Earth Essences.Com

Eating fish could lead to ‘vision loss' due to ‘toxic effects' - expert on worst offenders

Fish are undoubtedly a powerful staple of the healthy Mediterranean diet but this food can also contain traces of a harmful neurotoxin called mercury. Fortunately, not all fish are high in this tricky compound but consuming too much could put a strain on your eyes, according to an expert.

Packed with omega-3 fatty acids while serving a pungent flavour beloved by many, fish are usually touted for their various health benefits.

However, their natural habitat can contain mercury which is converted to methylmercury by bacteria and other processes, leaving fish exposed to this culprit in their food and in water as it passes over their gills.

Considered a "major public health concern", mercury that naturally occurs in water can lead to a slew of health complications targeting lungs, kidneys, skin and even your eyes, according to the World Health Organization.

Worryingly, consuming fish rich in this neurotoxin could even lead to vision loss, according to Dr Rabia Bourkiza, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at OCL Vision.

Dr Bourkiza said: "Mercury in high levels can cause optic neuropathy, which manifests initially by disturbance in colour vision.

"[This is] followed by peripheral vision loss and then ultimately more severe, central vision loss.

"Mercury is found in certain fish commonly caught in polluted waters."

The study also highlighted that chronic exposure to the harmful element may result in "peripheral vision loss", followed by a "more severe central vision loss".

The researchers looked at 31 battery factory workers who were regularly exposed to the neurotoxin and 15 healthy non-factory employees for comparison.

Blood samples of the subjects were able to determine the mercury levels in their bodies.

From insomnia to fatigue, mercury stirred up various health problems in the participants.

The team concluded that chronic exposure to mercury has toxic effects on the back of your eye as well as the optic nerve neuronal fibres.

According to the eye expert, the good news is that not all fish are high in the harmful element.

Dr Bourkiza said: "The risk will depend on how much and what types of fish you eat.

"As a general rule, larger and longer-lived fish tend to contain the most mercury, as well as fish that eat other fish to survive.

"Swordfish, shark, king mackerel and fresh tuna are some of the species most likely to contain higher levels of mercury.  

The NHS recommends eating at least two portions of fish a week.© GETTY

"It is difficult to assess just how much of these types of fish needs to be eaten for them to be toxic, but if you were eating it every day, or at least several times a week, you would be more at risk."

"Certain waters around the world also contain higher levels of mercury than others, such as the Caribbean.

"If you are eating these fish, find out where they come from and make sure you buy them from a trusted source that knows how to properly prepare them."

Despite this risk, fish remain a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins. Therefore, the NHS recommends eating at least two portions of fish a week, including one portion of oily fish.

"Although it's not common, the impact of mercury on your eye health is definitely something to be aware of," the expert added. 

Reference: Daily Express: Story by Diana Buntajova •

Ask an expert: Which parts of Alfalfa are edible to humans?

Alfalfa sprouts image

Reference: Story by Marcelli F. Chagas, Livia Dickson Chen, Cassia D Muller, Carolina Castro, Hannah Purtle • Tuesday

How A Common Chemical Can Increase Your Uterine Fibroid Risks

Almost every week, it seems as if scientists discover that a product that millions of women use is actually extremely harmful to our health. From cancer-causing baby powder to toxic chemicals that exist in menstrual products, products that have been marketed towards women or are necessary for our well-being often harm women more than they help them, reports Verywell Health.

In recent times, studies have shown that hair products such as dry shampoo contain harmful chemicals that can cause certain blood cancers, according to the Los Angeles Times. Research even shows that hair relaxers can increase the risk of breast cancer, per PBS, although Black women have known that lye relaxers are dangerous for their health for ages.

The phenomenon of women knowing what is bad for our health before science acknowledges it is unfortunately too common. This occurs due to the lack of research or care for issues that affect women and those with female anatomy that has persisted in science for years, says Fortune.

Now, new research shows that a common chemical found in many products can increase the risk of uterine fibroids in women. 

What Chemical Increases The Risk Of Uterine Fibroids?

 

Basket of cleaning products© Natali _ Mis/Shutterstock

According to the Mayo Clinic, uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors on and in the uterus that can cause symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, constant urination, pain during sex, and back pain. However, they don't always cause symptoms. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, chemicals found in plastics called phthalates can potentially cause uterine fibroids.

Harvard School of Public Health states that phthalates are a family of compounds that are found in many household items, such as food packaging, shampoo, detergents, and shower curtains.

The study found high levels of DEHP, a phthalate, in the urine of women who have symptomatic fibroids. After discovering that, the researchers examined primary cells in the fibroids of the women. They observed the existence of MEHHP, which comes from a breakdown of DEHP. This breakdown led to tumor growth, according to the research.

Due to the fact that there are so many types of phthalates in everyday items, they're hard to ban. WebMD explains that there are multiple kinds of phthalates, such as BBP, DEHP, and DiDP. One of the authors of the study, Dr. Serdar Bulun, told U.S. News to stay away from plastic products and containers as much as possible, opting for glass instead. He also recommends staying away from products containing PVC.

According to UCSF Health, routine check-ups with a gynecologist will help you to identify fibroids and determine whether they are a risk to your health. 

Reference: The List: Story by Elizabeth Okosun 

Negative effects of Cocoa bean: See what the experts say

Reference: Story by Livia Dickson Chen, Felicitas Bouche Ocampo, Cagla E. Kayma • 3 Nov