Good Food
type: channel
link: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com
date: 2025-10-16T10:24:39.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Can removing these everyday foods from your diet help your acne?
items: 15 things you didn't know about cholesterol
items: Germ season has started! 13 foods to add to your shopping list to win the battle against winter colds and flu
items: Your 6 must-know bone facts, and the action you need to take
items: 5 red flag symptoms you should never ignore
items: Heartburn on the rise: experts explain why it could be getting worse
items: Histamine intolerance: the mysterious health condition that millions suffer from and can’t be tested for
items: There are 67 signs you might be entering perimenopause. What should you do about it?
items: What is psoriasis?
items: I’m a diabetic – but why is everyone else suddenly obsessed with blood sugar?

Can removing these everyday foods from your diet help your acne?
type: item
date: 2025-10-16T10:24:39.000Z
creator: Jo Williams – Registered nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: Can removing certain foods help clear your skin? Explore the link between diet and acne – learn which foods may worsen breakouts, which support healthy skin, and how nutrition can play a powerful role in achieving a glowing, acne-free complexion.
encoded: Acne. It’s one of those things that almost everyone deals with at some point—especially during the teenage years. In fact, around 85% of people aged 12–25 experience it at some point. But despite how common it is, figuring out how to treat it can feel like navigating a maze. Topical creams, cleansers, antibiotics, supplements… the options are endless – and often pricey. But what if the secret to clearer skin lies not in your bathroom cabinet but in your fridge? Let’s dive into the connection between diet and acne, and explore whether ditching certain everyday foods could help you glow from the inside out. Next, check out how to eat your way to fabulous skin, find out how to stop spending money on collagen supplements and 10 cheap ways to get enough fibre. What is acne? Acne isn’t just about having a few spots – it’s a medical condition. It happens when your pores and hair follicles get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation, excess oil production, bacteria buildup and breakouts. It can show up as: Blackheads and whiteheads Red bumps (papules) Pimples Painful cysts And it doesn’t just affect your face, your chest, back, and shoulders can be affected too. Acne can linger for weeks or months, with the risk of scarring and pigmentation and it’s not just skin-deep – it can really impact your confidence and mental health. Common triggers include: Hormonal changes (puberty, periods, pregnancy) Excess oil production Dead skin cell buildup Bacteria in pores Diet (especially dairy and sugary foods) Stress Certain medications Heavy makeup or skincare Genetics How does diet affect acne? Growing research shows that diet can influence the severity and frequency of acne. It’s important to distinguish between foods that trigger or worsen symptoms and those that cause acne outright – because the root causes are usually internal (genetics, hormones, some medications), but diet can act as a powerful external factor. What the research says Research has shown that…

Untitled-82-efd8bac.png
width: 1299
height: 1181

15 things you didn't know about cholesterol
type: item
date: 2025-10-10T09:59:15.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: goodhealth
description: Discover everything you need to know about cholesterol and how to limit its impacts on your body
encoded: Cholesterol is a word that often sparks concern, but how much do you really know about it? You might know it’s bad to have high cholesterol – but how can you tell if yours is too high? Or perhaps you’ve heard some foods are bad for your cholesterol – but did you know some foods can lower your levels too? While many associate cholesterol with heart disease and dietary restrictions, there’s much more to the story. Understanding cholesterol is about more than just avoiding certain foods. It’s a complex topic that involves genetics, lifestyle, and your overall health. Knowing your numbers and following expert advice can help you take control of your cholesterol and protect your heart. Here are our surprising facts about cholesterol you might know, from its essential role in the body to the latest advice on managing your levels. 1. Cholesterol is essential for life Nutritionist Kerry Torrens says, ‘It may come as a surprise to learn that cholesterol is essential for health.’ Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance found in every cell of the body. It’s vital for forming cell walls, producing hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone, making vitamin D, and generating bile to help digest fats. Much like salt or carbs, it can be excessively demonised but without cholesterol, our bodies simply wouldn’t function properly – so the key is knowing the difference between the so-called ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol. 2. Your body makes most of its cholesterol Kerry explains, ‘Around 75% of cholesterol is made in the liver, with the rest coming from the food we eat.’ This means that even if you cut out all dietary cholesterol, your body would still produce what it needs for essential functions. 3. Not all cholesterol is ‘bad’ Cholesterol travels through the blood in particles called lipoproteins. Kerry explains, ‘What determines if cholesterol is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ isn’t the cholesterol, but the type of lipoprotein that transports it.’ Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often labelled ‘ba…

