Many people claim to feel better when they stop gluten, even though they don't have celiac disease. Is this diet really effective for diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease? Does it improve joint disorders and cognitive abilities? Does it really help to slim down? Specialists answer us.

Gluten is not welcome? No, clearly, for some of the people who decided to oust him from their plate. What do they blame him for? To cause bloating, spasms, and transit disorders, but also headaches, fatigue, itching, joint pain ...

First described in 1978, what is now known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) has been the subject of scientific consensus in recent years. "Doctors define it as a clinical entity in which the ingestion of gluten leads to digestive and extra-digestive symptoms that regress under a gluten-free diet," explains Catherine Grand-Ravel, a researcher at INRA. But it is based neither on autoimmune mechanisms as in celiac disease nor on allergic mechanisms as in wheat allergy. Symptoms to describe it; but no diagnostic tool: what is this sensitivity? If eating gluten-free is vital for celiac patients, what about when you don't suffer from this disease?

Is a gluten-free diet more digestible?

It's possible. "Gluten proteins are rich in proline, an amino acid that makes them less accessible than others to enzymes in the digestive tract," explains Dr. Nadine Cerf-Bensussan, research director at Inserm. As a result, the digestion of gluten leaves small fragments. "In celiac patients and in those allergic to wheat, some of these fragments can be recognized by the immune system and trigger their disease," she says.

In people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, an effect on intestinal permeability has been evoked. "Since the submucosa is particularly innervated, this permeability can generate symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea," says Professor Bruno Bonaz, a gastroenterologist. However, without knowing why, this does not concern everyone. "One of the avenues explored is the interindividual difference in the perception of sensations: the interception or awareness of the internal state of one's body," continues Professor Bonaz. It can be assumed that the nerve signals sent by the intestinal sphere to the brain can be amplified in some. These could often be people who are stressed, anxious, or depressed.

In the absence of characteristic markers as in celiac disease or wheat allergy, only the exclusion of gluten can determine whether digestive difficulties are related to its ingestion. And again: not for sure.

Does it reduce inflammatory bowel disease?

No, with the exception of celiac disease. "It is only in celiac patients that the ingestion of gluten causes an inflammatory reaction, easily detectable by blood markers," recalls Professor Cellier. This damages the intestinal wall and destroys its villi: this is what requires the total eviction of foods that contain it. »

When it comes to other inflammatory bowel diseases or irritable bowel syndrome, gluten is not involved and does not aggravate inflammation. "On the other hand, we can think that his eviction makes it possible to alleviate the symptoms, insofar as he is poorly digested by some," says Bruno Bonaz. The American Rheumatology Society recommends adopting a gluten-free diet during flare-ups. Thus, people suffering from inflammatory digestive diseases report feeling better gluten-free.

Are joint or rheumatic disorders improved?

Yes, in some. Again, no cause-and-effect link, no scientific evidence, but testimonies. "It is assumed that gluten could increase the inflammatory state in these patients by increasing intestinal permeability," suggests Bruno Bonaz. But without proof. »

Does it have an impact on diabetes?

Not at all, or indirectly. "It is only in celiac disease that we observe a link between gluten and type 1 diabetes," recalls Christophe Cellier. In both cases, autoimmune diseases. As for the effect that a gluten-free diet can have on type 2 diabetes, it depends mainly on the food hygiene adopted. "If it is a question of replacing wheat and its derivatives; industrial products such as bread, pizzas, biscuits... Gluten-free, the effect is rather harmful because these products are often enriched with sugar and fats and the flours used have a high glycemic index," notes Cédric Ménard, dietician. "If, on the contrary, removing gluten means eating healthier by reducing the share of industrial products and increasing the share of fresh, naturally gluten-free products such as fruits and vegetables, meats, fish... the impact on health parameters can be positive," adds Dr. Nadine Cerf-Bensussan.

Does it help to slim down?

