria for surgery people very often have to undergo six to 12 months of weight monitoring before their surgery is covered. So systematically you delay treatment'. He continues: 'Someone who has clinical obesity and has heart failure as a result of it is waiting for a year for what reason? That condition will only worsen and if the patient is still alive, the treatment [is] going to cost the same amount to the payer but it's going to be less effective.' Can't people just diet? One of the reasons that some academics have historically been reluctant to classify obesity as a disease is because of a fear that this may reduce people's agency - instead of taking proactive steps to diet and exercise, people with obesity may simply view themselves as afflicted by a disease. The belief that people with obesity can simply diet their way out of their situation is in fact partially why Rubino's patients were forced to wait long periods of time before receiving bariatric surgery. Rubino explains: 'In America, many private payers [i.e. medical insurance schemes] have required weight monitoring programmes, where patients do nothing else other than see a dietician for 12 months, and if they skip one appointment, they have to start all over again. I think that in some cases, this has been misguided by the idea that you want to see if obesity can be reversed by somebody going on a diet.' This, according to him, is a 'misconception', arguing that if someone faces such severe levels of obesity that they require surgery, diet is unlikely to offer a solution. Indeed, research has shown that it's very rare for people with obesity to lose large amounts of weight quickly without surgery or medication. For instance, a study on over 176 000 patients in the UK found that among men with 'simply obesity' or a BMI of 30-34.9, only 1 in 210 were able to achieve a 'normal' weight level within a year. Among men with morbid obesity or BMI of 35 or more, the chance was less than 1 than in 1 000. Chances for women were roughly twice as good as men's - so still exceedingly small. READ | Closed doors, open hearts: The activists filling the gaps in Southern African sexual healthcare Thus, if someone is severely obese and their excess weight is causing life-threatening symptoms, putting them on a diet for a year is unlikely to result in the urgent changes that may be required for them to get better. In fact, Rubino argues that they may simply die of their condition in the interim. Taking a medical approach more quickly is easier now than ever before due to the regulatory approval of GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide – Spotlight previously reported on the availability of these new diabetes and weight loss medicines in South Africa. An article by WHO officials from December states that because of the approval of these medicines '[h]ealth systems across the globe now may be able to offer a treatment response integrated with lifestyle changes that opens the possibility of an end to the obesity pandemic'. Not all people with obesity are ill There is a more scientific argument against categorising obesity as a disease. This is that while obesity can sometimes result in the negative health symptoms discussed above (like respiratory issues or reduced mobility) it doesn't always do this. In fact, the commission acknowledges that some people with obesity 'appear to be able to live a relatively healthy life for many years, or even a lifetime'. One of the reasons for this is that excess fat may be stored in areas that don't surround vital organs. For instance, if fat is stored in the limbs, hips, or buttocks, then this may cause less harm than if it is stored in the stomach. Since obesity doesn't always cause health problems, it isn't always a disease. In order to deal with this conceptual hurdle, the commission classifies obesity into two categories - clinical and preclinical obesity. If a person has pre-clinical obesity, this means they have a lot of excess fat, but no obvious health problems that have emerged as a result. In this case, obesity is not classified as a disease, though it may still increase the chance of future health problems (depending on a range of factors, like family history). For a person to have clinical obesity, they must have a lot of excess fat as well as health problems that have already been directly caused by this. It is this that the commission defines as a disease. This classification system, according to Rubino, ensures not only that we urgently treat people living with clinical obesity, but also that we don't overtreat people - since if a person falls into the pre-clinically obese group, then they may not need treatment. But if we're going to treat clinical obesity as a disease, we'll need clear methods of diagnosing people. Since BMI is deeply flawed and provides little information about whether a person is ill at the individual level, health systems will need something else. In part 2 of this Spotlight special series, we'll discuss the options offered by the commission, and how this all relates to the situation in South Africa.
