Better Stop for Breakfast

Eating a good breakfast could help fight off infection such as colds and flu, according to research published last month.

Professor Andy Smith of the School of Psychology at Cardiff University studied the eating habits of 188 volunteers over a ten week period. Those who had contracted more than one illness over the period were less likely to stop to eat breakfast. Events such as work-related stress or bereavement were also seen to impact on volunteer's health.

In a seperate study, volunteers who suffered from an upper respiratory infection such as a cold were more likely to be smokers, or to describe their lives as 'stressful'.

Professor Smith commented "These studies have provided evidence of the effects of upper respiratory tract infections on mood and performance".

"They have shown that psychological factors and health-related behaviours may well influence susceptibility to colds and flu, and the nature and extent of the symptoms".

Edith Maskell of Bromley Health Management adds: "There's a reason why we call it breakfast. You fast through the night and break it with the first meal of the day. With the right fuel, your body has everything it needs to fight off infection, but you need to feed your immune system first thing in the morning to keep it effective".

"Stress hits the immune system, so it's even more important to eat well when we're stressed, but we are less likely to feel like stopping for breakfast. It's a vicious circle".

The study also found people reporting more than one illness were less likely to drink alcohol. Professor Ron Eccles of the common cold centre at Cardiff University claims this could be due to the relaxant effect of alcohol, allowing the immune system to function more effectively.

Meanwhile, a survey published by market research firm Mintel shows enormous growth in sales of breakfast cereals from £80m to £175m between 1999 and 2001. The report credits much of the growth to the repositioning of many products as health foods, with advertising stressing high vitamin content and health benefits. This comes amidst concerns that many of the claimed benefits for cereals can be misleading.

Edith Maskell of Bromely Health Management commented: "I personally wouldn't recommend that anyone eat a bowl of cereal every morning. Wheat, cereals, and dairy products are probably the biggest problem foods for allergies and intolerances".

"Breakfast is important, but as with any other meal, you have to eat a well balanced diet".

Friday, 24 May 2002