WHT IS AQUACULTURE?

According to Aaron McNevin, Director of Aquaculture for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), "Depending on where you live, there is no industrial hunting anymore. Large buffalo herds no longer roam the prairie, and wild fish populations, many of which are threatened, may be going the way of the buffalo." Thus, we have aquaculture, better known as "fish farming". Fish farming is the process of breeding, raising, and harvesting animals in all types of water environments, such as ponds, rivers, lakes and oceans. According to the Food and Agriculture Association, aquaculture provides the world with 148 million tons of fish per year. The leading aquaculture import to the United States is shrimp, followed by Atlantic salmon, tilapia and shellfish. 

We will have more on aquaculture over the next few days. 

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'LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE' Xl

This is the last of the post in this series of how food can work as foods in our body keeping us healthy and giving natural good health. If you have never thought much about what you eat, I hope these posts will cause you to consider your diet and improve it if necessary. Happy, Healthy Living!

The last on our list is nuts. There are numerous studies that show nuts to be helpful in controlling blood sugar, supporting cardiac vascular function, and even weight. Nuts are handy in several ways. They are easily portable (I throw a few in a snack baggie when traveling), and versatile. In addition to enjoying alone, they are great in yogurt, smoothies, cereal, salads, casseroles, etc.

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'LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE' X

 This is the next to last post in this series on letting food be your medicine. Number 10 is one that is either loved or hated by most people. It seems there are few people don't have strong feelings about mushrooms one way or the other. However, shiitake mushrooms are very healthy and should be eaten by most people on a regular, perhaps weekly, basis. In human studies, shiitakes have been shown to be anti-cancer, cholesterol-lowering, and immune boosting. If these healthy mushrooms aren't part of your diet, perhaps they should be.

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'LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE' lX

Today's food as medicine is actually a beverage, green tea.  There is a phytochemical known as EGCG. ECEG which stands for epigallocatechin gallate, in green tea. It has been shown to have some anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, it may have some heart health benefits. It is also believed green tea's antioxidant quality may protect the skin from sun damage. Nature does have many ways to protect us and green tea is definitely one of those ways.

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'LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE' Vlll

In today's post on foods as medicine, we look at a couple of spices. Both ginger and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties as well as serving as analgesics or pain-relieving properties. I, personally, have used a lot of ginger since I was first diagnosed with several auto-immune diseases in the 1980s. Ginger is also known to ease nausea and vomiting.

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"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE" Vll

 Continuing the series about foods as medicine, we reach number 7. Number 7 is garlic and other allium family members. Those family members include garlic, onions, leeks, shallots and scallions. According to the American Institute for Cancer Reasearch, research shows probable evidence the foods listed above reduce the risk of developing common cancers. I believe that is enough to make sure at least some of these foods are included in your diet on a regular basis.

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"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE" Vl

Number six on our list of foods as medicine series is Fermented Foods. Fermented and cultured foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, etc are known to support both digestive function and a healthy immune system. Give at least some of the above foods a try on a regular basis.

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"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE" V

Today as we move along in our food as medicine series, we turn to FISH. That's right, fish, and I hate it. My health would have probably been better over the years if I had eaten more fish, but when I became an adult and could use what I ate, fish were out. If I had known then, what I know now, I'm sure I would have forced more fish into my diet. But that's enough about me. I hope you enjoy fish and make it an important part of your diet. Fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids that have great anti-inflammatory properties. The AHA (American Heart Association) recommends eating at least two servings (3.5-ounces) of fatty fish such as salmon or black cod a week to help prevent cardiovascular disease.

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"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE'' lV

 Today's food as medicine post features cranberries. It is suggested by research that cranberries may be very helpful in preventing urinary tract infections, more commonly known as UTIs.  It is believed that is because cranberries prevent bacteria from adhering to cells inside the bladder. You should choose pure cranberry juice, instead of juices that are diluted with other juices and sweeteners.

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"LET FOODS BE YOUR MEDICINE" lll

 Continuing with common foods that have great medicinal value, today's is cinnamon.  Cinnamon can help balance blood sugar. As little as 1/2 teaspoon a day can help keep blood sugar in balance. As a diabetic for the past 18 years, I can personally vouch for this information. I have found that using cinnamon on a regular basis in my cooking and baking allows me to use less medication. The best part? Cinnamon adds great taste to so many things, it is easy to use.

