MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'dietary'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:00 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069530&cid=t_102166_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F27%2Flunch-wars-win-the-battle-for-our-childrens-health%2F Oh how happy I was to see the new book Lunch Wars: How to Start a School Food Revolution and Win the Battle for Our Children’s Heath by Amy Kalafa, producer of the award-winning documentary “Two Angry Moms.” I get on my soapbox all too often about this very issue, because I have one child who is so sensitive to food that teachers can tell if he ate a cookie at lunch, and the other possesses about as much will power as I have when it comes to saying no to cinnamon-flavored soft pretzels. Why, in the world, would they offer seven-year-olds the option to buy Klondike bars, cinnamon-flavored soft-pretzels, Doritos, and Gatorade? I think the answer has to do with budgets. But in the process we are raising fat kids whose academic progress is compromised by all the crap they shove in their ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069530 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:56:50 +0100 5069530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934163&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-right-to-bear-salt-is-sodium-restriction-warranted-for-the-general-population%2F2011.06.15 Q. What is the difference between a public health expert and Il Duce? A. Mussolini was not nearly as arrogant as a public health expert. In prior posts, DrRich related how two major publc health efforts over the past few decades – the effort to put all of us on low-fat diets, and the effort to reduce everyone’s cholesterol levels – have amounted to massive experiments, based upon insufficiently-tested assumptions and surmises and hypotheses which the experts arrogantly (and incorrectly) determined to be fact, and which were conducted upon the entire American population without its knowledge or consent. These public health experiments cost billions of dollars, needlessly transformed large swatches of American industry, and (at least in the case of low-fat diets) likely produced signif... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934163 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:00:25 +0100 4934163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911480&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmyplate-spiffy-new-nutritional-guidelines-for-americans%2F2011.06.08 The crumbling Food Pyramid and its hip successor (MyPyramid) fell into oblivion yesterday, eroded by the stinging winds of science. Their replacement? A quartered plate called—wait for it—MyPlate that was designed to visually convey the elements of healthy eating to Americans of all ages. The new icon consists of a white plate divided into four segments: green for vegetables, red for fruits, orange for grains, and purple for protein. Dairy has a prominent place, sitting where a glass of water should be. The hope is that the plate will nudge Americans away from meals dominated by meat and starch and towards meals made up mostly of plant-based foods. The original Food Guide Pyramid debuted in 1992. It was built on shaky scientific ground. Over the next few years, research from around the... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911480 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:00:00 +0100 4911480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911458&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FQxVIGCRKwPA%2F By Walter OlsonLast week First Lady Michelle Obama and the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled “ChooseMyPlate.gov,” an updating of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to lecture us on how to eat. While the idea of nutrition recommendations from Washington, D.C. isn’t itself new, the past couple of years have seen a lurch toward a more coercive approach, especially under the Obama administration, under pressure from a burgeoning “food policy” movement, as I explain in a new Daily Caller op-ed: All sorts of nannyish and coercive ideas are emerging from that [movement] nowadays: proposals at the FDA to limit salt content in processed foods; mandatory calorie labeling, which poses a significant burden on many smaller food vendors and restaurants; ne... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911458 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:50:54 +0100 4911458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4876379&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fblog%2F527111 The FDA is warning consumers about counterfeit ExtenZe dietary supplements. ExtenZe is a dietary supplement for male sexual enhancement. The FDA says the counterfeit product contains hidden ingredients not listed on the product label. FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that the counterfeit product contains tadalafil, or a combination of tadalafil and sildenafil --active ingredients in FDA-approved prescription medicines for erectile dysfunction. These ingredients are not listed on the product label. These ingredients may interact with other medicines, like the nitrates found in some prescription medicines such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease often take nitrates. The counterfei... HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4876379 Sat, 28 May 2011 02:00:00 +0100 4876379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549790&cid=t_102166_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F47MSsq47ErA%2F photo: Thinkstock The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered more than 500 prescription cough, cold and allergy products off the market Wednesday, saying its office had not evaluated the medication for safety, effectiveness and quality. “Removing these unapproved products from the market will reduce potential risks to consumers,” said Deborah Autor, director of the Office of Compliance in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a news release from the agency. The FDA said removing the products from the market poses no harm to consumers, but taking the unapproved drugs may put the health of people at risk. “There are many FDA-approved prescription products, as well as appropriately marketed over-the-counter products, available to treat cough, cold, a... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549790 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:31:54 +0100 4549790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517170&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-dietary-supplements-are-used-as-medicines%2F2011.02.24 I was surprised to get this e-mail from a reader: Surely, Dr. Hall, the public mania for nutritional supplements is baseless. All the alleged nutrients in supplements are contained in the food we eat. And what governmental agency has oversight responsibility regarding the production of these so-call nutritional supplements? Even if one believes that such pills have value, how can the consumer be assured that the product actually contains what the label signifies? I have yet to find a comment on this subject on your otherwise informative website. My co-bloggers and I have addressed these issues repeatedly.Peter Lipson covered DSHEA (The Diet Supplement Health and Education Act) nicely. It’s all been said before, but perhaps it needs to be said again — and maybe by writing this post... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517170 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:00:56 +0100 4517170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517206&cid=t_102166_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F24%2Feating-disorders-awareness-week-how-parents-can-help%2F This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which is sponsored by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Like I said in my post on Weightless, I believe that awareness means spreading accurate information about eating disorders. One of the biggest misconceptions is that parents cause eating disorders. They don’t! In fact, many complex factors are involved in predisposing a person to an eating disorder. According to eating disorder specialist Sarah Ravin, Ph.D: “…the development of an eating disorder is influenced very heavily by genetics, neurobiology, individual personality traits, and co-morbid disorders. Environment clearly plays a role in the development of eating disorders, but environment alone is not sufficient to cause them.” (Check out her blog post f... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517206 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:04:30 +0100 4517206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4472951&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-still-incredible-edible-egg%2F2011.02.12 Enriched chicken feed may have resulted in eggs having less cholesterol and more Vitamin D than previously measured, reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A large egg today has about 185 milligrams of cholesterol, down 14 percent from 215 milligrams in 2002, according to new research from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, reports USA Today. Also, an egg today has 41 international units (IUs) of Vitamin D, up 64 percent from 25 IUs measured in 2002. (That’s still only about 7 percent of the 600 IUs recommended per day.) The agency regularly does nutrient checks on popular foods, this time analyzing eggs taken from store shelves in 12 locations around the country. The American Egg Board said in a press release that hen feed is made up mostly of corn, soyb... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4472951 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4472951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470410&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-still-incredible-edible-egg%2F2011.02.12 Enriched chicken feed may have resulted in eggs having less cholesterol and more Vitamin D than previously measured, reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A large egg today has about 185 milligrams of cholesterol, down 14 percent from 215 milligrams in 2002, according to new research from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, reports USA Today. Also, an egg today has 41 international units (IUs) of Vitamin D, up 64 percent from 25 IUs measured in 2002. (That’s still only about 7 percent of the 600 IUs recommended per day.) The agency regularly does nutrient checks on popular foods, this time analyzing eggs taken from store shelves in 12 locations around the country. The American Egg Board said in a press release that hen feed is made up mostly of corn, soyb... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470410 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4470410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450450&cid=t_102166_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FD1nB8p6ZclE%2F photo: Thinkstock There’s this disturbing story about a woman who took her multivitamin and it came out the other end looking exactly as it did when it was in the bottle. (No, this not a personal story about me wrapped up in a fake urban legend.) However, I admit that for years, whenever I stopped in a GNC or took a stroll down vitamin row at my local drugstore, I’d become so paralyzed with confusion and anxiety, I worried that I might be using up vital nutrients. I’d stare at the calcium chews and think: “there’s osteoarthritis in my family.” During flu season I wondered if I should geek myself up with vitamin C and zinc. I invested hope in the purported wonders of B-12 when I felt run down and lethargic. Then I’d usually leave the pharmacy empty-handed. Well, except... