Jun
01
2008

Diabetes Onset Can be Delayed

By | Diabetes, Fitness, Nutrition, Prevention

Diabetes delayed by diet and exercise

Prevention is the buzzword in healthcare, but often medicine has to embark on the curative avenues. With the onset of a health problem patients are often tempted to throw in the towel: it’s too late now anyways. There is nothing I can do. It’s up to medication, pills or shots to get a handle on my problem. Nothing could be further from the truth, as major clinical trials have shown, when it comes to intervention to prevent the onset of diabetes. There is a stage where lab tests show that a patient has impaired glucose tolerance. He or she is”pre-diabetic”. Without intervention the development of diabetes is more or less imminent. But this does not mean that “it is too late “. It is exactly at that point, where lifestyle intervention can make a difference. How long do these post-intervention studies remain effective? Professor Guangwei Li at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing, China and Dr. Ping Zhang from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention followed up patients 20 years after enrolment. In 1986, 577 adults from 33 clinics in China were randomly assigned to a control group or one of three lifestyle intervention groups (diet, exercise or diet and exercise combined).

Diabetes Onset Can be Delayed

Diabetes Onset Can be Delayed

All of the patients had impaired glucose tolerance. There was an active intervention program until 1992, and in 2006 participants were assessed for the long-term effect of the interventions. The results showed that the combined lifestyle interventions reduced the incidence of diabetes by about half during the active intervention period of 6 years. Over the 20 year duration the reduction was 43 %. At the end of the 20 year period 80% of the intervention group had developed diabetes, whereas 93% of the control group that had not followed a lifestyle intervention program were diabetic. The researchers reported that lifestyle intervention programs for patients with impaired glucose tolerance can indeed make a difference. A six year intervention program can delay the onset of diabetes by 14 years.

More information about diabetes: http://nethealthbook.com/hormones/diabetes/

Reference: Lancet 2008;371:1783-1789; 1731-1733.

Last edited November 3, 2014

Jun
01
2008

Boost Babies’ Health with Mom’s Diet

By | Allergies, Asthma, Health, Nutrition, obstetrics, Prevention, Vitamins and supplements

Prenatal supplements and good advice on proper nutrition during pregnancy have long been included in proper prenatal care. Importance has been placed on folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in the fetal development. Calcium is recommended, often in the form of dairy products, but it does not end there: just swallowing the supplement and adding some more milk may be helpful but not quite enough. Certain dietary habits have been found more beneficial, such as the eating habits in the Mediterranean countries. A research team from the University of Crete in Heraclion, Greece included women who were involved in antenatal care at all general practices in Menorca, Spain. The study took place in the time frame of 12 month starting in 1997. After six and a half years 460 children were also included in the analysis.

Dietary habits were studied and assessed by food questionnaires and the children were assessed for the development of allergies and asthma.

Boost Babies’ Health with Mom’s Diet

Boost Babies’ Health with Mom’s Diet

The children of mothers who consumed the most vegetables, fish and legumes were almost 80% less likely to have persistent wheeze and more than 40 % less likely to have allergies. The results are consistent with the fact that a high level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy is protective not only to the mother but also to the child.

More information about prenatal visits (where nutritional habits are checked as well): http://nethealthbook.com/womens-health-gynecology-and-obstetrics/pregnancy-labor-delivery-2/prenatal-visits/

Reference: The Medical Post, April 22, 2008, page 25

Last edited December 18, 2014

Jun
01
2008

New Modified Carrots and Food from Cloned Animals

By | Nutrition

Researchers from Texas A&M AgriLife’s Vegetable and Fruit improvement Center and a research group from Baylor College of Medicine reported about their work earlier this year. They developed a new variety of super carrots that contain 41% more calcium than the regular garden varieties. In a study 15 men and 15 women ate regular carrots for a week. At the end of the week urine samples were taken to examine the amount of calcium absorbed. The test persons ate the modified carrots for a week, and more urine tests were taken. The result showed a higher intake of calcium from the modified carrots. The head of the study, Dr. Jay Morris, PhD made a statement that fruit and vegetables are beneficial for many reasons, but they have never been a good food source for calcium. He states that if the new technology is applied to a number of different fruit and vegetables, it could have a significant impact on preventing osteoporosis. This research may sound like a futuristic concept, but bioengineering and food from bioengineered animals may soon be a reality for consumers in the United States and in Europe. The FDA has reported that, for the most part, milk and meat from cloned animals is safe to eat. The European Food Safety Authority has also concluded at the same time that milk and meat from healthy cloned cattle and pigs are suitable for human consumption. At this point there was not enough information for the agency to come to a conclusion on the safety of food from other animal clones, such as sheep. The European agency noted that death and disease rates are higher in cloned as compared to conventionally reproduced animals, and it would be of essence that unhealthy clones will not enter the food supply.

