Individuals prescribed statin therapy for high cholesterol levels have increased their caloric intake by nearly 10% and their intake of fat by 14% over a recent 10-year period, while no changes in eating habits have been observed among statin nonusers, a new study shows. In addition, researchers report that individuals prescribed a statin had a larger increase in body-mass index (BMI) than those who weren't taking the lipid-lowering medication.
Presenting their findings April 24, 2014 here at the Society of General Internal Medicine Meeting , the researchers say the study showed that statin users were consuming an extra 192 kcal per day in 2009–2010 than they were in 1999–2000, and this could have contributed to the increase in BMI, which was the equivalent of a 3- to 5-kg weight gain.
Dr Rita Redberg (University of California, San Francisco), the editor of JAMA: Internal Medicine, said she has treated many patients with statins over the years and has observed a "false reassurance" among those who receive the cholesterol-lowering medications. There is a perception, she writes, that "statins can compensate for poor dietary choices and a sedentary life." The new data raise concerns of a potential hazard with statins, where the focus on "cholesterol levels can be distracting from the more beneficial focus on healthy lifestyle to reduce heart-disease risk," suggests Redberg.
Thursday, May 01, 2014
Gluten Indicated in Migraines
Migraines May Be a Sign of Gluten Intolerance.
The following LA Times article confirms what we have known for a while. Of course, migraines are just one of the multitude of symptoms brought on by gluten for those who are intolerant.
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-twitter-migraine-side-20140426,0,6515753.story#axzz30BoozVtm
The following LA Times article confirms what we have known for a while. Of course, migraines are just one of the multitude of symptoms brought on by gluten for those who are intolerant.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Hand Sanitizer and Antibacterial Soap: Look at the Ingredients!
Manufacturers are turning away from using triclosan as an antimicrobial ingredient in soaps, toothpastes and other products over health concerns. And now scientists are reporting new evidence that appears to support these worries. Their study, published in Chemical Research in Toxicology, found that triclosan, as well as another commercial substance called octylphenol, promoted the growth of human breast cancer cells in lab dishes and breast cancer tumors in mice.
Hormonal imbalances seem to play a role in the development of breast cancer. Given that link, researchers are investigating whether endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are compounds that act like hormones, might spur cancer cell growth. EDCs have become ubiquitous in products, in the environment and even in our bodies. Research has found that two EDCs -- triclosan, an antimicrobial ingredient in many products, including soaps, cosmetics and cutting boards; and octylphenol, which is in some paints, pesticides and plastics -- have accumulated in the environment. Additionally, triclosan is reportedly in the urine of an estimated 75 percent of Americans.
In tests on human breast cancer cells and in special immunodeficient mice with tissue grafts, the scientists found that both agents interfered with genes involved with breast cancer cell growth, resulting in more cancer cells. Mice that were exposed to the two compounds had larger and denser breast cancer tumors than the control group.
Hormonal imbalances seem to play a role in the development of breast cancer. Given that link, researchers are investigating whether endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are compounds that act like hormones, might spur cancer cell growth. EDCs have become ubiquitous in products, in the environment and even in our bodies. Research has found that two EDCs -- triclosan, an antimicrobial ingredient in many products, including soaps, cosmetics and cutting boards; and octylphenol, which is in some paints, pesticides and plastics -- have accumulated in the environment. Additionally, triclosan is reportedly in the urine of an estimated 75 percent of Americans.
In tests on human breast cancer cells and in special immunodeficient mice with tissue grafts, the scientists found that both agents interfered with genes involved with breast cancer cell growth, resulting in more cancer cells. Mice that were exposed to the two compounds had larger and denser breast cancer tumors than the control group.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Shellfish Irradiation Proposed by FDA
Steve: As long as irradiated shellfish is labeled, we have no problem with this. In this ruling, the FDA mandates that shellfish be labeled, with two exclusions: shellfish mixed with other foods and restaurants. Please tell the FDA that these exclusions are not acceptable.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is amending current food additive regulations to allow the safe use of ionizing radiation on crustaceans (e.g., crab, shrimp, lobster, crayfish, and prawns) to control foodborne pathogens and extend the shelf life. The action responds to a food additive petition submitted by the National Fisheries Institute. The decision is based on a rigorous safety assessment that considered 1) potential toxicity, 2) the effect of irradiation on nutrients, and 3) potential microbiological risk that may result from treating crustaceans with ionizing radiation. The evaluation also considered previous evaluations of the safety of irradiation of other foods including poultry, meat, molluscan shellfish, iceberg lettuce, and fresh spinach. This rule covers raw, frozen, cooked, partially cooked, shelled, or dried crustaceans, or cooked, or ready-to-cook, crustaceans processed with spices or small amounts of other food ingredients.
At the maximum permitted dose of 6.0 kiloGray, this new use of ionizing radiation will reduce, but not entirely eliminate, the number of pathogenic (illness causing) microorganisms in or on crustaceans. The maximum dosage of irradiation approved is capable of reducing a number of pathogens that may be found in crustaceans, including Listeria, Vibrio, and E. coli. Irradiation is not a substitute for proper food-handling practices; therefore crustaceans treated with ionizing radiation must be stored, handled, and cooked in the same way as non-irradiated foods.
Under 21 CFR 179.26(c), we require that irradiated foods bear the international symbol for irradiation (radura) and carry the statement "Treated with radiation" or "Treated by irradiation" on the food label. Consumers will continue to be able to identify irradiated foods, including crustaceans, by the presence of the irradiation statement and symbol on the label. For foods not in package form, the logo and phrase must be displayed to the purchaser with either the labeling of the bulk container plainly in view or a counter sign, car, or other appropriate device bearing the information that the product has been treated with radiation. We do not require that multi-ingredient foods that contain ingredients that have been irradiated (e.g., spices) be labeled if the food itself has not been irradiated, nor do we require labeling of irradiated food served in restaurants.
Submit comments electronically to the FDA docket through Docket No. FDA-2001-F-0049 (formerly Docket No. 01F-0047).
To submit comments by mail, send to FDA at:
Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061
Rockville, MD 20852
All submissions must include the agency name and docket number.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is amending current food additive regulations to allow the safe use of ionizing radiation on crustaceans (e.g., crab, shrimp, lobster, crayfish, and prawns) to control foodborne pathogens and extend the shelf life. The action responds to a food additive petition submitted by the National Fisheries Institute. The decision is based on a rigorous safety assessment that considered 1) potential toxicity, 2) the effect of irradiation on nutrients, and 3) potential microbiological risk that may result from treating crustaceans with ionizing radiation. The evaluation also considered previous evaluations of the safety of irradiation of other foods including poultry, meat, molluscan shellfish, iceberg lettuce, and fresh spinach. This rule covers raw, frozen, cooked, partially cooked, shelled, or dried crustaceans, or cooked, or ready-to-cook, crustaceans processed with spices or small amounts of other food ingredients.
At the maximum permitted dose of 6.0 kiloGray, this new use of ionizing radiation will reduce, but not entirely eliminate, the number of pathogenic (illness causing) microorganisms in or on crustaceans. The maximum dosage of irradiation approved is capable of reducing a number of pathogens that may be found in crustaceans, including Listeria, Vibrio, and E. coli. Irradiation is not a substitute for proper food-handling practices; therefore crustaceans treated with ionizing radiation must be stored, handled, and cooked in the same way as non-irradiated foods.
Under 21 CFR 179.26(c), we require that irradiated foods bear the international symbol for irradiation (radura) and carry the statement "Treated with radiation" or "Treated by irradiation" on the food label. Consumers will continue to be able to identify irradiated foods, including crustaceans, by the presence of the irradiation statement and symbol on the label. For foods not in package form, the logo and phrase must be displayed to the purchaser with either the labeling of the bulk container plainly in view or a counter sign, car, or other appropriate device bearing the information that the product has been treated with radiation. We do not require that multi-ingredient foods that contain ingredients that have been irradiated (e.g., spices) be labeled if the food itself has not been irradiated, nor do we require labeling of irradiated food served in restaurants.
Submit comments electronically to the FDA docket through Docket No. FDA-2001-F-0049 (formerly Docket No. 01F-0047).
To submit comments by mail, send to FDA at:
Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061
Rockville, MD 20852
All submissions must include the agency name and docket number.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Broader Access to Test Results.
Patients may obtain their test results directly from the laboratory that produced them, without having to go through their doctors, under regulations recently announced by the Obama administration.
The rule is part of a broader effort by the administration to give Americans more control over their health care. It supersedes state law and will have particular significance in 13 states that prohibit labs from releasing test results directly to patients.
Consumer groups said the rule will empower patients and reduce mistakes. A 2009 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that providers failed to notify patients of abnormal test results 7 percent of the time. Other estimates have put that rate higher.
Officials at the Department of Health and Human Services said the new rule will give patients another way to get information about lab-test results besides relying on their doctors.
Here is the official rule: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2014-02280.pdf
The rule is part of a broader effort by the administration to give Americans more control over their health care. It supersedes state law and will have particular significance in 13 states that prohibit labs from releasing test results directly to patients.
Consumer groups said the rule will empower patients and reduce mistakes. A 2009 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that providers failed to notify patients of abnormal test results 7 percent of the time. Other estimates have put that rate higher.
Officials at the Department of Health and Human Services said the new rule will give patients another way to get information about lab-test results besides relying on their doctors.
Here is the official rule: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2014-02280.pdf
Friday, April 18, 2014
Client Testimonial
“Are you overweight and having a real difficult time losing weight? Are you having pains in the abdominal region? You need to make an appointment with Bonnie. She has this amazing food intolerance test which will enlighten you on the foods that are affecting you and will help you get well again.” Claude E
Thursday, April 17, 2014
America's Catching on to Food Intolerance.
Here is a glowing article from the Wall Street Journal About Food Intolerance.
More People Pick Elimination Diets to Discover Food Sensitivities.
By Sarah Nassauer, Wall Street Journal
The adage that you are what you eat doesn't quite ring true for some people. A growing group is swearing by the idea: You are what you don't eat.
Elimination diets—which call for cutting out a certain food or group of foods—are having a moment. People often start the diets in an effort to cure a symptom that doesn't necessarily seem worth seeing a doctor about: headaches, skin irritation, joint pain, digestive problem or just feeling tired. Maybe cutting out certain foods will help, they think. Weight loss often isn't the primary motivation.
Eating in this manner is different than elimination diets intended to detect sometimes immediate and life-threatening allergic reactions, often done under close supervision of a doctor.
