The fitness tracker that can tell if you’re getting depressed

HEATH NOTES: The fitness tracker that can tell if you’re getting depressed

An electronic body tracker could help doctors diagnose depression and anxiety disorders.

The device is made up of headset, wrist bands and an ankle bracelet, monitors heart rate, level of sweating, respiration and diameter of pupils. The data is collected and analysed by computers.

It is estimated one Briton in six suffers from anxiety or depressive disorder at some point. Some remain undiagnosed due to patients’ failure to recognise and report symptoms. However, physical symptoms can be used to indicate potential problems early.

The device (pictured) is made up of headset, wrist bands and an ankle bracelet, monitors heart rate, level of sweating, respiration and diameter of pupils

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Pilot studies of the device, called SysteMD (System with Sensors to Evaluate Mental Disorders), developed by US engineering firm Draper, have proved impressive, diagnosing acute anxiety disorder correctly in 94 per cent of cases. The device is expected to be available for use from 2019.

Can probiotics harm your gut?

Be wary of jumping on the probiotic bandwagon – it may be harmful for your gut.

The results of two new studies show taking a daily probiotic supplement twice daily for up to three weeks can halt the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute in Israel studied volunteers who took a probiotic after a course of antibiotics and discovered that it delayed the recovery of their gut bacteria, compared to those who took a placebo pill.

Antibiotics have been shown to obliterate the gut microbiome. In the studies, stool samples and fluid within the gut were taken from participants weekly for six months after the experiment.

MS is the loneliest disease

Sufferers of multiple sclerosis bear the brunt of Britain’s loneliness epidemic, according to new research.

A study by the MS Society shows that three in five MS patients report feelings of loneliness, compared to just a fifth of the general population. MS is a neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord.

Visit mssociety.org.uk for more information.

Make your own iron booster 

Iron is needed for the formation of healthy blood cells, and a lack of it is linked to low energy and even hair loss.

You should be able to get all you need from food such as meat, beans, nuts and leafy green veg. But sometimes, we don’t.

Supplements should be approached with caution: take too much and you could end up with difficult constipation and even tummy aches.

If you’re looking for a boost without resorting to tablets, try this delicious home-made health shot.

It contains roughly 2.7mg of iron, about a third of the 8.7mg recommended daily intake for adult men and women over the age of 50. Younger women need a little more, but this still provides about a fifth of ideal amount. The orange juice and yogurt help the body absorb it better.

INGREDIENTS  

• 100g washed spinach

• 2 oranges

• 3 tbs Greek yogurt

• 1 banana

DIRECTIONS:

1 Freeze banana the night before

2 Juice oranges

3 Add all ingredients to a blender, mix… and drink.

Frederick Faulkner

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