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PS: I have found that I can enjoy the occasional delicious cinnamon roll when it is made with a generous amount of real cinnamon.

"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE" II

Continuing with the medicinal values of foods, we go to broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables contain several phytonutrients that research suggests have a variety of positive effects on human health, including reducing chronic inflammation and cancer risk. Both chronic inflammation and cancer issues we all wish to avoid. And remember, even if you don't like broccoli, cabbage, etc, you don't have to just eat them. You can sneak them into casseroles, soups, etc. Give it a try, your body will probably thank you.

"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE"

 In the 4th Century, Hippocrates authored this famous oath, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be they food". Today, in the 21st Century, the MAHA movement is turning our attention back to what we eat, how it affects our health, overuse of medications, etc. Over the next few days, my posts will discuss foods with the most promising disease-busting benefits. This will be about the foods that should definitely be a part of your diet. These foods will be discussed in alphabetical order, not in any order of one being more important than another. The information was compiled by Carrie Dennett, MPH, RDN. We will start today with BERRIES.

Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are a rich source of numerous phytochemicals that research suggests have a variety of positive effects on human health, including reducing chronic inflammation and cancer risk. Eat your berries!

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ANXIETY? TRY THESE TIPS

If anxiety is a problem for you, here are some tips to try. If you are able to tackle anxiety without medication, good for you. Below are some tips to try.

• Before trying any anti-anxiety products, consult your doctor.
• If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications for other health conditions, consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter products.
• Have you tried lifestyle changes such as regular exercise (as simple as walking) or meditation and/or prayer?
• Are you partaking in alcohol and/or tobacco? Both can lead to anxiety, especially if you are trying to cut back on the amount or even trying to quit. Either of those can cause high anxiety.
• If you are an avid coffee drinker, remember that caffeine, especially in large amounts, can cause anxiety.

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AMERICANS FOOD SHOPPING

 Americans, we buy too much processed foods even when fresh foods are available. Researchers from the University of North Carolina asked over 150,000 households to use barcode scanners to record all food and beverage purchases they made for at least one year. The study took place from 2000 to 2012. And guess what? It will probably not surprise you to know, more than 60% of the calories in the foods we buy were made up by highly processed foods. Let's work on getting more fresh meats, veggies, fruit, etc into our carts when grocery shopping.

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DANGERS OF TOO MUCH SALT

We know too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure, but that is not where it stops. Eating too much salt may damage your blood vessels, heart, kidneys, and brain. This information is from scientists at the University of Delaware. They found that high salt intake may impair the endothelium, which is the inner lining of blood vessels involved in blood clotting and immune function, increase hardening of the arteries, weaken heart and kidney function, and interfere with the sympathetic nervous system (the flight-or-fight response.) The USDA recommends no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.

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TOMATOES TO TAME INFLAMMATION

This is a repeat of a post in June. I wanted to get it back here with these foods that fight inflammation, in case you missed it earlier.

According to scientists in the journal Molecules we are 60% less likely to battle aches if our diets are rich in lycopene. Lycopene is the pigment that gives tomatoes their cheery red hue. Lycopene blocks the release of inflammation-triggering enzymes (COX-2 and TMF alpha) inside tissues. Tomatoes when cooked have more lycopene than do fresh tomatoes. That can make pasta sauces and other tomato-based sauces good for us. So, enjoy some lycopene meals when the aches set in.

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YOGURT PLAYS A ROLE IN TAMING INFLAMMATION

Preliminary research is suggesting that yogurt may help fight inflammation. The reason? It appears that the beneficial bacteria in fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, may play a role in inhibiting inflammation. In addition to the common uses of yogurt, try using yogurt as a replacement for sour cream. I, personally, like to sub it for sour cream in baking.

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COOK WITH TURMERIC TO TAME INFLAMMATION

 Today we turn to a spice to help us tame inflammation. This spice is Turmeric Curcumin, an antioxidant that gives turmeric is yellow color, is a potent inflammation fighter. Turmeric is easy to use in cooking as it is a good seasoning in soups, stews, sprinkle on cauliflower when roasting. You can also steep slices of fresh turmeric in hot water to make an inflammation-fighting tea.