The idea behind these elimination diets is to help people identify more subtle, gradual reactions to common food groups such as dairy, soy, nuts, eggs, gluten, sugar and alcohol. They completely avoid those foods for a few weeks. Later each food is added back one by one to test the body's response.
There is little science to prove specific cause-and-effect behind this style of elimination diet and an improvement in symptoms, many doctors say. Yet lots of people report feeling significantly better. Is that because "they are eating healthier or because, say, wheat was taken away?" says Linda Lee, director of the Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine & Digestive Center.
Still, there is little harm in cutting out a food group for a limited time if people aren't at risk of poor nutrition, don't begin to develop a fear of food and don't have a history of eating disorders, which restrictive diets can trigger, say most doctors.
After years of increasingly uncomfortable stomach cramps and other intestinal issues, Amanda Deming, a 35-year-old mother and legal assistant, saw a friend post rave reviews on Facebook about an elimination diet called the Whole 30. It recommends cutting out gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and other grains), dairy, sugar and sweeteners, white potatoes, alcohol, some food additives and even legumes and grains for 30 days. What's left? "You eat meats, fruits and vegetables," says Ms. Deming, who lives in Greenville, S.C. Within two weeks of starting the regimen her stomach felt better. "And that means the world to me," she says. "I have more energy."
She stuck with the eating habits past 30 days, even though it has been hard to skip her family's Friday pizza night. Also, her food budget has gone up. "I don't have a meal that doesn't have meat in it," she says.
The Whole 30 plan is intended to improve overall health, break bad eating habits and in some cases will identify food sensitivities,says Melissa Hartwig, a sports nutritionist and co-owner of Whole 9, the company that designed the plan.
Harry Eschel, vice president of products and marketing for a mobile software company, noticed his weight creeping up and sports injuries piling up. "I used to travel a lot, so dinner was McDonald's," says Mr. Eschel, 48, who lives in Wilmette, Ill. A year ago he tried a two-week elimination diet with a holistic health coach to jump-start weight loss. He gave up gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, eggs, soy and other foods.
After losing 10 pounds in the first two weeks, he decided to stick with many of the habits. Now he doesn't eat fast food, has mostly stopped eating gluten, sugar and dairy, and he has taken up yoga. "I got a lot of teasing for [the yoga], but now friends are going, 'he hasn't thrown his back out,' " he says.
Many elimination diet proponents suggest the regimen can help find the cause of leaky gut syndrome or increased intestinal permeability. The idea is that some foods irritate the intestines and cause food proteins to leak through the intestinal wall where they shouldn't be. Once there, the proteins come into contact with large numbers of immune cells that live just below the intestinal wall, says Dave Rakel, director of the University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Program at the School of Medicine and Public Health.
"The immune system along the gut is triggered to see friend or foe," says Dr. Rakel. If foe, an immune attack begins causing inflammation that can move throughout the body, he says.
In recent months, Katie Collette, a 36-year-old graduate student in pharmacology, physiology, and therapeutics, had daily headaches she thought were related to seasonal allergies. At one point, her allergist suggested an elimination diet, says Ms. Collette. Guided by what she read online about a book called "the Virgin Diet" by J.J. Virgin, she cut gluten, eggs, dairy, soy, peanuts, corn and sugar for three weeks. "I just assumed I should cut alcohol," as well, says Ms. Collette.
Her headaches became less frequent on the diet and when she brought back soy—a small amount of edamame—she got a headache and runny nose. She plans to avoid most soy in the long term. "No more tofu for me," she says.
Compared with an allergic reaction, people are more often able to eat the offending food again in limited quantities after giving the body a break from the food causing the inflammation, says Dr. Rakel. He recommends a three-week elimination diet to patients with digestive problems, joint inflammation, asthma and reoccurring sinus infections, among other symptoms—but not to everyone. Overall, people should eat a "high-fiber, multicolored, whole-food diet," he says.
Some doctors say the connection between many symptoms and gut health isn't well understood. Increased intestinal permeability "can be linked to disease, but by itself it isn't linked to things like headaches, fatigue and general malaise," says Jerrold Turner, associate chairman of the Department of Pathology at the University of Chicago. Dr. Turner last year co-authored the paper "Intestinal Permeability Defects: Is It Time to Treat?" But Dr. Turner adds: "If it makes people feel better, I'm not sure why we should oppose," elimination dieting.
After headaches, fatigue and other symptoms started to become more frequent last year, Jean Panko, a 35-year-old portfolio administrator in Edison, N.J., turned to a mail-in blood test that promised to reveal food sensitivities that could be causing her symptoms, she says. Based on her results, she stopped eating chicken, gluten, corn, soy, cane sugar, honey, apples, blueberries, grapes and other foods. "Within two days I felt like a new person," she says.
This type of blood test, which looks at cellular reactions to hundreds of foods and chemicals, is viewed as inconclusive by some doctors. "Ask the body the question rather than asking the lab," says Susan Blum, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Andy Panko, Jean's husband, did the blood test after seeing how much better she felt. The experiment helped "kick the habit of eating all this junk, but I never actually felt better," he says.
He plans to try eating some of his forbidden foods soon like dairy, gluten and brewer's yeast, an ingredient in beer. "I very much miss dairy in my life. I miss pizza. I miss yogurt. I miss cheese," he says.
The entire article with added media is available here.
Bonnie: One caveat - I have never recommend doing elimination diets on your own. I have seen too many cases of nutrient deficiency and calorie deprivation. In addition, for especially sick people, there can be adverse effects/strong detox symptoms.
In most instances, doing a food intolerance screening is a smarter way to approach food intolerance. When I was doing elimination diets many years ago before we found a reputable lab to do blood screening, it often took much longer than a few weeks to discover the offending foods. In many cases, there are multiple offending foods so it can be quite confusing to find out which are the offenders. Our screening and subsequent menu plans can absorb and address multiple food intolerances at once.
Let there be no doubt that elimination diets are difficult, but as the article shows, when the right foods are removed and the clients comply, most of the time people feel MUCH better.
More People Pick Elimination Diets to Discover Food Sensitivities.
By Sarah Nassauer, Wall Street Journal
The adage that you are what you eat doesn't quite ring true for some people. A growing group is swearing by the idea: You are what you don't eat.
Elimination diets—which call for cutting out a certain food or group of foods—are having a moment. People often start the diets in an effort to cure a symptom that doesn't necessarily seem worth seeing a doctor about: headaches, skin irritation, joint pain, digestive problem or just feeling tired. Maybe cutting out certain foods will help, they think. Weight loss often isn't the primary motivation.
Eating in this manner is different than elimination diets intended to detect sometimes immediate and life-threatening allergic reactions, often done under close supervision of a doctor.
The idea behind these elimination diets is to help people identify more subtle, gradual reactions to common food groups such as dairy, soy, nuts, eggs, gluten, sugar and alcohol. They completely avoid those foods for a few weeks. Later each food is added back one by one to test the body's response.
There is little science to prove specific cause-and-effect behind this style of elimination diet and an improvement in symptoms, many doctors say. Yet lots of people report feeling significantly better. Is that because "they are eating healthier or because, say, wheat was taken away?" says Linda Lee, director of the Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine & Digestive Center.
Still, there is little harm in cutting out a food group for a limited time if people aren't at risk of poor nutrition, don't begin to develop a fear of food and don't have a history of eating disorders, which restrictive diets can trigger, say most doctors.
After years of increasingly uncomfortable stomach cramps and other intestinal issues, Amanda Deming, a 35-year-old mother and legal assistant, saw a friend post rave reviews on Facebook about an elimination diet called the Whole 30. It recommends cutting out gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and other grains), dairy, sugar and sweeteners, white potatoes, alcohol, some food additives and even legumes and grains for 30 days. What's left? "You eat meats, fruits and vegetables," says Ms. Deming, who lives in Greenville, S.C. Within two weeks of starting the regimen her stomach felt better. "And that means the world to me," she says. "I have more energy."
She stuck with the eating habits past 30 days, even though it has been hard to skip her family's Friday pizza night. Also, her food budget has gone up. "I don't have a meal that doesn't have meat in it," she says.
The Whole 30 plan is intended to improve overall health, break bad eating habits and in some cases will identify food sensitivities,says Melissa Hartwig, a sports nutritionist and co-owner of Whole 9, the company that designed the plan.
Harry Eschel, vice president of products and marketing for a mobile software company, noticed his weight creeping up and sports injuries piling up. "I used to travel a lot, so dinner was McDonald's," says Mr. Eschel, 48, who lives in Wilmette, Ill. A year ago he tried a two-week elimination diet with a holistic health coach to jump-start weight loss. He gave up gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, eggs, soy and other foods.
After losing 10 pounds in the first two weeks, he decided to stick with many of the habits. Now he doesn't eat fast food, has mostly stopped eating gluten, sugar and dairy, and he has taken up yoga. "I got a lot of teasing for [the yoga], but now friends are going, 'he hasn't thrown his back out,' " he says.
Many elimination diet proponents suggest the regimen can help find the cause of leaky gut syndrome or increased intestinal permeability. The idea is that some foods irritate the intestines and cause food proteins to leak through the intestinal wall where they shouldn't be. Once there, the proteins come into contact with large numbers of immune cells that live just below the intestinal wall, says Dave Rakel, director of the University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Program at the School of Medicine and Public Health.
"The immune system along the gut is triggered to see friend or foe," says Dr. Rakel. If foe, an immune attack begins causing inflammation that can move throughout the body, he says.
In recent months, Katie Collette, a 36-year-old graduate student in pharmacology, physiology, and therapeutics, had daily headaches she thought were related to seasonal allergies. At one point, her allergist suggested an elimination diet, says Ms. Collette. Guided by what she read online about a book called "the Virgin Diet" by J.J. Virgin, she cut gluten, eggs, dairy, soy, peanuts, corn and sugar for three weeks. "I just assumed I should cut alcohol," as well, says Ms. Collette.
Her headaches became less frequent on the diet and when she brought back soy—a small amount of edamame—she got a headache and runny nose. She plans to avoid most soy in the long term. "No more tofu for me," she says.
Compared with an allergic reaction, people are more often able to eat the offending food again in limited quantities after giving the body a break from the food causing the inflammation, says Dr. Rakel. He recommends a three-week elimination diet to patients with digestive problems, joint inflammation, asthma and reoccurring sinus infections, among other symptoms—but not to everyone. Overall, people should eat a "high-fiber, multicolored, whole-food diet," he says.