Sometimes. It all depends, again, on what the gluten-free diet is made of. If by eliminating foods that contain it, one reduces one's consumption of industrial products, this can lead to a decrease in energy intake. "If, on the other hand, we do not change the way we eat and we simply swap gluten products for gluten-free products, the effect could on the contrary be negative," suggests Nadine Cerf-Bensussan. "Gluten does not make you fat or lose weight," says Christophe Cellier.

Are we more fit, less tired?

Maybe. But this effect is then indirect. "We are leaning towards a placebo effect," says Professor Cellier. When you change your diet, when you are convinced that you are doing yourself good, it can generate a certain dynamism. In addition, the easier the digestion, the lighter and fitter you feel. What about athletes who claim to see their results increase tenfold with a gluten-free diet? "A study has been conducted in the United States on this subject among cyclists, notes the gastroenterologist. The latter was blindly subjected to diets with and without gluten. Conclusion: there is no difference in performance. »

Professor Bonaz's opinion is less clear-cut: "It is possible that by modifying the permeability of the intestinal wall, gluten manages to cross the intestinal barrier and is found in circulation in the blood. This could act at the level of the cerebral barrier (blood-brain) or at the level of the vagus nerve and thus generate fatigue, headaches ... But these are just assumptions. »

Are allergies reduced?

No. With the exception of wheat allergy and celiac disease in which the ingestion of gluten leads to an inadequate reaction of the body's immune defenses, gluten does not generate allergic reactions. "Here again, the improvement described by some may be indirect," says Professor Bonaz. When you digest better, you are less stressed, which can reduce allergic reactions. The relationship between the brain and the digestive tract should not be dismissed. »

Does the gluten-free diet positively impact mood and cognitive abilities?

Apparently, in some. Several hypotheses are put forward: the placebo effect, the relationship between the intestines and the brain, the composition of the microbiota. "A growing body of evidence shows that it can influence behaviour and sensitivity to stress," says Nadine Cerf-Bensussan. The consumption of gluten could perhaps modulate the composition of the intestinal flora. Nevertheless, nothing is demonstrated. »

What conclusions?

There is a sensitivity to non-celiac gluten that manifests itself in digestive and extra-digestive symptoms that arise after ingesting it, and disappear when it is ousted. But "there is no objective criterion to establish a diagnosis," recalls Professor Cellier.

Unlike celiac disease and wheat allergy, this sensitivity does not have a serious character. "Excluding gluten improves the discomfort felt, but it is possible for these people to consume it without consequences for their health," notes Bruno Bonaz.

While there is currently no scientific explanation, several hypotheses have been put forward, such as the links between the brain and the intestines or the microbiota. The problem may not be limited to gluten. "Some specialists speak more of a sensitivity to wheat," notes Bruno Bonaz. It is, in fact, important to take into account the other components of the offending foods in the symptoms felt (FODMAPs). »

 Bread, pasta, flour... Many foods contain gluten, a substance responsible for intolerance. And this disease would be underdiagnosed... The answers of our specialists to understand and recognize the pathology.

The eviction of gluten is becoming fashionable: to lose weight, some people who are not intolerant to this protein decide to no longer consume products that contain it.

Yet, for the 600,000 intolerant people in France (figure provided by the French Association of Gluten Intolerants), the gluten-free diet is far from being a pleasure.

What is gluten intolerance known for?

"The consumption of gluten leads to inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and leads to a destruction of the intestinal villi allowing the body to absorb nutrients (minerals, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins)," explains Dr. Georgia Malamut, hepato-gastroenterologist at the Georges Pompidou European Hospital in Paris.

"In 20% of cases, this intolerance causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloating, and vomiting. But for the majority of patients, it is asymptomatic or has atypical symptoms: joint pain, muscle cramps, fertility disorders, repeated miscarriages... »

In the long term, gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease, can lead to slower growth in children, fatigue, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders. It can occur at all ages, and in 20% of cases, it even appears after the age of 60.

What tests to diagnose gluten intolerance?

