Study reveals the reason why processed foods trigger chronic kidney disease

Donuts are don'tnuts, being high in pro-inflammatory compounds.
A Monash led team has published research on not only how diet leads
to chronic kidney disease, but also how diet can reverse the damage.
A/Prof Melinda Coughlan explains: see video

A recent study led by Monash University diabetes researchers has shown that a diet high in processed foods brings on leaky gut syndrome, which in turn increases the risk of kidney disease.

In particular, the findings revealed that certain harmful chemical compounds called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), triggered by a process called the Maillard reaction, switch on the body's danger signals leading to an inflammatory response and chronic kidney disease, but by introducing foods containing a specialised fibre, the effects can be improved.

Participants sought: The use of prebiotics to lower blood pressure

Participants wanted for prebiotic fibre dietary study

Do you have high blood pressure but are not taking medication? We are looking for you to participate in a study investigating the effect of prebiotic fibre on blood pressure!

Diet has been long known to influence the levels of blood pressure. The body is incapable of digesting some types of fibre, so they are fermented in the gut, where they feed the body's community of ‘good’ microbes. This results in the release of substances that may be beneficial in lowering blood pressure. This study will test if a modified high fibre supplement could be used to lower blood pressure.

Healthy participants sought: A therapeutic diet to treat Crohn’s disease

Healthy volunteers sought for diet study

We are seeking healthy participants to assess a new diet that may be used to treat Crohn’s disease.

In this study we are investigating what effect some dietary components have on the intestine in healthy humans to help us understand what they might be capable of in Crohn's disease.

For this study we are seeking help from healthy volunteers

Not all fibres are created equally

Prebiotic fibre in legumes, garlic and onion may be better 
for your gut than some fruits and vegetables.

by Matt Jane

Diets including fibres found in legumes, garlic and onion may hold the key to a healthier gut according to a study conducted by Monash PhD student, Daniel So.

Through a detailed analysis and review of 64 papers, the study found that the consumption of prebiotic fibres would nourish and increase good bacteria in the gut resulting in a more harmonious digestive system.

Participants sought: Can a seaweed supplement reduce risk of diabetes?

We are looking for people to participate in a study to find out if eating a seaweed supplement can reduce your risk of diabetes.

· Are you between the ages of 18 and 65?

· Do you have a BMI less than 30 kg/m²?

· Are you interested in finding out about how your body handles sugar?

Big ideas: Costing natural capital - the $200 hamburger

Dr Raj Patel, economist and author of
The Value of Nothing

What does a hamburger really cost? If we factor in what's known as 'natural capital', we discover it's around $200. That is, the hidden costs of destroying and polluting the environment in the production processes. See more on "The Real Cost of a Hamburger" - Raj Patel: youtu.be/31HpaAYYn5k. See also Radio National, Big Ideas, "Can accountants save the planet?" Link

Odd spot: The cow in the room - an unpalatable truth about the main global warming driver

"Livestock production is responsible for 51% of global greenhouse emissions ... It's time to get serious about changing your diet."
+COWSPIRACY: the sustainability secret
One Green Planet blog link
If animal production is the biggest driver of greenhouse gas production, then one simple action of reducing our meat consumption will not only reduce the gas emission, but free up land for planting trees,  i.e. creating a carbon sink and taking greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere.

Participants sought: Does combining hypnotherapy and diet therapieshelp IBS sufferers more?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 15% of the population. While doctors are good at diagnosing IBS, they don't have a very good track record in fixing the problem. An abundance of 'cures' may well be touted in books and on the internet, but few of them have any scientific basis or have been proven to be effective.