Some doctors say the connection between many symptoms and gut health isn't well understood. Increased intestinal permeability "can be linked to disease, but by itself it isn't linked to things like headaches, fatigue and general malaise," says Jerrold Turner, associate chairman of the Department of Pathology at the University of Chicago. Dr. Turner last year co-authored the paper "Intestinal Permeability Defects: Is It Time to Treat?" But Dr. Turner adds: "If it makes people feel better, I'm not sure why we should oppose," elimination dieting.
After headaches, fatigue and other symptoms started to become more frequent last year, Jean Panko, a 35-year-old portfolio administrator in Edison, N.J., turned to a mail-in blood test that promised to reveal food sensitivities that could be causing her symptoms, she says. Based on her results, she stopped eating chicken, gluten, corn, soy, cane sugar, honey, apples, blueberries, grapes and other foods. "Within two days I felt like a new person," she says.
This type of blood test, which looks at cellular reactions to hundreds of foods and chemicals, is viewed as inconclusive by some doctors. "Ask the body the question rather than asking the lab," says Susan Blum, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Andy Panko, Jean's husband, did the blood test after seeing how much better she felt. The experiment helped "kick the habit of eating all this junk, but I never actually felt better," he says.
He plans to try eating some of his forbidden foods soon like dairy, gluten and brewer's yeast, an ingredient in beer. "I very much miss dairy in my life. I miss pizza. I miss yogurt. I miss cheese," he says.
The entire article with added media is available here.
Bonnie: One caveat - I have never recommend doing elimination diets on your own. I have seen too many cases of nutrient deficiency and calorie deprivation. In addition, for especially sick people, there can be adverse effects/strong detox symptoms.
In most instances, doing a food intolerance screening is a smarter way to approach food intolerance. When I was doing elimination diets many years ago before we found a reputable lab to do blood screening, it often took much longer than a few weeks to discover the offending foods. In many cases, there are multiple offending foods so it can be quite confusing to find out which are the offenders. Our screening and subsequent menu plans can absorb and address multiple food intolerances at once.
Let there be no doubt that elimination diets are difficult, but as the article shows, when the right foods are removed and the clients comply, most of the time people feel MUCH better.
Lashing Out at Your Spouse?
Low levels of blood sugar may make married people angrier at their spouses and even more likely to lash out aggressively, new research from the April 14th issue of PNAS reveals.
In a 21-day study, researchers found that levels of blood glucose in married people, measured each night, predicted how angry they would be with their spouse that evening. At the end of the 21 days, people who had generally lower levels of glucose were willing to blast their spouses with unpleasant noises at a higher volume and for a longer time than those who had higher glucose levels.
The study shows how one simple, often overlooked factor -- hunger caused by low levels of blood glucose -- may play a role in marital arguments, confrontations and possibly even some domestic violence.
Steve: Folks, this is so easy to remedy. Mood swings are usually a direct result of low blood sugar or hunger. I have seen so many cases of people who are in horrible moods and snap out of it in minutes when they have a balanced snack or meal. With so many of us skipping meals, as well as an epidemic of blood sugar disorders, this study should not surprise.
The next time you feel ready to lash out, take a moment to think about the last time you have eaten something!
In a 21-day study, researchers found that levels of blood glucose in married people, measured each night, predicted how angry they would be with their spouse that evening. At the end of the 21 days, people who had generally lower levels of glucose were willing to blast their spouses with unpleasant noises at a higher volume and for a longer time than those who had higher glucose levels.
The study shows how one simple, often overlooked factor -- hunger caused by low levels of blood glucose -- may play a role in marital arguments, confrontations and possibly even some domestic violence.
Steve: Folks, this is so easy to remedy. Mood swings are usually a direct result of low blood sugar or hunger. I have seen so many cases of people who are in horrible moods and snap out of it in minutes when they have a balanced snack or meal. With so many of us skipping meals, as well as an epidemic of blood sugar disorders, this study should not surprise.
The next time you feel ready to lash out, take a moment to think about the last time you have eaten something!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Unusual Bike Riding Injuries A Problem for Kids and Adults
Biking has plenty of health benefits, but riders also run the risk of an injury to the kidney or genitalia, according to a new study from Injury Prevention that found kids sustain about 10 times as many of these injuries as adults.
The researchers analyzed data that had been collected by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System between 2002 and 2012. An average of about 4,000 people sustained bicycle-related kidney or genital injuries during each year of the study. Children came to the ER for bicycle-related kidney or genital injuries about 10 times more often than adults. Adult injuries more often required hospital admission.
Boys and men accounted for 61% of injuries. About 70% resulted from direct contact with the bike - as opposed to hitting the ground - and nearly half of the overall injuries were due to contact with the top tube, which runs between the base of the seat and the handlebars.
The researchers analyzed data that had been collected by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System between 2002 and 2012. An average of about 4,000 people sustained bicycle-related kidney or genital injuries during each year of the study. Children came to the ER for bicycle-related kidney or genital injuries about 10 times more often than adults. Adult injuries more often required hospital admission.
Boys and men accounted for 61% of injuries. About 70% resulted from direct contact with the bike - as opposed to hitting the ground - and nearly half of the overall injuries were due to contact with the top tube, which runs between the base of the seat and the handlebars.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Carbs Affect Cholesterol As Much As Fats
The fatty acid composition of blood reflects the quality of both dietary fat and carbohydrates,
according to new research in the journal Lipids. For example, the research team revealed that blood levels of oleic acid were found to be higher among children who consumed a lot of candy and refined grain products.
according to new research in the journal Lipids. For example, the research team revealed that blood levels of oleic acid were found to be higher among children who consumed a lot of candy and refined grain products.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Better Nutrition Knowledge = Better Dietary Habits
Seems simple right? Not really, according to a study in the March issue of British Journal of Nutrition, that examined the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake in adults (mean age equal to or more than 18 years).
The majority of the studies reported significant, positive, associations between higher nutrition knowledge and dietary intake, most often a higher intake of fruit and vegetables. However, study quality ranged widely and participant representation from lower socio-economic status was limited, with most participants being tertiary educated and female. Well-designed studies using validated methodologies are needed to clarify the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake. Diet quality scores or indices that aim to evaluate compliance to dietary guidelines may be particularly valuable for assessing the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake.
The researchers state that nutrition knowledge is an integral component of health literacy and as low health literacy is associated with poor health outcomes, contemporary, high-quality research is needed to inform community nutrition education and public health policy.
The majority of the studies reported significant, positive, associations between higher nutrition knowledge and dietary intake, most often a higher intake of fruit and vegetables. However, study quality ranged widely and participant representation from lower socio-economic status was limited, with most participants being tertiary educated and female. Well-designed studies using validated methodologies are needed to clarify the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake. Diet quality scores or indices that aim to evaluate compliance to dietary guidelines may be particularly valuable for assessing the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake.
The researchers state that nutrition knowledge is an integral component of health literacy and as low health literacy is associated with poor health outcomes, contemporary, high-quality research is needed to inform community nutrition education and public health policy.
Overweight Dads Ups Child's Autism Risk
The objective of a study in the April issue of Pediatrics was to investigate the associations among maternal prepregnancy BMI, paternal BMI, and the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in children.
Maternal obesity was only weakly associated with ASD risk, whereas paternal obesity was associated with an increased risk of autistic disorder and Asperger disorder. The risk of autistic disorder was 0.27% in children of obese fathers and 0.14% in children of fathers with normal weight. For Asperger disorder, the risk was 0.38% in children of obese fathers and 0.18% in children of normal-weight fathers.
The researchers concluded that paternal obesity is an independent risk factor for ASDs in children. The associations should be investigated further in genetic and epigenetic studies.
Maternal obesity was only weakly associated with ASD risk, whereas paternal obesity was associated with an increased risk of autistic disorder and Asperger disorder. The risk of autistic disorder was 0.27% in children of obese fathers and 0.14% in children of fathers with normal weight. For Asperger disorder, the risk was 0.38% in children of obese fathers and 0.18% in children of normal-weight fathers.
The researchers concluded that paternal obesity is an independent risk factor for ASDs in children. The associations should be investigated further in genetic and epigenetic studies.
JAMA's opinion on zinc for the common cold in kids
In this week's issue of Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers asked the question: Is oral zinc associated with a shorter duration, decreased severity, and reduced incidence of the common cold compared with placebo in children?
Their "Bottom Line" was when initiated within 24 hours of symptom onset, oral zinc is associated with a shorter duration of the common cold in healthy people.
Used prophylactically, oral zinc is associated with a reduced cold incidence in children.
Their "Bottom Line" was when initiated within 24 hours of symptom onset, oral zinc is associated with a shorter duration of the common cold in healthy people.
Used prophylactically, oral zinc is associated with a reduced cold incidence in children.
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
Parents Must Be Vigilant in Monitoring Children's Media Use.
This is an abstract from the most recent issue of JAMA Pediatrics.
The objective of this study was to determine the prospective effects of parental monitoring of children’s media on physical, social, and academic outcomes.
Data were collected by in-home and in-school surveys in 2 communities in Iowa and Minnesota, where 1323 third, fourth, and fifth grade students participated. A primary caregiver and teachers also provided data about the student. Body mass index, average weekly sleep, school performance, prosocial behavior, and aggressive behavior were tabulated.
The results revealed that parental monitoring of children’s media influences children’s sleep, school performance, and prosocial and aggressive behaviors and that these effects are mediated through total screen time and exposure to media violence.
In conclusion, this study shows that parental monitoring of media has protective effects on a wide variety of academic, social, and physical child outcomes. Health professionals are uniquely positioned to provide scientifically based recommendations to families; encouraging parents to monitor children’s media carefully can have a wide range of health benefits for children.
Thursday, April 03, 2014
Foods that make allergies worse
Cross-reactive foods have finally become mainstream (see CNN article). We have an Action Plan called "Conquering Allergy and Intolerance" that not only lists in detail cross-reactive foods for every type of environmental allergy, but gives you replacement foods to eat during the height of each allergy season.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/03/health/gallery/allergies-reaction-foods/?hpt=he_c2
Do you have a grass allergy? Now you can scrap allergy shots for sublingual allergy drops. it was just approved by the FDA this week! Where were these drops when I was growing up?!
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm391458.htm
http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/03/health/gallery/allergies-reaction-foods/?hpt=he_c2
Do you have a grass allergy? Now you can scrap allergy shots for sublingual allergy drops. it was just approved by the FDA this week! Where were these drops when I was growing up?!