"In the presence of suggestive symptoms, the diagnosis is based on a blood test to look for the specific antibodies of the disease, antitransglutaminases," says Dr. Malamut.

It is then confirmed by intestinal biopsies performed during an endoscopy under general anesthesia.

Does the ban all cereals?

The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. This protein is hidden in cereals such as wheat, barley, rye, spelled, and wheat. It is, therefore, necessary to exclude from your diet the products prepared with these cereals. 

Concretely, this means doing without bread, pasta, rusks, couscous semolina, biscuits, pastries, pizzas, hamburgers, bread crumbs, and flour. Beware also of certain industrial products!

Soy sauce, minced meats that are not "pure beef ", sausages, sauces, cube broths, seasonings, and soups. Thanks to this diet, the symptoms disappear within a month, and within a year the state of the intestinal mucosa normalizes.

So what can we consume?

Fortunately, there are many gluten-free foods such as meats and fish, fresh and dried vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, corn and its derivatives (starch, flour, and polenta), rice, potato starch, tapioca, quinoa, soybeans, buckwheat, and teff, a cereal from Africa. As well as all dietary products stamped "gluten-free".

Are gluten-free products refunded?

These products are quite expensive, at least more expensive than their counterparts with gluten. But since food is the only existing treatment, they are partly covered (up to 60%) by Medicare. One condition: this reimbursement only concerns celiac patients whose diagnosis has been confirmed by intestinal biopsy. Four categories of gluten-free products are concerned: flours, bread, biscuits, pasta.

Why follow a gluten-free diet when you are not intolerant?

"Some people are hypersensitive to gluten without being intolerant to this protein," says Dr. Malamut. For them, its eviction has an interest, because it brings them rapid intestinal well-being. »

But for others, going without gluten has no advantage. "If we support this protein, it is useless to remove it on the pretext that it is harmful: it is totally false, says the specialist. Similarly, if it is for weight loss, it is again useless, because gluten-free products or alternative cereals are just as caloric as others. »

Are there any risks of deficiencies with a gluten-free diet?

"None," says Dr. Malamut. Gluten is not essential for a balanced diet. In addition, patients are found in alternative cereals the nutrients they need. »

 Yoga is a practice of well-being and relaxation based on the release of the chakras to unravel psychophysical tensions. We reveal the beneficial effects of yoga on both physical and mental fitness. Benefits, dangers, prices, different types of yoga.

What is yoga?

According to traditional Indian medicine, a healthy body and a healthy lifestyle are necessary for a good evolution of the soul and mind. Yoga exercises combine meditation, gentle gymnastics, postures, and breathing. Objective: to release the psychophysical tensions accumulated in the chakras.

The chakras are centers of spiritual energy, located in the body, in correspondence with certain vital, mental, and spiritual functions. There are usually seven of them, from the lower end of the spine to the top of the skull. The release of the chakras would allow a better union of body and mind and better health for the practitioner.

In the West, yoga is considered a practice of well-being and relaxation. Although it is originally a spiritual concept, it is by no means a religious practice. It is therefore accessible to all, from child to adult, believer or not.

See also: Grapefruit seed: benefits, use, contraindication

More than 10 million people practice yoga in France

The practice of yoga concerns very diverse audiences, and can even be recommended for children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. But we know very little about the practice in France: how many followers can we count on the territory in recent years? A study carried out among 20,000 respondents under the impetus of the SNPY (National Union of Yoga Teachers) gives the answer, and reveals that no less than one in five French people has practiced yoga in the last three years. Thus, in 2010, the French were 3 million practicings, and 10 years later, they are 10.7 million (or 20.5% of the population) to have done so in the last three years or one in five adult French.

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In addition, the survey shows that 1.6 million practiced yoga in 2010 on a regular basis (at least twice a month) and that today the number reaches 7.9 million, four times more. Indeed, in 2020, nearly 3/4 of practitioners (15% of French adults, 7.9 million) practice yoga regularly: 52% every week and 22% once or twice a month. Among these regular practitioners, it is the over 50s who are more assiduous when the 18-24-year-olds do yoga rather 'occasionally'. The Covid-19 epidemic and successive lockdowns have contributed to this craze since 26% of practitioners (2.8 million) have started doing yoga for less than a year.

