An always timely look back to 2007.
Can’t Possibly Be True Department
England’s hospital docs so rarely wash their hands between patients while on rounds that the UK’s Chief Medical Officer is recommending patients encourage them with hand cleanser at the ready bedside.
The Chief, Sir Liam Donaldson, is attempting to reduce the number of hospital acquired infections (nosocomial infections for you philology fans).
One patient every two minutes is infected, and one dies every two hours from nosocomial infection in UK hospitals.
Less than 60% are washing their hands between patients. Daily Telegraph, 7/19/07
I have so many snide comments to make here. But I’m going leave off.
This is simply too pathetic.
More encouragingly, from www.health.harvard.edu/LLLB we have:
“7 Simple Steps to Fend Off Harmful Inflammation”
However, chronic low-grade infection is involved in vascular disease, diabetes-- take your pick of chronic diseases, really.
The big offenders are smoking, lack of exercise, hi-fat/hi-cal meals, and processed foods.
The good folks at Harvard recommend you not wait for big pharma to pull your chestnuts out of the fire. (They even mention side-effects of drugs-- GASP)
“Simple changes
What you eat may fan the fires of inflammation. With some small changes — no crazy new foods involved — you can douse them.”
“Get an oil change”
Animal fat/saturated fat/trans fat promotes inflammation. Polyunsaturated fats decrease inflammation. Learn to love olive oil. Devour essential fatty acids.
“Don’t be so refined”
White flour/rice and sugar promote inflammation. It’s whole grains for you. No corn syrup.
Make it simple: Food pre-packaged with a shelf-life enabling a legacy to your grandchildren…do you really think you should be eating this stuff?
“Produce”
Fruits and veggies are anti-inflammatory. How often do we need to hear the eat-your-veggies mantra? Apparently daily, ‘cause we’re not getting our veg every day.
“Go Nuts”
Nuts and seeds are recommended anti-inflammatory foods.
Number six is a bad idea. Follow the link if you are desperate to know Harvard’s #6.
“Alcohol in Moderation”
Or not at all. Not like it is an important foodstuff anymore. In ages past when water supplies were suspect and B vitamins hard to come by, sure. Now its mostly trouble.
However: Drink ‘a day seems to lower inflammation. Several per day increases inflammation.
Probably should have skipped that one too. Added a couple of my own. But this is Harvard’s show, so, lastly--
“Spice it up”
Many herbs and spices are anti-inflammatory (and some inhibit bacteria and viruses). Salt is neither herb nor spice.
So there you have it (most of it).
This is partly the foundational dietary recommendations I’ve been giving to diabetics for a long time.
Loved this paragraph from a nutritionist.
“The average American’s diet is really dismal. With this in mind, I am surprised when any nutritional supplement study shows a beneficial outcome. How can giving a few milligrams of policosanol or allicin function to counteract 2,500 calories worth of disease promotion?”
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