New Modified Carrots and Food from Cloned Animals

New Modified Carrots and Food from Cloned Animals: BUY ORGANIC!

The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) advises against food production from cloned animals due to the current level of suffering and health problems in surrogate dams and animal clones. Cloning remains fraught with perinatal and postnatal disease of cloned animals. Abnormalities are also common in the form of malformations, increased weight, respiratory problems, enlarged fetal liver and kidney abnormalities. Ultimately the old adage is as valid as ever, even if it comes to the mundane task of shopping for dinner. It is called “buyer beware”!

More information about the safety of our food: https://www.askdrray.com/our-endangered-food/

Reference: The Medical Post, April 22, 2008, page 25

Addendum on Nov. 16, 2012: Buy 100% organic food. It is freightening to see how superficial the FDA testing methods have become with respect to cloned foods, genetically modified foods etc. Your only recourse is to buy 100% organic food!

Last edited November 3, 2014

May
01
2008

Glucose and Colorectal Cancer Are No Sweet Deal

By | Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Nutrition, Obesity

It has been noted in various publications that insulin resistance carries a host of health risks: aside from type 2 diabetes, there is cardiovascular disease. Also high insulin levels are associated with growth hormone like substances in the body. These substances are contributing to the development of some cancers.

There is other extensive medical literature stating that glucose (=sugar) and refined carbohydrate (cookies, cakes, French fries, doughnuts, bread, rice, potatoes)  intake lead to chronic inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body, but also to a weakening of the immune system. This explains why such varied diseases as high blood pressure, hardening of arteries with resulting strokes and heart attacks, diabetes, asthma and cancer are caused by the same chronic inflammation that in turn is brought on by our eating habits of a refined diet consumed by most industrialized nations. This blog deals only with cancer of the colon and cancer of the rectum as a result of  chronic inflammation.

Researchers from Minnesota and Maryland examined 375 individuals with recurrent polyps (=adenomas) and the identical number without recurrent adenomas. They followed the course of the patients for 4 years. In their study they looked at fasting serum. Patients who were found to have the highest levels of both insulin and glucose in their serum were at an approximately 50% higher risk of colorectal cancer recurrence. The strongest risk factors were elevated glucose levels.

Glucose and Colorectal Cancer Are No Sweet Deal

Glucose and Colorectal Cancer Are No Sweet Deal

The individuals with the highest glucose levels also tended to be slightly older, have a higher waist to hip ratio and a higher body mass index. These results do point out the necessity of keeping a close tab on glycemic control in person with a history of colorectal polyps. It also is evident that consuming foods with a low to medium glycemic index will help to reduce the risk for colonic cancers.

More information about:

1. Colon cancer: http://nethealthbook.com/cancer-overview/colon-cancer/

2. Sugar causes cancer: https://www.askdrray.com/sugar-as-a-cause-of-cancer/

Reference: The Medical Post, April 1, 2008, page 21

Last edited November 3, 2014

Apr
01
2008

Eat Your Veggies To Protect Your Eyes

By | Eye Diseases, Nutrition, Vitamins and supplements

A study at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston has shown that nutrition impacts eye health. Over a stretch of 10 years Dr. William Christen followed a group of 35,551 health professionals age 45 and older. They provided him with detailed information about their dietary habits and vitamin supplements-they were permitted to take multivitamin but were requested not to take vitamin A, vitamin E or beta-carotene. None of them had cataracts in the beginning of the study, but 2,031 did develop cataracts during the follow up period. Dr. Christen and his team analyzed the data and found that those individuals who were the highest consumers of carotenoids- individuals with an intake of 6,617 mcg of lutein and zeaxanthin- were 18% less likely to develop cataracts than those who consumed only 1,177 mcg per day. Also, the group that consumed higher amounts of vitamin E (intakes of about 262.4 mg per day) was 14% less likely to develop cataracts. Lutein is a substance that is found in high concentration in eye tissue. It is readily available in many foods, such as green and yellow vegetables, yellow-fleshed fruit and in egg yolks.

Eat Your Veggies To Protect Your Eyes

Eat Your Veggies To Protect Your Eyes

New research from the National eye Institute in Baltimore has also confirmed the benefits of carotenoids for healthy eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin offer protection against age-related macular degeneration. There is no need to shop for supplements. Just bring on the green vegetables: broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, collard greens, and spinach. Add some corn, the spice saffron and some eggs, and enjoy the taste and the health benefits.

