Food intolerance
Food intolerance What is a food intolerance? A food intolerance refers to a sensitivity to a food, most commonly a difficulty in digestion. It is important to distinguish this from food allergy, where a person’s immune system reacts to a particular food. What are the...
Savoury Pudla Pancake
Savoury Pudla Pancake Free from gluten, eggs, dairy and nuts Serves 2-4 Looking for gluten free pancake options – try this thick vegetarian Pudla savoury pancake. It’s like an Indian pizza of sorts, as it can be sliced and served in the same way. With endless filling...
Antibiotics – could shorter courses be better?
Antibiotics - could shorter courses be better? Antibiotics are one of the greatest advances in medicine. However, when used inappropriately they may have a negative impact on the person taking them and increase antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance describes...
Research updates
Antibiotic use in infancy increases risk for childhood asthma In light of the high (and in some regions still rising) prevalence of allergies and asthma, there is an ongoing quest to try and identify potentially modifiable risk factors for developing such conditions....
Anaphylaxis – one of the prescribed PMB’s
Anaphylaxis - one of the prescribed PMB's Did you know that anaphylaxis is one of the medical conditions listed for prescribed minimum benefits or “PMB’s”? The Medical Schemes Act states that medical schemes must cover the full cost related to the diagnosis, treatment...
Dark choc chip cookies with fresh herbs
Dark choc chip cookies with fresh herbs Dairy and gluten free. Contains egg and nuts In celebration of Peanut butter lovers month and World Chocolate Day, this dairy-free and gluten-free twist on choc-chip cookies is a treat for the adventurous child. The recipe does...
Indoor air quality-which allergens are found in the home?
Indoor air quality-which allergens are found in the home? Introduction Outdoor air quality has been well studied but many hours are spent indoors so it is important to look at the quality of the air that we breathe inside buildings. Indoor air content will reflect the...
Carte Blanche interview with Prof Mike Levin, CEO of AFSA
Carte Blanche interview with Prof Mike Levin, CEO of AFSA Carte Blanche interview with Prof Mike Levin, CEO of AFSA and presenter Claire Mawisa - Allergies: The Facts and Findings. Could the things we get exposed to on a daily basis such as animals, the food we eat...
Apple and Banana cinnamon muffins
Apple and Banana cinnamon muffins Gluten, egg, nut and dairy free Serves 24 Takes 30 mins A quick and easy muffin recipe – perfect for lunchboxes. Cinnamon has many health benefits, loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Ingredients: 2 small...
Father’s obesity in puberty doubles the risk of asthma in his future offspring
Father's obesity in puberty doubles the risk of asthma in his future offspring A study performed by researchers at the Centre for International Health at the University of Bergen, showed that obese boys between 8 years old and their age when their voice breaks, have...
Tips for Patients with Food Allergies at School and at University
Tips for Patients with Food Allergies at School and at University FOOD ALLERGIES IN THE SCHOOL SITUATION Starting school, moving to a new school or starting high school can be a daunting time for food allergy sufferers and their caregivers. More and more schools are...
Antibiotic use in infancy increases risk for childhood asthma
Antibiotic use in infancy increases risk for childhood asthma In light of the high (and in some regions still rising) prevalence of allergies and asthma, there is an ongoing quest to try and identify potentially modifiable risk factors for developing such conditions....
Where are Allergens Hidden?
Where are Allergens Hidden? As manufacturers and consumers, we often emphasise allergens that we know in the eight common regulated food allergens in South Africa; but how alert are consumers to innocent-looking food products that contain hidden allergens? And what...
Three-in-one-inhaler therapy
Patients with severe asthma which is not controlled with standard treatment - leaving them at risk of severe asthma attacks - could benefit from using a single inhaler combining three, instead of two therapies, according to two phase 3 randomised controlled trials...
HAE Youth Summit 2019
HAE Youth Summit 2019 The annual HAE Youth Summit took place in July this year, with more than 100 HAE youth members from around the world. The Summit was run over 5 days, with a full itinerary involving unique, educational and fun activities for each day. Most...
The Newborn Screening You Should Insist On
The Newborn Screening You Should Insist On One easy thing you can do to protect your child against disability. In South Africa, around one in 2 000 babies is born with a genetic metabolic illness. Undetected, about half these babies don’t survive and those who do grow...
Nationwide Pollen monitoring is here
The UCT Lung Institute Allergy and Immunology Clinic is embarking on the exciting and ground-breaking journey of national pollen sampling. Pollen counts are up and running in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Durban and strong differences have emerged between...
Vaping – you are being lied to – but by whom?
Vaping – you are being lied to – but by whom? The original and great hope with electronic cigarettes was that they would be an ideal way to stop smoking – mimicking the hand-mouth tactile aspect of smoking – providing nicotine and no other harmful chemicals – thus...
‘Gluten-Free’ under scrutiny
‘Gluten-Free’ under scrutiny A Cape Town bakery is in hot water again two years after it came under fire for falsely claiming its products were gluten-free. Freedom Bakery was accused of food fraud and false labeling after its products tested positive for high levels...
Lamb and apricot tagine
Lamb and apricot tagine Dairy, egg, nut free (gluten free option) Serves 4- 6 This easy and succulent one pot spicy Moroccan Tagine is full of nutrients such as iron, fibre and calcium. Other vegetables or fruits such as dates can also be added to boost the fibre and...