House of Health

19/11/2025

Switching to a healthier way of eating isn't too hard .

It is increasing our risk of a range of chronic diseases, including obesity and depression, a major review says.

31/10/2025

Hormonal contraceptives under the spotlight.

In a nationwide Swedish study of over 2 million girls and women followed up for more than 21 million person-years, the use of hormonal contraceptives was associated with a 24% increased risk for breast cancer, with both combined and progestin-only formulations associated with increased risk. http://ms.spr.ly/6187tEdwW

31/10/2025

Users of e-cigarettes had increased odds of peptic ulcer disease compared to those who have never used them, a cross-sectional study found. http://ms.spr.ly/6185tDE5N

29/10/2025

Get out there!

23/10/2025

It might not be the gluten. But its so commonly villanised!

The findings of a landmark study have revealed that gluten sensitivity, which affects approximately 10% of the global population, is not actually about gluten but part of the way the gut and brain interact.

In the largest combined analysis, only a few tightly controlled trials found any real gluten reaction. Overall, people’s responses were no different from when they were given a placebo. This study is expected to set a new benchmark for how gluten sensitivity is defined, diagnosed and treated.

Tap through to read more → unimelb.me/3L3jDaQ

16/10/2025

Are you taking collagen, hoping it will result in improvements in wrinkles, skin elasticity and hydration? A recent analysis of the research showed that these effects were only significant among studies which had been funded by pharmaceutical companies.
My tip in the comments

Collagen supplements are promoted to help aging skin. However, no meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has examined their effects by funding source and study quality, which may influence outcomes.

15/10/2025

Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead
Protein supplements are wildly popular, but CR’s tests of 23 products found that more than two-thirds of them contain more lead in a single serving than our experts say is safe to have in a day.
While these brands are from the USA market it cannot be ruled out that the ones available here are any different.

CR tests of 23 popular protein powders and shakes found that most contain high levels of lead.

10/10/2025

How 20 minutes outside can reboot your hormones

Spending just 20 minutes in nature can lower blood pressure, heart rate and stress levels.

29/09/2025

Laboratory research shows dandelion root extract killed more than 90% of colon cancer cells within 48 hours, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The extract triggered multiple cell-death pathways, even in cancers lacking the tumor-suppressor gene p53. In mice, it also slowed tumor growth without toxicity. There are numerous studies, and as must have been done in the lab and in animal models, one must consider the results preliminary and human clinical trials are still needed.
Here's one of the many studies: Dandelion root extract affects colorectal cancer proliferation and survival through the activation of multiple death signalling pathways - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27564258/

Dandelion root helps with liver health (quadruples bile flow), helps fat metabolism, it's high in potassium, helps digestion, and it's a good coffee substitute. It helps to clear the lymph and blood of toxins as well. Great for acne, hormonal issues, constipation, brain fog, and so much more.

Best form for home preparation: Tea or Decoction

For Tea: 1-2 tbslp per cup of boiling water. Brew 10-15 mins

For Decoction: Use 4-5 Tablespoons of raw or roasted dandelion root per liter of water. Simmer for 20 min with the lid on and allow to cool. Strain and drink - start on 1/4 cup daily and increase slowly to 1 cup 2x a day.

To improve palatability you can add milk/ milk alternative, honey, molasses or liquorice root (add to the dandelion when brewing).

19/09/2025

There are other options to manage depression.
SSRI Use in Women Aged 42 to 52 Years Linked to Increased Fracture Risk

Initiation of SSRIs was associated with increased fracture risk among middle-aged women, while other antidepressants were not linked to increased risks.

17/09/2025

We love 'em!

Researchers in Canada have been studying the extract of dandelion root, a common plant long used in traditional medicine. Laboratory tests revealed that dandelion root extract can cause up to 95% of cancer cells to die within 48 hours, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This unique property has attracted attention as a possible natural therapy with fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
The initial studies, carried out at the University of Windsor, found promising results against leukemia cells and later expanded research to other cancer types, including colon and pancreatic cancers. Scientists believe that compounds in the root trigger apoptosis—a process where cancer cells “commit suicide” without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
Although the results are exciting, experts emphasize that this research is still at the laboratory stage. Large-scale human clinical trials are needed before dandelion root can be considered a proven treatment. Still, it highlights the importance of exploring natural substances in the fight against cancer, and how traditional remedies may hold untapped medical potential.