More information about cataracts: http://nethealthbook.com/eye-diseases-and-eye-related-topics/cataract/

Reference: The Medical Post, March 8, 2008, page 25

Last edited November 3, 2014

Mar
01
2008

U.S. Dietary Guidelines May Have Contributed To Obesity

By | Nutrition, Obesity

Dr. Paul Marantz of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York has taken a closer look at the current obesity epidemic. He and his coauthors are observing that Americans have listened to the recommendations to reduce their fat intake. This recommendation which first made its appearance in 1980 pointed out the risk of a high fat diet and its connection to cardiovascular disease. Even though there is enough evidence that a modification of fat intake could reduce cholesterol, the government guidelines against fat have not managed to improve cardiovascular disease outcome. The authors of the publication noted that Americans have slightly reduced their fat intake, but their carbohydrate and total calorie intake have actually increased. The consequence is logical: higher calorie intake is contributing to the rise in obesity and the increase in adult onset diabetes. Dr. Marantz drew on records from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to arrive at these results. From 1971 to 2001 fat intake has decreased by 9% in women and 5% in men, but carbohydrate intake went up by 6% in women and 7% in men. Total daily caloric intake went up by 335 calories in women and by 168 calories in men. Both genders showed an increase in obesity. While 55% of men and 41% of women were overweight or obese in 1971, by 2001 the rate had risen to 70% in men and 62% in women. The reasons for this are very likely due to many factors. Aggressive marketing of low-fat foods may have given the public the impression, that these foods can be consumed without consequences.

U.S. Dietary Guidelines May Have Contributed To Obesity

Obesity on the rise since the 1970’s

Another reason likely is that fat in the diet can induce satiety and stop us from eating excess calories. It has not helped to label fat in the diet as an enemy instead of pointing out that small amounts of heart healthy fats in the daily diet are an important part of our nutritional team players and allies in the quest to good health. Key to successful dieting is to consume a low fat diet, rich in unrefined, low glycemic carbohedrates. Caloric intake has to be restricted for successful weight loss.

More information about:

Refined carbs: http://nethealthbook.com/health-nutrition-and-fitness/nutrition/carbohydrates/

Metabolic syndrome: http://nethealthbook.com/hormones/metabolic-syndrome/

Reference: American Journal of Preventative Medicine, Feb. 8, 2008

Last edited November 3, 2014

Sep
01
2007

Weight Loss Surgery Reduces Mortality

By | Diabetes, Heart Disease, Nutrition, Obesity

Excessive bodyweight contributes to a host of illnesses. Diets and lifestyle changes, physical activity and exercise programs can contribute to successful weight loss, but for a group of patients morbid obesity remains a significant problem. Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery has been on the increase.

Opinions about the usefulness of bariatric surgery have been divided. Often it was seen as a heroic effort with lots of risks and questionable benefits. In some procedures patients did not show significant weight loss, and there were some doubts whether the risk of surgery was worth taking.

Dr. Lars Sjoestroem of Gothenburg University has a detailed study on 4,047 Swedish patients with obesity, of which 2,010 underwent bariatric surgery, while 2,037 received non-surgical treatment. The two groups were compared for overall mortality after 11 years. The non-surgical control group lost little or no weight. The bariatric surgery patients did better. The most successful group was the one which received gastric bypass surgery with a weight loss of 25%. Vertical-based gastroplasty patients lost 16% of their weight, and those who underwent gastric banding lost 14% of their weight over 10 years.

Weight Loss Surgery Reduces Mortality

Gastric bypass surgery

At follow up the overall mortality was significantly decreased in the group that underwent surgery. Death risk from disease which is associated with obesity, such as coronary artery disease was significantly decreased by 56%. The risk of death from diabetes was decreased by 92% and the risk of death from cancer also showed a reduction of 60%.

US data show similar results of a decrease in long-term mortality in obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery and lost weight.

More information on weight loss: http://nethealthbook.com/womens-health-gynecology-and-obstetrics/weight-loss/

Reference: August 23, 2007 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.

Last edited November 3, 2014

Sep
01
2007

Ginseng Lowers Risk For Common Cold

By | Infectious Disease, Lung Disease, Nutrition, Prevention, Vitamins and supplements

In Chinese medicine the ginseng plant has been widely used. Its history in North America seems to be shorter at first glance, as it received more attention only, as Chinese medicine and acupuncture have become popular over the last decades. The Asian variety of ginseng known under its botanical name as Panax ginseng is only one of the species. There is however a variety which is native to the eastern part of the North American continent with the botanical name Panax quinquefolius. The first people using it were various Native American groups. They found it useful for childbirth and fertility. It was also used to help those with shortness of breath.

Ginseng root was considered the more valuable part of the plant, and new research has found that root extracts of the North American ginseng have an influence on the immune system. The substance enhances the production of interleukin and interferon-gamma. The immunomodulary effects which can help in the prevention of respiratory disease have also been studied in clinical trials involving older adults.

