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The University of Sussex research showed that:

• 93% of participants had a sense of achievement;
• 88% saved money;
• 82% think more deeply about their relationship with drink;
• 80% feel more in control of their drinking;
• 76% learned more about when and why they drink;
• 71% realised they don’t need a drink to enjoy themselves;
• 70% had generally improved health;
• 71% slept better;
• 67% had more energy;
• 58% lost weight;
• 57% had better concentration;
• 54% had better skin.

Dr Richard de Visser’s findings come from three self-completed online surveys: 2,821 on registering for Dry January; 1,715 in the first week of February; and 816 participants in August.

A new YouGov poll undertaken for Alcohol Change UK showed that one in ten people who drink – an estimated 4.2 million people in the UK – are already planning to do Dry January in 2019.

Short-chain fatty acid fermentation products of the gut microbiome: implications in autism spectrum disorders.

Obese pregnant mice exhibit changes in social behavior, oxytocin cells, synaptic plasticity, and the microorganism composition of the microbiota, but Lactobacillus reuteri could reverse these changes [46]. Because gut flora imbalance can increase the permeability of the intestinal mucosa, the metabolic products of gut microorganisms and certain cytokines can enter the circulation system and cause damage to the CNS, resulting in a delay in the early neurological development in child patients. Christensen used metabolomics to identify a large number of bacteria-derived metabolites that might be associated with ASD-related behaviors [47].

Adams found that the levels of SCFAs, which are very important for the development of neurological functions, in the stool samples of autistic children were lower than those of normal children [42]; similarly, the PPA levels were also reduced. The exposure of pregnant rats to PPA before giving birth impaired the social behavior of their newborn and adolescent rats [48]. Moreover, following PPA injection into the brain ventricles of adult rats, the rats exhibited a behavioral change similar to that of human ASD, and the injection also induced changes in ASD-related genes, including genes for neurotransmitters, nerve cell adhesion factors, and oxidative stress [18].

The bacterial metabolites, 4-ethyl-phenylsulfate and 3-(3-hydroxy phenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic acid, can cause mice to develop ASD-like symptoms [49, 50]. In addition, the serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS, cell wall components of gram-negative bacteria) levels are significantly higher in ASD patients than in normal subjects, and LPS has a clear association with social disorders [51]. Most children with ASD have a history of infection before age 2, and the frequency of their use of antibiotics is also significantly higher than that of normally developed children [52].

Antibiotics destroy the physiological balance of the inherent gut flora, and the newly colonized microorganisms produce neurotoxins, thereby inducing chronic diarrhea and ASD. For example, an abnormal increase in Clostridia and Bacteroidetes in the gut can promote gastrointestinal symptoms and ASD behaviors [18]. Therefore, both the imbalance of gut flora and the entry of excessive amounts of bacterial metabolites into the brain through the circulation are associated with the onset of ASD.

Associations between metabolic syndrome, serum thyrotropin, and thyroid antibodies status in postmenopausal women, and the role of interleukin-6.

Despite improvements in crop production and poverty levels, the WHO estimates that 24% of children are stunted globally, totaling 171 million children. Stunting is a form of chronic malnutrition when children fall below their height-for-age median, leading to cognitive impairment and lifelong economic loss. Nutritional supplementation has failed to improve the prevalence of stunting, prompting alternative explanations that include environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), an inflammatory intestinal abnormality, and mycotoxin exposures. Both of these associated factors are climate-dependent.

A systematic review of primary research was conducted in PubMed and WHO databases following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 191 studies were identified; 27 met the inclusion criteria, and 23 articles were selected and related to stunting, EED, and mycotoxins. Recently published clinical trials were unsuccessful at resolving EED with immunosuppressant, antiparasitic, or dietary therapies.

A stunting factor known to co-occur with EED is mycotoxin exposure from contaminated grains and groundnuts, although the pathway linking mycotoxin exposure to stunting is unclear. Current studies have evaluated influences of reducing exposure and removing mycotoxins from affected foods, although the results have been unclear. Research in EED and mycotoxicity is underway but remains elusive in mitigating childhood stunting. Climate change and environmental factors will further exacerbate both factors by increasing the difficulty of proper sanitation establishment and shortening the time food can be safely stored in humidity.

Efforts at reducing stunting, particularly among developing countries, need to focus on improved sanitation and mycotoxin eradication in the context of changing climates.

A large body of evidence suggests that the first 1000 d from conception is a critical window in which interventions to address malnutrition will be most effective, but little is known about the impact on linear growth of nutritional interventions in children ≥2 y of age. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of several nutrition-based interventions, specifically iron, zinc, calcium, iodine, vitamin A, multiple (≥2) micronutrients, protein, and food, at improving growth in children ≥2 y of age. A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE retrieved 7794 articles.

