02. Survivor: endomorphs vs. ectomorphs
In the last Survivor series, one of the participants actually gained weight. How is this possible? DietDoc explains the difference between "endomorph" and "ectomorph" body types.
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03. Survivor: Starvation diets
A fascinating aspect of the Survivor series is how much weight the contestants lose over the 39 days – all this without consciously going on a diet. DietDoc comments.
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04. Diet preparations before surgery
Experts recommend a vegan diet pre- and post surgery, saying that because it’s loaded with antioxidants it helps the body respond to the stresses of surgery and recovery.
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05. Snack tax to combat obesity?
How would you feel about a tax on snack foods to combat obesity? Imagine having to pay extra on each packet of sweets, bar of chocolate, bottle of cold drink and hamburger?
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06. Post-op liquid diets
Most people do not know what it means when they are told to go on a liquid diet after mouth surgery or digestive tract procedures. DietDoc explains how this type of diet works.
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07. DNA-diet to reduce cancer risk
It is possible to prevent cancer even if you have the “wrong” genes. The right diet can go a long way to protect you against cancer.
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08. The most frequently missed meal
According to a data survey, breakfast is “the most missed meal in Europe”. There is little reason to believe that things are different in South Africa.
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09. Fatal foods on the canteen menu
Do companies and employers have a responsibility not only to supply their staff with food, but to make sure that the food that is for sale is nutritious and well-balanced?
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10. Help for hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycaemia commonly affects diabetics who inadvertently use too large doses of insulin, but it can also occur in non-diabetic individuals. What should you know?
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11. Big bums and micro-fat surgery
If you watched “Bootylicious” on TV, you are probably contemplating micro-fat surgery to have your buttocks enlarged. Here's why you shouldn't jump on the bandwagon too soon.
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12. 5-a-day for better health
CANSA's 5-a-day campaign refers to five servings of fruit and vegetables a day for better health. Dietdoc tells us about the role of nutrition in the fight against cancer.
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13. Healthy winter eating
It is usually during wintertime that we gain weight, and that we get flu. What can you do to ensure that you don’t gain weight, while still getting all the necessary nutrients?
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14. Cystic fibrosis and the diet
Nowadays, survival of this previously lethal genetic disorder has improved greatly thanks to early detection and the use of intensive treatments, including nutrition interventions.
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15. Cystic fibrosis and supplementation
Patients with cystic fibrosis have a heightened need for fat-soluble vitamins and sodium. The use of enzyme replacement therapy also plays an important role. DietDoc explains.
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16. More on cystic fibrosis and diet
Patients with cystic fibrosis require a much higher energy intake than others and need to compensate for poor absorption caused by a lack of digestive enzymes.
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17. Sensational diet and food stories
Have you ever received e-mail warnings that read something like “Food X will make you blind, impotent, or give you cancer”, or “Additive Y is a carcinogen, and may cause ADHD”?
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18. Gene tests solve diet riddles
Nutrigenomics is a very new and exciting approach to the treatment of a wide variety of diseases by means of genetic identification and diet therapy.
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19. Genes, diet and disease
Genetic factors influence how we react to various treatments such as folic acid supplementation and low-fat diets for heart disease. DietDoc explains.
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20. More on gene tests and your diet
Genetic factors influence how we react to various treatments. In this article, DietDoc takes a look at further examples of gene-diet interactions.
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21. Obesity - staggering statistics
Nearly 50% of adults in the developed world suffer from overweight or outright obesity and South Africa is on par with countries such as the USA and the UK, research shows.
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22. Green tea – healthy or not?
Green tea is increasingly being used in western countries to obtain health benefits. But how true are the claims that green tea can cure certain diseases and induce weight loss?
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23. Beetroot, garlic, onions and Aids
The Department of Health promotes the use of beetroot, garlic, virgin olive oil, onions and herbal cures in the treatment of HIV/Aids. But how safe and effective is this really?
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24. Red palm oil - a boon to health
A new health food, called red palm oil is emerging. It can be used in cooking, baking and food preparation and is free of cholesterol and trans-fatty acids.
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25. Should government ban junk food?
The European Commission is taking steps to counteract the harmful effects that junk food is having on the European population. Should our government be doing the same?
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26. The metabolic syndrome
It is estimated that one in five American adults suffer from metabolic syndrome and it is plausible that more or less the same figures apply to South Africa. DietDoc comments.