It turned out that the likelihood of developing acute respiratory illness was significantly lower in the group that was treated with a standardized formulation of 200 mg ginseng extract twice a day than in a group that did receive placebo or no treatment. It was also observed that the number of patient who had common colds was reduced in those who received ginseng. The absolute risk reduction of recurring common colds was 12.8 % and the total number of days with cold symptoms was 34.5% lower in the treatment group.

Ginseng Lowers Risk For Common Cold

Ginseng Lowers Risk For Common Cold

Long term studies are still outstanding, but based on the interim findings ginseng extract taken in the winter month can be beneficial especially in the older population as a weapon against respiratory illness.

More information on:

1. Preventing the flu: https://www.askdrray.com/fighting-back-against-the-flu/

2. General info on ginseng: https://www.askdrray.com/studies-show-ginseng-works/

Reference: J. Altern. Complement. Med. 2006;12:153-7.

Last edited November 3, 2014

Aug
01
2007

More Fiber in Diet Lowers Diabetes Risk

By | Diabetes, Health, Nutrition, Vitamins and supplements

Skipping breakfast seems to be nothing unusual for many individuals. Busy lives and hectic schedules contribute to a rush in the early morning. It has been emphasized by several articles, that breakfast is indeed important for a healthy jumpstart of the day. A German study which has been published in the May 14 edition of the Archives of Internal Medicine points out more clearly why breakfast may well be the most important meal of the day.

More than 25,000 adults were enrolled in a study, which found that the intake of fiber can be an effective nutritional tool to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The connection between type 2 diabetes and the intake of cereal, fruit, vegetable and associated fiber intake, also the intake of soluble and insoluble fiber and magnesium were closely examined. During the seven year period of follow-up 844 cases of diabetes 2 were identified.

The study found that the consumption of 29 grams per day of soluble fiber was associated with a significantly lower risk of 21% less diabetes. Soluble fiber, including pectin is mostly found in fruit, vegetables and legumes. Roughage alone such as wheat bran, whole grains and brown rice was not associated with a lower diabetes risk.

Once the source of fiber was broken down according to origin (fruit, vegetable or cereal), the study found that the participants who consumed the highest part of cereal fiber had a 28% lower risk of diabetes compared to those who had the lowest amount of cereal fiber intake. High magnesium intake was associated with a 23% lower risk.

More Fiber in Diet Lowers Diabetes Risk

More Fiber in Diet Lowers Diabetes Risk

It has to be stressed that not every breakfast cereal qualifies as a source of high cereal fiber. Consumers must become educated and be aware of the fiber content in food servings to ensure that they are getting the necessary amount to reap the benefits.

More information on:

1. fiber in diet (also helps with metabolic syndrome): http://nethealthbook.com/hormones/metabolic-syndrome/

2. diabetes (type 2): http://nethealthbook.com/hormones/diabetes/type-2-diabetes/

Reference: May 14, 2007 Edition of the Archives of Internal Medicine

Last edited November 3, 2014

Jul
01
2007

Waist line reduction scores in health prevention

By | Health, Hormones, Men's Health, Nutrition, Obesity, Prevention

To women waist measurement has always been of importance. Increased waist measurement and weight gain go hand in hand, and a poor fitting garment in the waist usually signals to cut out the junk food. In the past century extremely tiny waists became an unhealthy obsession, till common sense got the upper hand.

In the past males seemed to be unperturbed by a large girth and often ridiculed the opposite sex about their preoccupation with their waist lines. With more knowledge about the intricate play of metabolism increased waist circumference is a signal to health problems. It may be that a simple measuring tape can be one of the most helpful tools to predict a group of health problems in males. While type 2 diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol and triglycerides are the problems that would first come to mind, there are more, namely coronary artery disease, prostate enlargement, a high prostate-specific antigen level, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction. Dr. Steven Kaplan, professor of urology at Cornell University, New York presented a study at the American Urological Association. Men with moderate to severe urinary tract symptoms were divided into groups based on their waist sizes, 30 to 36 inches, 36 to 40 inches and greater than 40 inches.

Waist line reduction scores in health prevention

Waist line reduction scores in health prevention

Results surprised even the researchers. Metabolic disorders like diabetes showed an incidence of 11.25% in the first group, 22.3 % in the next higher group and 37.8% in the group with waistlines over 40 inches. Erectile dysfunction was seen in 34.6%, 49.5% and 78.6 % respectively. The percentiles for hypertension showed 12.6% in the first group, versus 24.7% and 37.8 %. The researchers stressed that male pelvic dysfunction and the derailment of metabolic function, also known as the “metabolic syndrome” are closely linked.

More information about metabolic syndrome: http://nethealthbook.com/hormones/metabolic-syndrome/

Last edited November 2, 2014