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm391458.htm
Have a Food Craving? Play Tetris.
According to a study in the upcoming May issue of Appetite, Elaborated Intrusion Theory (EI) postulates that imagery is central to craving, therefore a visually based task should decrease craving and craving imagery.
The study provides the first laboratory test of this hypothesis in naturally occurring, rather than artificially induced, cravings. Participants reported if they were experiencing a craving and rated the strength, vividness and intrusiveness of their craving. They then either played ‘Tetris’ or they waited for a computer program to load (they were told it would load, but it was designed not to).
Participants who had played ‘Tetris’ had significantly lower craving and less vivid craving imagery. The findings support EI theory, showing that a visuospatial working memory load reduces naturally occurring cravings, and that Tetris might be a useful task for tackling cravings outside the laboratory.
Steve: I love that game! Not only does it work the mind, but I guess it takes your mind off your cravings.
The study provides the first laboratory test of this hypothesis in naturally occurring, rather than artificially induced, cravings. Participants reported if they were experiencing a craving and rated the strength, vividness and intrusiveness of their craving. They then either played ‘Tetris’ or they waited for a computer program to load (they were told it would load, but it was designed not to).
Participants who had played ‘Tetris’ had significantly lower craving and less vivid craving imagery. The findings support EI theory, showing that a visuospatial working memory load reduces naturally occurring cravings, and that Tetris might be a useful task for tackling cravings outside the laboratory.
Steve: I love that game! Not only does it work the mind, but I guess it takes your mind off your cravings.
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Tuesday, April 01, 2014
Binge Drinking a Problem for Older Persons.
Binge drinking in the elderly is underreported and is a cause for alarm, new research suggests.
A national cohort study of more than 4800 adults older than 64 years showed that almost 10% reported binge drinking ― defined as having 5 or more drinks in 1 sitting for men and 4 or more drinks in a single sitting for women ― in the previous 30 days.
The author states, "I actually think this number would be much higher where we are in South Miami. I've worked in the nursing homes there, and you just see it. A lot of the health problems, such as falls, are due to alcohol consumption, and often they're sneaking it in."
The results were presented last week at the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry 2014 Annual Meeting.
A national cohort study of more than 4800 adults older than 64 years showed that almost 10% reported binge drinking ― defined as having 5 or more drinks in 1 sitting for men and 4 or more drinks in a single sitting for women ― in the previous 30 days.
The author states, "I actually think this number would be much higher where we are in South Miami. I've worked in the nursing homes there, and you just see it. A lot of the health problems, such as falls, are due to alcohol consumption, and often they're sneaking it in."
The results were presented last week at the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry 2014 Annual Meeting.
Friday, March 28, 2014
How Men Triple Their Risk of Stroke.
Drinking alcohol more than 2.5 times a week, independent of the amount, triples the risk of stroke mortality in men compared to those who don’t drink alcohol, according to a new study published in the journal Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. The findings support previous studies.
At the onset of the study, the men participating in the study were middle-aged, and the follow-up time was 20 years. The study showed that men who consume alcohol more frequently than twice a week have more than a threefold risk of stroke mortality than people who do not consume alcohol at all. The risk of stroke mortality is elevated irrespective of the amount of alcohol consumed.
At the onset of the study, the men participating in the study were middle-aged, and the follow-up time was 20 years. The study showed that men who consume alcohol more frequently than twice a week have more than a threefold risk of stroke mortality than people who do not consume alcohol at all. The risk of stroke mortality is elevated irrespective of the amount of alcohol consumed.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Lancet Deems Fluoride a Neurotoxin.
In a review appearing in the March 2014 issue of Lancet Neurology entitled, "Neurobehavioural effects of developmental toxicity," the authors lay out existing evidence that has categorized fluoride as a newly identified industrial chemical known to cause developmental neurotoxicity in human beings.
Neurotoxins are capable of causing widespread brain disorders such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities - a host of untreatable and often permanently damaging disorders - and yet fluoride is added to drinking water and products such as toothpaste.
The U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed to hear arguments in the fluoride harm case of Nemphos v. Nestle Waters. It is just the beginning of a contentious issue sure to last for decades.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Let Older Students Sleep In!
"Sleep deprivation is epidemic among adolescents, with potentially serious impacts on mental and physical health, safety and learning. Early high school start times contribute to this problem," said the lead researcher in a study that appeared in a recent issue of Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. "Most teenagers undergo a biological shift to a later sleep-wake cycle, which can make early school start times particularly challenging. In this study, we looked at whether a relatively modest, temporary delay in school start time would change students' sleep patterns, sleepiness, mood and caffeine use."
Students attending an independent high school were examined both before and after their school start time was experimentally delayed from 8 to 8:25 a.m. during the winter term.
The delay in school start time was associated with a significant (29 minute) increase in sleep duration on school nights, with the percentage of students receiving eight or more hours of sleep on a school night jumping from 18 to 44 percent.
Daytime sleepiness, depressed mood and caffeine use were all significantly reduced after the delay in school start time. The later school start time had no effect on the number of hours students spent doing homework, playing sports or engaging in extracurricular activities.
In a final salvo, the researchers state, "If we more closely align school schedules with adolescents' circadian rhythms and sleep needs, we will have students who are more alert, happier, better prepared to learn, and aren't dependent on caffeine and energy drinks just to stay awake in class."
The delay in school start time was associated with a significant (29 minute) increase in sleep duration on school nights, with the percentage of students receiving eight or more hours of sleep on a school night jumping from 18 to 44 percent.
Daytime sleepiness, depressed mood and caffeine use were all significantly reduced after the delay in school start time. The later school start time had no effect on the number of hours students spent doing homework, playing sports or engaging in extracurricular activities.
In a final salvo, the researchers state, "If we more closely align school schedules with adolescents' circadian rhythms and sleep needs, we will have students who are more alert, happier, better prepared to learn, and aren't dependent on caffeine and energy drinks just to stay awake in class."
Monday, March 24, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
New model for colon cancer screening
Colon cancer screening rates went up by nearly 40% in a Kaiser Permanente study that mailed test kits to patients' homes. The findings are to be published in the journal BMC Cancer.
The study involved 869 patients registered with three community health clinics in metropolitan areas in Portland, Oregon. Most of the patients in the health clinics were Latinos living below the poverty line and around half of them had no health insurance.
The researchers arranged for an introductory letter - in English and Spanish - explaining the home test kit and colorectal cancer screening, to be mailed to 112 patients with one of the clinics. This letter was followed 2 weeks later with a mailed stool test kit. If the tests weren't returned within 3 weeks, the patients received reminder postcards.
For the second clinic, 101 patients received the same mailings over the same timescale: the letter, then the test kit and then the reminder postcard. Except, in this case, if test kits weren't returned within a month, the patients also got a reminder phone call.
With the third clinic, the researchers enlisted 656 patients as controls. These did not receive a stool test kit by mail, but they had the option of having a screening test as part of routine visits to the clinic.
Only 1% of the controls had completed a stool test, compared with 39% of the patients who received tests in the mail, and 37% who were also reminded by phone.
The study involved 869 patients registered with three community health clinics in metropolitan areas in Portland, Oregon. Most of the patients in the health clinics were Latinos living below the poverty line and around half of them had no health insurance.
The researchers arranged for an introductory letter - in English and Spanish - explaining the home test kit and colorectal cancer screening, to be mailed to 112 patients with one of the clinics. This letter was followed 2 weeks later with a mailed stool test kit. If the tests weren't returned within 3 weeks, the patients received reminder postcards.
For the second clinic, 101 patients received the same mailings over the same timescale: the letter, then the test kit and then the reminder postcard. Except, in this case, if test kits weren't returned within a month, the patients also got a reminder phone call.
With the third clinic, the researchers enlisted 656 patients as controls. These did not receive a stool test kit by mail, but they had the option of having a screening test as part of routine visits to the clinic.
Only 1% of the controls had completed a stool test, compared with 39% of the patients who received tests in the mail, and 37% who were also reminded by phone.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Omega-3's Promise for Cancer, Mortality, and Sleep
The objective of a March 15th study from American Journal of Epidemiology study evaluated whether intake of omega-3 fatty acids from diet and supplements was associated with cause-specific and total mortality. Participants were followed for mortality for six year. Higher combined intake of omega-3 fatty acids from diet and supplements was associated with a decreased risk of total mortality and mortality from cancer, as well as a small reduction in risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
A new study from Journal of Sleep Research found that higher levels of omega-3 DHA was associated with better sleep in children. The children who took part in the study were not selected for sleep problems, but were all struggling readers at a mainstream primary school. The study showed that the children on a course of daily supplements of omega-3 had nearly one hour (58 minutes) more sleep and seven fewer waking episodes per night compared with the children taking placebo.
A new study from Journal of Sleep Research found that higher levels of omega-3 DHA was associated with better sleep in children. The children who took part in the study were not selected for sleep problems, but were all struggling readers at a mainstream primary school. The study showed that the children on a course of daily supplements of omega-3 had nearly one hour (58 minutes) more sleep and seven fewer waking episodes per night compared with the children taking placebo.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
High protein protects the brain in older persons
Researchers in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggest that a diet high in protein, particularly animal protein, may help elderly individuals maintain a higher level of physical, psychological, and social function.
Research suggests that as people age, their ability to absorb or process protein may decline. To compensate for this loss, protein requirements may increase with age.
Research suggests that as people age, their ability to absorb or process protein may decline. To compensate for this loss, protein requirements may increase with age.
The study to investigated the relationship between protein intake and future decline in higher-level functional capacity in older community-dwelling adults in Japan.
The analysis included 1,007 individuals with an average age of 67.4 years who completed food questionnaires at the start of the study and seven years later. Participants were divided into four groups (quartiles) according to their intake levels of total, animal, and plant protein.
Tests of higher-level functional capacity included social and intellectual aspects as well as measures related to activities of daily living.
Men in the highest quartile of animal protein intake had a 39 percent decreased chance of experiencing higher-level functional decline than those in the lowest quartile. These associations were not seen in women. No decline was observed in plant protein intake for either sex.
The analysis included 1,007 individuals with an average age of 67.4 years who completed food questionnaires at the start of the study and seven years later. Participants were divided into four groups (quartiles) according to their intake levels of total, animal, and plant protein.
Tests of higher-level functional capacity included social and intellectual aspects as well as measures related to activities of daily living.