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BRAZIL NUTS FOR TAMING INFLAMMATION

 Brazil nuts, sometimes known as the 'Giants of the Nut World', are known to help prevent inflammation. The reason? The nuts contain a bundle of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals associated with improving blood lipids and reducing inflammation. A good way to get more Brazil nuts into your diet is to sprinkle them over salads, soups and your morning oatmeal.

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GRAPEFRUIT TAMES INFLAMMATION

A Harvard study has shown that women with higher intakes of flavonoid antioxidants from grapefruit had significantly lower inflammation markers compared to those with lower intakes. Personal note, if you are taking medication for high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit while taking such drugs. I have no idea why this study only included women. Perhaps this could also apply to men.

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SALMON FIGHT INFLAMMATION

Salmon is another good food to fight inflammation. The reason? Salmon is loaded with eicosapentaenoic acid. This acid is an omega-3 fat that lowers inflammation. Omega-3 fats are healthy fats that many of us do not get enough of. 

There are many ways to enjoy salmon. Grilled, poached, seared. tacos, salads, sandwiches, patties, in pasta dishes. I'm sure there are more but in full disclosure, I do not eat seafood. Yes, I do know that I should eat it. I just can't get it down. 

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EAT LEGUMES TO TAME INFLAMMATION

 Continuing on with foods to tame inflammation, we turn to Legumes. Spanish scientists found that eating 4 servings of legumes per week can reduce inflammation. There should be some legumes almost anyone would eat. Some examples of legumes are lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas, carob, and peanuts.  The list is long when you consider the different types of beans, peas, etc. The scientists determined the synergy of fiber, vitamins, and minerals are probably the explanation of why legumes fight inflammation.

Eating 4 servings per week should not be hard as they are good in soups, salads, used to replace meat in some instances, and simply by themselves.

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EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL TO TAME INFLAMMATION

 As we continue with our foods to tame that pesky inflammation, we will turn to a Mediterranean staple, olive oil. The oil contains oleocanthal, a naturally occurring compound with anti-inflammatory powers similar to ibuprofen. A good way to use EVO is in homemade salad dressings, pesto, and to drizzle over fresh sliced tomatoes.

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WHEAT BERRIES HELP TAME INFLAMMATION

Continuing with foods to help quell inflammation, today is Wheat Berries. According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating whole wheat and the polyphenol antioxidants it contains can lower inflammation. 

Want to try an inflammation-busting lunch salad? Toss chewy cooked wheat berries with chopped vegetables and lemon vinaigrette.

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TAME INFLAMMATION

 There are many articles on this blog about inflammation. Inflammation that rushes to a wound to help with healing is a good thing but the low-grade inflammation in our bodied can cause major problems. This low-grade inflammation operates stealthy for years going unnoticed in many people for years while others of us have to battle its results daily. Some, just a few, of the results of this low-grade inflammation can be cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis as well as other types of arthritis, and heart disease. Over the next few days this blog will focus on ordinary foods that should be a part of your diet to fight inflammation. Here is the first one, broccoli.

Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables such as kale and Brussels sprouts are linked with lower inflammation. It is thought antioxidants in these vegetables might be responsible for this benefit. This information is from a study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

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WINTER TIREDNESS

As we in America are heading into Fall and Winter, I thought I would share some information from Dr. David Brownstein, MD. Several people notice they feel tired in the winter, often starting in late Fall. It is a fact that we get less sunshine during the winter months, thus we are getting less vitamin D. If you find yourself experiencing more tiredness during the winter, you are probably low on vitamin D. You might try a vitamin D for a while to see if that helps.

As always, I recommend my readers see their doctor for continuous problems. They may be the symptom of a more serious condition.

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HIGH-RISK MEDS FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Did you know there are certain medications that are high-risk for geriatric patients?  You can check out the list at www.americangeriatrics.org You will find a list of such medications and possible alternatives.  Always check with your doctor before dropping or changing medications.

