Medical Diets

Q. Do psyllium husks lower cholesterol?

26 March 2014 by Catherine Saxelby

Q. Do psyllium husks lower cholesterol?

A. Yes. The outer husks from the seeds of Psyllium (Plantago ovato) are effective at lowering both the total cholesterol and the 'bad' LDL-cholesterol, as it's very concentrated in soluble fibre (with 70 per cent soluble fibre, it contains around 8 times more than oat bran which hit the headlines some years ago for the same reason). Soluble fibre helps to lower cholesterol by binding to the ‘bad' cholesterol and taking it out of the body.

Q. Which cheeses should I avoid to steer clear of Listeria?

21 March 2014 by Catherine Saxelby

Q. Which cheeses should I avoid to steer clear of Listeria?

THE QUESTION IN FULL Q. I am pregnant and wonder how do I know which cheeses are okay to eat? Help! A. Whilst rare, Listeria is a...

Q. Are there any hangover cures that actually work?

10 March 2014 by Catherine Saxelby

Q. Are there any hangover cures that actually work?

A. Everyone has their own hangover remedy - from effervescent B vitamins to greasy food the morning after - but there is little...

Q. How useful are zinc lozenges for stopping colds?

24 February 2014 by Catherine Saxelby

Q. How useful are zinc lozenges for stopping colds?

A. The cure for the common cold remains elusive, however that doesn't stop the list of ‘cures' from growing longer each winter. To...

Q: If nuts are high in fat why do I keep hearing they're good for my heart?

27 December 2013 by Catherine Saxelby

Q: If nuts are high in fat why do I keep hearing they're good for my heart?

A. Nuts are no longer considered just a salty party nibble like potato crisps and corn chips. Yes they're high in fat but are...

Q. Do all types of salt contain sodium? Is any one healthier than another?

12 November 2013 by Catherine Saxelby

Q. Do all types of salt contain sodium? Is any one healthier than another?

THE QUESTION IN FULL Q. We have been advised not to add salt to our food as my husband has high blood pressure. Do all types of salt...