A total of 69 studies met prespecified inclusion criteria. Baseline height-for-age z score, age, nutrient dose, and study duration were examined as potential sources of heterogeneity. Zinc (mean effect size: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.24), vitamin A (0.05; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.09), multiple micronutrients (0.26; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.39), and protein (0.68; 95% CI: 0.30, 1.05) had significant positive effects on linear growth, with baseline height-for-age z score as a significant inverse predictor of the effect size. Iron, calcium, iodine, and food-based interventions had no significant effect on growth.

Age at baseline, study duration, and dose were not related to effect size for any nutrient examined. These findings suggest that zinc, vitamin A, multiple micronutrients, and protein interventions delivered after 24 mo of age can have a positive effect on linear growth, especially in populations that have experienced growth failure.

Evidence suggests that eating nuts may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating almond consumption and risk factors for CVD. MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau, and previous systematic reviews were searched from 1990 through June 2017 for RCTs of ≥3 wk duration that evaluated almond compared with no almond consumption in adults who were either healthy or at risk for CVD.

The most appropriate stratum was selected with an almond dose closer to 42.5 g, with a control most closely matched for macronutrient composition, energy intake, and similar intervention duration. The outcomes included risk factors for CVD. Random-effects model meta-analyses and subgroup meta-analyses were performed. Fifteen eligible trials analyzed a total of 534 subjects.

Almond intervention significantly decreased total cholesterol (summary net change: −10.69 mg/dL; 95% CI: −16.75, −4.63 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (summary net change: −5.83 mg/dL; 95% CI: −9.91, −1.75 mg/dL); body weight (summary net change: −1.39 kg; 95% CI: −2.49, −0.30 kg), HDL cholesterol (summary net change: −1.26 mg/dL; 95% CI: −2.47, −0.05 mg/dL), and apolipoprotein B (apoB) (summary net change: −6.67 mg/dL; 95% CI: −12.63, −0.72 mg/dL). Triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, apolipoprotein A1, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and lipoprotein (a) showed no difference between almond and control in the main and subgroup analyses.

Fasting blood glucose, diastolic blood pressure, and body mass index significantly decreased with almond consumption of >42.5 g compared with ≤42.5 g. Almond consumption may reduce the risk of CVD by improving blood lipids and by decreasing body weight and apoB. Substantial heterogeneity in eligible studies regarding almond interventions and dosages precludes firmer conclusions.

The main things mold needs to grow in a home are organic materials to feed on and moisture. In houses there are always plenty of organic materials for mold to live on such as wood, drywall and various other building materials.

Moisture, on the other hand, can be controlled practically and so keeping the moisture in your home low is the best way to prevent mold growth.

Prevent Mold by Preventing Moisture

Most molds need 24-48 hours of moisture to begin to grow. Therefore if a suitable material in your home is wet for more than 24 hours then you run the risk of mold starting to grow.

Prevent Mold by Preventing Water Leaks

There are a few main things which usually cause moisture problems in the home. One is water leaks. These include things such as leaking roofs or walls, leaking pipes and leaking taps or a leaking shower.

If you know of any leaks in your home you should fix them without delay. You might need to inspect your home to find any water leaks you didn’t know about.

Prevent Mold by Preventing Condensation

Condensation is another frequent cause of moisture. Condensation forms on cold surfaces when water vapor in the air cools and becomes liquid. Often you’ll see condensation on metal pipes, concrete walls, water tanks and windows.

One way to reduce condensation is to keep the temperature warmer in rooms. For example, by installing insulation. You can also insulate the surfaces themselves such as putting coverings over metal pipes. You’ll also have less condensation occurring if you keep the humidity in your home low.

Prevent Mold by Reducing Humidity

Dehumidifier

Many species of mold can begin to grow from humidity alone if the humidity stays high for long enough. In fact the humidity only needs to be higher than 55% before some molds can begin to grow.

The best way to keep humidity low in your home is through ventilation. Open the windows during the day, especially when it’s hot since this is when humidity is usually the lowest outside. Close your windows when it’s raining outside though.

It’s especially important to ventilate the rooms where steam and moisture builds up, like the kitchen and bathroom. Exhaust fans help to reduce the humidity when doing things like cooking or washing dishes.

Air conditioners can also reduce household humidity, as can using dehumidifiers in your home.

Wet Clothes and Preventing Mold

One common cause of moisture problems in homes is wet clothes. After you’ve washed your clothes you should immediately dry them. Don’t leave them sitting in a wet pile for a long time. Make sure not to leave any wet clothes lying around waiting to be washed too.

It’s best to dry your clothes outside on a clothes line if you can. Hanging them inside on a clothes horse or indoor clothes line will not dry them as quickly and the moisture from your clothes will evaporate into the air, raising the humidity. If you dry them in a clothes dryer inside your home then you should exhaust the air outdoors if possible. In either case make sure the room where you’re drying your clothes is well ventilated.