Hearts-and-Weights-7d9b0bf.png
width: 1299
height: 1181

Germ season has started! 13 foods to add to your shopping list to win the battle against winter colds and flu
type: item
date: 2025-10-03T11:24:54.000Z
creator: Jo Williams – Registered nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: Back-to-school bugs are having their moment! Give your immune system a boost with these nourishing foods
encoded: October may signify autumn leaves and pumpkin lattes, but it is also the start of coughs, colds and other nasty bugs. There are a few factors that make this time of year the turning point when sneezes and sickness rear their heads. Firstly, the seasonal shift in weather and cooler temperatures creates more favourable conditions for viruses to survive and spread. As temperatures drop, we spend more time indoors, with windows shut and the heating on. Viruses love these cosy conditions – enclosed spaces are the perfect warm breeding ground for germs. Colds and bugs can move directly from person-to-person contact, and through the air in droplets from coughs and sneezes. Viruses can also survive for hours on objects like door handles, phones, keyboards and toys. So, if you touch one of these surfaces and then touch your eyes, nose, mouth or eyes you are giving the virus a direct path into your body. Read on to find out how you can support your immune system this winter. How can food help immunity? The immune system is the body’s major protection against these bugs. It contains a vast network of cells, tissues and organs that can recognise invaders and mount a targeted response. This whole process needs fuel: protein, vitamins and minerals and antioxidants to respond and control the collateral damage. Without the right nutritional building blocks, the immune system can’t function as effectively. Diet plays a huge role in how resilient your immune system is – and that directly affects how well you fight off or even resist catching winter germs. A diet rich in whole foods, protein, colourful fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and fibre strengthens your body’s immune defences. While a diet high in sugar, alcohol and processed foods makes you easier prey for winter bugs. Below are ten delicious, practical foods (and a few tips) that help support immune function and make you less vulnerable to winter bugs. The 10 best foods for your immune system 1. Oily fish (salmon, mackere…

winter-foods-8d24e7f.jpg
width: 3333
height: 3333

Your 6 must-know bone facts, and the action you need to take
type: item
date: 2025-10-03T09:21:54.000Z
creator: Luisa Metcalfe
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: If you want to keep your skeleton healthy, the best time to start work is now! Our experts explain what you need to do
encoded: Our experts: Sarah Leyland, Senior Clinical Advisor with the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) Dr Animesh Singh, consultant rheumatologist Jenna Hope, registered nutritionist How much thought do you give to your skeleton? For many of us, the first time we think about our bones is when we break one. Indeed, most of us dismiss bone diseases such as osteoporosis as something that only affects menopausal and older women. However it affects many more of us than we think, with one in five men and half of women over 50 breaking a bone due to osteoporosis. Some people who take certain long-term medicines as a vital part of managing other health conditions, are also at risk of weakened bones. It will probably be only if we experience repeated fractures that we realise that something is wrong - but by then action to help build up our bones is long overdue. What we need to know is that the work of strengthening our skeleton begins in childhood and continues throughout our lives. “People think that bones are dead, inert things. But they’re alive and living like any other organ,” says Sarah Leyland, Senior Clinical Advisor with the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS). “The bones themselves are made up of an outer shell and inside there is a honeycomb mesh structure, which is like a scaffolding. Bone cells wear away and rebuild as part of the normal turnover of bone, but sometimes this gets out of balance - more bone is worn away than rebuilt. We talk about osteoporosis as bone ‘thinning’ but it can be useful to think of the holes in that honeycomb mesh as getting bigger – more porous and less dense.” Here’s our expert guide to adopting a bone-friendly lifestyle to keep breaks and fractures at bay at any age. 1. Childhood is crucial for your bones “Childhood and the teen years are very important both in terms of bone health and also developing the habits that you carry into adult life,” says London-based consultant rheumatologist Dr Animesh Singh. "Around 80 to 90 per cent of peak bo…