Last lesson: men take up yoga, now representing 31% of practitioners in France. Their main motivations? Improving flexibility and deepening self-knowledge. Again, these are diligent practitioners who tend to do sessions of 2 hours and more. The survey reveals in particular that men tend to remain faithful to the same style of yoga, and are very sensitive to the pedagogical approach proposed by the teacher. If benevolence is the first quality expected of a teacher, expressed by all practitioners, they attach more importance to the fact that the teacher is warm.

See also:Elderflowers: what do they care for and how to use them?

What are the benefits of yoga?

According to Indian tradition, yoga is a practice that acts on the overall health of the individual. For Western doctors, its benefits are related to well-being, relaxation, or improvement of certain disorders. Yoga is recommended for: 

• treatment of stress and anxiety;
• improved lung capacity and respiratory disorders such as asthma;
• improved blood circulation;
• diabetes;
• treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

What are the different types of yoga?

What are the risks of practicing yoga?

 Etiopathy is a method that uses exclusively manual techniques to treat dysfunctions in the body. What are the benefits of ethiopathy? What is the difference between an osteopath and an ethiopath? How does an ethiopathy session work?

Origin of etiopathy

Created in 1963 by the Frenchman Christian Trédaniel, etiopathy refers to a method of reasoning aimed at determining the causes of a health problem and suppressing them by acting on them. Its intervention techniques are exclusively manual. The term "etiopathy" comes from Greek aïtia ("cause") and pathos ("that which affects the body").

Etiopathy is part of the long tradition of manual therapies. As far back as we can go back to our origins, from Asklépios to Ambroise Paré, we still find traces of these techniques essential to the proper maintenance of the body in its natural functions.

Christian Trédaniel's work led to the writing, in 1979, by the Fundamental Principles for Etiopathic Medicine, a reference work that has been the subject of several editions reviewed and corrected by the founder himself.

Etiopaths who undertake to respect the ethical rules put in place by the profession are registered with the National Register of Etiopaths (RNE). Since 1986, the RNE has sent an annual list of its practitioners to the Ministry of Health.

Principle of etiopathy

Etiopathy is above all a method of reasoning, analysis and understanding of pathological phenomena: it makes it possible to identify the causes of dysfunctions in the human body and to eliminate most of them by exclusively manual techniques.

The body is considered mechanical, certainly complex and accomplished, but which sometimes breaks down. The etiopath is the "mechanical engineer" of the human body, which he studies in depth in order to find the real origin of the failure, that is, its cause, without confusing it with its effects.

Etiopathy thus seeks to determine the primary causes that cause the symptoms affecting the patient. By identifying these lesions, the etiopath goes back to the origin of the problem, treats it, and permanently removes its effects. It has precise manual techniques, inherited from the ancestral gestures of the rebuttal, but revisited in the light of the most recent anatomical data. It acts directly on the organs.

Etiopathy is a method of treatment that combines scientific analysis of pathological phenomena and manual action on the structures of the human body, in order to normalize their relationships and functions.

What are the benefits of etiopathy?

The field of competence of the etiopath is very broad and covers a large number of ailments. By manual joint, visceral or circulatory techniques, etiopathy makes it possible to trace back to the cause of the symptoms to treat them.

It is a practice that has good results in children and especially to relieve ear infections. By different manual techniques, the etiopath restores the drainage of the middle ear and normalizes the circulation of the ENT sphere. Five to seven sessions are needed to achieve total healing.

Etiopathy is also effective in overcoming all traumatic problems such as sprains, but also lower back, back, and neck pain is also common in athletes. The issue that is quickly addressed can be resolved in just a few sessions. Especially in runners, etiopathy can treat amenorrhea.