Men in the highest quartile of animal protein intake had a 39 percent decreased chance of experiencing higher-level functional decline than those in the lowest quartile. These associations were not seen in women. No decline was observed in plant protein intake for either sex.
GI Docs Changing Their Probiotic Tune
A healthy and balanced diet, as well as probiotics, have been known to be helpful in preserving gastrointestinal health for quite a long time. This was one of the topics presented at the Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit on March 8-9, 2014.
"Diet is a central issue when it comes to preserving our gastrointestinal health, because by eating and digesting we literally feed our gut microbiota, and thus influence its diversity and composition," says the distinguished microbiota expert Professor Francisco Guarner. "If this balance is disturbed, it might result in a number of disorders, including functional bowel disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases and other immune mediated diseases, such as celiac disease and certain allergies. Also, metabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, and perhaps even behavioral disorders, such as autism and depression, can be linked to gut microbial imbalances. Although a disrupted microbial equilibrium can have many causes -- infectious pathogens or use of antibiotics among them -- the role of our daily food and lifestyle is crucial. Thus, the maintenance of our gastrointestinal health is to a considerable extent in our own hands."
"The mechanisms underlying the beneficial outcome of probiotics are becoming increasingly clear. Through different molecules, probiotics interact with the host via various mechanisms and pathways. Some probiotics, for example, can hold pathogens at bay: by improving the intestinal barrier function, they defend the host against disease-causing microorganisms trying to invade."
According to Prof. Guarner, further useful "services" of probiotics include strengthening the immune system by stimulating immune mechanisms inside and outside the gut, helping to regulate the gut motility, and acting as anti-inflammatory compounds in the gut, with an impact beyond the gut.
Probiotics have beneficial effects at all stages of life, including the very early ones. Studies that show the beneficial effect of certain probiotics on gastroenteritis, colic, eczema, diarrhea and necrotizing enterocolitis in children. Moreover, according to several prevention studies, probiotics, may support disease prevention in children who tend to have a reduced microbiota diversity as they are not breast-fed, have been exposed to antibiotics or are born via Caesarean section. In all these cases, the development of a rich and balanced gut microbiota is likely to be delayed or impeded.
The members of this conference left with the notion that the microbial communities that reside in the human gut and their impact on human health and disease are one of the most exciting new areas of research today.
"Diet is a central issue when it comes to preserving our gastrointestinal health, because by eating and digesting we literally feed our gut microbiota, and thus influence its diversity and composition," says the distinguished microbiota expert Professor Francisco Guarner. "If this balance is disturbed, it might result in a number of disorders, including functional bowel disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases and other immune mediated diseases, such as celiac disease and certain allergies. Also, metabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, and perhaps even behavioral disorders, such as autism and depression, can be linked to gut microbial imbalances. Although a disrupted microbial equilibrium can have many causes -- infectious pathogens or use of antibiotics among them -- the role of our daily food and lifestyle is crucial. Thus, the maintenance of our gastrointestinal health is to a considerable extent in our own hands."
"The mechanisms underlying the beneficial outcome of probiotics are becoming increasingly clear. Through different molecules, probiotics interact with the host via various mechanisms and pathways. Some probiotics, for example, can hold pathogens at bay: by improving the intestinal barrier function, they defend the host against disease-causing microorganisms trying to invade."
According to Prof. Guarner, further useful "services" of probiotics include strengthening the immune system by stimulating immune mechanisms inside and outside the gut, helping to regulate the gut motility, and acting as anti-inflammatory compounds in the gut, with an impact beyond the gut.
Probiotics have beneficial effects at all stages of life, including the very early ones. Studies that show the beneficial effect of certain probiotics on gastroenteritis, colic, eczema, diarrhea and necrotizing enterocolitis in children. Moreover, according to several prevention studies, probiotics, may support disease prevention in children who tend to have a reduced microbiota diversity as they are not breast-fed, have been exposed to antibiotics or are born via Caesarean section. In all these cases, the development of a rich and balanced gut microbiota is likely to be delayed or impeded.
The members of this conference left with the notion that the microbial communities that reside in the human gut and their impact on human health and disease are one of the most exciting new areas of research today.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Probiotic Limits Baby Colic, Reflux
This is an abstract from the March issue of JAMA Pediatrics:
Objective
To investigate whether oral supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 during the first 3 months of life can reduce the onset of colic, gastroesophageal reflux, and constipation in term newborns and thereby reduce the socioeconomic impact of these conditions.
Design
Design
A prospective, multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was performed on term newborns (age less than 1 week) born at 9 different neonatal units in Italy between September 1, 2010, and October 30, 2012.
Setting
Setting
Parents were asked to record in a structured diary the number of episodes of regurgitation, duration of inconsolable crying (minutes per day), number of evacuations per day, number of visits to pediatricians, feeding changes, hospitalizations, visits to a pediatric emergency department for a perceived health emergency, pharmacologic interventions, and loss of parental working days.
Participants
Participants
In total, 589 infants were randomly allocated to receive L reuteri DSM 17938 or placebo daily for 90 days.
Interventions
Interventions
Prophylactic use of probiotic.
Main Outcomes and Measures
Main Outcomes and Measures
Reduction of daily crying time, regurgitation, and constipation during the first 3 months of life. Cost-benefit analysis of the probiotic supplementation.
Results
Results
At 3 months of age, the mean duration of crying time (38 vs 71 minutes), the mean number of regurgitations per day (2.9 vs 4.6), and the mean number of evacuations per day (4.2 vs 3.6) for the L reuteri DSM 17938 and placebo groups, respectively, were significantly different. The use of L reuteri DSM 17938 resulted in an estimated mean savings per patient of $118.71 for the family and an additional $140.30 for the community.
Conclusions and Relevance
Conclusions and Relevance
Prophylactic use of L reuteri DSM 17938 during the first 3 months of life reduced the onset of functional gastrointestinal disorders and reduced private and public costs for the management of this condition.
Friday, March 07, 2014
Why Japanese men are healthier than American men
Here's one reason: According to new research in Heart, middle-aged Japanese men living in Japan had lower incidence of coronary artery calcification, a predictor of heart disease, than middle-aged white men living in the United States, likely due to the significantly higher consumption of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish.
After accounting for risk factors for heart disease, the U.S. men had three times the incidence of coronary artery calcification as the Japanese men after five years – while the levels of marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid in the blood were more than 100% higher in the Japanese than in the white men.
The vast difference in heart disease and levels of marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid are not due to genetic factors. When the researchers looked at Japanese Americans, we find that their levels of coronary artery calcification are actually higher than that of the rest of the U.S. population.
The team noted that the average dietary intake of fish by Japanese people living in Japan is nearly 100 grams each day, while the average American eats about 7 to 13 grams of fish a day, or about one serving a week.
After accounting for risk factors for heart disease, the U.S. men had three times the incidence of coronary artery calcification as the Japanese men after five years – while the levels of marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid in the blood were more than 100% higher in the Japanese than in the white men.
The vast difference in heart disease and levels of marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid are not due to genetic factors. When the researchers looked at Japanese Americans, we find that their levels of coronary artery calcification are actually higher than that of the rest of the U.S. population.
The team noted that the average dietary intake of fish by Japanese people living in Japan is nearly 100 grams each day, while the average American eats about 7 to 13 grams of fish a day, or about one serving a week.
Thursday, March 06, 2014
Exciting Gut Bacteria Finding
Researchers in the journal Cell Reports have discovered how the beneficial bacteria in our guts communicate with our own cells. This is a key step in understanding how our bodies maintain a close relationship with the population of gut bacteria that plays crucial roles in maintaining our health, fighting infection and digesting our food.
Gut bacteria produce an enzyme that modifies signalling in cells lining the gut. The enzyme also has another role in breaking down food components.
One example is phytate, the form phosphorus takes in cereals and vegetables. Broken down phytate is a source of vital nutrients, but in its undigested form it has detrimental properties. It binds to important minerals preventing them being taken up by the body, causing conditions like anemia, especially in developing countries. Phytate also leads to excess phosphorus leaching into the soil from farm animal waste, and feed supplements are used to minimize this.
Despite the importance of phytate, we know very little about how it is broken down in our gut. After screening the genomes of hundreds of different species of gut bacteria, the researchers found an enzyme in one of the most prominent gut bacteria species that breaks down phytate.
Steve: A lack of the beneficial bacteria that contain this enzyme may ultimately be one of the causes of a host of intestinal disorders that are caused by excess, undigested phytate. This is an exciting development because we have mentioned in the past that the issue with cereal grains is not just their gluten content, but other chemicals that can be toxic to humans, such as phytate. Cereal grains are much higher in phytates than vegetables.
Gut bacteria produce an enzyme that modifies signalling in cells lining the gut. The enzyme also has another role in breaking down food components.
One example is phytate, the form phosphorus takes in cereals and vegetables. Broken down phytate is a source of vital nutrients, but in its undigested form it has detrimental properties. It binds to important minerals preventing them being taken up by the body, causing conditions like anemia, especially in developing countries. Phytate also leads to excess phosphorus leaching into the soil from farm animal waste, and feed supplements are used to minimize this.
Despite the importance of phytate, we know very little about how it is broken down in our gut. After screening the genomes of hundreds of different species of gut bacteria, the researchers found an enzyme in one of the most prominent gut bacteria species that breaks down phytate.
Steve: A lack of the beneficial bacteria that contain this enzyme may ultimately be one of the causes of a host of intestinal disorders that are caused by excess, undigested phytate. This is an exciting development because we have mentioned in the past that the issue with cereal grains is not just their gluten content, but other chemicals that can be toxic to humans, such as phytate. Cereal grains are much higher in phytates than vegetables.
Behavioral disorder linked to vitamin D
New study by Rhonda Patrick, PhD and Bruce Ames, PhD of Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI) demonstrates the impact that Vitamin D may have on social behavior associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In the FASEB Journal study, Dr. Patrick and Dr. Ames show that serotonin, oxytocin, and vasopressin, three brain hormones that affect social behavior, are all activated by vitamin D hormone. Autism, which is characterized by abnormal social behavior, has previously been linked to low levels of serotonin in the brain and to low vitamin D levels, but no mechanism has linked the two until now.
