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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Health glossary

15 December 2023

What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive, painless medical test to assist diagnosis and determine treatment for medical conditions.

MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the organs and soft tissues which are then displayed on a computer screen. The images are examined and diagnosed for any type of medical condition.

Some MRI examinations require the patient to swallow contrast material or receive an injection of contrast into the bloodstream, which allows the MRI to get a more detailed image of the condition being analysed.

Important magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facts

An MRI scanner uses no x-rays or other radiation
MRI scans are usually at a higher cost than regular x-rays or CAT scans

Why magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important

MRI is an excellent medical test to provide clear images of the following:

Soft tissues
Organs
Nerves
Blood vessels
Brain
Spinal cord

The MRI displays these in a much clearer way than are available though CAT scans, ultrasound or regular x-rays.

Why enriched tortilla flour is higher in fibre

Nutrition expert

Anastacia Sampson

15 December 2023

Why enriched tortilla flour is higher in fibre

Question

I’ve been really good about choosing foods that are made with whole wheat rather than enriched wheat, but recently I found a flour tortilla that was made with enriched flour but had twice the fiber that the whole wheat tortillas had. How is this possible? I thought fiber and whole wheat went hand in hand. Is this an ok enriched flour to eat?

Answer

There is a very simple explanation for this.

Flour that has been processed has had the bran and other whole wheat (“good for you”) parts removed in the processing. In order to make the flour higher in fibre, this is added at the end of the processing to increase the processed flour’s fibre content – this is how “enriched” flour is created.

The important thing to note is that because the “enriched” flour has been processed, this removes a lot of the essential nutrients and of course the fibre, which needs to be re-added for flour that has been “enriched” in some way.

If you must eat processed flour products, “enriched” flour is the best option, as it has had extra fibre added, but it is still missing (or is much lower in) a lot of the other vitamins and minerals that exist in whole wheat flour.

You are doing the right thing for your health by eating whole wheat (or whole grain) foods, as these have the grain and all of its nutritional value kept intact. Whole wheat is an essential part of a healthy diet and you should congratulate yourself for ensuring you eat foods that have a high whole grain content.

Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using supplements in your healing process.

Vanadium safety for diabetes

Nutrition expert

Anastacia Sampson

15 December 2023

Question

My mom has type 2 diabetes. Last year her glucose level was 100 which is normal but the doctor just did a test and it is now 280. I am concerned about this because she also has high cholesterol.
I was doing some research about diabetes and I found that the mineral vanadium can solve both problems. Now the only problem is we don’t know where to find it or where to find a clinic in the area that can treat her naturally.

Answer

The best micro-mineral I recommend for diabetes is chromium. This micro-mineral can reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, it actually stabilises the blood sugar levels.

I truly recommend she begin taking chromium in the GTF (glucose tolerance factor) form at about 200 mcg and not more than 400 mcg daily. A nearby health shop should be able to source you an adequate and reputable local product.

As for vanadium, this mineral is not essential for health and there are reports that it has helped yet the research needs to be expanded to confirm it has an actual beneficial effect for people with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. As for where you can find a supplement, that may be difficult as this is not one of our prime essential minerals.

Basically the best is to manage cholesterol and type 2 diabetes with dietary control and especially as your mom is older her needs for minerals may increase. Do ensure she has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and juice them or make home made soups to ensure fibrous chewing is not problematic. The more fibre she has the better to reduce cholesterol absorption, and foods high in fibre bring in complex carbohydrates which is great for diabetics. Try brown rice, oats and pulses such as lentils.

All the best to you and your mom.

Sugar causes dehydration and feeling unwell

Fitness expert

Anastacia Sampson

15 December 2023

Sugar causes dehydration and feeling unwell

Question

I cut sugar and processed foods out of my diet completely, but now when I treat myself to a cake or something sweet on a special occasion I end up feeling sick with swollen glands and feeling very dehydrated. Can you please tell me what causes this?

Answer

What has happened to you is relatively simple. Your body has become used to more natural foods. Natural foods have a natural sugar content. As we add refined sugar to foods, especially in processed form our bodies struggle. You have adapted to a natural healthy lifestyle and when you eat these foods your body now screams, ‘hey what are you feeding me?’ To understand why you develop swollen glands requires that you answer some questions from a health care advisor. Generally I guess that with the cake, the salt content with those sugars are leading to an imbalance. This effects your hormonal system and other immune regulators (then you can get swollen glands).

Remember there is a high salt content in the usual common baking powders (sodium bicarbonate). The imbalance caused by the salt and sugar can lead you to feel dehydrated. Also check with your doctor if you have a sugar imbalance – do you notice you have to urinate more after the cake? I recommend that next time you wish to treat yourself on a special occasion that you try something else. Take a fruit or type of chocolate soya bar. Otherwise have a bakery product that is made with more natural ingredients. If you are at an event and there is only cake, try to preplan by bringing your own ‘delights’ or requesting the host/hostess to cater for sugar sensitivity.

While it is natural that your body does not like those foods, there is also the possibility that you are having a delayed immune response as you may have a food intolerance to specific ingredients in the cake or the other sweet foods which is bringing about a reaction. This is a general answer as I do not have access to your medical history.

Well done on the healthy options!