Etiopathy also relieves other ailments;

• the classic applications on the vertebral and locomotor apparatus, for example, carpal tunnel syndrome, periarthritis, cervicalgia, back pain, low back pain, cervicobrachial neuralgia, sciatic neuralgia, crural neuralgia...; 
• Strains, sprains, luxations.

The etiopath also provides solutions to the problems posed by:

• ENT disorders: conjunctivitis, sinusitis, otitis, rhinitis, certain respiratory allergies;
• Disorders of the respiratory system: asthma, bronchitis;
• Gastroenterological disorders: certain forms of hepatitis, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, colitis, sourness, gastric reflux, aerophagia;
• General disorders: certain forms of depression, anxiety, or insomnia;
• Gynecological and urinary disorders: infertility, cystitis, incontinence, disorders of the cycle or painful sexual intercourse, disorders related to menopause, organ descent;
• In obstetrics: nausea, vomiting, repositioning of the fetus.

What is the difference between an osteopath and an etiopath?

The anti-Covid vaccination still arouses reluctance, most of the time for fear of side effects. For allergy sufferers, there is no particular fear to have. Only allergy to certain excipients contained in vaccines, or allergy to the vaccine itself, may contraindicated vaccination. However, this type of reaction is very rare. "Less than one in 100,000 people is concerned," says Professor Frédéric Bérard, head of the allergology department at Lyon University Hospital and president of the College of Allergology Teachers. And even in the event of a reaction to a component of the vaccine, there are effective alternatives to protect against Covid-19. 

Should we do an allergic assessment before being vaccinated against Covid-19?

In the vast majority of cases, this assessment is not necessary. Even people who have experienced severe episodes, such as anaphylactic shock following the ingestion of food or an insect bite, do not need to be tested before getting vaccinated. 

What are the allergies that contraindicated the anti-Covid vaccination?

Two excipients can cause allergic reactions to Covid vaccination. These are on the one hand the polyethylene glycol (PEG) contained in messenger RNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) and, on the other hand, the polysorbate found in the Covid vaccines of the AstraZeneca and Janssen laboratories (Johnson and Johnson).

How do you know if you are allergic to these excipients?

PEG is a molecule commonly used in cosmetics (creams, shampoos, hair dyes, etc.) and pharmaceutical products (laxatives, preparations for colonoscopy, etc.). 

Polysorbate is also used in some injectable drugs and other more 'conventional' vaccines. 

"These two excipients are usually poorly absorbed by the digestive tract, so reactions to a drug taken orally are exceptional. We, therefore, see allergies caused by injectable forms of drugs containing PEG or polysorbate," observes Dr. Bérard.

What happens if I become allergic to one of these excipients?

Specifically, a person who knows he is allergic to PEG or polysorbate must report it to his doctor or allergist before the first injection of the anti-Covid vaccine. 

A skin test (a drop of the offending product is placed on the skin) will be performed in the hospital, under medical supervision. This test lasts less than an hour.

If the result is negative, 'the person can be vaccinated. You can even do the injection immediately on the spot," says Dr. Bérard. 

If the test is positive, different solutions can still vaccinate the person:

- In case of allergy to PEG, messenger RNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are contraindicated. But it is possible to vaccinate with the AstraZeneca or Janssen vaccine, after checking that the person is not allergic to polysorbate. 

- In case of allergy to polysorbate, AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines are contraindicated. Vaccination with Pfizer or Moderna is offered, after verifying that the person is not allergic to PEG.

- What if the patient is allergic to both PEG and polysorbate? In this case (extremely rare), the doctor issues him a certificate of contraindication to the anti-Covid vaccination.

What happens in case of allergy after the 1st dose of Covid vaccine?

After the injection of the vaccine, it is advisable to remain under surveillance for a quarter of an hour. Indeed, the most severe reactions occur within minutes of vaccination. 