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CUCUMBERS TO REDUCE STRESS

According to Indonesian investigators, nibbling on refreshing cucumber slices may be what you need for your rattled nerves. In addition, it could trim a few numbers off your blood pressure. One heaping cup a day is recommended. Remember on hot days or when you need to be hydrated, cucumbers are high in water content, too. Why do cucumbers help with stress? The investigators found that these three key minerals in cucumbers, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, calm jangled nerves and relax tight muscles.

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ANOTHER REASON TO EAT BELL PEPPERS

Bell peppers are good for us in so many ways (there are several posts on this blog about them). Now some Italian scientists say bell pepper pigments (carotenoids) are good for the brain. They reviewed 9 studies and found that the compounds fuel the growth of healthy new neurons. They also boost the production of focus-enhancing neurotransmitters, cutting the risk of brain fog and memory lapses by up to 65% if you eat 3/4 cup daily. This applies to eating the peppers raw or cooked.

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MACA POWDER FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS RELIEF

According to a study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, persons with osteoarthritis who consumed maca daily for eight weeks reduced overall pain by 62% and stiffness by 51%. The reason? Maca powder helps tame inflammation and trigger cartilage repair which in turn relieves joint aches and improves mobility. If you are interested, I posted a smoothie recipe today on my grandmaskitchenmedicine blog.

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ZUCCHINI

Zucchini is a tasty, healthy, versatile food.  It has been around forever, cultivated by the Native Americans before the New World was ever discovered.  It was a favorite of the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson who both grew it in their gardens.  It is inexpensive to grow with a single plant often producing a bushel basket of zucchini.

Zucchinis are approximately 94% water which is why they are so low in calories.  One cup of raw sliced zucchini has less than 20 calories, 20% of the adult recommendation of daily vitamin C needs, and 250 mg potassium.  It also has beta carotene which the body converts to vitamin A but this is lost if you peel the zucchini.  Zucchini is also a good source of folate.

Whether you sauté it, use it in a casserole, bake it in breads and muffins, etc, just be sure to include it in your diet.

CITRUS FOR NAUSEA

Feeling queasy? Try cutting open a lemon (or other citrus) and take several slow deep sniffs of its aroma. Aromatic particles in the fruit's oils calm overstimulated nerves in the nausea center of the brain. This can make the stomach steadier in as little as 1 minute.

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SMELLY FEET

 Are you or a loved one bothered by smelly feet? Here are a couple of easy ways to try for combatting the problem.

• After washing feet, apply hand sanitizer. It is believed the alcohol content kills odor-causing bacteria.
• Add 3 tablespoons baking soda to a basin of warm water and soak feet in the water. Baking soda is known to neutralize odors.

Simple solutions. If you have a smelly feet problem, I hope one of them works for you.

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NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER

Quick Facts:

• Lung cancer happens when cells in the lungs grow out of control and form tumors.
• Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer.
• Lung cancer is serious, but there are many treatments available. Research into new treatments is ongoing.
• The sooner cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of a good outcome. Do not be afraid to go to the doctor if you think there might be a problem.

WHY FRUITS TASTE SWEETER AS THEY RIPEN

You may have noticed that fruits taste sweeter as they ripen. This does not mean the sugar content increases! Fruits taste sweeter as they ripen because the larger carbohydrate molecules are being broken down by naturally occurring enzymes., thus producing a sweeter taste. The calorie count does not change.

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GOOD ADVICE FROM DR SEARS

The previous couple of posts have been about Dr. Sears, a famed pediatrician, author, and colon cancer survivor.  Following up with more of his advice is this quote from the doctor: 

"Gut Health 101 could be summed up by what I now call my rule of twos:

• Eat twice as often
• Eat half as much
• Chew twice as long"

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DR SEARS ON BENEFITS OF MINI-MEALS

This is another quote from Dr William Sears on the benefits of grazing or mini meals:

"People who eat frequent mini meals suffer less colon cancer, have steadier nerves, are less likely to develop diabetes, have a healthier immune system, tend to be leaner, enjoy lower blood cholesterol and levels of stress hormones, have less itis illnesses (dermatitis, bronchitis, colitis, arthritis), and just plain live longer and healthier."