Mold and Clothes

Removing Mold

Once mold has begun to grow in your home it’s not enough to just take away the mold’s moisture source. Mold that runs out of moisture can lie dormant for a long time without dying. So if you already have mold growth in your home you need to take steps to have it removed.

Killing Mold
Mold Removal and Remediation

Mold Food Sources and Cleaning to Prevent Mold

Mold grows and feeds on organic substances such as wood or cotton. Mold should not grow on surfaces like plastic, metal or glass unless there is a layer of grease or some other organic substance which it can feed on.

Some materials mold commonly grows on in the home include wood, carpet, food, paper, insulation, wallpaper, paint, wallpaper glue, plasterboard, fabrics, cotton, books, leather, chipboard, furniture, dust, ceiling tiles, inside air conditioners and almost any other organic material.

You should clean regularly to reduce dirt and grime which mold can live on. Dust and vacuum often, ideally with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtered vacuum cleaner to remove dust and other substances that mold can grow off of. It has been found that 80% of mold grows on dust.

For more information about vacuum cleaners and mold visit Vacuum Mold.

Minimizing Mold Spores to Prevent Mold

Mold spores are everywhere in the air outside. They float through buildings all the time and there is no practical way to remove all mold spores indoors.

However if the concentration of mold spores inside is significantly higher than outside then it can start to cause health issues. A higher amount of mold spores also increases the potential for mold problems to start.

Mold spores enter homes through windows, doors, air ducts, etc. They can also be transported inside attached to skin, clothing, hair, pets, etc.

Although you cannot eliminate all mold spores inside your home or prevent all mold spores from entering, minimizing the amount of spores will prevent you from suffering mold related health problems and lessen the chance of mold beginning to grow in your home.

To minimize mold spores clean and dust often. Also vacuum your home regularly, preferably with a HEPA vacuum cleaner to remove mold spores. HEPA air filters in your home also help remove mold spores from the air.

Sunlight to Prevent Mold

Mold loves dark spaces indoors to grow in. Allowing sunlight in will reduce the chances of mold growing so open the curtains in rooms during the day to let natural light in.

Warmth and Preventing Mold

Mold generally does not grow in cold environments. Warm, humid conditions are ideal for mold growth. Most molds need temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) or more to grow.

What you can do instead?

You can use the leftover chicken in salads or sandwich, or re-cook the chicken on the stove on a very low flame.

2. Potatoes

How many times have you just reheated this food?

One of the most commonly used food item, potatoes are often used in most households during several meals in a day, sometimes, all the meals. But this is not the best practice.

You shouldn’t reheat it because

It is rich starchy food that has many health benefits.

When reheated it promotes the growth of botulism a rare bacteria. However, it can’t be killed by reheating in microwave. It may instead lead to food-poisoning.

What can you do instead?

The best way is it to re-cook them in a shallow pan.

3. Spinach

Popeye’s favourite food is very nutritious but you must avoid reheating them.

You shouldn’t reheat it because:

It contains a lot of nitrates which convert to nitrites when reheated, and nitrites are carcinogenic in nature.

What can you do instead?

You can either eat it after steaming it or just cool it quickly and keep it below 5 degrees celsius to prevent nitrite production.

4. Oil

Many times you reheat the leftover cooking oil and prepare pakodas not realising that it can greatly harm your body.

You shouldn’t reheat it because

You should know that your cooking oil should be heated at a low flame, thereby, helping it release less smoke.

In case you reheat previously heated oil, it is likely to release toxic fumes and harmful free-radicals.

What can you do instead?

The best way would be to discard the oil and not re-use it.

5. Beetroot

You shouldn’t reheat it because:

Beetroots just like spinach are nitrate-rich foods.

Reheating them converts nitrates to nitrites which is carcinogenic to the body and can also give you a stomach ache.

What can you do instead?

If there’s any leftover rather than reheating it’s better to eat it cold.

6. Rice

Rice is the most common leftover item in our kitchen and also most commonly reheated food.

However, it’s best to avoid reheating it in a microwave.

You shouldn’t reheat it because

Uncooked rice contains spores of bacteria and reheating it does not kill this bacteria.

So, if the rice is left standing at room temperature, the spores automatically multiply.

This may prove to be toxic and cause vomiting and even diarrhea.

What can you do instead?

Boil water and add the leftover rice to it.

Don’t over-boil the rice as it would become soggy.

You’ll find that the rice would look and taste as good as new.

7. Eggs

This staple breakfast food also should not be reheated.

Best known as a protein powerhouse, reheating boiled or scrambled eggs should be avoided.

You shouldn’t reheat it because

The protein in eggs is destroyed once it’s exposed to heat over and over again.

Also they become toxic and unfit for consumption once they have been cooked.

What can you do instead?

You can chop the boiled eggs and use them in a green salad.