If the patient develops adverse reactions that suggest that he or she is allergic to the vaccine, he or she will need to undergo allergological tests in a hospital setting before considering a second dose, which is necessary to obtain full vaccination coverage. From there, several situations are possible:

If the test is negative, this second injection is performed without changing the vaccine. As a precaution, the patient will be premeditated with an antihistamine drug before the booster injection. Everything happens in the hospital under close supervision," explains the allergist.

If the test is positive, the booster will not be carried out with this vaccine. It will then be possible to choose another vaccine that does not contain the allergen (after having performed skin tests before vaccination with this new vaccine). On the other hand, if all the tests are positive for the other vaccines, we will then issue a certificate of contraindication for the booster," says Professor Bérard.

In any case, whether vaccinated or not, barrier gestures such as wearing a mask and regular hand washing, remain essential to protect yourself and others from the Covid-19 epidemic.

Indeed, says the allergist, no vaccine protects 100% of the infection, but an overwhelming majority of vaccinated patients will at least be protected against the risk of severe form.

 Mate, or Yerba mate, is a drink native to South America. Antioxidant, slimming, stimulating... It would have many health benefits. What does it taste like? How to prepare it? What are the dangers? Answers with Dr. Marie-Antoinette Séjean, the nutritionist.

What is mate? 

'Mate, also called yerba mate, is a drink made from mate tree leaves, which are very similar to those of tea. It is traditionally found in South America, but also in the Middle East, such as Lebanon or Syria," explains Dr. Marie-Antoinette Séjean, a nutritionist doctor. 'The name 'mate' comes from Spanish and means 'gourd' because this drink is consumed in Latin America in a small gourd resembling a gourd, with a filter straw called the 'Brambilla's.

For whom? 

'Mate can be drunk by anyone who likes it! However, given its caffeine content, I do not recommend it to children, pregnant or lactating women," says the nutritionist doctor. 'It is sometimes offered during diets because mate grass would help promote weight loss, provided you do not sweeten it or you will cause the opposite effect.'

What does mate taste like? 

'Traditional mate has a powerful and bitter taste. It can be sweetened with milk, spices, orange peels...' explains Dr. Séjean. 'To short-circuit the bitterness, it is also available in milder flavours, with lemon or citrus, mint or red fruits for example.' Finally, if you prefer a softer mate, you can turn to a green mate, a variety of mates with a much less bitter taste. 

'Pour hot, but not boiling water, otherwise, the drink will be even more bitter.'

What are its health benefits? 

► Antioxidant: 'Mate is renowned for its strong antioxidant power significantly superior to that of green tea and wine, thanks to its great richness in polyphenols' according to Dr. Séjean. 'Antioxidants act at the cellular level, which limits the proliferation of free radicals and their deleterious effects. Polyphenols would also prevent the appearance of degenerative diseases such as cancers and cardiovascular pathologies.'

► Slimming: 'Mate would have benefits if you want to lose weight, but only when consumed plain, without sugar' warns the nutritionist doctor. 'Its richness in potassium also gives it a diuretic effect, so it promotes the renal elimination of water. Finally, it would reduce the sensations of cravings.'

► Stimulating on energy, concentration and memory: 'Mate naturally contains caffeine which gives a little boost. If it is less exciting than coffee, it provides theobromine, which has a stimulating effect that lasts longer. Mate is therefore interesting in case of chronic fatigue both physical and mental which makes it appreciated by athletes.'

How to prepare it?

'Classically it is drunk like a cup of tea, prepared in the famous calabash and bombilla, it's straw that allows to infuse and filter the leaves. The latter can be infused a dozen times," explains the nutritionist doctor. 'Remember to pour hot, but not boiling water, otherwise, the drink will be even more bitter.'

What are the dangers or contraindications? 

The dangers or contraindications are essentially related to the caffeine content in people who are sensitive to it. "These effects can occur if consumption is too high or too late in the day. This reaction to caffeine is specific to everyone, some heavy consumers do not feel it, "warns Dr. Séjean. Mate can cause: 

• Difficulty falling asleep or even real insomnia: 'It is recommended not to exceed 4 infusions per day and to avoid any intake at the end of the day under penalty of disturbing sleep.'
• Palpitations and high blood pressure.
• Anxiety and nervousness.
• Headaches. 
• Upset stomach and gastroesophageal reflux.

