Diet continues to be a cornerstone for managing raised lipids and reducing cardiovascular risk. More and more healthcare professionals and informed patients are looking for dietary interventions as a first step in correcting raised cholesterol before resorting to statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications.

With more men than women suffering from obesity in the UK, HCP’s need to know how to target weight loss advice for the male population. Jane DeVille-Almond, Senior Lecturer, University of Wolverhampton and Vice Chair, National Obesity Forum investigates effective ways to help your male patients manage their weight.

Wheat exclusion diets can have a significant impact on an individual’s health. Ana-Kristina Skrapac, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian, explores the differences between wheat allergy and intolerance, diagnostic tests and appropriate management - to guide health professionals to advise patients appropriately so fewer individuals avoid wheat for no reason.

A sprinkling of varying recommendations diluted with a concoction of myths and unknowns means consumers are typically confused about how to stay well hydrated and any associated benefits. The BNF hydration conference was an opportunity to bring these issues into the limelight.

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting over 2.8 million people in the UK. Penny Jackson, Diabetes Dietitian reviews the latest UK diabetes dietary recommendations and programmes to help you support patients to manage their diabetes efficiently.

The latest science and knowledge about nutrition, physical activity and cancer prevention was presented by experts from around the world at the 2010 WCRF International Conference. Elphee Medici, Registered Dietitian reports on the highlights from the event and on the suggestions made for influencing policy.

Set up to help prevent and manage growth of key diseases in the UK, Health Checks benefit from a multidisciplinary approach. Ruth Westerby, Clinical Lead CVD Risk & Stroke, explains the key issues Health Professionals need to appreciate for best practice in order to maximise the potential of the scheme.

Breast cancer remains the most common female cancer in the UK. Dr Pamela Magee, Ulster University interprets the latest scientific evidence for lifestyle and dietary intervention, separating myth from fact and provides practical advice on how your patient can help reduce their risk of breast cancer.

The Portfolio Diet is a powerful dietary intervention for cholesterol lowering. The combination of proven cholesterol lowering foods alongside a low saturated fat diet has yielded reductions in cholesterol levels similar to those observed with first generation statins. Elphee Medici, Registered Dietitian explores it's scientific evidence and practical applications.

The slimming club industry is thriving in the UK where millions of overweight and obese people are desperate to find a solution for their weight concerns. Lucy Vickers, Weight Watchers Nutritionist, sheds some light on how the Weight Watchers programme could be an effective solution for your patients.

Vitamin D deficiency, long forgotten in the UK, is resurfacing as a key concern especially amongst those with a reduced intake of food rich in vitamin D and reduced sun exposure. Dr Carrie Ruxton, Freelance dietitian presents an overview of the research surrounding vitamin D with practical advice for patients.

The role of health professionals becomes pivotal in the management of infants and children prescribed a dairy-free diet to ensure their critical nutritional needs for growth and development are not compromised.

The new National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme aims to provide a continuous snapshot of UK dietary habits. Mary Day, MSc Public Health Nutrition, Food Standards Agency explores findings from the first year, focusing on how far the nation has come since 2001 and key messages for healthcare professionals to help everyone eat a balanced diet.

Medical intervention alone can’t tackle heart disease. An integrated approach is needed. But for many, the support and services essential for key lifestyle changes aren’t connected. Alison Mead, Dietetic Director, Imperial College explains how for these people, the MyAction programme offers a unique approach to unify diet, physical activity and medical advice.

Prostate Cancer month 2010 reminds us that prostate cancer is still the most common male cancer in the UK. Kay Dilley, Nutritionist and Professor Margaret Rayman, University of Surrey and co-authors of ‘Healthy Eating: The Prostate Care Cookbook’, provide some top tips for key dietary changes to help your patients reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer.

Increasing concerns about food allergies and intolerances suggest a need for community based interventions. Carol Dungu, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian and James Gardner, Paediatric Allergy Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Royal Free Hospital discuss how a nurse led food allergy-intolerance service could provide effective medical advice and evaluation.

Would you recommend probiotics to patients? Experts from around Europe summed up the evidence at the BNF Conference in London, presenting the latest science and providing health professionals with practical know-how about recommending probiotics to their patients.

The search for effective lifestyle and diet alternatives for menopausal symptoms is growing.  Can diet and lifestyle really compete with pharmaceuticals and come out a winner?  Dietitian Elphee Medici investigates the evidence providing practical tips to help your patients optimise their diet and lifestyle for a healthier menopause.The search for effective lifestyle and diet alternatives for menopausal symptoms is growing. 

Helping Patients Prevent Prostate Cancer:  June is the Everyman Male Cancer Awareness month. Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in the UK. So what can health professionals advise? Latest research suggests that dietary changes may help patients reduce their risk of prostate cancer

Up to 20% of the general population may suffer from IBS. In addition to clinical symptoms. there is a finnacial burden for both the health service and to individuals who may lose a significant amount of time off work. Nutrition is thought to play a significant role. Professor Silk examines the latest evidence...