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MORNING CEREAL

If you are guilty of stocking your pantry with sugary breakfast cereals, break the habit!  Whether for yourself or your family, it is much better for your/your family's health to buy plain whole-grain cereals and top them with fresh fruit and/or berries.  A whole-grain cereal topped with sliced banana and strawberries, as example, is a much healthier way to start the day. And don't fall into the trap of allowing your kids to eat sugary cereals for dinner. It might be handy but it will be setting your children up for obesity and perhaps diabetes later in life.

 Not a brand endorsement.

Used as an example of a whole-grain cereal without added sugar.

WHY THE BODY NEED WATER?

The human body needs water more than anything else, except oxygen. At as little as a 2% loss of water, our bodies become fatigued. As little as a 10% loss can cause serious problems and a week without water can be fatal. Check out the following facts and you will understand why water is so important:

• Water makes up 83% of our blood.
• Water composes 75% of our brain.
• Water accounts for 22% of our bones.
• Water makes up 75% of our muscles.

The average adult needs around 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water a day. If you are large, very active, or if you drink a lot of caffeine products which act as mild 

diuretics, you will need more.

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BENEFITS OF ADDING NECTARINES TO YOUR DIET

If nectarines are not currently included on your food list, you might want to add them.  Nectarines are a good source of immunity-boosting Vitamin C, potassium - essential for blood pressure control, etc, and Vitamin A which is important for eye health.  When buying nectarines, pick ones that are fragrant and give slightly when lightly squeezed.  You can't go by color as there are many varieties of nectarines that look ripe when they aren't.  You can ripen a firm nectarine by setting in on the kitchen counter in a paper bag.

TIDBITS FROM THE COOKING CARDIOLOGIST

Following are some tidbits I got from the cooking cardiologist, Dr. Richard Collins, over the years.

• When steaming vegetables, use distilled water. "You will be surprised how avoiding chlorine improves the taste of vegetables.
• Use earthen bakeware with lids and just a trace of oil for roasting vegetables.
• Sauté onions and/or mushrooms in small amounts of frozen apple juice to caramelize.
• "Take fat-free cheese and put it in a saucer. Pour fat-free skim milk over the cheese. Let it sit for 30 seconds so it will hydrate. Then you put the cheese on any dish you want, and it will melt all over the place when you to cook it."

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EYE HYGIENE

You may think eye hygiene is a strange title because the eyes are basically self-cleaning. However, below are a few things to consider regarding care of your eyes.

• Change your contacts daily. Yes, this also includes the extended use ones. No one should sleep in their contacts for extended periods such as overnight. Doing so could cause an infection.
• Rinse your contacts in contact solution, not water. 
• It is suggested you wear glasses on flights rather than contacts. This is especially true of long flights. The high pressure and recycled air are dehydrating. Drink water on long flights.
• Never sleep with your makeup on. Failing to remove your makeup before bedtime could cause eye inflammation or a sty.
• Don't share eye makeup.

Take good care of your eyes. You want them to last you for your lifetime!

MORE ON EYES AND AGING

 Have you ever considered your eye health, just like other body parts, need a well-rounded diet and yes, even exercise to maintain their healthy status? Notice the above sentence states a 'well-rounded' diet. According to Dr. Craig W. See, an ophthalmologist, no single food - and that includes carrots - are the perfect food for the eyes. The doctor does suggest eating, what he calls superfoods, daily. This list includes:

• Eggs, they reinforce retina health as well as containing lutein and zeaxanthin which help protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 60.
• Vitamin C foods help prevent cataracts. You already know most Vitamin C foods but consider strawberries and citrus fruits daily. Red bell peppers are one of the foods highest in vitamin-C.
• Vitamin E foods that also help fight macular degeneration. Spinach and almonds are good choices.
• Carrots are high in Vitamin A, a vitamin that supports eye health.

Our next post will give other suggestions to help maintain eye health.

 

EYES AND AGING

Most of us will need glasses at some point in our lives. Even those of us who have always had good eyesight, usually end up with glasses or contacts. I will never forget the first time I needed glasses. I live in the Dallas/Ft Worth area but was working in New York City. I noticed I was standing on one side of the hallway reading the bulletin board on the other side of the hallway. It came to my attention when everyone going down the hall was saying, "Excuse me" to me. I made an appointment with an optometrist in Texas for my next trip home. Imagine my surprise when he told me I needed bifocals. I had always thought of bifocals as glasses for old people who had worn glasses for years. Seeing my surprise, he said, "It's just your age. These things start happening at your age." I was forty!