Where to buy it? 

 Miraculous plant or endocrine disruptor? The question divides researchers. In her book 'Soy Planet ', investigative journalist Julie Lotz warns of its dangerousness. Explanations.

After having advised us to abandon meat for our well-being and that of the planet, are we now heading towards a new slogan 'bye bye also tofu and soy drinks?'. A hell of a dilemma since soy and its derivatives (in steaks, patties, etc.), rich in protein and fiber, are supposed to be alternatives to meat! Result: we do not know what to put on our plate as studies on this legume diverge. Indeed, some believe that soy has a protective effect against cancer, others advise against it because of its isoflavones (or phytoestrogens) whose chemical structure is close to that of estrogens (female sex hormones) and which can mimic Their mechanism of action in the body. This is a potential risk, especially in the case of treatment for breast or ovarian cancer.

Soy: it disrupts the menstrual cycle

To understand, Julie Lotz's book "Planète Soy" (edition of the Rock) is particularly enlightening... And creepy! As a preamble, the journalist quotes the words of Catherine Bennetau-Pelissero, the main whistleblower on the deleterious effects of the plant: "If you drink a liter of soy juice in two hours, you will trigger your period in the night". As a result, the journalist who only ate soy occasionally in the form of soy sauce, vanilla dessert, or vegetarian steak, decides to experiment with it. "When suddenly, three days after taking the soybeans, four days before the normal arrival of my period, the English arrives... She says. And with them, unusual menstrual pains (...). What happened? Are soybeans responsible? " Researcher Catherine Bennetau-Pelissero's response, "Drinking soy juice in less than two hours created a spike in estrogen similar to that which occurs naturally in women's bodies before menstruation arrives. " Moreover, several studies cited in the book indicate that these soy isoflavones can have an impact on the female cycle (and even on male fertility!). In one of them, it is even stated that "45 mg of isoflavones (i.e. A soy steak) have an impact on the menstrual cycle". For its part, in 2005, the French National Agency for Health Security (ANSES) advised against their consumption to pregnant women because, "consumed during pregnancy, they can increase the risk of testicular and breast cancers in the child to come".

Phytoestrogens: what impacts on breast cancer or thyroid?

According to ANSES experts, the consumption of soya and isoflavone-based food supplements can also accelerate the development of hormone-dependent cancer cells, especially in women who have or have had breast cancer and those who have a family history. At the same time, they believe that in some cases, especially in Asian women who do not carry hormone-dependent cancers, the consumption of soy-derived products and isoflavones can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Go figure... In addition, these experts also advise against ingesting it to people who suffer from hypothyroidism because isoflavones can act in interaction with the synthesis of thyroid hormones and can also prevent the effectiveness of treatment. They, therefore, recommend that people with hypothyroidism do not consume it, in any form whatsoever.

 Pfizer and BioNTech yesterday announced promising results for their Covid-19 vaccine in young children aged 5 to 11 years. This is the first clinical data for this age group. The two laboratories have thus announced that they want to apply for provisional authorization in the United States and then in Europe.

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is "safe" and "well tolerated" by children aged 5 to 11 years

Pfizer and BioNTech unveiled on Monday, September 20, 2021, that their Comirnaty vaccine against Covid-19 has shown promising results in children aged 5 to 11 years. Indeed, according to the results of a phase 2 study, "in participants aged 5 to 11 years, the vaccine is safe, well tolerated and has robust responses in neutralizing antibodies" as stated by the American giant Pfizer and its German partner in a statement.

These partial results are based on data from 2,268 children who received two injections as part of this study. According to the scientists, the administration of a lower dose (10 micrograms per injection versus 30 micrograms for individuals over 12 years of age), twice and three weeks apart, resulted in a "strong response" in antibodies and side effects comparable to those observed for 16-25 year olds.