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450450 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:01:12 +0100 4450450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436749&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Favoid-weight-gain-by-using-brain-tricks-to-master-portion-control%2F2011.02.04 When I was growing up, my parents had a simple rule when it came to food: “Finish everything on your plate.” We had to sit at the table until we did. They meant well. They wanted us to understand that food should not go to waste. The problem with this advice — and I’m sure I’m not the only American who grew up with it — is that we learned early on to eat everything put in front of us when we sat down to meals. Then the size of the plates grew — and so did the amount of food we consumed. It’s called portion inflation. Take a look at the illustration at left. It’s based on an analysis published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association which found that typical restaurant portion sizes today are two to eight times as large as those in 1955. Back then, p... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436749 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:00:41 +0100 4436749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436884&cid=t_102166_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F4NDNZZty7i0%2F photo: Thinkstock I am, admittedly, terrified of doctors. I avoid them at all costs and rush through my annual exams like I’m on a self-timer. Even throughout both of my pregnancies, I was hesitant to tell my docs everything I was feeling or experiencing for self-conscious fear of overreacting. And it looks like I’m not the only one. A new GE study on the disconnect between patients and doctors shows that 28% of patients say they “lie or omit facts” when visiting their health care providers. And doctors believe that numbers to be even higher. The study found that 77% of providers felt that one-fourth of their patients knowingly leave out facts or flat-out lie to them. While many times these may just be honest forgetfulness or simple oversights, the cardiologists interviewed say tha... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436884 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:02:25 +0100 4436884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429017&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwere-overdosing-on-sodium-whose-responsibility-is-it%2F2011.02.02 I confess to loving Campbell’s tomato bisque soup. I mix it with 1 percent-fat milk and it’s hot and delicious and comforting, but one of the worst food choices I could make because one cup contains more sodium than I should have in a day. Knowing this, I have already relegated it to an occasional treat. But by the end of this blog post I will do more. We are overdosing on sodium and it is killing us. We need to cut the sodium we eat daily by more than half. The guidelines keep coming. The U.S. government has handed out dietary guidelines telling Americans who are over 50, all African Americans, people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease to have no more than 1,500 milligrams (mg) — or two thirds of a teaspoon — of sodium daily. That’s the majorit... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429017 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4429017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429019&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-dietary-guidelines-offer-little-new-guidance%2F2011.02.02 There isn’t much new in the latest iteration of the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” Three years in the making, the 2010 guidelines (released a tad late, on January 31, 2011) offer the usual advice about eating less of the bad stuff (salt; saturated fat, trans fats, and cholesterol; and refined grains) and more of the good stuff (fruits and vegetables; whole grains; seafood, beans, and other lean protein; and unsaturated fats). I’ve listed the 23 main recommendations below. You can also find them on the “Dietary Guidelines” website. The guidelines do break some new ground. They state loudly and clearly that overweight and obesity are a leading nutrition problem in the United States, and that a healthy diet can help people achieve a healthy weight. They also r... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429019 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:00:27 +0100 4429019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419472&cid=t_102166_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F31%2Fquick-post-press-release-for-2010-dietary-guidelines-for-americans%2F EMBARGOED UNTIL 10:00 AM EST, JANUARY 31, 2011   USDA and HHS Announce New Dietary Guidelines to Help Americans Make Healthier Food Choices and Confront Obesity Epidemic WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2011 — Agriculture Secretary TomVilsack and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government’s evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity. Because more than one-third of children and more than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, the 7th edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans place... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419472 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:13:09 +0100 4419472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4304917&cid=t_102166_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F03%2Ftestimonials-arent-real-evidence%2F Testimonial evidence exists for pretty much any claim that has ever been devised — alien abductions, demon possessions, miracle medical cures and the like. One needs to look no further than the dietary supplement industry to see the influence of testimonials.  In fact, testimonials are probably the key marketing tool for the supplement industry.  Medicine, psychology, and the beauty industry, to name a few, often refer to testimonials in an effort to show the efficacy of their products or treatments.  It is not uncommon for people to make decisions based on testimonials that conflict with scientific evidence — giving more weight to the testimonial. This is a mistake because testimonials are not real evidence. Placebo Effect “Placebo” is derived from a Latin word... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4304917 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 13:59:30 +0100 4304917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265987&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D1632 If your jeans brand is “Wide Load” perhaps you might consider a exercise, diet and supplement program.  But, if you don’t exercise, you won’t be burning off that bodacious bootie, you will just be burning bucks. The problem is it is hard to find something to help reduce those unwanted pounds.  Two recent Swedish studies have shown 9 popular weight loss supplements were no more effective than the fake supplements they were compared with.  There are scores of slimming supplements out there claiming weight-loss effects through all sorts of mechanisms of action. Ads for ”fat magnets, mobilizers and dissolvers, as well as appetite tamers, metabolism boosters, carb blockers” are everywhere.   Researchers tested selected plant extracts and found them ... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265987 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:56:02 +0100 4265987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266090&cid=t_102166_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F96OJauY_y9M%2F No matter what your age, are you worried that osteoporosis could get in the way of the active things you want — and need — to do in life? Osteoporosis is a real disease with life-threatening consequences. In fact, one in four Canadian women over the age of 50 has osteoporosis. And, while this disease can strike at any age, it most commonly occurs after menopause. But the news isn’t all bad: The good news is that you may be able to take action now to strengthen your bones. And if you’re already on an osteoporosis treatment plan, you may have other options you didn’t know about. A new Osteoporosis Awareness website, On the Go Women, has just launched to educate women about this disease, and stresses the importance of managing the condition with treatment and a healthy lifes... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266090 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:00:08 +0100 4266090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214107&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-recommendations-for-vitamin-d%2F2010.11.30 Vitamin D has been talked about as the vitamin — the one that might help fend off everything from cancer to heart disease to autoimmune disorders, if only we were to get enough of it. “Whoa!” is the message from a committee of experts assembled by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to update recommendations for vitamin D (and for calcium). The IOM committee’s report, released this morning, says evidence for many of  the health claims for vitamin D is “inconsistent and/or conflicting or did not demonstrate causality.” The exception is the vitamin’s well-documented (and noncontroversial) benefits on bone growth and maintenance. The IOM panel’s report also says most North Americans (Canadians as well as Americans) have more than enough vitamin D in their blood to a... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214107 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:00:45 +0100 4214107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196995&cid=t_102166_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F24%2Fnursing-times-2010-vol-106-no-46%2F Fade Fave: I’m lovin’ it: would McDonald’s food encourage hospital patients to eat? Fade Skinny: Susan Holmes  argues that the NHS should tap into the expertise of fast food companies and take a new approach to catering. Contact the Library for a copy of this article. Filed under: Current Awareness, Journals, NHS Tagged: Customer Satisfaction, Diet, Dietary Balance, Hospital Catering, Nutrition (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196995 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:45:27 +0100 4196995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139236&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhigh-cholesterol-and-red-yeast-rice-supplements%2F2010.11.05 People are always on the search for “natural” ways to stay healthy and reduce cholesterol. Chinese red yeast rice supplements have been touted as a natural, safer way to lower cholesterol compared to statin medications. The yeast that grows on a particular type of rice contains a family of substances called monocolins, which lower cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol production in the liver in the same manner as prescription statin drugs. Some studies have shown as much as a 15 percent drop in cholesterol. All of this sounds good until you dig a little deeper. Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and a new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that different brands of red yeast rice supplements have dramatic variation in le... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139236 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0100 4139236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133996&cid=t_102166_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FkpHZTmkOT-E%2F This study suggests that taking DHA supplements after Alzheimer’s diagnosis is not helpful. Prior evidence shows that omega-3 consumption (especially DHA) long before the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms reduces the risk of developing the disease. Indeed, several studies have shown that eating fish (the primary source in our diet of omega-3 fatty acids) is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline or dementia. The authors of the JAMA study also speculate that DHA supplements could be used as a treatment for people who have not yet been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but are already developing dementia pathology in their brain: “Individuals intermediate between healthy aging and dementia, such as those with mild cognitive impairment, might derive benefit from DHA supplementation,... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133996 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:00:19 +0100 4133996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086266&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fprenatal-vitamins-are-they-necessary-sufficient-safe%2F2010.10.20 What is in a prenatal vitamin? Why do most doctors recommend them? Is there any evidence taking them is worthwhile? I decided recently that I would read through the ingredients of these vitamins, often touted as “essential vitamins and nutrients, crucial for the healthy development of your baby.” Hmmm. Does that mean eating traces of polyvinyl alcohol every day is beneficial? The fine print ingredients of such brands as “One A Day”, “Centrum Materna”, “Rite Aid” and even the prescription only “Prenate Elite” are a confusing mess of milligrams, international units, RDA’s, and chemicals. As the makers of Centrum explain, “It is very challenging to formulate vitamins and minerals without the use of non-medicinal ingredients which serve to keep the product stable and to... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086266 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:00:27 +0100 4086266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045094&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealth-benefits-of-green-tea-omega-3-combo%2F2010.10.08 We have know for some time that there are health benefits from drinking green tea. Research also shows that Omega 3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on a number of organs in the body, including the cardiovascular system, the brain, and even depression. Dr. Fereidoon Shahidi, research professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada, is hoping to show that green tea polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may also prevent colon cancer and even have anti-viral effects when combined with certain Omega 3 fatty acids. “We know from experience that green tea is not well absorbed by the body,” Dr. Shahidi said. “Our premise was to see if by adding something to it that has its own benefits, like Omega 3 fatty acids, we might g... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045094 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:00:00 +0100 4045094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040565&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-the-mayo-clinic-book-of-home-remedies%2F2010.10.07 I write a lot of critical articles. It’s nice to be able to write a positive one for a change. I received a prepublication proof of The Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies: What to Do for the Most Common Health Problems. It is due to be released on October 26 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com. Since “quackademic” medicine is infiltrating our best institutions and organizations, I wasn’t sure I could trust even the prestigious Mayo Clinic. I was expecting some questionable recommendations for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments, but I found nothing in the book that I could seriously object to. It is organized alphabetically, starting with acne and airplane ear and progressing through bedbugs, boils and bronchitis, dandruff, depression and diabetes to warts, w... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040565 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:00:43 +0100 4040565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031500&cid=t_102166_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fhow-fda-warnings-dtc-advertising.html Here's an example of how the Internet and direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising empowers consumers.For several years now the FDA has been issuing warnings to consumers about "dietary supplements" that claim to enhance sexual performance or treat erectile dysfunction. According to the FDA, although it has issued "many alerts about these types of supplements over the past several years, ... their number seems to be growing" (see "FDA Consumer Corner: Cautions about Sexual Enhancement Products").Using the Internet, FDA now has a much more direct line of communication to consumers. And consumers use the Internet to buy dietary supplements. This concerns drug companies and the FDA.What concerns the FDA about these products? FDA states:"FDA has found that many of these supposedly 'all natural' pr... Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031500 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:29:00 +0100 4031500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4027152&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fa8T7DzAyVVE%2F By Michael F. CannonThere are plenty of reasons why politicians and government bureaucrats have no business telling you what you should eat.  The Constitution grants the federal government no authority to do so, for one thing.  Even if it did, it is simply wrong to force people to pay taxes so that other people can hand down nutritional advice or — God forbid – mandates. A terrific article by Jane Black in The Washington Post illustrates why, furthermore, the government’s advice isn’t likely to be very good: [H]istorically, the government has shied away from offering controversial advice. And with food, everything is controversial: A boost for one type of food in the guidelines can be viewed as a threat by providers of competing products. The result, critics say... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4027152 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:03:19 +0100 4027152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025620&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Feat-more-calcium-to-prevent-calcium-containing-kidney-stones%2F2010.10.02 Over the years I have had a number of patients with painful kidney stones and once they have passed (or been removed) I have felt at a loss to helping them prevent them. ”Stay hydrated” somehow didn’t seem adequate, although we know fluid intake can help stave off recurrent kidney stone attacks. Some textbooks said “avoid calcium” since most stones are made of calcium oxylate. High oxylate levels can be found in some fruits and vegetables, as well as in nuts and chocolate. Yet there was no real scientific evidence that these foods caused stones. The evidence for who got kidney stones was all over the ballpark and for a physician, that means no prevention advice is really proven. A new study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Neph... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025620 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0100 4025620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3961845&cid=t_102166_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F09%2F12%2Fprozac-and-potatoes%2F In her national bestseller “Potatoes Not Prozac,” Kathleen DesMaisons offers a seven-step dietary plan for sugar-sensitive people like me. I’ve tried to implement her suggestions into my diet because, as a recovering drunk and depressive, sugar can throw me into an emotional mess that gets downright ugly. A diet rich in fiber and protein is crucial to my mental health — but for me, it’s Prozac AND potatoes. Here’s what DesMaisons proposes: Keep a food journal. The journal keeps you in relationship to your body. It reminds you of the connection between what you eat and how you feel. Maintain your blood sugar level. Stay steady and clear. Always have breakfast. Eat three meals a day at regular intervals. Eat brown things (whole grains, beans, potatoes, a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3961845 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 14:32:51 +0100 3961845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3938421&cid=t_102166_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FncOsKc_7GXs%2F Many parents, health care professionals, and educators agree that there is a pressing need to develop effective treatments for ADHD to complement or substitute for traditional medication and behavior therapy approaches. This is because such treatments do not work for everyone, important difficulties often remain even when these treatments are effective, and evidence for the long-term benefits of these treatments remains less compelling than one would like. In addition, in the case of medication treatment, some individuals experience intolerable side effects and many have concerns about taking ADHD medication for an extended period. One alternative approach to treating ADHD has relied on the use of Compound Herbal Preparations (CHP) derived from traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners o... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3938421 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:05:56 +0100 3938421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3895854&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fsponsored-post-getting-back-to-routine%2F Post from: BlissTree Sponsored Post: Getting Back to Routine (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3895854 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:50:20 +0100 3895854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890478&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpregnant-women-and-vitamin-d%2F2010.08.21 A new study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology reports that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to early-onset preeclampsia in pregnant women. The trial found that the average vitamin D level in 50 pregnant women with preeclampsia was 18 ng/mL, compared with 32 ng/mL in 100 women with healthy pregnancies. No casual relationship was proven, and the study’s lead author told Reuters Health that the recommended vitamin D intake in pregnant women hasn’t changed, but the study results raise yet more questions about this much-discussed nutrient. ACP Internist covered the pros and cons of vitamin D in its November 2009 issue. (Reuters, ACP Internist) *This blog post was originally published at ACP Internist* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890478 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3890478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3862009&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffda-warning-industrial-bleach-as-a-cure-for-cancer-and-hiv%2F2010.08.12 On the heels of Scott Gavura’s superb post on dietary supplement regulation in the U.S. and Canada, I bring you one of the most egregious and obscene product cases I have seen in 15 years of teaching on botanical and non-botanical products: Miracle Mineral Solution. Please accept my apologies in advance for not having a scholarly post for you – this is just too unbelievable not to share with science-based medicine readers. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Science-Based Medicine* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3862009 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:00:48 +0100 3862009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714469&cid=t_102166_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F30%2Fmindless-eating-are-you-sabotaging-yourself%2F One of my favorite presentations at Food for Your Whole Life Symposium was Dr. Brian Wansink, author of Mindless Eating. A leader in the field of food psychology, he has unveiled a lot of the hidden influences on how much we eat, and how consumers make food choices. Did you know that we make at least 250 food choices every day? Rather than being the next fad diet which promises you can lose weight effortlessly without thought, he uses years of food psychology research to re-engineer your food environment so that you will eat less without even knowing. While it is easy to blame fast food, big food, and the government for the rising rates of obesity in America, this food fight begins in our own homes. Some tips for preventing Mindless Eating in YOUR life: We eat with our eyes not out stom... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714469 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:32:07 +0100 3714469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683917&cid=t_102166_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F21%2F2010-dietary-guidelines-summary-released%2F It’s big news for nutrition. We may have new advice for eating healthy… and you can give your 2 cents, if you feel so inclined. Every five years the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are updated to reflect the latest knowledge in science and research. The Guidelines are used for government nutrition initiatives, programs and education, as well as by dietitians and health professionals to help educate people about eating healthier. Dietary Guidelines (DG) Advisory Committee released their Executive summary on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010. The full report can be found here and is currently open for public comments. (that’s you, the public…let your voice be heard and comment on the Executive Summary). The Committee has used a state-of-the-art, web-based electronic system an... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683917 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:55:38 +0100 3683917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3659046&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fprobiotics_for_fat_and_weight_loss.php © alancleaver_2000According to a new Japanese study, daily supplements of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 (LG2055) may help weight loss in people with obese tendencies. Findings published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that twelve weeks of consuming a fermented milk product containing the said Lactobacillus strain was associated with a 4.6 % reduction in abdominal fat and a 3.3 % reduction in subcutaneous fat. Also, the researchers reported that body weight dropped by 1.4 % and waist size decreased by 1.8 %. ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3659046 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3659046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3632250&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fsunscreen-smarts-daily-health-quiz%2F How much do you really know about your health? You may think you know all the ins and outs of staying well, but our daily Health Smarts Quiz will test your knowledge on the spot. Answer our question, below, and check back tomorrow for the correct answer and your next pop quiz. photo: Thinkstock Today’s Question: When planning for a weekend in the sun, you definitely don’t want to forget your favorite natural sunscreen. But can you just slap on some SPF right before heading into the heat? How long before sun exposure should you apply sunscreen so your skin effectively absorbs it? #MicroPollDiv_259339 { width: 250px; margin: 0px auto; } Answer to Yesterday’s Question: Usually, the success of birth control pills is not changed by dietary or herbal supplements, but in a few ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3632250 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:56:49 +0100 3632250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545642&cid=t_102166_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F74%2Fskin-pigmentation-genetics-the-sun-aging%2F Skin pigmentation is caused by the hormone melanin.  It is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes located in the deepest of the skin’s layers. Your genes are partially responsible for the amount of melanin present in your skin’s cells.  Other than that, sun exposure is the primary cause of increased melanin production. There are some medical conditions (mostly hormonal changes) that will cause increased melanin production.  Sometimes the melanin clumps or forms patches.  The appearance of clumps or patches can be distressing.  They are sometimes referred to as age spots. Although getting older may play a role, everyone wants to live a long life.  So, inevitably everyone will get older. What many people hope to do is to minimize the damage that time does to their faces a... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545642 Sat, 08 May 2010 12:40:59 +0100 3545642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339773&cid=t_102166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F06%2Fdietary-factors-influence-ovarian-cancer-survival-rates%2F University of Illinois at Chicago researchers identify relationship between healthy eating and prolonged ovarian cancer survival A study published in the March 2010 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (JADA), is among the first to evaluate possible diet associations with ovarian cancer survival. Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) determined [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339773 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:52:34 +0100 3339773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3126668&cid=t_102166_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F27%2Fthe-spicey-situation-of-food-flavor-and-taste%2F With holiday feasts now behind us, we thought this might be a good time to post some portions of Linda Bartoshuk’s article, “Spicing Up Psychological Science,” from the September issue of The Observer.  Here are some excerpts. * * * The anatomy of spice perception involves illusion. We seem to perceive spices both with the senses of taste and smell, but in reality, smell does most of the work. Consider cinnamon . . . . Even with our eyes closed, the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls grabs our attention. Sniffing draws the cinnamon volatiles (chemicals that evaporate at low temperatures and make their way into our nostrils as vapors) up into our noses; the volatiles pass through a tiny opening at the top of the nasal cavity called the olfactory cleft. When odorants pa... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3126668 Sun, 27 Dec 2009 04:01:48 +0100 3126668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3123413&cid=t_102166_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F27%2Fthe-spicey-situation-of-food-flavor-and-taste%2F With holiday feasts now behind us, we thought this might be a good time to post some portions of Linda Bartoshuk’s article, “Spicing Up Psychological Science,” from the September issue of The Observer.  Here are some excerpts. * * * The anatomy of spice perception involves illusion. We seem to perceive spices both with the senses of taste and smell, but in reality, smell does most of the work. Consider cinnamon . . . . Even with our eyes closed, the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls grabs our attention. Sniffing draws the cinnamon volatiles (chemicals that evaporate at low temperatures and make their way into our nostrils as vapors) up into our noses; the volatiles pass through a tiny opening at the top of the nasal cavity called the olfactory cleft. When odorants pa... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3123413 Sun, 27 Dec 2009 04:01:48 +0100 3123413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2899003&cid=t_102166_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F15%2Ftreating-depression-and-folate-deficiency-with-medical-foods%2F Midweek Mental Greening First and foremost, I should offer a disclaimer for this post: The scientific media briefing I watched this morning, “Feeding the Brain to Help Manage Depression: The Role of Medical Foods,” was presented by Rakesh Jain, M.D., M.P.H., the Director of Psychiatric Drug Research at R/D Clinical Research Center in Lake Jackson, TX and Teodoro Bottiglieri, Ph.D. of the Baylor Institute of Metabolic Disease, and sponsored by Pamlab, a pharmaceutical company specializing in prescription medical foods. Neither PsychCentral.com nor myself is affiliated with Pamlab or Deplin, the new medical food discussed during the briefing. Now that that’s out of the way, on to the more interesting stuff. “Can we feed the brain to regulate mood disorders?” If you had no exper... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2899003 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:25:21 +0100 2899003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447693&cid=t_102166_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F02%2Fvitamin-d-and-mental-health%2F It was with interest that I read Dr. Soram Khalsa’s post on The Huffington Post about the Vitamin D epidemic in this country today. The medical doctor writes this: As a board certified internist, I have chosen, for the last 30 years, to take a personalized approach in my practice of integrative medicine. I have worked with literally hundreds of herbs, vitamins and dietary supplements, to help my patients, often when drugs did not work. In all this time, I have not seen one nutritional supplement that has the power to affect human health as much as vitamin D. This is because Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin — it is a hormone that has the ability to interact and affect more than 2,000 genes in the body. Over my 30 years of practicing medicine, countless times I have had to d... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447693 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:08:11 +0100 2447693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382872&cid=t_102166_167_f&fid=37833&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition.edublogs.org%2F2009%2F05%2F01%2Ffda-warning-hydroxycut%2F The FDA urges consumers to discontinue use of Hydroxycut products in order to avoid any undue risk. Adverse events are rare, but exist. Consumers should consult a physician or other health care professional if they are experiencing symptoms possibly associated with these products. Linda Katz, M.D. Interim Chief Medical Officer FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. I saw an ad for Hydroxycut in a magazine this morning and was wondering about the safety and claims made by the product. Another one of those…”looks too good to be true” and “buyer be ware.” I guess it was only been a matter of time that something would come up. Today the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued an official release warning consumers to immediately stop using Hydroxyc... Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382872 Fri, 01 May 2009 18:23:33 +0100 2382872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2381180&cid=t_102166_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F30%2Fdo-the-dietary-guidelines-for-americans-have-a-pr-problem%2F I know I should be blogging about swine flu - isn’t everyone? But instead… let’s talk about the USDA Dietary Guidelines… they will be revised for 2010 (mandated by law every 5 years). No, it is not nutrition experts trying to stay in business… it’s a government thang… I was just reading a post by Janet Helm, a fellow RD at Nutrition Unplugged, and it inspired me to write a comment. Basically, I think the guidelines have a PR problem and no matter what they say that is “different” or new, they won’t see real change, unless they think about how people will actually use the guidelines and integrate that into real life. Here’s my comment: My personal feeling is that many people are “desensitized” to the Dietary Guidelin... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2381180 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:47:21 +0100 2381180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380947&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fvitamin_d_deficiency_may_increase_asthma_risk.php According to a Costa Rican study, children with Vitamin D deficiency could be at a higher risk of developing asthma. Vitamin D levels were also associated with increased frequency of hospitalization,... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380947 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:30:00 +0100 2380947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258800&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fvitamin-d-deficiency-and-you%2F This is important, so listen up! It seems that every day there’s more news about the health risks associated with vitamin D deficiency, which might not be a problem if there weren’t also news nearly every day that few of us are getting enough vitamin D each day. We’re not getting enough either from our diets or from sun exposure, which are the two main sources not counting supplements (which are probably what you should be taking, by the way). Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various bone problems as well as to diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disorders, a variety of cancers as well as to infections, including recently to the development of the common cold. The list of illnesses associated with vitamin D deficienc... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258800 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:40:21 +0100 2258800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2216516&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fvitamin_d_protection_for_cold_and_flu.