Dr John Briffa's blog, A Good Look at Good Health — writing on food, cholesterol, weight, energy and the science behind everyday health, from the drbriffa.com archive. Filter by topic, browse by category, or search the library.
Herbal Medicine
I’ve often heard it said that while orthodox medicines essentially suppress the symptoms that come with illness and disease, naturally-oriented therapies are generally inclined to address their underlying cause. One branch of medicine in which these differing approaches seem aptly demonstrated is dermatology. Dermatologists have a vast array of medicaments in their armouries, most of […]
Healthy Eating
The potato is a versatile vegetable, and can surface in our diet in a variety of guises. Some of these, such as crisps and chips, are not held in high regard from a nutritional perspective. However, less fat-packed forms of potato are generally seen as healthy fare. Of all the sorts of spuds that may […]
Healthy Eating
For as long as I can remember, my mother and father have quietly resisted technological advances going on in the outside World. My parents were the last of my peer group to convert from black and white TV to colour, and to this day profess to finding no need at all for a video recorder. […]
Healthy Eating
I was somewhat alarmed to learn this month that more than three million Britons cannot get through the day without an alcoholic fix. Alcoholism tends to bring with it a cocktail of physical and psychological problems, and can have a devastating impact on personal and professional relationships too. Emotional issues are a common feature in […]
Healthy Eating
Budgeting has never been in my nature, so it’s no wonder I was unable to subsist on a measly student grant while at medical school. However, my parents made sure I never went hungry, and occasional sessions behind the bar brought in enough extra cash to keep me in booze and cigarettes. I do recall, […]
Healthy Eating
Barely a week seems to go by without the publication of a report or study extolling the health-boosting virtues of fish. Good news about fish abounds, it appears, so it’s no surprise that many of us are making a concerted effort to eat more of it. However, recent news that some fish species, including tuna, […]
Healthy Eating
A major nutritional dictum over the last few years has been the importance of getting five portions of fruit and vegetables past our lips every day. Despite the consistency of this message, the latest statistics show that only one in seven of us make the mark in this respect. Recently, the Government has had a […]
Exercise and Activity
The last couple of decades have seen doctors place increasing emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment of the thinning bone disease known as osteoporosis. Public awareness of this condition is so great, it seems that practically every middle-aged or elderly female patient I see in practice asks me about it, whatever their primary complaint. One […]
Healthy Eating
It won’t come as to much of a surprise that not all doctors share my enthusiasm for natural medicine. One common criticism other conventionally-trained medics have of complementary therapy is that it is unscientific and unproven. Personally, I would caution doctors against camping out on this particular high ground. The fact is, many medical practices […]
Healthy Eating
As Valentine’s day approaches, many of us will be venturing into speciality chocolate shops in search of an edible token of affection for that special someone in our lives. Top-notch boxes of chocolates have a sexy and seductive image, and are a classic accompaniment to a bunch of red roses or a romantic meal à […]