No one needs folic acid fortification

 The British government plans to add synthetic folic acid to all white flour sold in the UK from December 2026, despite concerns that it may be injurious to health.

Dr. Clare Craig argues that there is no evidence of a widespread folate deficiency in the UK population, and that adding folic acid to flour is not correcting a deficiency but rather acting like a drug.

From 13 December 2026, the UK government is mandating mass medication of the public with synthetic folic acid added to non-wholemeal wheat flour. Dr. Clare Craig has been publishing a series of articles to explain what we need to know about folic acid.

In 1875, the UK Parliament made it a criminal offence to adulterate flour. The Sale of Food and Drugs Act of that year was written in answer to a scandal that had been building for decades. Bakers bulked out their flour with alum, chalk and plaster of Paris, and on occasion with sawdust.

In 1861, Dr. Edward Lankester told the Royal Society of Arts that 87 per cent of the bread and 74 per cent of the milk sold in London was adulterated. The Act was intended to end all adulteration; its long title promised “better provision for the Sale of Food and Drugs in a pure state”.

Section 3 made it an offence to “mix… any article of food with any ingredient or material so as to render the article injurious to health”, with a second conviction punishable by being “imprisoned for a period not exceeding six months with hard labour.”

Section 6 forbade selling any food “not of the nature, substance, and quality of the article demanded.”

The principle was that you do not tamper with the staple food of the nation.

One hundred and fifty-one years later, the British government is about to add a substance known to be injurious to health – folic acid – to our flour....<<<Read More>>>....

Cognitive Signs May Indicate Insufficient Sleep, Experts Say

 Cognitive changes such as increased forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and irritability may be among the first signs of sleep deprivation, according to sleep specialists. Approximately 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders or insufficient rest, according to a report published by NaturalNews.com. Many individuals dismiss fatigue as a minor inconvenience rather than a symptom of a serious health threat, the report stated.

Experts recommend consulting a healthcare provider if cognitive symptoms persist. Persistent cognitive issues may indicate underlying sleep disorders or other medical conditions, according to officials...<<<Read More>>>...

Dirty soda disaster: What’s really hiding in that trendy drink

Dirty sodas can contain 55 to 70 grams of sugar per serving, more than double the daily limit.

The trend originated in Utah as a coffee alternative for those avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

Major chains like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo have added dirty soda options to their menus.

Doctors warn the drinks cause blood sugar spikes, addiction, and increased risk of chronic disease.

Health experts recommend treating dirty sodas as occasional desserts, not regular beverages.

The latest beverage trend sweeping America looks innocent enough. It arrives in a tall cup filled with pebble ice, topped with cream, and often garnished with fruit. But what’s inside that glossy cup is anything but clean. Known as the “dirty soda,” this concoction combines traditional soft drinks with flavored syrups, creamers, fruit juices and other garnishes. The result is a sweet beverage that blends elements of a soda, mocktail and dessert. And doctors across the country are sounding alarms....<<<Read More>>>...

From the day we are born, our health is determined by our gut

Your immune system and gut microbiome share a symbiotic relationship and your immune function is largely dependent on the state of your gut.

More than 99% of your genes come from microbes, not your chromosomes.

The best predictor of future health is your gut microbiome at birth. C-section and antibiotic regimens – both in the mother and the baby – are known to degrade the baby’s microbiome, but can be compensated for.

Healthy microbiomes are more connected to what your ancestors had that has been lost through short-sighted practices and technology installations. Trying to head toward that is much more constructive than trying to completely overhaul something to a group of microbes your ancestors never saw.

Aside from the vaginal tract, the baby also receives valuable microbes via skin-to-skin contact, including oral contact with breast tissue, as well as from the breast milk, which is why breastfeeding is so important and impacts your child’s health well into the future. Environmental exposures from soil, food and animals also play a role....<<<Read More>>>....

Could This Common Mineral Help Stop Migraines Before They Start?