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 5843136 For many decades we have looked at Vitamin C as our protection for cold and flu. A new study is saying that it may be Vitamin D that do could that.... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2216516 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:15:01 +0100 2216516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2192563&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fnatural-supplements-can-be-dangerous.html NATURAL DRUGS DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN SAFE DRUGSHalf of Americans take some form of dietary supplement, from energy builders to mood escalators to libido enhancers.  Whether it's a tonic a pill or a tea, even if it's all natural, supplements can still pose a great risk.We have a love affair with pills, powders, potions, and teas that are based on natural occurring substance. Annual sales of dietary supplements in the United States are approaching $16 billion.  The health and fitness crowd provide a huge market for diet supplements. An average of 1,000 new products are developed each year.  REGULATION Since naturally occurring substances are not Big Pharma drugs, they are not regulated.  The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) established in 1994 that dietary supplements a... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2192563 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:26:00 +0100 2192563 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2182492&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fmultivitamins_dont_protect_women_from_cancers_and_heart_disease.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 2226079 According to a Women's Health Initiative study, multivitamins have little or no influence in a woman's risk of cardiovascular diseases or cancer.... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2182492 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:03:23 +0100 2182492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2167536&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fomega3_and_female_depression.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 7091547 High intake of omega-3 fatty acids have been found to decrease the occasion of depressive symptoms in women by about 30%. According to researchers from... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2167536 Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:30:10 +0100 2167536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2098129&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FBreastfeeding123%2F%7E3%2Fjg5KMX71NTM%2F A reader wrote to me to ask: I have heard the Acai berry/juice is good for boosting energy. I have read several articles stating it was safe to take while pregnant/nursing but I would like get an opinion from someone who isn’t going to profit from a sale. Thank you for your advice. Disclaimer I am not a doctor and I have no training regarding herbal remedies. I cannot offer medical advice. I am happy, though, to provide guidance on finding information about herbal supplements and breastfeeding, and information on the acai berry (Açaí — a berry from the acai palms native to Central and South America) and its consumption by nursing mothers. Then it’s up to you to seek medical advice from a professional and make your own decision based on all the information! Foods In Gene... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2098129 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:03:44 +0100 2098129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2089933&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fomegababy_new_omega3_product_for_expectant_moms.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 1412814 There is a a new product created to help expectant and new moms get the Omega-3s they need without the fishy aftertaste that makes fish oil hard to... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2089933 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:12:08 +0100 2089933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2192790&cid=t_102166_127_f&fid=38263&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fdeepesthealth%2FBMCc%2F%7E3%2FDUQj2Ic9Q5U%2F No. But, let’s discuss this further.  I’ll be brief.  Consider, say, Medifast. It’s popular among teenage girls and, apparently, some Chinese medicine students.  Perusing the website, it seems like a perfectly reasonable diet plan.  Things seem balanced, on the whole.  Great, great. Let me ask you a question - is there something wrong with a basic whole foods diet consisting of whole grains, legumes and/or lean organic animal products, vegetables and fruits?  Maybe some exercise?  In the form of gentle Qigong, Taiji, walks outside, hiking, playing team sports and the like?  Are contemporary people so different from ancient people that we can’t engage in the same activities that they did and manage to stay fit? No.  No, no, no, no, NO. Medifast, like many of... Deepest Health: Exploring Classical Chinese Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2192790 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:39:38 +0100 2192790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1968761&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.creative-weblogging%2Faudio%2F%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fyou_dont_have_to_be_oprah_to_receive_the_benefits_of_acai.php When Oprah endorses a product, the world rushes out to buy it. But what happens when those people don't know where to find it? Recently, the Açaí berry has become all the rage with celebrities and health experts alike, starting when one of Oprah's guest doctors named Açaí as the number one superfood in the world. Indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, the Açaí, despite the recent surge in demand, is still somewhat allusive to the every-man. Now, Agrolabs is combining product innovation and clinical science to bring consumers the latest trends in liquid nutrition. Agrolabs recently launched Naturally Açaí Xtra to bring the benefits of the Amazon directly to the consumer. Agrolabs Naturally Açaí Xtra is loaded with the natural properties of the Açaí berry to promote ener... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1968761 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:33:34 +0100 1968761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1933537&cid=t_102166_147_f&fid=38117&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.engageinhealth.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fdietary_guidance_meets_healthy.html The first meeting of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) took place last week and a few of my Edelman colleagues were in attendance. The Dietary Guidelines form the basis for most of the government’s nutrition policy, feeding programs and education – including MyPyramid – and they are revised every five years. The DGAC’s mandate has traditionally been to review the body of nutrition science and provide a report to USDA and HHS with conclusive statements of the science. But notably, this year’s committee members seem to be taking a broader view. Instead of taking a “reductionist” approach, as one of the committee chairs noted, the DGAC is looking at a more comprehensive approach to meal patterns that takes into account behavior. The obesity crisis in Ameri... The Health Engagement Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1933537 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:06:54 +0100 1933537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1918060&cid=t_102166_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fthursday-13-168-pad-your-diet-and-save.html Thirteen Things about how to pad your diet and save some pennies In these financially stricken times, it pays to revive some of those housewifely skills of yesteryear. Depending upon your weekly food budget, it may be that with a little resourcefulness, deception and cunning, you can stretch the pennies a little further, as well as indirectly stretch the diet. When we first arrived in the States we went to a chilli cookout. It was quite an extraordinary experience for the naïve and uninitiated. Whilst the variety was quite daunting, the main ingredients consisted of pure ground beef, chilli beans, [very few in number] and chilli in a variety of different forms. If you take a standard dish of chilli you might be surprised to find out just how much you can add to the recipe without reducing... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1918060 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:59:00 +0100 1918060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1875999&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fvitamin_d_is_linked_to_parkinsons_disease.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, paul kline The intriguing results of a study from Emory University School of Medicine suggested that Parkinson's disease patients are more likely to be Vitamin D deficient compared to healthy adults or patients with Alzheimer's disease. Fifty-five per cent of patients with Parkinson's disease had insufficient levels of vitamin D, compared to 36 and 41 per cent for healthy people and patients with Alzheimer's disease, according to a study of 300 people from the Southeast United States. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency can lead to osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Insufficiency is typically defined as blood levels of 25(OH)D lower t... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1875999 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:31:32 +0100 1875999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1876038&cid=t_102166_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fveta-vita-vegamin.html Every endo visit is an adventure, in my book.  Last week when I went in, proudly displaying my latest A1c result of 6.2 (!), the whole session turned out to be about my fiber intake and (nonexistent) vitamin regime.  Aaargh! Can’t a PWD rest on their laurels for just a day or two? First off, we [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1876038 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:14:10 +0100 1876038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1626037&cid=t_102166_107_f&fid=36585&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHighlightHEALTH%2F%7E3%2F336132424%2F This study therefore suggest that social approval bias might well be a substantial problem in the interpretation of nutritional intervention effects that are dependent on education and awareness to affect behavior change. The magnitude of this bias is similar to the intervention effects reported in many studies evaluating changes in fruit and vegetable intake (ranging from 0.93 to 1.25 servings per day). Thus, a major challenge facing nutritional intervention researchers is assessing true behavioral change based on self-reports from reporting bias. This doesn’t mean that health questionnaires are useless. Rather, it means that many people simply aren’t being entirely truthful when it comes to how many fruits and vegetables they eat. The authors suggest that, in large dietary i... Highlight HEALTH blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1626037 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:30:18 +0100 1626037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1526119&cid=t_102166_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F06%2F17%2Fevaluating-drug-free-alternatives-for-adhd%2F It’s a list that would make any health-food storegoer proud: Vitamins. Fish oil. Giving up processed foods, sugars, or food additives. Herbal therapy with St. John’s Wort, echinacea, gingko biloba, or ginseng. Biofeedback. Massage. Yoga. All healthful pursuits, for sure, but are any of these alternative therapies effective for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (A.D.H.D.)