In this study, Dr. Patrick and Dr. Ames show that vitamin D hormone activates the gene that makes the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), that converts the essential amino acid tryptophan, to serotonin in the brain. This suggests that adequate levels of vitamin D may be required to produce serotonin in the brain where it shapes the structure and wiring of the brain, acts as a neurotransmitter, and affects social behavior. They also found evidence that the gene that makes the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) is inhibited by vitamin D hormone, which subsequently halts the production of serotonin in the gut and other tissues, where when found in excess it promotes inflammation.
The most recent National Health and Examination survey reports that greater than 70% of U.S. population does not meet this requirement and that adequate vitamin D levels have plummeted over the last couple of decades.
The study suggests dietary intervention with vitamin D, tryptophan and omega 3 fatty acids would boost brain serotonin concentrations and help prevent and possibly ameliorate some of the symptoms associated with ASD without side effects.
In this study, Dr. Patrick and Dr. Ames show that vitamin D hormone activates the gene that makes the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), that converts the essential amino acid tryptophan, to serotonin in the brain. This suggests that adequate levels of vitamin D may be required to produce serotonin in the brain where it shapes the structure and wiring of the brain, acts as a neurotransmitter, and affects social behavior. They also found evidence that the gene that makes the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) is inhibited by vitamin D hormone, which subsequently halts the production of serotonin in the gut and other tissues, where when found in excess it promotes inflammation.
The most recent National Health and Examination survey reports that greater than 70% of U.S. population does not meet this requirement and that adequate vitamin D levels have plummeted over the last couple of decades.
The study suggests dietary intervention with vitamin D, tryptophan and omega 3 fatty acids would boost brain serotonin concentrations and help prevent and possibly ameliorate some of the symptoms associated with ASD without side effects.
Wednesday, March 05, 2014
USPSTF says we shouldn't study supplements as if they were drugs
Steve: One aspect of the US Preventive Services Task Force's (USPSTF) recent announcement that there is not enough evidence to support dietary supplements for preventing heart disease and cancer did not make headlines. They admitted that conventional medicine isn’t qualified to properly assess the benefits of dietary supplements. This is to my knowledge the first major medical organization to publicly admit this.
Alliance for Natural Health does a great job supporting the USPSTF statement in this piece.
My most important takeaway?
"Research should target those who are deficient in the nutrient they are testing instead of patients with optimal nutrient levels (a point that should be self-evident but has always been ignored). Integrative doctors have used the hundreds of thousands of these studies on dietary supplements to devise successful healing protocols, but they usually begin with tests to determine deficiencies and they do not generally use a one-pill-or-dose-per-health-problem approach."
The majority of studies I cite on a weekly basis are those that address deficiency and the results after the deficiencies are corrected.
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Nutrition Facts Makeover? Much Ado About Nothing.
Early returns are underwhelming for the proposed makeover of the Nutrition Facts Label found on food packaging. We have will have a detailed analysis shortly. Here is the FDA's press release.
Immune Boosting Star We Know Well.
Daily supplements of the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 may improve the activity of white blood cells in elderly adults, a population with higher susceptibility to infections. Researcher in the Journal of Nutritional Science found that a daily dose of the probiotic for three weeks led to significant increases in the activity of monocytes and granulocytes in elderly people, thus improving clearance of bacteria from the body without contributing to the low-grade inflammation observed in the elderly population.
Alterations in the gut microbiota and immune functions of elderly adults are associated with higher susceptibility to infections and metabolic disorders. Phagocytosis, by which immune cells ‘eat’ bacteria or infected cells, is one of the mechanisms that help to resist infections. Bi-07 may provide health benefits to elderly individuals by increasing the activity of phagocytic cells.
Bonnie: Look on the label of your probiotic and some of you will see Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07. Several high quality supplement brands use this strain.
Alterations in the gut microbiota and immune functions of elderly adults are associated with higher susceptibility to infections and metabolic disorders. Phagocytosis, by which immune cells ‘eat’ bacteria or infected cells, is one of the mechanisms that help to resist infections. Bi-07 may provide health benefits to elderly individuals by increasing the activity of phagocytic cells.
Bonnie: Look on the label of your probiotic and some of you will see Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07. Several high quality supplement brands use this strain.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Some good news on childhood obesity
While obesity rates for most Americans haven't changed significantly over the past decades, researchers have found among kids ages 2 to 5 the obesity rate dropped from 14% in 2003-2004 to just over 8% in 2011-2012, according to a report out Tuesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That represents a drop of 43%, CDC said.
Older children made no progress, with nearly 18% of kids ages 6 to 11 being obese, as well as 20.5% of kids ages 12 to 19. In women over age 60, obesity rates climbed from 31% to 35.4% in the same period, the study shows.
CDC research has found two dietary changes that could help explain any progress: Americans are consuming fewer sugary drinks and more women are breastfeeding.
Steve: along with the White House announcement today for new school wellness standards, these young children will have a much easier time keeping the weight off once they get into full-time schooling. This is great news that we have finally made progress for a generation. The question is, how much of a financial toll will the ill health of the four generations ahead of them take?
Older children made no progress, with nearly 18% of kids ages 6 to 11 being obese, as well as 20.5% of kids ages 12 to 19. In women over age 60, obesity rates climbed from 31% to 35.4% in the same period, the study shows.
CDC research has found two dietary changes that could help explain any progress: Americans are consuming fewer sugary drinks and more women are breastfeeding.
Steve: along with the White House announcement today for new school wellness standards, these young children will have a much easier time keeping the weight off once they get into full-time schooling. This is great news that we have finally made progress for a generation. The question is, how much of a financial toll will the ill health of the four generations ahead of them take?
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Tylenol's effect during pregnancy reminds us yet again...
To be very careful what medications/drugs you take right before and during your pregnancy.
High cost for produce = High BMI Kids
High prices for fresh fruits and vegetables are associated with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) in young children in low- and middle-income households, according to the journal Pediatrics.
When the prices of fruits and vegetables go up, families may buy less of them and substitute cheaper foods that may not be as healthy and have more calories. The study focused on households under 300 percent of the federal poverty line, or a family of four earning $70,650 in 2013.
In recent decades, while the prices of snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages have gone down, the prices of fruits and vegetables have increased 17 percent between 1997 and 2003 alone.
The study also identified a small association between higher-priced soft drinks and a lower likelihood of obesity among young children.
When the prices of fruits and vegetables go up, families may buy less of them and substitute cheaper foods that may not be as healthy and have more calories. The study focused on households under 300 percent of the federal poverty line, or a family of four earning $70,650 in 2013.
In recent decades, while the prices of snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages have gone down, the prices of fruits and vegetables have increased 17 percent between 1997 and 2003 alone.
The study also identified a small association between higher-priced soft drinks and a lower likelihood of obesity among young children.
Steve: As long as most of the government subsidies go to corn, wheat, soy, sugar, and dairy, these numbers are unlikely to change. I don't know how many studies are needed to show that the real financial help is required by fruit and vegetable growers. Or at the least, let there be a level playing field.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Anti-inflammatory Diet for IBD
The anti-inflammatory diet (IBD-AID) is a nutritional regimen for inflammatory bowel disease that restricts the intake of certain carbohydrates, includes the ingestion of pre- and probiotics, and modifies dietary fatty acids to demonstrate the potential of an adjunct dietary therapy for the treatment of IBD.
Patients with IBD were consecutively offered the IBD-AID to help treat their disease, and were retrospectively reviewed. Most patients had either a good or very good response after reaching compliance and followed the diet for 4 or more weeks. After following the IBD-AID, all (100%) patients were able to discontinue at least one of their prior IBD medications, and all patients had symptom reduction including bowel frequency.
Patients with IBD were consecutively offered the IBD-AID to help treat their disease, and were retrospectively reviewed. Most patients had either a good or very good response after reaching compliance and followed the diet for 4 or more weeks. After following the IBD-AID, all (100%) patients were able to discontinue at least one of their prior IBD medications, and all patients had symptom reduction including bowel frequency.
The case series in the January issue of Nutrition Journal indicates potential for the IBD-AID as an adjunct dietary therapy for the treatment of IBD.
Bonnie: Our version of this is called The Pain Relief Diet
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
How long do flu shots last?
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/17/ask-well-how-long-does-a-flu-shot-last/?ref=health
Different from what CDC says.
Different from what CDC says.
Elevated brain aluminum linked to Alzheimer's
Research at Keele University in Staffordshire, UK, has shown for the first time that an individual who was exposed to aluminum at work and died of Alzheimer's disease had high levels of aluminum in the brain.
While aluminum is a known neurotoxin and occupational exposure to aluminum has been implicated in neurological disease, including Alzheimer's disease, this finding is believed to be the first record of a direct link between Alzheimer's disease and elevated brain aluminum following occupational exposure to the metal.
The work exposed him to aluminum sulfate 'dust' on a daily basis over 8 years. An 'ordinary' dust mask was supplied to protect against inhalation of the materials. Within a short time of starting this work the man complained of headaches, tiredness and mouth ulcers. By 1999 he started to show problems in relation to memory and suffered depression.
Following his death, aged 66, in 2011, a neuropathological examination confirmed advance stage Alzheimer's disease. There then followed the most comprehensive investigation ever of the aluminum content of the frontal lobe of a single individual with 49 different tissue samples being measured for aluminum.
The results suggest very strongly that occupational exposure to aluminum contributed significantly to the untimely death of this individual with Alzheimer's disease."
Bonnie: Aluminum is added to vaccinations to create a stronger immune response to pathogens. There is no normal immune defense because the aluminum bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and skin. One wonders what that aluminum is doing to young brains? There should be research done on this specific issue.
While aluminum is a known neurotoxin and occupational exposure to aluminum has been implicated in neurological disease, including Alzheimer's disease, this finding is believed to be the first record of a direct link between Alzheimer's disease and elevated brain aluminum following occupational exposure to the metal.
The work exposed him to aluminum sulfate 'dust' on a daily basis over 8 years. An 'ordinary' dust mask was supplied to protect against inhalation of the materials. Within a short time of starting this work the man complained of headaches, tiredness and mouth ulcers. By 1999 he started to show problems in relation to memory and suffered depression.
Following his death, aged 66, in 2011, a neuropathological examination confirmed advance stage Alzheimer's disease. There then followed the most comprehensive investigation ever of the aluminum content of the frontal lobe of a single individual with 49 different tissue samples being measured for aluminum.
The results suggest very strongly that occupational exposure to aluminum contributed significantly to the untimely death of this individual with Alzheimer's disease."