Migraines affect more than a billion people worldwide, yet many sufferers never discover what may be contributing to their attacks. Growing research suggests that low levels of magnesium — an essential mineral involved in nerve function, energy production and blood vessel regulation — may be one overlooked factor.

Studies have found that people who experience migraines often have lower magnesium levels than those who do not, raising questions about whether nutrient deficiencies may play a larger role in headache disorders than previously recognized.

Researchers believe magnesium may help support healthy brain function by blocking certain pain signals, helping regulate blood vessel activity and reducing neurological changes associated with migraine aura.

Some studies have found that magnesium supplementation may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, particularly among people who experience migraines with aura. In one trial, magnesium performed similarly to a commonly prescribed migraine medication for prevention, without serious side effects.

While magnesium is not a magic cure, the findings highlight the importance of addressing underlying nutritional status rather than simply masking symptoms. Factors such as poor diet, chronic stress, certain medications and digestive issues can all contribute to magnesium depletion over time. For many people, restoring healthy magnesium levels through diet and appropriate supplementation may offer a simple strategy to help support neurological health and reduce migraine burden naturally...<<<Read More>>>...

Want to sleep through the night? Add this to your evening meal

 A cross-sectional study of approximately 4,600 adults found a significant link between higher potassium intake and fewer insomnia symptoms, with the timing of consumption at dinner being crucial.

Unlike sodium, which showed no strong connection to sleep issues, potassium helps regulate nighttime blood pressure and promote muscle relaxation, key factors for restorative rest.

Researchers hypothesize that consuming potassium at the evening meal is most impactful because it helps regulate nighttime blood pressure and facilitates relaxation during pre-sleep hours.

Potassium-rich foods like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, avocado, white beans and bananas are accessible and delicious options to incorporate into dinner for a natural sleep boost.

A balanced intake of potassium is crucial for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle, making dietary adjustments at dinner a safe and effective strategy for better sleep.

If counting sheep isn't cutting it, you might want to take a closer look at what's on your dinner plate. Research suggests that one simple nutrient—potassium—could play a powerful role in helping you drift off and stay asleep through the night.

A recent cross-sectional study involving approximately 4,600 adults has uncovered a surprising link between diet and sleep quality, and the findings point squarely at the humble mineral potassium....<<<Read More>>>...

Salt is not bad for you, but too little salt is

 For 50 years, medicine has waged a misguided war against critical sources of health like salt and sunlight while avoiding discussing the real causes of diseases. Because of this, the dangers of salt are relentlessly focused on despite evidence not supporting them.

In parallel, the extreme dangers of consuming too little salt are rarely discussed in the medical field – despite dangerously low sodium being one of the most common conditions seen in hospitalised patients, and chronically low sodium greatly increasing one’s risk of dying.

The war against salt originated from the belief that salt raises blood pressure, despite the evidence showing it doesn’t.

Many of the foundational beliefs around high blood pressure are not supported by the existing data, leading to situations where patients are routinely medicated to blood pressures far below what is safe, significantly reducing their quality of life and increasing their risk of severe injuries or death.

Salt restriction creates many similar complications to dangerously low blood pressures (e.g., fatigue, lightheadedness, erectile dysfunction). Because of this, many find their health and energy dramatically improve once they start consuming healthy salts....<<<Read More>>>....

The dementia myth: One of the biggest medical scandals in history

 Dementia is not a normal part of the ageing process. Dementia is neither a natural nor an inevitable consequence of ageing.

And dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are not synonymous. Dr. Vernon Coleman believes that the “dementia and Alzheimer’s are the same” narrative is one of the biggest medical scandals in history.

Dementia itself is not a disease and in most cases, the causes of the symptoms described as dementia can be cured.

“To claim that dementia is incurable is as absurd as saying that all people with broken legs will never walk again or that all patients with chest infections will die. It is cruel, manipulative scaremongering, and those who repeat this nonsense should be ashamed of themselves and their ignorance,” Dr. Coleman says....<<<Read More>>>...

Methylene blue has been shown to shrink cancer tumours

 Methylene blue has been shown to shrink tumours and slow cancer growth by targeting cancer cell metabolism and energy production.