According to Brandon Butler, an optometrist in NYC, genetics play a part in eyes just like other parts of our bodies. He says the more near - or far -sighted your parents are, the higher your chances of needing glasses but other factors come into play with age. As an example, he says Presbyopia occurs when the eyes' lenses lose the ability to change shape and focus up close. This condition affects around 90% of persons over 45. We all know cataracts occur as we age. Cataract symptoms usually start to appear in our sixties. The good news is that these conditions are easily treated. Tomorrow we will talk about ways we can keep our eyes healthy for many years.

CHOCOLATE FOR BLOOD PRESSURE?

According to Prevention magazine (Oct. '11)*, one of my favorite foods is good for lowering blood pressure.  Since that is a concern of mine, I was especially delighted with this news!  Are you ready for this?  Drumroll please...Dark chocolate (flavanols) make blood vessels more elastic thus lowering blood pressure. Yeah!  I love chocolate!  The bad news?  Okay, here it is....You can eat 1/2 ounce of at least 70% cocoa daily.  This leaves out milk chocolate, sugar-laden candy bars, etc.  But isn't it nice to know we can have a bit of chocolate daily and improve our blood pressure?

*This is an old publication, however, in 2025 dark chocolate is still said to be helpful in fighting high blood pressure.

 1 square is usually 1 ounce

LEAFY GREENS AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

Based on 18 years of research of more than 71,000 women conducted by Tulane University and Harvard School of Public Health, for every serving of green leafy vegetables you add to your diet, you may slash your likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes by 9%.  Green leafy vegetables include spinach, chard, kale, etc.

Disclaimer: I have to say greens are some of my favorite foods and I did develop Type 2 diabetes at age 60. However, diabetes runs heavy in my family, I had it on both my maternal and paternal sides so maybe eating greens is why I didn't get it until age 60. I have been a diabetic for 15 years but have never had to take insulin, so I am not complaining.

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FRUIT-ON-THE-BOTTOM YOGURTS

If you are a yogurt eater, and there are many benefits in yogurt, beware of the fruit-on-the-bottom varieties.  Many people just grab their favorite yogurt and think they are doing themselves a big favor by 'eating yogurt.'  However, there are some unhealthy traps in yogurt, and this is one of them.  Are you aware that many of these fruit-on-the-bottom varieties contain more sugar in a single serving than does a candy bar?  Yes, that's right!  If you want fruit in your yogurt, add a few slices of healthy banana or stir in some blueberries to a regular low-fat yogurt.  (There is a lengthy article on this blog comparing the benefits of regular yogurt to Greek yogurt and which is best the best one for you.)

 For reference only. Not a brand endorsement.

WEIGHT RELATED DEATHS

Being overweight does matter. I'm not talking fifteen or twenty pounds but being seriously overweight. Check out these numbers below.

We Americans should pay more attention to our diets, eat healthier, exercise, and take care of our health. The latest numbers show that over 280,000 to 350,000 Americans die annually of weight related diseases.  A public health study found that 1 in 5 deaths in America were weight related. That is so sad because in most cases, yes, there are exceptions to everything, we can have control over our weight.  Is it time to take your health and your weight into your own hands? You can start by making small changes and work your way up to the bigger ones.  But do something.  There are many suggestions on this blog of how to improve one's diet; check them out.  The life you save just might be your own!

Note: This is a repost from 2022.

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DO YOU DRINK ALCOHOL?

Do you drink alcohol? If you do, you need to read the rest of this post. There are many reasons to stop drinking alcohol or to cut back on the amount. Here are a few reasons you may not have considered or even known. Alcohol can cause inflammation in the body and inflammation is responsible for a lot of health problems. Alcohol is known to increase inflammation in the intestines, disrupting gut bacteria. Alcohol can change brain structure and function. It can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Experts recommend no more than one alcoholic beverage per day for both men and women.

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FOOD IS THE BODY'S FUEL