Bonnie: Aluminum is added to vaccinations to create a stronger immune response to pathogens. There is no normal immune defense because the aluminum bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and skin. One wonders what that aluminum is doing to young brains? There should be research done on this specific issue.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Doctor's Offices Are a Cesspool of Infection
New research shows that well-child doctor appointments for annual exams and vaccinations are associated with an increased risk of flu-like illnesses in children and family members within two weeks of the visit. This risk translates to more than 700,000 potentially avoidable illnesses each year, costing more than $490 million annually. The study was published in the March issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
"Our results demonstrate that healthcare professionals should devote more attention to reducing the risk of spreading infections in waiting rooms and clinics. Infection control guidelines currently exist. To increase patient safety in outpatient settings, more attention should be paid to these guidelines by healthcare professionals, patients, and their families," said the lead author of the study.
The authors found that well-child visits for children younger than six years old increased the probability of a flu-like illness in these children or their families during the subsequent two weeks by 3.2 percentage points.
"Our results demonstrate that healthcare professionals should devote more attention to reducing the risk of spreading infections in waiting rooms and clinics. Infection control guidelines currently exist. To increase patient safety in outpatient settings, more attention should be paid to these guidelines by healthcare professionals, patients, and their families," said the lead author of the study.
The authors found that well-child visits for children younger than six years old increased the probability of a flu-like illness in these children or their families during the subsequent two weeks by 3.2 percentage points.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Effectiveness of Peer-Based Healthy Living Lessons
JAMA Pediatrics 2/10/2014
Importance: Schools are considered an attractive setting to promote healthy living behaviors in children, but previous school-based interventions aimed at preventing weight gain in children have yielded mixed results. Novel school-based approaches are needed to modify healthy living behaviors and attenuate weight gain in children.
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a peer-led healthy living program called Healthy Buddies on weight gain and its determinants when disseminated at the provincial level to elementary school students.
Design, Setting, and Participants: Cluster-randomized effectiveness trial performed during the 2009-2010 school year. Baseline and follow-up measurements were made in October 2009 and May 2010, respectively. The study was performed in 19 elementary schools in Manitoba, Canada, and included 647 elementary school students aged 6 to 12 years (48% girls).
Intervention Schools were randomized to receive regular curriculum or Healthy Buddies lesson plans. Lesson plans were delivered by older (9- to 12-year-old) elementary school students to the younger (6- to 8-year-old) peers and targeted 3 components of health: physical activity, healthy eating, and self-esteem and body image.
Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome measures were the change in waist circumference and body mass index z score. Secondary outcomes included physical activity (steps per day), cardiorespiratory fitness, self-efficacy, healthy living knowledge, and self-reported dietary intake.
Results: At baseline, 36% of children were overweight or obese and 11% achieved the recommended 13 500 steps per day. Intention-to-treat analyses showed that waist circumference declined significantly in the intervention group relative to controls. Reductions in waist circumference were particularly significant for children who were younger, overweight or obese, or attending First Nations schools. No difference in body mass index z score was observed between groups. Self-efficacy, healthy living knowledge, and dietary intake significantly improved in younger peers who received the intervention compared with students from control schools. No differences were observed in daily step counts or cardiorespiratory fitness between the groups.
Conclusions and Relevance: The implementation of Healthy Buddies lesson plans delivered by older peers within an elementary school setting is an effective method for attenuating increases in central adiposity and improving knowledge of healthy living behaviors among elementary school students. Improvements were achieved with parallel improvements in diet quality, self-efficacy, and knowledge of healthy living.
Importance: Schools are considered an attractive setting to promote healthy living behaviors in children, but previous school-based interventions aimed at preventing weight gain in children have yielded mixed results. Novel school-based approaches are needed to modify healthy living behaviors and attenuate weight gain in children.
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a peer-led healthy living program called Healthy Buddies on weight gain and its determinants when disseminated at the provincial level to elementary school students.
Design, Setting, and Participants: Cluster-randomized effectiveness trial performed during the 2009-2010 school year. Baseline and follow-up measurements were made in October 2009 and May 2010, respectively. The study was performed in 19 elementary schools in Manitoba, Canada, and included 647 elementary school students aged 6 to 12 years (48% girls).
Intervention Schools were randomized to receive regular curriculum or Healthy Buddies lesson plans. Lesson plans were delivered by older (9- to 12-year-old) elementary school students to the younger (6- to 8-year-old) peers and targeted 3 components of health: physical activity, healthy eating, and self-esteem and body image.
Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome measures were the change in waist circumference and body mass index z score. Secondary outcomes included physical activity (steps per day), cardiorespiratory fitness, self-efficacy, healthy living knowledge, and self-reported dietary intake.
Results: At baseline, 36% of children were overweight or obese and 11% achieved the recommended 13 500 steps per day. Intention-to-treat analyses showed that waist circumference declined significantly in the intervention group relative to controls. Reductions in waist circumference were particularly significant for children who were younger, overweight or obese, or attending First Nations schools. No difference in body mass index z score was observed between groups. Self-efficacy, healthy living knowledge, and dietary intake significantly improved in younger peers who received the intervention compared with students from control schools. No differences were observed in daily step counts or cardiorespiratory fitness between the groups.
Conclusions and Relevance: The implementation of Healthy Buddies lesson plans delivered by older peers within an elementary school setting is an effective method for attenuating increases in central adiposity and improving knowledge of healthy living behaviors among elementary school students. Improvements were achieved with parallel improvements in diet quality, self-efficacy, and knowledge of healthy living.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Common Herb/Vegetable Reduces Muscle Pain
A new study in the Journal of Pain has found that ginger may help with muscle pain after exercise. In this research, two identical studies were conducted to test the effects of raw ginger versus placebo (study 1) and heated ginger versus placebo (study 2). The components per gram of the raw ginger capsule were as follows: 4.1 mg of 6-gingerol, 1.9 mg of 10-gingerol, and 2.2 mg of 6-shogaol. The composition of the heated ginger capsule was 2.8 mg/g 6-gingerol, 1.0 mg/g 8-gingerol, 1.6 mg/g 10-gingerol and 2.6 mg/g 6-shogaol.
Patients were given 2 grams of ginger or placebo for 11 days, during which they underwent specific strength tests. The patients then filled out surveys reporting their muscle soreness 1, 2, and 3 days after the exercises.
The researchers found that 1 day after the exercises, those in the raw ginger group had 25% less muscle soreness compared to the placebo group and those in the heated ginger group had 23% less muscle soreness compared to the placebo group.
The study demonstrates that daily consumption of ginger resulted in moderate-to-large reductions in muscle pain following exercise-induced muscle injury and further demonstrate ginger’s effectiveness as a pain reliever.
Patients were given 2 grams of ginger or placebo for 11 days, during which they underwent specific strength tests. The patients then filled out surveys reporting their muscle soreness 1, 2, and 3 days after the exercises.
The researchers found that 1 day after the exercises, those in the raw ginger group had 25% less muscle soreness compared to the placebo group and those in the heated ginger group had 23% less muscle soreness compared to the placebo group.
The study demonstrates that daily consumption of ginger resulted in moderate-to-large reductions in muscle pain following exercise-induced muscle injury and further demonstrate ginger’s effectiveness as a pain reliever.
Friday, February 07, 2014
Girls Scouts Go Gluten-Free
The Girl Scouts is taking on the gluten-free sector, adding gluten-free cookies during its 2013-2014 cookie sale in select markets.
ABC Bakers, a licensed Girl Scout cookie maker, is testing Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies in 20 markets as part of the Girl Scouts’ 2013-2014 cookie sale.
Made with a blend of rice flour, tapioca flour, cornstarch and potato starch, the bite-size cookies contain no artificial flavors or colors, high fructose corn syrup, palm oil or hydrogenated oils. The cookies meet the 5 parts per million (p.p.m.) limit established by the Celiac Sprue Association, which is 75% lower than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 20 p.p.m. proposed restriction.
Test markets include California’s central coast, central Maryland, eastern Wisconsin, southern Nevada, western New York, eastern Iowa and western Illinois, eastern Massachusetts, eastern Pennsylvania and Maine, among others.
The Girl Scouts also addressed the use of bioengineered ingredients in its cookies.
“At the current time, there are genetically modified agricultural crops (GMOs) in Girl Scout Cookies," the organization said on its website. “Our bakers determine whether to use GMOs in Girl Scout Cookies based on a range of market-related factors and depending on the specific cookie recipe. Girl Scouts recognizes that many people have concerns regarding GMO ingredients, and we monitor member and consumer opinion on this matter."
ABC Bakers, a licensed Girl Scout cookie maker, is testing Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies in 20 markets as part of the Girl Scouts’ 2013-2014 cookie sale.
Made with a blend of rice flour, tapioca flour, cornstarch and potato starch, the bite-size cookies contain no artificial flavors or colors, high fructose corn syrup, palm oil or hydrogenated oils. The cookies meet the 5 parts per million (p.p.m.) limit established by the Celiac Sprue Association, which is 75% lower than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 20 p.p.m. proposed restriction.
Test markets include California’s central coast, central Maryland, eastern Wisconsin, southern Nevada, western New York, eastern Iowa and western Illinois, eastern Massachusetts, eastern Pennsylvania and Maine, among others.
The Girl Scouts also addressed the use of bioengineered ingredients in its cookies.
“At the current time, there are genetically modified agricultural crops (GMOs) in Girl Scout Cookies," the organization said on its website. “Our bakers determine whether to use GMOs in Girl Scout Cookies based on a range of market-related factors and depending on the specific cookie recipe. Girl Scouts recognizes that many people have concerns regarding GMO ingredients, and we monitor member and consumer opinion on this matter."
Bonnie: We have vociferously opposed the awful ingredients in Girl Scout cookies. It's nice to see they are making strides.
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Melatonin and prostate cancer risk
Higher levels of melatonin, a hormone involved in the sleep-wake cycle, may suggest decreased risk for developing advanced prostate cancer, according to results presented at the AACR-Prostate Cancer Foundation Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research.
Sleep loss and other factors can influence the amount of melatonin secretion or block it altogether, and health problems associated with low melatonin, disrupted sleep, and/or disruption of the circadian rhythm are broad, including a potential risk factor for cancer. The researchers found that men who had higher levels of melatonin had a 75 percent reduced risk for developing advanced prostate cancer compared with men who had lower levels of melatonin.
Sleep loss and other factors can influence the amount of melatonin secretion or block it altogether, and health problems associated with low melatonin, disrupted sleep, and/or disruption of the circadian rhythm are broad, including a potential risk factor for cancer. The researchers found that men who had higher levels of melatonin had a 75 percent reduced risk for developing advanced prostate cancer compared with men who had lower levels of melatonin.