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27. Diet and gallbladder disease
Is gallbladder surgery on the cards? Note that there are certain dietary adjustments that should be taken into consideration.
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28. Could magnesium prevent diabetes?
The role played by magnesium in preventing diabetes and insulin resistance is currently under investigation. DietDoc takes a look at the practical implications.
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29. Soy - healthy or harmful?
Soy has been touted the miracle food of the 20th century, but new research suggests it may be doing more harm than good. Are you confused? Then read these comments by DietDoc.
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30. Coconut meat, milk: healthy or not?
Far Eastern cooking is becoming more and more popular in western countries, leading to an increased interest in cooking with coconut products. Is this a good or a bad thing?
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31. IGF-1: what we know
Could milk consumption lead to increased levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and subsequent increased risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes? DietDoc investigated.
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32. The lowdown on carnitine
Studies show that carnitine may prevent nerve degeneration in diabetics, assist with male infertility, possibly help to improve sports performance, and more. What should you know?
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33. The lowdown on GM foods
Some people regard GM foods as toxic and dangerous, while others hail these foods as the solution to mass starvation. DietDoc takes a look at this hotly debated subject.
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34. SA labelling of GM foods
In this article on genetically modified (GM) foods, DietDoc considers labelling issues and the potential effects on nature and consumers.
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35. GM foods: popular myths
In this article on genetically modified (GM) foods, DietDoc takes a look at some of the most persistent myths that do the rounds – and the actual facts.
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36. Eggs – healthy or not?
The "no-cholesterol" craze of the 90s gave eggs a bad name. But are eggs really so unhealthy? Or should this food form part of a balanced diet?
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37. Top 10 super foods
We're all entitled to having likes and dislikes when it comes to food. But which foods should we all make a point of including in our diets, because they're simply magic?
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38. The healthy hunter-gatherer
Our ancestors from long ago never experienced the health problems that we do such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Here are some reasons why.
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39. Smoking cessation and weight gain
Are you desperate because you stopped smoking and are now gaining weight exponentially? A few simple steps can make your life easier. Read DietDoc's suggestions.
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40. Heat stroke and dehydration woes
The 11th series of the ever-popular Survivor Series started on Tuesday, and already after the first episode, there are lessons we can learn from the Survivors, writes DietDoc.
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41. Antioxidants: powerful protectors
Heard of antioxidants and free radicals, but still confused? Brush up on your knowledge - it's crucial for the prevention of heart disease and cancer.
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42. No Diet Day
Today, on International No Diet Day, you should take time off from whatever crazy diet plan you are following and instead listen to your body's unique hunger and satiety needs.
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43. Vitamin D and cancer
According to news reports, vitamin D could help prevent colon cancer. But excessive intakes of vitamin D could also be dangerous. Read DietDoc's comments on this hot topic.
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44. Survivor: food, seductive food
It's still early days in the Survivor Guatemala series and already the monotony of the maize diet is starting to have its effects. Read DietDoc's interesting comments.
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45. Iron overload: are you at risk?
Iron overload, or hereditary haemochromatosis, is more common than was previously believed. And it can be very risky. Read DietDoc's comments - and check if you have symptoms.
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46. Vit. D could protect the heart
A while ago, researchers identified a role for vitamin D in cancer prevention. Now, there are indications that vitamin D may also thwart heart disease, hypertension and stroke.
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47. Top 10 foods with hidden salt
High salt intake raises blood pressure. And high blood pressure is a major health threat. Be more aware of your salt intake by taking note of this list of the top-10 culprit foods.
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48. Don’t worry, just eat curry!
Call it whatever you like: yellow ginger, haldi, turmeric or E100. This versatile herb, a spice commonly used in curries, is turning out to be amazingly healthy.
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49. Food then and now
One often hears that the modern Western diet is unhealthy and that people's eating habits have changed in the last couple of decades. Many things get added to our foods.
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50. Sugar's effect on cholesterol
A toffee here, a jelly baby there. Do these foods, and how much sugar you eat, have an effect on your blood-fat levels? DietDoc recently reviewed a number of relevant studies.
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51. Home-cooked meals come out tops
As manufacturers inch closer to the holy grail of low-calorie, trans-fat free, flavoursome foods, one has to ask how we veered so far from the common sense of home-cooked meals.
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52. Insulin resistance risk factors
Insulin resistance is a blood sugar disorder associated with heart disease and often caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Check how many of these risk factors you have.