Photodynamic therapy with methylene blue uses light activation to destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed, making it a more precise treatment option.

Research on ovarian cancer found that methylene blue forces tumours to shift away from their preferred energy source, making them more vulnerable to treatment.

Unlike chemotherapy, methylene blue treatment does not cause significant side effects or toxicity, making it a promising option for patients with drug-resistant cancers.

Proper dosing is important. Just 5 milligrams of pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue per day is enough to reduce cellular stress and support mitochondrial health....<<<Read More>>>...

Anti-Parasitic Drugs Linked to Tumor Regression in Survey, Researcher Says

 A survey cited by Dr. Harvey Risch, a Yale epidemiologist, found that 48% of respondents with tumors who used anti-parasitic drugs reported tumor regression or disappearance, according to a video report published by Just the News. Dr. Risch presented the findings in the April 25, 2026 broadcast, stating that the survey included an unspecified number of patients. The results have not been independently verified, the report stated.

The survey was not a controlled clinical trial but represented real-world patient reports, Dr. Risch said in the video. He noted that the data warrant further investigation.....<<<Read More>>>...

Creatine for the brain: Study reveals surprising boost in memory, focus and mental speed

 Creatine, traditionally used for muscle strength and recovery, is now being studied for its potential brain health benefits, including improved memory, focus and mental processing.

A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials found that creatine monohydrate can significantly enhance cognitive performance across multiple areas.

Supplementation was linked to measurable gains: memory improved by 14%, processing speed by 19%, and attention by 13%.

Benefits were seen in both short- and long-term use, with adults aged 18–60, women, and those with health conditions showing the most noticeable improvements.

Typically taken at 5 grams daily, creatine may support cognitive resilience by boosting brain energy production, making it a simple addition for both mental and physical performance.

Creatine has long been associated with gym culture—shakers, strength gains and post-workout recovery. But emerging research suggests this well-known supplement may offer benefits far beyond muscle performance. Increasingly, scientists are turning their attention to creatine's potential role in brain health, with promising findings that link it to improvements in memory, focus and mental processing....<<<Read More>>>...

The FDA’s War on Healing: How They’re Coming for Your BPC-157 and Why You Must Act Now

For years, the cumulative damage from decades of martial arts training lingered as a low-grade, ever-present pain. A damaged finger and a back that protested at the thought of a jog were my constant companions. I was deeply committed to nutrition, consuming an abundance of anti-inflammatory superfoods and supplements, yet I couldn't seem to cross the threshold from chronic pain to genuine healing. The Western medical system offered me little beyond the standard dead-ends: painkillers to mask the symptoms or invasive surgeries that promised new scars and risks without addressing the root cause. As someone whose entire career is built on promoting natural, self-reliant health, I refused to accept that dependency was my only option.

I discovered the core problem was circulation. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that if blood cannot reach injured tissue, healing will not occur, no matter how perfect your nutrition. Despite using techniques like cupping and specific anti-inflammatory nutrition, the scar tissue in my ligaments remained starved of the vital blood supply needed for repair. That all changed when I began using BPC-157. Within weeks of starting an intranasal spray regimen, I felt a profound shift. The stiffness receded, the chronic ache faded, and I was able to start jogging again. This peptide didn't just mask my pain; it solved the fundamental circulatory problem that nutrition alone, as comprehensive as mine was, could not fix. My journey from being unable to jog a quarter-mile to completing full workouts and regaining nearly 100% grip strength in my injured finger within a year stands as a personal testament to its power....<<<Read More>>>...

The silent saboteur: How your chair undermines your health

Prolonged sitting, even for those who exercise regularly, poses a significant, independent risk to long-term health and mobility.

It can degrade proprioception—the body's internal spatial awareness system—leading to poorer balance and coordination.

This creates a "physical activity paradox," where structured workouts do not fully offset the damage from hours of daily stillness.