bone-health-81ca82b.jpg
width: 3333
height: 3333

5 red flag symptoms you should never ignore
type: item
date: 2025-09-24T16:26:28.000Z
creator: Dr Chintal Patel
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: NHS GP Dr Chintal Patel tells you when you need to seek professional advice on those little niggles
encoded: As an NHS GP, I often see patients who don’t realise that their symptoms might be serious. They delay booking an appointment with their doctor as life is busy and it’s easy to dismiss certain health changes or tell ourselves ‘it’s probably nothing’ or ‘I’ll just see how it goes’. But sometimes, these seemingly small symptoms, especially if they persist over a period of time, can be a sign of something more serious that needs prompt attention. Here are five red flag symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore. If you experience any of these, book an appointment as soon as possible with your doctor and get it checked out. If you mention any of these symptoms to your surgery, they won’t hesitate to book you in to be seen as soon as possible 1. Unexplained weight loss Are your clothes feeling looser than usual? Have you found yourself tightening your belt to the next notch? Have you lost weight unintentionally without changing your diet or exercise routine? Losing weight without trying might even feel welcome, however, if it happens unexpectedly it can be a warning sign of something more serious. Unexplained weight loss can be linked to hormone conditions such as thyroid disease or diabetes, digestive problems such as coeliac disease and certain cancers. So, if you notice you are losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine, book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. A simple examination, set of blood tests or scans, can help to identify what’s going on and the earlier a cause is found, the sooner it can be treated. 2. Blood in your stool or urine If you notice blood anywhere it shouldn’t be, like in your stool or urine, it’s a red flag. It might be bright red blood on wiping, or dark red to black and tar-like mixed with your stool. Blood in your stool could be a sign of piles (haemorrhoids) or an anal fissure. However, it can also be a sign of bowel cancer. You might notice associated symptoms like a change in your bowel habit or persistent abdominal …

Red-Flags-b793629.png
width: 1299
height: 1181

Heartburn on the rise: experts explain why it could be getting worse
type: item
date: 2025-09-11T11:50:18.000Z
creator: Jo Williams – Registered nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: Find out why stress, poor diets and weight loss drugs are all contributing to heartburn – and tips on how to improve symptoms
encoded: Heartburn - once dismissed as an occasional inconvenience after a large or greasy meal - has now become a common complaint. Doctors are reporting more patients with reflux symptoms, pharmacies are selling record amounts of acid-reducing medications, and social media is full of people swapping top tips to reduce the burn. Globally, cases of GERD (the more chronic cousin of heartburn) have increased by a staggering 77% between 1990 and 2019. So what’s going on? The answer lies in a messy mix of modern lifestyle habits, new medications and a shift in the way we eat and move. Read on to find out more. Discover more gut health info in our Health and Nutrition section, including what to eat for gut health or how your gut and metabolism are linked. Plus, check out the worst foods for acid reflux. What is heartburn? Despite the name, heartburn doesn’t have much to do with your heart. It is caused by stomach acid travelling upwards into the oesophagus (windpipe). Usually there is a valve like muscle that’s supposed to keep acid where it belongs, but when it relaxes at the wrong time or weakens, acid can creep upwards, bringing uncomfortable symptoms including: Burning sensation in the chest or throat Acid reflux/regurgitation Pain Difficulty swallowing Throat symptoms, such as sore throat, hoarseness, a persistent cough or frequent throat clearing Bad breath Sensation of a ‘lump’ in the throat Bloating and belching Heartburn and acid reflux are essential the same – both are types of indigestion. Occasional indigestion is normal, but when it becomes frequent it can signal a more chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which affects one in five adults in the UK. Why are more people getting heart burn? We don’t live and eat like our grandparents did – the rise of ultra processed foods, sugary drinks and oversized portions has put our digestive systems under constant stress. Poor quality diets that are high in fat, caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks and s…