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53. Survivor SA: balanced diet best
The Survivor SA series probably illustrates the most fundamental diet truth of all: human beings have evolved to eat a varied, and balanced diet. Read DietDoc's comments.
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54. Functional food: a booming industry
Right now, commercially produced functional foods are causing quite a stir. Health24 takes a critical look at consumer awareness levels and the potential of this market.
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55. Fight disease with functional foods
You've heard of probiotics, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. But have you heard of "functional foods"? In essence, they form part of the same concept.
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56. Five foods that could kill you
An actor died after eating pufferfish and a girl with a peanut allergy didn't survive the kiss of a boyfriend. Find out which foods you should avoid if you want to stay alive.
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57. 9 healthy food tips
One would be surprised to know what a balanced diet can do to your wellbeing. Not only is good food tasty, but it boosts your immune system too. Check out these food tips.
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58. 7 good reasons to switch to ostrich
Ostrich meat has become part of a balanced diet and allows the meat lover the pleasure of a great steak or fillet in the full knowledge that it is, in fact, a healthy choice.
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59. Book now for Holford workshops
One of the world's leading nutritionists, Patrick Holford, will undertake a national tour of South Africa from 19 February 2007 to launch his new book "Food is Better than Drugs".
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60. How food affects your mood
The answer to mood swings, irritability and low energy levels may be as simple as the food we put on our plates – and how frequently we eat it.
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61. Favourite foods: the good news
Fed up with hearing that you can't eat this, that that will clog up your arteries and that your favourite snack will eventually be the death of you?
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62. Antioxidants under fire
A controversial new review shows that some antioxidant supplements that people take to prevent or treat disease might actually increase their risk of death. Should you be worried?
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63. South Africans all clogged up?
Most of us assume that if we eat five fruits and veggies per day, we're okay – at least in terms of fibre intake. Sadly, this isn't so.
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64. Poisoning yourself with vitamins?
Thousands of South Africans drink vitamin supplements, which they get from pharmacies and health stores, every day. Yet new research shows that this could be a deadly practice.
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65. What will fans eat in 2010?
In 2010, as we all know, the world is going to descend on South Africa for Soccer World Cup. What we want to know is: who is going to feed the world? And what does the world eat?
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66. Berry healthy
There’s a champion new berry that’s come to town, and in its plump little body it has 18 amino acids, six vitamins, anti-ageing properties and the richest source of antioxidants.
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67. Multivitamins – are they worth it?
Recent meta-analyses have suggested no benefit for multivitamins, and even, in some cases, the potential for harm. Patrick Holford, world-renowned nutrition expert, comments.
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68. Are we getting shorter and fatter?
Worldwide, obesity has become a major force to be reckoned with. Now, the people of the world's fattest nation are also getting shorter. Here's why we should be concerned.
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69. Eat Mediterranean, live longer
Here's the good news: if you start emulating the lifestyle of the Mediterranean world now, you'll attain newfound health. And there's a book on the market to help you get there.
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70. Eating illegal fish species?
Eating fish is a healthy choice. But you may be eating fish in danger of extinction, or a species that may be illegal to buy or sell in South Africa. Check here.
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71. Chinese product scares: a timeline
International anxiety about the quality of Chinese food products has hit the red-alert button. Here is a timeline of the recent food-safety scares.
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72. The ultimate diet solution
Wondering what a balanced diet looks like? Looking for a good weight-loss diet? Or desperate to find nutritious menu plans? Then this book is for you.
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73. Dieticians to the rescue
Sure, dieticians can help one to lose weight, but this isn't their sole purpose. Should you be consulting one?
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74. Water horror
Female frogs outnumbering male ones, snails born without penises, and fish that have both male and female organs. Dangerous chemicals in our water could be affecting humans too.
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75. Better-body resolutions for 2008
The change from the old year to the new is often a spur to turning over a new leaf, especially with regards to health. But you'll only succeed if you set reasonable goals.
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76. Rate your recipe here
Are you feeding your family nutritious, healthy meals? Curious to know whether or not your favourite recipe is really healthy? Then send it to us and we'll tell you.
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77. Good nutrition beyond your 60s
Good nutrition not only adds years to life, but also life to years – a philosophy that becomes all the more important as we reach our 60s, 70s, 80s and perhaps 90s.
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78. The sweet debate
Surely honey must be healthier than sugar? After all it's nature's own sweetener.
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79. TV sports feast without the gut
Let your inner couch potato out: we've got it contained.
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