A recent article in the Daily Mail Newspaper (26/09/2014) suggested that 'Eating a Curry a Day Helps Beat Dementia' which was too good a claim not to be investigated further.

Turmeric is an interesting herb.  A member of the Ginger family, it is widely used in Indian cooking and Ayurvedic medicine and is used in many supplements.  It contains a number of compounds that are known to be bio-active and are currently under intense investigation in the hope that they will be found to be useful for health.

A new study from Auckland has suggested a possible link between taking paracetamol in pregnancy and the later development of ADHD.

This is consistent with findings in an earlier study in Denmark and has triggered a review of the status of Paracetamol in pregnancy by Medsafe, the government agency that licences medication for use in New Zealand.

The study is published in the PLOS One journal and is available free for public perusal.

A patient recently asked if Cannabis oil might be used to cure a small skin cancer.

Never having been asked this before, a thorough review of the available literature was carried out, but sadly there have been absolutely no published clinical trials to date so it is impossible to recommend this treatment.

A new study published in the prestigious Annals of Internal Medicine has looked into the literature published to date and has come to the conclusion that the evidence to date does not support recommending the use of Omega 3 and 6 supplements whether as part of or in addition to a healthy diet. 

One of the key barriers to having a heart health check has always been the need to skip food for at least 6 hours before the blood test. 

New evidence suggests that this is not necessary any more so you can now have your cholesterol checked any time of day and you don't have to skip breakfast either!

Amber necklaces have been sold for several years now, with sellers claiming that they release soothing chemicals into the bloodstream when warmed by your baby's skin. 

They are advertised for relief of teething pain, colic and to improve sleep. 

Many parents receive them as gifts for their baby and a few feel thay they may actually be helpful, though most would admit they notice no change.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in June 2014 has shown that breakfast might not be the 'most important meal of the day' at least for those who are already overweight.

Just under 300 overweight or obese participants were asked to follow their usual daily routine, to fast until 11am or to have a breakfast.  There was no discernible weight loss difference between the groups though the breakfast group did tend to be more active.