The solution lies in frequent, low-intensity movement breaks to interrupt sedentary periods throughout the day.

Prioritizing this "movement variety" is crucial for maintaining mobility, preventing falls and supporting cognitive health with age.

In an era where fitness trackers count steps and gym memberships are a badge of honor, a stealthy health threat persists: the chair. For the millions of office workers, commuters and homebodies who spend most of their waking hours seated, a growing body of research delivers an unsettling message. Meeting recommended physical activity guidelines with regular exercise, while beneficial, does not fully counteract the physiological damage inflicted by prolonged sitting. This revelation, emerging from contemporary studies, challenges the conventional fitness wisdom and underscores a critical gap in modern wellness strategies. The "why" this matters is rooted in the very design of the human body, which thrives on movement, not stillness. The "who" is virtually anyone in a technology-driven, sedentary society. The "when" is now, as cumulative daily inactivity compounds over years. The "where" is everywhere we sit—offices, cars and living rooms. And "what happened" is science identified a paradox: you can be both active and at risk....<<<Read More>>>...

Study Finds Peppermint Tea Improves Memory, Attention in Healthy Adults

 A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial found that a single cup of peppermint tea produced measurable improvements in memory and attention in healthy adults, according to a study published in May 2025 in the journal Human Psychopharmacology. Researchers at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom observed that drinking 200 milliliters of brewed peppermint tea led to better scores on cognitive tests compared to a placebo group.

The study also recorded increased oxygenated blood flow to the brain's prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for focus and decision-making, within a short window after consumption.

Neither the cognitive improvement nor the increased cerebral blood flow was observed in the placebo group, the study stated. Researchers noted that the effects appeared to operate independently of each other, suggesting peppermint may influence brain function through multiple biological pathways simultaneously. The findings indicate that a standard mug of peppermint tea is sufficient to produce these acute effects on brain performance and physiology....<<<Read More>>>...

Grapes: The underrated superfood packed with over 1,600 health-boosting compounds

 Grapes contain over 1,600 bioactive compounds, including resveratrol, quercetin, flavonoids and catechins, which work synergistically to support heart health, brain function, digestion, immunity and longevity—outperforming many isolated supplements.

Rich in resveratrol and polyphenols, grapes help lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol and protect against strokes. They also enhance memory, focus and mood while guarding against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Grapes promote a healthy microbiome by feeding beneficial gut bacteria and contain antimicrobial compounds like resveratrol to combat pathogens, strengthening both digestion and immunity.

Grapes activate longevity-linked sirtuin genes, repair UV-induced DNA damage, boost collagen production and stabilize blood sugar despite their sweetness, aiding weight management.

Experts recommend 1-3 servings daily (¾–1½ cups) for optimal benefits. While generally safe, moderation is advised to avoid digestive discomfort, and grapes should be cut for young children to prevent choking.

A growing body of scientific research is positioning grapes as one of nature's most potent superfoods, with over 1,600 bioactive compounds that work synergistically to enhance heart health, brain function, digestion, immunity and even longevity. Unlike isolated supplements, grapes deliver a complex nutritional matrix that promotes wellness in ways single extracts cannot replicate.

A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry highlights grapes' extraordinary health benefits, challenging conventional superfood rankings that often favor berries like blueberries and acai....<<<Read More>>>...

The forgotten root vegetable that scientists say could fight cancer, diabetes, and heart disease

Turnips are ancient vegetables historically associated with poverty.

Modern science reveals they are nutritional powerhouses from root to leaf.

They contain cancer-fighting compounds and improve blood sugar and heart health.

The greens are exceptionally rich in vitamins and support bone and gut health.

They are versatile in cooking and deserve a place in modern diets.

For centuries, the humble turnip has been tossed aside, both literally and figuratively. Romans hurled them as insults, Dickens used the name as a slur, and they became a symbol of poverty in classic literature. But modern nutritional science is now forcing a dramatic reappraisal of this ancient root vegetable. Buried beneath its unassuming appearance lies a powerhouse of disease-fighting compounds, versatile culinary potential, and benefits that extend from its crisp root to its leafy green tops. It turns out our ancestors were sitting on a goldmine of nutrition and failed to recognize it.