Unhealthy-foods-3a1029c.png
width: 1299
height: 1181

Histamine intolerance: the mysterious health condition that millions suffer from and can’t be tested for
type: item
date: 2025-07-29T11:18:42.000Z
creator: Emma Hartfield
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
subject: high histamine foods
description: If you experience confused and increasing symptoms that can’t be easily explained, read on. A change to your diet could be all that’s needed
encoded: It has symptoms that vary and only sporadically appear. There is no reliable test to diagnose. Some experts doubt whether it even exists while others claim it’s hugely under-diagnosed. Searches on this topic have increased by 200 per cent over the past 10 years, while exploring HealthTok will give you a glimpse into the frustrations facing people trying to establish a diagnosis or understand exactly what they can and can’t eat. Or – even more problematically – what they can drink, when alcohol, caffeine, citrus juices and energy drinks are off the table. So what is this mysterious condition? The issue is histamine. Many people have heard of this natural chemical, found in all of us, in association with allergic reactions. But histamine also plays a key role in the immune system, digestion and communication between cells. While your body produces histamine, you also consume it through your diet: some foods are naturally high in histamine, while others can trigger the release of histamine in the body or make it harder to break down. If your body cannot break down histamine efficiently, the chemical can build up and trigger a range of symptoms. This is known as ‘histamine intolerance’. What causes it and what are the symptoms? Histamine intolerance is not the same as a food allergy. Instead, it is often due to a deficiency or reduced activity of an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO), which is responsible for breaking down histamine in the gut. Symptoms of histamine intolerance can be wide-ranging and sometimes mimic allergies. Common signs include headaches, flushing, itching, hives, nasal congestion, sneezing, digestive discomfort such as bloating, nausea, or diarrhoea, and even more general symptoms like fatigue or brain fog. Some people may also notice skin rashes, joint pain or worsening of menstrual symptoms. These symptoms can vary in severity and may not always appear immediately after eating high-histamine foods, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause. If y…

Tomato-and-Aubergine-36dff1d.png
width: 1299
height: 1181

There are 67 signs you might be entering perimenopause. What should you do about it?
type: item
date: 2025-07-11T13:03:04.000Z
creator: Katy Bradbury
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: goodhealth
subject: Menopause
subject: what is perimenopause
subject: women's health
description: Unusually bloated, having sleep issues, or crying unexpectedly over the smallest of things? You might just be perimenopausal...
encoded: If you’ve been unusually bloated, can’t seem to get a full night’s sleep, or you’re suddenly crying at dog food adverts, you might – just might – be perimenopausal. According to the Balance app, there are 67 possible symptoms of this life phase, ranging from night sweats and brain fog to itchy skin, joint pain, and – yes – excessive wind. But how can we be expected to keep track of such a lengthy and varied list of symptoms? And to what extent are they reliable indicators of perimenopause, or could something else be going on? More importantly, what – if anything – should you do about them? What is perimenopause and why is it important? Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to shift and the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. It typically starts anywhere between your late 30s and early 50s, though most experience it in their mid-to-late 40s. Unlike menopause – defined as 12 months without a period – perimenopause is more like a hormonal prequel. It can last 4 to 8 years, though for some, it lingers even longer. According to the NHS, symptoms may begin gradually and intensify over time. People usually associate the menopause transition with a decline in oestrogen, but it’s actually progesterone that tends to reduce first, while oestrogen for people in their forties can experience peaks of over 3x that of people in their thirties. Whilst some people have a seamless transition to menopause, the hormone fluctuations can impact nearly every system in the body. Is it perimenopause — or something else? Here’s the kicker: having some of the 67 symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you’re perimenopausal. Many signs – like fatigue, bloating, or low mood – are nonspecific and can be triggered by stress, poor sleep or even diet. But if you’re noticing clusters of symptoms, especially alongside changes in your menstrual cycle, it could be time to consider the perimenopause lens, particularly if you’re over 40. Women’s Health specialist …

