Using Bokashi Composting to Improve the Nutrient Value of Crops: A Sustainable Approach to Food and Nutrition Security

August 7, 2024 As we aim to improve the nutrient value of food crops to combat malnutrition in all its forms, there is a growing need for innovative approaches to soil management. One such method is bokashi composting. The technique originates from Japan and has shown remarkable promise in various parts of the world. Bokashi translates to "fermented organic matter". It is a …

School Feeding Programs Drive Development and Gender Equity: the Time to Scale-up is Now

Do you work for a development agency, or in the public health, agriculture or gender equality sector? Please spare less than five minutes to complete this survey. Your participation will be greatly appreciated. * * * Research shows that providing children with a meal at school can significantly boost attendance; yet the benefits do not …

Eating Away the Pain: Using Diet & Supplements to Manage Osteoarthritis

Please spare less than 5 minutes to complete this survey on Healthy Aging & Disease Prevention Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that remains a major concern as we grow older, particularly among women.  The chronic and often debilitating condition affects millions of people globally, causing joint pain, stiffness, and impaired mobility. Anyone suffering from osteoarthritis can testify to the …

Climate change and nutrition action: Is there a pathway to healthier and more resilient communities?

Do you work for a development agency in the public health, agriculture, or related sector? Please spare less than five minutes to complete this survey. Your participation will be greatly appreciated. * * * As the world battles with the far-reaching consequences of climate change, one area that demands our urgent attention is the cross-cutting connection between climate and …

Pros and Cons of a Vegan Diet: Impacts on Physical and Mental Health

A vegan diet can work wonders for avoiding major health risks including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. However, vegans are prone to nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin B12 and zinc, which can lead to poor mental health outcomes, particularly among those most at risk. #veganism #mentalhealth #nutritionpsychiatry

Rethinking Phytates: The Misunderstood Compounds in Plant Foods

#DaveAsprey, the American author and advocate for low-carb, high-fat diets, has vilified hashtag#phytates and urges people to avoid them completely. In my opinion, his justification for this is a monumental oversimplification of the complex role of phytates that overlooks their potential health benefits. hashtag#Nutritionpsychiatry

Lifestyle Factors that Sabotage Nutrient Absorption and Mental Health: A Call for Personalized Nutrition

The absorption of nutrients from food and supplements by the gastrointestinal tract is essential for nourishing the body. However, several lifestyle factors can hinder this process, preventing us from reaping the full benefits of our diet. Poor nutrient uptake not only deprives the body of vital micronutrients but also disrupts the gut microbiome and inhibits the transport …

Paying for Peace of Mind: A Micronutrient Approach to Anxiety Management

Anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide, and for some, they can be quite debilitating. While medications and therapy can help manage symptoms, researchers are exploring alternative approaches, including nutritional interventions. Evidence suggests supplementation with certain micronutrients may alleviate anxiety by supporting gut and brain health. Direct Effects on The Gut Carnosine and Anserine Carnosine and anserine …

Obesity, Diet, and Anxiety: The Role of the Vagus Nerve in this Puzzle

 In mental health research, considerable attention is being paid to the vagus nerve, which is identified as a communication superhighway between the gut and the brain. The vagus nerve is the longest nerve of the body, carrying brain communication to and from the brainstem, which influences anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Understanding the two-way vagus nerve communication between …

Autism and the Overlooked Influence of the Gut-Brain Axis

Given the profound influence the gastrointestinal tract has on brain development and function, it is unsurprising that research has unveiled disruption in the microbiome-gut-brain axis among people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Gastrointestinal problems are commonly observed in those with ASD, with up to 90% of children on the spectrum experiencing chronic gut issues including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating. These symptoms …