This isn't just another health fad. Turnips are among the world's oldest cultivated vegetables, yet they remain tragically underutilized. The prejudice is deep-seated, rooted in "classical classism" where turnips were seen as second-class, poor people's food. This historical baggage has obscured the fact that both the turnip root and its greens are edible, safe to eat, and praised for their health-promoting effects....<<<Read More>>>... 

Food for Thought #997

 

Vitamin B12 Deficiency is probably the commonest cause of dementia and probably the easiest to cure

 Vitamin B12 deficiency is estimated to affect 3-5% of the population, with some suggesting it could be as high as 10%.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition that can cause physical and mental symptoms. Symptoms that are common with and are often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease or multiple sclerosis (“MS”).

Many patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or MS could be cured with vitamin B12 injections, Dr. Vernon Coleman writes, but doctors often fail to test for vitamin B12 deficiency. Another factor in missing a vitamin B12 deficiency diagnosis is the pharmaceutical industry’s influence on the medical establishment. Vitamins are unpatented. Vitamins are not profitable to the pharmaceutical industry....<<<Read More>>>...

Could combining melatonin and ashwagandha improve sleep and reduce stress? Experts weigh in

 Melatonin helps regulate sleep cycles, particularly for insomnia and jet lag. Ashwagandha reduces stress and cortisol levels, indirectly improving sleep quality.

No conclusive scientific proof that combining melatonin and ashwagandha enhances effects beyond taking them separately.

Ashwagandha may be unsafe for those with autoimmune disorders, thyroid issues or certain medications (e.g., diabetes, blood pressure drugs). Melatonin can interact with blood thinners, antidepressants and immunosuppressants.

Start with one supplement (melatonin for sleep, ashwagandha for stress). Track effects before considering combination use. Improved sleep may reduce stress (or vice versa), eliminating the need for both.

Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially with pre-existing conditions or medications. Prioritize safety, moderation and lifestyle changes alongside supplementation. "Natural" does not always mean risk-free—personalized assessment is critical.

For millions struggling with sleep disorders and chronic stress, natural supplements like melatonin and ashwagandha have become go-to solutions. Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body, is widely used to regulate sleep cycles, while ashwagandha—an ancient Ayurvedic herb—has gained popularity for its stress-relieving properties.

But what happens when these two supplements are taken together? While some users report enhanced benefits, experts caution that scientific evidence supporting their combined use remains limited.

Melatonin supplements are well-established for addressing insomnia and jet lag by helping reset the body's circadian rhythm. Studies confirm that melatonin can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, particularly in individuals with disrupted sleep patterns. Meanwhile, ashwagandha has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to combat stress and anxiety. Emerging research suggests it may also indirectly improve sleep by reducing cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone....<<<Read More>>>....

NCI studying ivermectin's 'ability to kill cancer cells'

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the federal research agency charged with leading the war against the nation's second-largest killer, is studying ivermectin as a potential cancer treatment, according to its top official.

"There are enough reports of it, enough interest in it, that we actually did -- ivermectin, in particular -- engage in sort of a better preclinical study of its properties and its ability to kill cancer cells," said Anthony Letai, MD, PhD, who was appointed NCI director by the Trump administration in September.

Letai did not cite new evidence that might have prompted the institute to research the effectiveness of the antiparasitic drug against cancer. The drug, largely used to treat people or animals for infections caused by parasites, is a popular dewormer for horses.

"We'll probably have those results in a few months," Letai said. "So we are taking it seriously."

He spoke about ivermectin at a Jan. 30 event, "Reclaiming Science: The People's NIH," with National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, and other senior agency officials at Washington, D.C.'s Willard Hotel. The MAHA Institute hosted the discussion, framed by the "Make America Healthy Again" agenda of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The National Cancer Institute is the largest of the NIH's 27 branches....<<<Read More>>>...