? Don’t bet the rent, says an article in today’s New York Times. According to author Tara Parker-Pope, About 2.5 million children in the United States take stimulant drugs for attention and hyperactivity problems. But concerns about side effects have prompted many parents to look elsewhere: as many as two-thirds of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or A.D.H.D., have used some ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1526119 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:35:09 +0100 1526119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1446828&cid=t_102166_107_f&fid=36585&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHighlightHEALTH%2F%7E3%2F291018671%2F This article was published on Highlight HEALTH. Related articlesOvereating Fast Food Carbs Causes Signs of Liver DamageTired? You May Not Be Getting Enough SleepLiving Healthy Isn’t Cost Saving, It’s Cost EffectiveChiropractic Adjustments and Artery Dissection: Is Your Neck in Safe Hands?Lack of Health Insurance Increases Risk of Cancer Death (Source: Highlight HEALTH) Highlight HEALTH blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1446828 Thu, 15 May 2008 15:45:02 +0100 1446828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1426771&cid=t_102166_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F285352966%2F The drugmaker, which sells the Alli over-the-counter fat pill, has filed a citizen’s petition in hopes of convincing the FDA to change the rules governing health claims made by dietary supplement manufacturers. The gambit turns on the notion that weight-loss supplements should be vetted for claims that address a disease - and in this case, being overweight is a risk for various diseases. In its petition (look here), Glaxo argues any claims that a supplement will reduce a risk factor for disease is, in fact, a disease claim and, as a result, weight-loss supplement manufacturers should be forced to substantiate their claims through petitions before selling their own pills. Which diseases are we talking about? High cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. “…many Americ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1426771 Wed, 07 May 2008 13:07:46 +0100 1426771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1334459&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fdietary_supplements_total_body_formula_and_total_body_mega_formula_can_lead_to_significant_hair_loss.php The US FDA has issued a warning to consumers involving the dietary supplements Total Body Formula and Total Body Mega Formula. The distributor of "Total Body Formula" and "Total Body Mega Formula"; has voluntarily recalled the dietary supplement products after 23 individuals suffered "serious reactions" within seven to 10 days of ingesting the liquid supplements, the FDA said in a news release. The FDA is advising consumers not to purchase or consume Total Body Formula in the flavors of Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar, or Total Body Mega Formula in the Orange/Tangerine flavor. The liquid dietary supplement may cause severe adverse reactions, including significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain and fatigue, the FDA said. Total Body Formula (sold in eight-ounce and 32-oun... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1334459 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:29:38 +0100 1334459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1161152&cid=t_102166_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F219027354%2F You say po-tae-to I say po-ta-to. Calcium supplements are now under fire. For years it has been thought that prescribing calcium to post menopausal women helped maintain bone health as well as possibly reducing the risk of high cholesterol. Apparently that news is ’so yesterday’. Researchers at the University of Auckland examined the effects of calcium supplementation on heart attacks stroke and sudden death. 1,471 healthy post-menopausal women aged 55 years or over took part in the study. And just what did they find? Dietary calcium intake was assessed and women were seen every six months over five years. Adverse events were recorded at each visit. Heart attacks were more commonly reported in the calcium group. The occurrence of any three vascular events (heart attack, stroke ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1161152 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:34:28 +0100 1161152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1154093&cid=t_102166_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F217536499%2F Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that hormonal components in OTC dietary supplements may promote the progression of prostate cancer and decrease the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs. According to Dr. Claus Roehrborn, chairman of urology at UT Southwestern and one of the study’s authors: “Physicians need to ask their patients not only about the prescription drugs they may be taking, but — perhaps even more importantly — about the over-the-counter drugs and supplements, which may have a profound impact on certain health conditions.” Dietary supplements in question here are the ones used to develop stronger muscles and enhance sexual performance (brand names not mentioned). After hormone analysis, it was revealed that such supplements c... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1154093 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:28:29 +0100 1154093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1123739&cid=t_102166_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F209305480%2F A bigger and better diet may be only a prick away. Your nutritional needs could easily be detected by a small blood sample much like a fingerstick. By analyzing the unique metabolic changes in an individual’s body, researchers hope to develop more personalized dietary guidelines for improving health and fighting diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Amen to that! Metabolomics, an emerging field whose practitioners study how foods affect metabolism, may provide new tools and data for customizing today’s one-size-fits-all dietary guidelines for an individual’s own body, the article notes. By being able to monitor the hundreds of compounds in a totally objective way, we would allow practitioners to determine exactly what works for each individual patient and also ser... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1123739 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 07:01:29 +0100 1123739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1091307&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F12%2F13%2Fat-last-an-explanation-how-stress-causes-obesity.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DIt is a well-known phenomenon: people under stress hit the fridge, and gorge on candy and fatty food. A gallon of ice scream in one sitting is not unheard of. But people who think deeply about such things asked themselves: why don’t they (people under stress) gorge on veggies? And what is the nature of the connection between stress and obesity? Is it simply overeating equalsobesity, or is there a deeper connection, involving the brain? After all, stress is a mind thing.The physiology of acute stress Almost every physiological action in our body is controlled by two systems: the autonomic nervous system, and the endocrine system. The autonomic nervous system has this name because it is, well, autonomic: it marches to its own drum, if you will, independently of ... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1091307 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 03:21:24 +0100 1091307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1047556&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F11%2F23%2Fthanksgiving-meal-overare-you-still-ok.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DPhew…that was something. We ate and we ate, and drank and drank—I thought we are going to burst. Literally. I hope everybody in our Thanksgiving party (over 30 people) survived intact. Being a doctor, and a worrier, the thoughts of what could go wrong were never quite banished by the pleasures of gluttony. What dangers were going through my mind?The burst stomachHave you ever seen a snake swallowing a whole turkey? You can actually see the poor creature traveling through the long intestines of the tubular glutton. Well, a burst stomach is extremely rare, and happens only in rare conditions where the brain center controlling hunger and satiety is malfunctioning. Normal stomach capacity is about 8 cups, although it can range form 4 to 12, according to Dr.... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1047556 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 21:51:04 +0100 1047556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1040045&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fless_sunlight_exposure_linked_to_endometrial_cancer.php Endometrial cancer or cancer of the endometrium has been found highly associated to deficiency in exposure to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB exposure triggers photosynthesis of vitamin D3 in the body. This form of vitamin D is also available through diet and supplements. Previous studies from this research team have shown associations between higher levels of vitamin D3 and lower risk of cancers of the breast, colon, kidney and ovary. According to Cedric F. Garland, Dr. P.H., professor of Family and Preventive Medicine in the UCSD School of Medicine, and member of the Moores UCSD Cancer Center: "This is the first study, to our knowledge, to show that higher serum levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced risk of endometrial cancer. Previous epidemiological studie... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1040045 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:30:00 +0100 1040045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1030099&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F11%2F15%2Fdo-you-know-what-ages-do-to-your-blood-vessels.html by Pat SalberAGEs stands for “advanced glycation end products.” AGEs are promoters of high oxidative stress and, as such, they are known to play an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease in diabetics.AGEs are produced by our bodies internally under certain conditions, such as hyperglycemia. They are also present in fairly high amounts in the typical Western diet. Research published in the Journal of the American Diet Association (Goldberg et al 2004) and in Critical Review of Food Science and Nutrition (O’Brien and Morrissey 1989), show that AGEs are present in high levels in dietary mixtures of proteins, lipids, and sugars processed under elevated temperatures, such as broiling, roasting, or grilling.According to an recent article in Diabetes Care (O... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1030099 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:07:07 +0100 1030099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1028172&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Flongterm_beta_carotene_supplements_for_less_cognitive_decline_in_men.php According to a new report by a research team from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and Harvard Medical School, men who take beta-carotene supplements for 15 years or longer may have less cognitive decline. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant vitamin that is a member of the carotenoids - which are highly pigmented (red, orange, yellow), fat-soluble compounds naturally present in many fruits, grains, oil and vegetables (green plants, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, apricots, and green peppers). [Alpha, beta, and gamma carotene are considered provitamins because they can be converted to active vitamin A.] On the other hand, decreases in cognitive ability (thinking, learning and memory skills) are strong predictor of dementia. Or Alzheimer's disease? [Long-term cellular ... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1028172 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:54:19 +0100 1028172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=956050&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F10%2F16%2Ffood-porn-hardees-and-the-920-calorie-burrito.html by Pat Salber Perhaps the folks over at Hardee's fast food haven't heard the country is in the midst of an obesity epidemic.  