Today’s top health stories 21 April
April 21, 2015
Mindfulness therapy as powerful as anti-depressants
A new study has proved that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy has the same effect as anti-depressants. Mindfulness encourages individuals to be present in the moment. This technique specifically helps people who have recurring depression and stops them from having relapses. The trial showed that the rate of depression relapse using mindfulness was almost equal to the relapse rate in people taking anti-depressants.
Use of antidepressants during pregnancy could be the cause of anxiety in children
Research shows that mothers who take antidepressants during pregnancy increase the chance of their children experiencing anxiety later in life. The Norwegian study also showed that untreated depression also causes the child behavioural problems. A different study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology showed that more than 20 percent of women suffer from depression during pregnancy. Researchers claim therapies and counselling sessions are more effective for pregnant women than taking pills.
Source: The Independent
Too many vitamins can give you cancer
A study has revealed that taking too many vitamins can increase the risk of getting cancer and heart disease. Through the examination of research papers going back 30 years, Dr Tim Byers, leading cancer expert, looked into the three widely used supplements; vitamin E tablets, beta-carotene, and folic acid. Byers’ study indicated that people have a higher chance of getting cancer if they take too many supplements. “We have discovered that taking extra vitamins and minerals do more harm than good”, said Byers.