Dr Somi Igbene is a biomedical scientist and registered associate nutritionist with the association for nutrition. She holds a bachelor’s degree (first-class honours) in Biomedical Science from Kings College London, a master’s degree (distinction) in Human Nutrition from St Mary’s University Twickenham, and a PhD in cell and molecular immunology from Imperial College London. Somi is passionate about promoting health and wellness in the Black community. She has a keen interest in type 2 diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, and weight management.
-
A Healthy Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Evidence-Based)
Read moreIt’s National Arthritis Awareness week in the UK, and I feel it’s a great time to write about how diet affects rheumatoid arthritis. Even though the focus should be on what to eat to prevent or reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, most people are more concerned about what food to avoid. If you’re one of those, I will tell you right now. According to existing scientific evidence, the foods and nutrients…
-
Sticking to Anti-inflammatory Diet Reduces Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Read moreStrictly sticking to an anti-inflammatory diet reduces inflammation in people with well-controlled rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new study by Swedish researchers. The study, “Proposed anti-inflammatory diet reduces inflammation in compliant, weight-stable patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a randomised controlled crossover trial,” was published in The Journal of Nutrition. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune (when the body attacks itself) condition that affects up to 1% of the Western population. It causes…
-
The DASH Diet Plan for Hypertension (with food lists)
Read moreThe DASH diet plan, which scientists originally designed to lower blood pressure, is a healthy eating plan that emphasises vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean meats, especially poultry, fish, nuts and seeds. It limits saturated fats, salt and processed foods such as sweets. High blood pressure (hypertension) is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of premature death worldwide. While hypertension rates are reducing in developed…
-
DASH Diet and Regular Exercise Lowers Treatment-Resistant High Blood Pressure
Read moreA structured dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet plan with regular aerobic exercise can significantly lower blood pressure in people with treatment-resistant high blood pressure (hypertension), a new randomised clinical trial (NCT02342808) suggests. Notably, regular behaviour change counselling sessions were equally essential because participants who had regular counselling sessions with the structured diet and exercise programme reduced their blood pressure by over 5 mm Hg more than participants who…
-
Curried Cod Coconut Rice
Read moreCan’t get your kids to eat fish? Then you must try this kid-approved curried cod coconut rice recipe, specifically engineered for optimum flavour with minimal fishiness! Fish is a very controversial food in my household. Some of us love it, while the others can’t stand it! Generally, the adults are agreeable. But the kids? Another story entirely! I know how crucial fish is to health, so I’ve been concerned about…