They have just unveiled a new breakfast offering, the Country Breakfast burrito.  It consists of a two egg omelet filled with bacon, sausage, diced ham, cheddar cheese, hash browns and sausage gravy.  Surrounding this protein load is a flour tortilla.  The burrito weighs in at 920 calories.  That's right, 920 calories, about half of what you should ingest in a day.  This little baby also has 60 grams of fat.  All those calories and all that fat will only set you back $2.69.According to a story by the Associated Press, Brad Haley, Hardees' marketing chief, says that the burrito offers the sort of big breakfast item normally found in sit-down restaurants with... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=956050 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:16:54 +0100 956050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=945320&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fantioxidants_wonat_stop_agerelated_macular_degeneration.php Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative eye disease which is the leading cause of blindness in older people. While antioxidants have always been associated in the prevention and delay of some serious conditions, especially cancer - because antioxidants scavenge... Continue. (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=945320 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 12:46:17 +0100 945320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=935237&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fprobiotic_soymilk_increases_the_bioavailability_of_calcium.php When taking calcium supplements, we always wonder that if our bones are not able to absorb that calcium, where it will go. Is it really true that we could develop kidney stones by excess calcium supplements? Will dietary calcium be... Continue. (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=935237 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 17:31:16 +0100 935237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=896076&cid=t_102166_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F160652344%2Faxcil_and_desirin_dietary_supplemtns_recalled.html TWC Global LLC Inc. has issued an nationwide recall of its products Axcil and Desirin, which are marketed as dietary supplements, as they contain potentially harmful ingredients.The FDA found that the products contained sildenafil, the active ingredient of an FDA approved drug used for erectile dysfunction as well as sulfosidenafil and sulfohomosildenafil. The undeclared chemicals can be harmful to consumers because they may interact with nitrates found in some prescriptions drugs and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.Anyone taking Ancil or Desirin should stop taking them immediately and consult their doctor. Consumers may return unused portions for a full purchase price refund. The FDA press release with all the recall specifics details exactly how to make the product retu... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=896076 Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:30:23 +0100 896076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=875161&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F9%2F16%2Fare-you-ready-for-some-really-sound-health-advice-hahahahaha.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DSome of the health advice we come across in the media and the internet is so outrageous it borders on quackery; no, it is quackery. If it wasn’t so dangerous it would be hilarious. So I thought we should all share in the hilarity. But before we proceed, a disclaimer: the following is based on actual Q and A, but the author took  literary license to highlight their innaneness (there, I finally got to use this word). So here goes:HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true? A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend th... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=875161 Sun, 16 Sep 2007 23:36:37 +0100 875161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=874915&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2Ftype-2-diabetes-treatment-made-easy.html By William H. Bestermann Jr. MDType 2 diabetes is a condition that costs Americans terribly in terms of death, disability, and health care expenditures. This chronic condition is a vicious cycle type of illness. Glucose control tends to deteriorate over time. Most of these patients also have problems with blood pressure and cholesterol. Only about a third of type 2 diabetics have their pressure, sugar, or cholesterol under control as individual risk factors. Only 7% have all three risk factors controlled simultaneously to conservative goals. This sad fact has dramatic consequences. The lifetime risk of a diabetic having a heart attack or a stroke is 80%. For each risk factor that is controlled to goal using the right medication, the risk is reduced by roughly half—so when we control ... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=874915 Sun, 16 Sep 2007 04:30:02 +0100 874915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=867405&cid=t_102166_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F155602546%2F Once again, I am going to say, “don’t shoot the messenger”. Before anyone gets all in a tizzy, take the time to really read through what the research is claiming in its entirety. Yes, they are suggesting that certain breakfast breads are effective in controlling blood sugars through the dinner hour, but they are in no way suggesting that you shove 5 pieces of white toast in your mouth and call it a morning. “It is known that a carbohydrate-rich breakfast with low GI can moderate increases in blood sugar after lunch. But my results show that low GI in combination with the right amount of so-called indigestible carbohydrates, that is, dietary fiber and resistant starch, can keep the blood-sugar level low for up to ten hours, which means until after dinner,” says... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=867405 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:25:18 +0100 867405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=867248&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F9%2F12%2Ftaking-obesity-seriously.html Brian Klepper Over at Health Care Policy and Marketplace Review, the always insightful Bob Laszewski drew my attention to the release of a new report from The Trust for America's Health , F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America. This 120 page document, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, provides an update on how obesity is ravaging America's health and productivity.The facts about America's obesity problem aren't new.  They continue to be grim and worsening:Two thirds of American adults are now overweight or obese.Adult obesity rates exceed 20 percent in 47 states.In the past year,  the obesity rates increased in 31 states; no state improvedObesity is at the root of an array of our most expensive major diseases that will generate huge costs for ca... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=867248 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 06:35:14 +0100 867248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=858254&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F9%2F11%2Fmediterranean-diet-and-rheumatoid-arthritis.html  By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DClinical researchers at the University of Glasgow published in the September issue of the Annals of the Rhumatic Diseases an unassuming, almost self-effacing study on the effect of diet on rheumatoid arthritis. Here is stated objective of the study: “To overcome obstacles to healthy eating by a community-based intervention promoting a Mediterranean-type diet in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or RA living in socially deprived areas of Glasgow.” What was this modest paper doing amongst all the high-powered papers on the molecular mechanisms of rheumatic diseases and the latest potent therapies based on insights into those mechanisms?The studyMethods: 130 female patients with RA aged 30–70 years (median 55), disease duration 8 years were rec... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=858254 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 01:11:25 +0100 858254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=840498&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F9%2F4%2Fare-you-a-successful-loser.html by Pat Salber, MD While not nearly as high profile as TV’s “The Biggest Loser,” the National Weight Control Registry has helped researchers gain a better understanding of what it takes to lose a significant amount of weight (at least 30 pounds) and keep it off (for at least a year).The Registry was started in 1994 by Rena Wing, Ph.D. from Brown Medical School, and James O. Hill, Ph.D. from the University of Colorado. According to the NWCR website, it is the largest prospective investigation of long-term successful weight loss maintenance in the country.  Individuals who meet the criteria of “successful losers” self-report information about their dietary, exercise, and other lifestyle habits. Although not a randomized, controlled clinical study (the &... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=840498 Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:12:31 +0100 840498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=827970&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F8%2F28%2Fconfessions-of-a-walking-fool.html Brian Klepper How do you live a long life? Take a two-mile walk every morning before breakfast.Harry Truman33rd US President, who lived to 88DAWN, n. The time when men of reason go to bed. Certain old men prefer to rise at about that time, taking a cold bath and a long walk with an empty stomach, and otherwise mortifying the flesh. They then point with pride to these practices as the cause of their sturdy health and ripe years, the truth being that they are hearty and old, not because of their habits, but in spite of them. The reason we find only robust persons doing this thing is that it has killed all the others who have tried it.Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary  I started taking long walks with my close friend Bob thirty-five years ago when we were students in Holla... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=827970 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:28:12 +0100 827970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=817556&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F8%2F23%2Fselenium-supplementanother-myth-debunked.html  By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.D The theory that selenium is ‘good for you’ has just suffered a body blow—supplementation actually causes an increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Why is selenium a food supplement? The theories range from the sublime to the ridiculous. I still remember that runners swore by selenium as a performance enhancer. It didn’t do it for me, so I asked for the evidence. In a word: there was none. Another ‘theory’ is that selenium is important in the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Evidence? Sub Saharan Africa has a low selenium content in the soil, and a high incidence of HIV. The exception is Senegal , where the soil content is high and, wouldn’t you guess, HIV incidence is lower. Enough said. A more serious theory is that i... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=817556 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 05:38:28 +0100 817556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=802199&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F8%2F16%2Fin-mcdonalds-vs-kids-guess-whos-ahead.html Brian Klepper Here's news to warm the heart of every fast food executive, but that, if the world were a sensible place, should jolt parents, school administrators and non-food industry business leaders out of their nutritional malaise. The New York Times reported this morning on a small sample taste test with 63 children ages 3-5. When presented with different foods - hamburgers, chicken nuggets, french fries, carrots - the kids invariably thought the ones in McDonald's packaging tasted better.Naturally, the McDonald's people were thrilled, and at the ready with corporate spin. The goal, you see, is to have kids associate good tasting foods with McDonald's, and then McDonald's will gradually introduce foods that aren't so terrible  for them.  