This year folic acid is being added to all non-wholemeal wheat flour by law. The given intention is to reduce neural tube defects such as spina bifida by ensuring that women of childbearing age consume enough folate; however, from traditionally recommending folate supplementation to pregnant women, the government has now taken a step further: folic acid will be in the food supply automatically. Let me explain why this is a very bad idea.

This change doesn’t affect only women of childbearing age. It affects everyone.

Every person who eats supermarket bread, pastries, pasta, biscuits and processed foods made from white flour will now consume synthetic folic acid as part of their diet, whether they need it, want it, or can metabolise it properly. And the implications are huge. 

When was the last time you celebrated a birthday, a promotion, or even a "just because" gathering without alcohol? For many people in the UK, that scenario is almost unimaginable. Alcohol has been deeply woven into the cultural fabric of our society, almost like a reflexive backdrop to joy, celebration, sorrow, stress and everything in between. But is this "normal" relationship with alcohol as harmless as it seems?

Recent statistics paint a sobering picture. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2023, 78% of adults in Great Britain reported drinking alcohol within the previous week. And it's not just casual drinking; nearly one in five adults consume more than 14 units of alcohol per week, surpassing the government's "low risk" drinking guidelines. Yet, this consistent and often heavy consumption is rarely questioned.

From gifting a bottle of wine for a birthday to popping champagne for anniversaries, alcohol isn't just accepted - it's expected. Peer pressure, subtle or overt, urges us to "just have one" or "live a little." Somehow, alcohol has become synonymous with fun, relaxation, and celebration.

But is it truly serving us?

Beyond the glittering marketing campaigns and cosy pub scenes, alcohol takes a significant toll on health - one that many choose to ignore. Regular consumption, even at "moderate" levels, can dramatically increase the risk of a host of serious health issues…