The results require replication, but support the public health implication of the importance of maintaining a stable light-dark and sleep-wake cycle. Because melatonin levels are potentially modifiable, further studies of melatonin and prostate cancer risk and progression are warranted.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Brown Instead of White Rice Exhibits Benefits
In the first randomized controlled trial to compare the brown and white rice in India, substituting brown rice for white rice in a population of overweight/obese individuals helped significantly reduce glucose levels and lower serum insulin.
The findings, which showed glucose cut by 20% and insulin by 60% with brown rice, were reported at the World Diabetes Conference 2013 last month.
The same research team is now conducting a study in adults with prediabetes to see whether substituting brown rice for white will help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
The findings, which showed glucose cut by 20% and insulin by 60% with brown rice, were reported at the World Diabetes Conference 2013 last month.
The same research team is now conducting a study in adults with prediabetes to see whether substituting brown rice for white will help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Comments on New Blood Pressure Guidelines
Bonnie: In short, the panel that published in JAMA suggested major changes, including prescribing less medication for mildly high blood pressure because the evidence does not support it.
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1791497
This is why we...as consumers of medical advice...need to keep in mind that medicine is termed "the art of medicine" not the "science of medicine". When it becomes common practice to treat millions of individuals with specific parameters based upon lack of extensive research, we often harm patients. Let's look back at some conventional medical advice wisdom from the past:
Need I say more?
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1791497
This is why we...as consumers of medical advice...need to keep in mind that medicine is termed "the art of medicine" not the "science of medicine". When it becomes common practice to treat millions of individuals with specific parameters based upon lack of extensive research, we often harm patients. Let's look back at some conventional medical advice wisdom from the past:
- Bloodletting
- Radical Mastectomy
- Aggressive Prostate Surgery
- Margarine for Heart Health
- Lower Cholesterol by Lowering Amounts of Nuts, Seeds, and Avocado
Need I say more?
Search patients' DNA to prevent meds' side effects
Bonnie: Some of my clients who are salicylate sensitive cannot tolerate aspirin, period. However, for those I am not sure about, I always recommend genetic testing before taking aspirin. Most doctors do not offer this test unless asked by the patient because they either do not know about it or they think it is too much of a hassle. However, this should be standard practice as one quarter of the human population cannot tolerate aspirin. If they can open this up to all medication, we could severely curtail adverse effects.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304049704579318611915850036.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304049704579318611915850036.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Coffee may boost memory
Caveat: any memory benefits are wiped out when you load up your coffee with sugar! Keep it black please.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/13/caffeine-boosts-memory/4457591/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/13/caffeine-boosts-memory/4457591/
Probiotic Drops Greatly Reduce Colicky Symptoms in Infants.
However, study partially funded by company who provided the probiotic.
http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=1812293&utm_source=Silverchair%20Information%20Systems&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JAMAPediatrics%3AOnlineFirst01%2F13%2F2014
http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=1812293&utm_source=Silverchair%20Information%20Systems&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JAMAPediatrics%3AOnlineFirst01%2F13%2F2014
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
FTC Takes Action Against Deceptive Weight-Loss Products. Yeah!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/07/ftc-charges-deceptive-weight-loss-products/4354669/
We are asked frequently at this office about two of the diets in this settlement, Sensa and the HCG Diet. Our reaction has always been steadfast in vehemently opposing our clients using either of them.
We are asked frequently at this office about two of the diets in this settlement, Sensa and the HCG Diet. Our reaction has always been steadfast in vehemently opposing our clients using either of them.
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Don't rush treatment for child cold and cough
Children's coughs and colds can last up to two or three weeks and earaches may take a week to get better. Researchers said they hope the findings help reassure both doctors and parents that respiratory symptoms can last "longer than previously appreciated" but typically don't require treatment.
In studies of children with a respiratory tract infection were treated with over-the-counter medicines, drug-free placebo pills or nothing. Researchers followed them to see when their symptoms went away. Among children with earaches, 90% were better within seven to eight days of visiting a primary care doctor or the emergency room. Most kids with the common cold were better after 15 days, while it took 25 days for almost all children with a cough to be fully recovered. Sore throats typically lasted anywhere from two to seven days.
The duration of earaches and common colds in particular was "considerably longer" than parents in the U.S. and UK are generally told, the researchers wrote in the British Medical Journal.
In studies of children with a respiratory tract infection were treated with over-the-counter medicines, drug-free placebo pills or nothing. Researchers followed them to see when their symptoms went away. Among children with earaches, 90% were better within seven to eight days of visiting a primary care doctor or the emergency room. Most kids with the common cold were better after 15 days, while it took 25 days for almost all children with a cough to be fully recovered. Sore throats typically lasted anywhere from two to seven days.
The duration of earaches and common colds in particular was "considerably longer" than parents in the U.S. and UK are generally told, the researchers wrote in the British Medical Journal.
Moreover, they stated that most children with coughs, colds and other respiratory tract infections don't need to see a doctor. With the exception of strep throat, those infections are typically caused by viruses. Viruses don't respond to antibiotics, and the drugs may cause diarrhea or other side effects among children.
There are still some situations when children with respiratory symptoms do need to see a doctor, they said. That's when their symptoms keep getting worse, or don't start slowly getting better over time as expected. Kids who are having trouble breathing or have other serious symptoms also need to go to the doctor.
There are still some situations when children with respiratory symptoms do need to see a doctor, they said. That's when their symptoms keep getting worse, or don't start slowly getting better over time as expected. Kids who are having trouble breathing or have other serious symptoms also need to go to the doctor.
Monday, January 06, 2014
Vitamin E Prevents Functional Decline in Alzheimer Disease
A study in the January 2014 issue of JAMA aimed to determine if vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), memantine, or both slow progression of mild to moderate AD in patients taking an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
Participants received either 2000 IU/d of alpha tocopherol, 20 mg/d of memantine, the combination, or placebo.
Over the mean follow-up of 2.27 years, ADCS-ADL Inventory scores declined by 3.15 units less in the alpha tocopherol group compared with the placebo group. This change in the alpha tocopherol group translates into a delay in clinical progression of 19% per year compared with placebo or a delay of approximately 6.2 months over the follow-up period. Serious adverse event of “infections or infestations,” with greater frequencies in the memantine and combination groups compared with placebo and alpha tocopherol group.
The researchers concluded that among patients with mild to moderate AD, 2000 IU/d of alpha tocopherol compared with placebo resulted in slower functional decline. There were no significant differences in the groups receiving memantine alone or memantine plus alpha tocopherol. These findings suggest benefit of alpha tocopherol in mild to moderate AD by slowing functional decline and decreasing caregiver burden.
Participants received either 2000 IU/d of alpha tocopherol, 20 mg/d of memantine, the combination, or placebo.
Over the mean follow-up of 2.27 years, ADCS-ADL Inventory scores declined by 3.15 units less in the alpha tocopherol group compared with the placebo group. This change in the alpha tocopherol group translates into a delay in clinical progression of 19% per year compared with placebo or a delay of approximately 6.2 months over the follow-up period. Serious adverse event of “infections or infestations,” with greater frequencies in the memantine and combination groups compared with placebo and alpha tocopherol group.
The researchers concluded that among patients with mild to moderate AD, 2000 IU/d of alpha tocopherol compared with placebo resulted in slower functional decline. There were no significant differences in the groups receiving memantine alone or memantine plus alpha tocopherol. These findings suggest benefit of alpha tocopherol in mild to moderate AD by slowing functional decline and decreasing caregiver burden.
Bonnie: This is not the first study to show this improvement. However, the fact that it is in JAMA should ruffle some feathers (the anti-vitamin E camp) and allow others (like me) to be encouraged that this much-maligned vitamin is proving the doubters wrong.
Saturday, January 04, 2014
Not enough sleep? No chance of weight loss. Blood sugar issue likely.
Circadian rhythm has been shown to be related to glucose metabolism and risk of diabetes, probably through effects on energy balance. Recent genome-wide association studies identified variants in circadian rhythm–related genes associated with glucose homeostasis.
In a February American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study, the variants CRY2 rs11605924 and MTNR1B rs10830963 were genotyped in overweight or obese adults who were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 weight-loss diets that differed in their proportions of macronutrients.
In a February American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study, the variants CRY2 rs11605924 and MTNR1B rs10830963 were genotyped in overweight or obese adults who were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 weight-loss diets that differed in their proportions of macronutrients.
The data results indicate that variants in the circadian-related gene CRY2and MTNR1B may affect long-terms changes in energy expenditure by slowing it down, and dietary fat, carbohydrate intake may modify the genetic effects adversely.
European Authority Finds Aspartame Safe
http://news.yahoo.com/europe-diet-sweetener-aspartame-safe-cola-131051491--finance.html
Bonnie and Steve: We do not take anything the EFSA says at face value any longer. They have been bought out by Big Pharma and Big Food. Because of this, consumers have no access to therapeutic-dose dietary supplements in Europe. The lobbies are so powerful that they ignored a huge public outcry denouncing the supplement regulations a few years ago.
Bonnie and Steve: We do not take anything the EFSA says at face value any longer. They have been bought out by Big Pharma and Big Food. Because of this, consumers have no access to therapeutic-dose dietary supplements in Europe. The lobbies are so powerful that they ignored a huge public outcry denouncing the supplement regulations a few years ago.
Grape seed the latest plant extract to induce cancer cell death
A study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer describes the laboratory synthesis of the most active component of grape seed extract, B2G2, and shows this synthesized compound induces the cell death known as apoptosis in prostate cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
The group has spent more than a decade demonstrating the anti-cancer activity of GSE in controlled, laboratory conditions. For example, previous studies have shown the GSE effectiveness against cancer cells and have also shown its mechanism of action. But until recently, they didn't know which constituent of GSE created this effect. This naturally occurring compound, GSE, is a complex mixture of polyphenols and also so far it has been unclear about the biologically active constituents of GSE against cancer cells.
The group has spent more than a decade demonstrating the anti-cancer activity of GSE in controlled, laboratory conditions. For example, previous studies have shown the GSE effectiveness against cancer cells and have also shown its mechanism of action. But until recently, they didn't know which constituent of GSE created this effect. This naturally occurring compound, GSE, is a complex mixture of polyphenols and also so far it has been unclear about the biologically active constituents of GSE against cancer cells.
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