Clever, huh? From the article:Wa... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=802199 Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:36:25 +0100 802199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=764993&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F29%2Fmediterranean-diet-beneficial-for-diabetics%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Diet, Lifestyle, ResearchI was intrigued by a recent Swedish study reporting that people on a so-called "Stone Age" diet had more stable blood sugar levels than those on a Mediterranean diet. An intriguing claim, because it's so often said that Mediterranean-style eating is super-healthful. Let's also admit it is a delicious way to eat: yes, pasta and bread is there, but it's balanced out by tons of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and olive oil. The Stone Age way is a bit more spare: we're talkin' meat, fish, and lots of whole grains, berries and nuts. Nary a sliver of Parmesan in sight.However, the results of yet another study, this time from Australia, indicates Mediterranean-style eating is a good choice, especially for diabetics. Researchers from the Univers... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=764993 Sun, 29 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 764993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=760471&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F26%2Fon-the-hunt-for-vitamin-d%2F Filed under: Breast Cancer, Diets, Vitamins and nutrientsVitamin D is one of the latest, greatest hot cancer topics. Why? Well, it seems many of us women are vitamin D deficient. Such a deficiency might be linked to breast cancer risk so it's in our best interest to make sure we get a healthy dose of this vitamin. It's not as easy as adhering to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) guidelines, though. Follow them and you'll still come up short -- the Food and Nutrition Board, responsible for setting the DRIs, have not yet updated guidelines in light of cancer concerns. So what's a girl to do? For starters, we need to understand that for overall health benefits, 1,000 IU (International Units) per day are necessary. The outdated DRI recommends 200 to 600 IU. This is based on preventing only bo... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=760471 Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 760471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=747147&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F20%2Fmeager-data-on-benefits-of-diet-and-exercise-for-type-2s%2F Filed under: Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Diet, Lifestyle, Research, Exercise, Support, CareAs I search the daily news buzz on type 2 diabetes, it is drugs, drugs and more drugs. Where is the research buzz on diet and exercise to help treat type 2? I just went camping with a friend who lost 60 pounds and threw away his insulin. My eyes first widened in amazement at this feat, then gleamed in utter respect as I witnessed his celebration of newfound health as we hiked, ate nutritious food and threw frisbees with our kids. While losing weight and exercising is certainly not the magic cure for all type 2s (there are thin type 2s!), the power of diet and exercise is undeniable in improving blood sugar control and lessening drug doses. Cochrane Library reviewers recently examined a wide body... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=747147 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 747147 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=707363&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F01%2Frecipe-for-healthy-living-roasted-brussel-sprouts%2F Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer, Prevention, All Cancers, Nutrition, Cancer prevention foods, Vitamins and nutrients, Recipe Healthy LivingBrussel sprouts contain good amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid and dietary fiber. Moreover, they are believed to protect against colon cancer, due to their containing sinigrin. They contain three types of phyto's, all shown to have either protective qualities against cancer, or enzyme producing qualities that have been shown during research to fight cancer cells in different ways.When boiling foods they tend to lose some of the vitamins and nutrients into the water. So here is a roasted brussel sprout recipe that is very easy to prepare and the brussel sprouts keep their natural nutty flavor.Vicki's Roasted Brussel Sprouts1 lb Brussels sp... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=707363 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 707363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=674819&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F6%2F16%2Falli-the-first-ever-over-the-counter-diet-pill.html Alli (pronounced "ally") was approved by the FDA in February and will hit the shelves tomorrow.  About half of people in clinical trial studies were able to lose approximately 5% of their body weight in six months.  The medication is supposed to be taken three times a day and will cost about $50 per month.  Sounds good?  Yeah, but the devil is in the details -- or, in this case, in the side effects.  This "fat-buster" may not become a blockbuster for its manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline.  Here's why from an "oldie, but goodie" TDWI post from February 7, 2007: If you can deal with the "icky" factor, Alli may help you lose weightOn February 7, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first drug for weight... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=674819 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:32:52 +0100 674819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=644933&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F30%2Fcolorectal-cancer-risk-and-fiber-intake%2F Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer, Diets, Cancer prevention foodsEven though there has been much hype in recent years about the connection between dietary fiber intake to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer, results of a large study does not support such a link. The findings were reported in the May issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The conclusion came after analyzing more that 291,000 men and 197,000 women ages 50 to 71 years. "Our study did not show any association between how much dietary fiber you eat and your risk of colorectal cancer" said the lead author of the study. However, the lead author did say that he found consumption of whole grain foods may lower the risk of developing the disease. Read | Permalink | Email this | Li... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=644933 Wed, 30 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 644933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=543184&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F4%2F13%2Fwant-to-make-money-off-the-obesity-epidemic-have-i-got-a-deal-for-you.html Here is food for thought for the profit-oriented among us (yours truly included). Can you make money off of Obese America?Here are some facts: Sixty-six percent of Americans are obese or overweight Seven million are more than 100 pounds overweight. $33 billion in services are spent each year on health care for the obese. So, it should not be surprising that a widely followed web site that tracks the stock portfolio of Wall Street mavens (Warren Buffett) and not so mavens, and some outright…well, you get the point, has created, (I am not making this up) an "Obesity Index”. I thought it would be educational and, yes, profitable to take a look at it: The Obesity Index               &nbs... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=543184 Sat, 14 Apr 2007 02:53:03 +0100 543184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=506835&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F28%2Fdietary-patterns-linked-to-type-2-diabetes-risk%2F Filed under: Type 2, Adult Onset, Diet, ResearchFor those of you who have lived the dietary gospel -- no meats and fatty foods and eating lots of greens and cooked vegetables -- guess what! It appears you've reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to study findings published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. The study examined of 36,787 adults who provided dietary information over 4-years. At the beginning of the trial no adults had type 2 diabetes, but at the commencement of the study 365 new cases of type 2 diabetes were diagnosed. The researchers defined 4 eating patterns: a Mediterranean diet, a salad and vegetable diet, a diet of mostly meats and fatty fried foods, and a diet of many different fruits. The Mediterranean pattern was associated with country of b... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=506835 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 506835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=478744&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F14%2Fstop-your-insulin-inhibitions%2F Filed under: Type 2, Adult Onset, Diet, Lifestyle, ResearchKnocking out the gene for a peptide associated with insulin was shown to protect mice against the harmful effects of a high-fat diet. Urocortin 3 plays a role in the increased production of insulin in response to high caloric intake in animals. Scientists found that by removing the urocortin 3 gene from mice, they did not develop the age-related insulin resistance and high blood sugar observed in the normal control mice. The metabolisms of normal mice were compared to the metabolisms of those without the urocortin 3 gene. When placed on a high caloric diet for three months, the mice without the urocortin 3 gene packed on the same amount of weight but had lower insulin levels. But these mice also had lower blood sugar, improved gluc... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=478744 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 478744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=478751&cid=t_102166_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F08%2Fcurbing-the-diabetes-epidemic-with-6-oat-wafter%2F Filed under: Type 2, Adult Onset, Diet, Lifestyle, Exercise, Products, SupportYes, that's what it says: curbing the diabetic epidemic with 6 oat waters. CeaProve(R) is a new test for the early detection of pre-diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance that may help curb the diabetes epidemic. For those of you who have endured a glucose tolerance test - you'll understand the pivotal importance of this new diagnostic test. Ceapro has developed a test that identifies people at risk of type-2 diabetes as early as 5 to 10 years before the disease is diagnosed. The simple test involves eating 6 oat-wafers and undergoing a finger prick. The test - when repeated at six month intervals - can also show if lifestyle changes are being effective or if more treatment is needed. Ceapro has tested CeaProve i... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=478751 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 05:00:00 +0100 478751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=461140&cid=t_102166_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F2%2F21%2Ffat-in-the-liver-good-for-foie-gras-but-very-bad-for-people-and-geese.html Remember when the Supersize Me guy gets told he has evidence of liver damage from pigging out at McDonald’s? Well, it turns out that overeating and weight gain are associated with the accumulation of fat in the liver. This shouldn’t really be a surprise -- the folks who help create foie gras by force feeding geese have known this for a long time. It is not eating fat that causes obesity-related fatty liver. It is getting fat that causes it. The condition is called “nonalcoholic fatty liver disease” or NAFLD. This is to distinguish it from fatty liver related to drinking too many alcoholic beverages. Fatty deposits in liver cells without any inflammation is called “simple fatty liver” or steatosis. Simple fatty liver does not permanently damage ... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=461140 Thu, 22 Feb 2007 04:35:18 +0100 461140