What's That Rash?

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Should you be avoiding nightshades?

Why are people with arthritis being told to stop eating potatoes, tomatoes and egg plants? Vegetables in the nightshade family have been under scrutiny for decades, but the fad of cutting them out of our diets has seen a recent resurgence. Norman and Tegan investigate where all this shade comes from, and whether there's any evidence to support it. References: Deadly Nightshade: A Botanical Biography Flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins: are these plant-derived compounds an alternative to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis? A literature review Risk assessment of glycoalkaloids in feed and food, in particular in potatoes and potato-derived products α-Solanine attenuates chondrocyte pyroptosis to improve osteoarthritis via suppressing NF-κB pathway Antioxidants in Potatoes: A Functional View on One of the Major Food Crops Worldwide

14 min
5 NOV

Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement?

We've been searching for a fountain of youth for millennia. How can we not only live longer, but live healthier for longer? Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is the latest anti-ageing candidate under the microscope. Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and whether supplements promising to boost NAD actually do what's advertised on the bottle. References: NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders What is really known about the effects of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in humans Dietary Supplementation With NAD+-Boosting Compounds in Humans: Current Knowledge and Future Directions The use of a systems approach to increase NAD+ in human participants Specific ablation of Nampt in adult neural stem cells recapitulates their functional defects during aging

18 min
29 OCT

How medical mysteries fed monster myths

Vampires and werewolves and zombies, oh my! Where did all these monsters come from? Undiagnosed medical conditions might have fuelled the mythology behind some of these creatures. Norman and Tegan delve into why vampires drink blood, why werewolves howl at the full moon and how a hex might have its intended effect. References: ABC's FrankenScience: Can Vampires Get Syphilis? and Witchcraft or Just a Placebo? All in the Mind: What's behind a paranormal experience? Porphyria and Vampirism—A Myth, Sensationalized Moon and Health: Myth or Reality? The undead in culture and science Reversibility of apoptosis in cancer cells Medical practice and placebo response: an inseparable bond?

18 min
22 OCT

Can't stop sneezing? What to do when hay fever hits

It’s hay fever season, and as you sniffle away next to an air purifier, you might be wondering why we haven’t cured such a common ailment. Allergic rhinitis, as it’s scientifically known, has plagued people for generations. It's thought up to 24 per cent of Australians suffer from it. Norman and Tegan run through what hay fever is, how we identified it and what can be done to treat it. References: Allergic Rhinitis: A Review O Rose thou art sick… history of allergic rhinitis I’m considering allergen immunotherapy for my hay fever. What do I need to know? Ingestion of honey improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: evidence from a randomized placebo-controlled trial The Potential use of Honey as a Remedy for Allergic Diseases: A Mini Review Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go?

18 min
15 OCT

What on earth is grounding?!

Many of us are disconnected from nature – we live in cities, work in offices, exercise indoors. There is a hypothesis that our disconnection from the earth itself – the ground – is causing a range of illnesses. But the people selling this hypothesis are also trying to sell you a range of expensive products. Norman and Tegan debunk a pseudoscience that has been gaining traction. References: Electrical Grounding Improves Vagal Tone in Preterm Infants Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence

17 min
8 OCT

MSG's messy myths and racist tropes

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer that often gets a bad wrap. You might know someone who swears it makes them sick, or you yourself might steer clear of foods unless they have that 'no added MSG' label. Norman and Tegan explain why the bad PR around MSG has more to do with shonky research and misconceptions than the ingredient itself. References: MSG in food - Food Standards Australia and New Zealand A review of the alleged health hazards of monosodium glutamate Monosodium glutamate sensitivity in asthma Chinese-Restaurant Syndrome - New England Journal of Medicine

19 min
1 OCT

Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol?

If you've found yourself in a particular corner of health and wellness TikTok, chances are you've heard all about cortisol. Influencers might be urging you to massage your face, stuff your mouth full of dates and even supplement your diet with sea moss. Norman and Tegan explain why some of that MIGHT make you healthier, but not in the way that you think. References Forgotten episodes of the birth of cortisone The effects of exercise intensity on the cortisol response to a subsequent acute psychosocial stressor Signalling cognition: the gut microbiota and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

19 min
24 SEPT

Is melatonin the answer to a good night's sleep?

If you've ever complained about a bad night's sleep, you might've been urged to take melatonin. It's a hormone our bodies naturally produce, and also a supplement that many claim can cure insomnia and leave you better rested. But Norman and Tegan tuck into all the reasons we shouldn't be taking melatonin lightly. References What do we really know about the safety and efficacy of melatonin for sleep disorders? Is melatonin safe for children? Quantity of Melatonin and CBD in Melatonin Gummies Sold in the US Clinical trial on the effect of regular tea drinking on iron accumulation in genetic haemochromatosis

19 min

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Get answers to the health questions everyone's asking. Our experts give you the information you need to feel good and make the best decisions for your brain and body.