Soon results for 2-5 years and 6 months-2 years

If this is the first clinical data for the 5-11 age group, laboratories should soon publish results for two other age groups: 6 months to 2 years and 2 years to 5 years. In total, more than 4500 children participated in the study through 90 clinical trials. For this reason, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that "the first results for the other two age cohorts of the trial (children aged 2 to 5 years and children aged 6 months to 2 years) are expected as early as the fourth quarter of this year". The latter received two injections of 3 micrograms.

Application for provisional authorization in the United States and then in Europe

While waiting for the results for the smallest, the laboratories have announced that they want to apply for an emergency use authorization from the US authorities (the FDA) with a view to vaccinating 5-11 year olds. They also said they wanted to get an update of their conditional marketing authorisation in Europe. Faced with these promising results, Dr. Ugur Sahin, CEO and co-founder of BioNTech said: "We are delighted to be able to submit data to regulatory authorities for this group of school-aged children before the start of the winter season."

 The banana-based diet to lose weight recommends the exclusive consumption of bananas in the first part of the day, before lunch. Far from the mono diets that prohibit the consumption of all other foods, this diet offers a relatively balanced meal structure while promising rapid weight loss.

Features of the banana diet:

• Banana-based breakfast, all-you-can-eat
• Classic lunch and dinner
• Possibility to include snacks
• Loss of 2 to 3 kg per week
• Low risk of nutritional deficiencies

 Main principles and definition of the banana diet

The banana-based diet to lose weight is a relatively recent method invented by Japanese pharmacist Sumiko Watanabé. This method follows the principle of a mono-diet and promotes banana consumption with the aim of losing weight quickly.

How does the banana-based diet work to lose weight?

The banana diet consists of consuming only bananas in the first part of the day, before lunch. At breakfast and as a morning snack, the banana can then be consumed at will and until satiety.

To follow the banana diet, you must make sure to respect a few rules:

• Banana should be the only food consumed before lunch
• Possibility to consume it cooked or raw, but without the addition of sugar or fat
• It is necessary to drink water at room temperature throughout the day
• It is forbidden to eat after 8pm
• Lunch and dinner remain classic. Be careful, however, they must be balanced and consumed until satiety only.

How does the yogurt banana diet make you lose weight?

The banana-based diet promises weight loss ranging from 2 to 3 kg per week. The lipase contained in the banana would promote fat burning and facilitate the loss of extra pounds. In addition, replacing often fatty and sweet breakfast products (cereals, pastries, cakes, etc.) with fruit and water significantly reduces the number of calories consumed in the first part of the day.

As a result, the banana diet could induce a negative energy balance and initiate significant weight loss. As soon as the body ingests fewer calories than it uses to function, then there is weight loss. It is on this great principle that this regime seems to be based.

Finally, the banana is a relatively satiating starch-rich fruit. It's rare to want or need to consume five bananas all at once. Finally, since it takes few bananas to feel full, the caloric intake is lower.

How long does the banana diet last?

The banana-based diet is an express diet that usually lasts between 3 and 12 days. However, there are various variants that consist of integrating 3 days of the banana diet per week or following it over the longer term.

Foods allowed and prohibited in the banana diet

In this diet, some foods are to be consumed daily at noon and in the evening, and others to be limited to promote weight loss:

Foods to favour                                              

• Vegetables
• Raw vegetables
• Fruit
• Poultry
• Fish
• Seafood
• Eggs
• Tofu
• Legumes
• Whole grains
• Wholemeal bread
• Steam cooking
• Low-fat preparations
• Water and herbal teas

• Red meat
• Deli
• Refined cereals
• White bread
• Dairy products
• Dishes in sauces
• Sugar and sweet products
• Pastries, pastries, biscuits
• Industrial products
• Ready meals
• Fast food
• Butter, cream and fatty products
• Sodas, industrial fruit juices
• Alcohol
• Salt

Banana diet: dietary program and typical menu