PERIMENOPAUSE-6f91c90.jpg
width: 3333
height: 3333

What is psoriasis?
type: item
date: 2025-06-04T14:50:42.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: food and skin
subject: goodhealth
subject: healthy skin
subject: Kerry Torrens
subject: skin
description: Learn all about psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease, including common symptoms, treatments, plus which diet and lifestyle factors play a part
encoded: Over the last decade, researchers have learnt a lot more about this condition and the role the immune system plays in its development. This has resulted in a wider selection of treatment options for managing the condition and a greater awareness on how lifestyle changes may be helpful. Affecting approximately 1.3-2.8% of the UK population, psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease, the exact cause of which remains unclear. Registered nutritionist Kerry Torrens explores what we know about this complex condition. What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is an inflammatory immune condition that affects the skin and sometimes the joints and eyes. The name is derived from the Greek word ‘psora’, meaning to itch. Those with psoriasis experience a rapid skin turnover, with cells taking just a few days to renew rather than the normal 21-28 days. This causes cells to accumulate on the surface of the skin which as a result become scaly, itchy and red. Psoriasis occurs on any part of the body including the scalp, hands and feet. There are a number of different types of the disease with the amount of skin affected varying, dependent on severity. Psoriasis may be associated with other inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. Occurring at any age, psoriasis is more likely to appear at two life stages – these are the twenties to early thirties and between 50 and 60. The condition can wax and wane and may substantially diminish a patient’s quality of life. How is it diagnosed? Your GP may diagnose the condition based on the appearance of your skin, although in some cases a skin sample may be taken and sent away for analysis. This allows the exact type of psoriasis to be diagnosed and ensures other conditions are ruled out as well. The plaque type of psoriasis is the most common and presents on the trunk, extremities and the scalp. What causes psoriasis? Studies suggest that psoriasis is caused by the triggering of immune cells called T cells, which respond as if they were…

What-Is-Porasis-3bc5dcd.png
width: 1299
height: 1181

I’m a diabetic – but why is everyone else suddenly obsessed with blood sugar?
type: item
date: 2025-05-16T12:05:10.000Z
creator: Helena Busiakiewicz
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: control glucose
subject: Diabetes
subject: Diabetic
subject: goodhealth
subject: type 1 diabetes
subject: type 2 diabetes
description: Have you spotted those little circular patches on the upper arms of passersby? Are these continuous glucose monitors the latest health fad or a valuable tool to improve health and well-being?
encoded: Disclaimer: The views expressed in this feature are those of the author, based on her personal experiences, her interpretation of publicly available information and the current science. Speaking from experience, there isn’t much that’s great about type-1 diabetes. I’ve been dealing with my useless pancreas and its inability to produce insulin since I was diagnosed 11 years ago, and have experienced all the highs and lows (literally) of the illness. The one good thing I’ve found, however, is the comradeship with other type-1 diabetics as we spot each other out in the wild. We’re easy to identify, not because we can magically sense each other’s blood sugar levels, but because we often wear continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). I’ve had people wave me down in the street to show me their CGM, tap me on the shoulder at the gym and even give me a kind of arm-to-arm high five to celebrate our matching dodgy pancreases. This is usually followed with a little diabetes small talk: how long I’ve had it, my favourite hypo snack, etc. So, when I innocently struck up a conversation with someone wearing a CGM while in the queue for the loo – asking them how long they’ve had the "old type-1" – you can imagine my surprise when they gave me a look somewhere between confusion and disgust. They weren’t type-1 diabetic; they were just tracking their blood glucose for weight management. Then, it was my turn to look confused. Since my embarrassing encounter, the rise of CGMs has been prolific. Society’s collective obsession with our blood glucose levels has skyrocketed. From ZOE and Freestyle Libre, to Dexcom and Lingo, there are more ways than ever to track your blood sugar. Health influencers are forever warning us against the dangers of a ‘glucose spike’, offering us advice on what to eat to avoid this. But, if you’re a healthy person, do you really need to be tracking your blood sugar levels? Is it so bad if your blood glucose occasionally spikes? And, what is considered a spike, anyway…

blood-sugar-5cf3be8.jpg
width: 3333
height: 3333