Insidermedicine in 60 - September 22, 2008

From Montreal - According to research presented at the meeting of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, obesity raises the risk of miscarriage. In a study of nearly 700 women with unexplained miscarriages, 30% were overweight and 15% were obese. Researchers found that the risk of having another miscarriage was raised by 73% if the woman was obese. Following this conclusion, the researchers warn that crash diets during pregnancy are not recommended.

From Oklahoma - According to research in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, a bacterium found in the gut may play a role in the development of colon cancer. Researchers found that the bacterium, called E.faecalis, may produce a type of oxygen molecule that can damage DNA in surrounding cells. However, because the bacterium is very common the researchers conclude that other factors must also be involved.

And finally, from Japan - According to research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, drinking chamomile tea may be beneficial to those with diabetes. In a study of diabetic rats, researchers found that blood glucose levels were significantly lower in those that were fed a chamomile extract. While the results of the study are promising, the researchers concede that further studies will be required before firm conclusions can be made about the role of chamomile tea in fighting diabetes.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.