WOMEN AND HEART DISEASE

Women are you aware you have what some cardiologist call "bonus" heart disease risk factors? In additions to the risk factors, you share with men. such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, etc women have a few more. Nieca Goldberg M.D., a NYC cardiologist says doctors don't talk enough about the sometimes pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes that can affect health years later. If you ever suffered any of those complications after giving birth, you should mention them even years later if talking to your cardiologist or any doctor discussing your heart health.

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RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissue, according to Dr. Tesfu. This causes painful joints and should be treated by a rheumatologist. Symptoms include joints that are swollen, warm and tender. Also, morning stiffness that does not go away after being up for 30 minutes, Fatigue is also a symptom, not the usual tiredness but a deep fatigue.

It is said by the medical community that around 12% to 15% of postmenopausal women with painful joints have rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Nora Singer, a rheumatologist, said, "Smoking and periodontal disease both predispose women to RA. Stopping smoking and visiting the dentist regularly are both important."

What to do if you think you have RA? There is some evidence that the Mediterranean diet may be helpful. Beyond your diet, you need the help of a good rheumatologist. Dr. Singer stated, "The earlier we treat RA, the more effective the treatment appears to be." See your doctor at the first sign of RA. You will probably need to see your primary doctor who will then refer you to a good rheumatologist. Getting appointments with doctors often takes a while, especially when being referred to a specialist.

There are many famous people who have rheumatoid arthritis including Terry Bradshaw. If you suspect you have RA, go to the doctor for a diagnosis. If it is RA, get started on treatment right away and remember lots of people who have RA live normal lives.

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BUYING A GOOD MULTIVITAMIN

Like everything else, not all multivitamins are created equal. When purchasing a good multivitamin, look for stand-out stars including potassium, niacin, folate, selenium, and zinc. Look for vitamins C and E and copper for added antioxidant power. According to Dr. David Brownstein, "Antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, help to lower inflammation."

When your body has the vitamins it needs, such as those listed above, you will have energy, mental clarity, improved mood, better sleep and strengthened immunity. As a reminder, if you think you might have a vitamin deficiency, talk to your doctor. Some simple blood work can give you answers.

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WHITE FOODS

When asked, "What's the one unhealthy food that I shouldn't eat?", the doctor replied, "Anything white that is not a fruit or a vegetable. It's a sign that the food has been processed down to a very simple carbohydrate that probably doesn't have many nutrients." White bread is a perfect example. Start your little ones out early on other breads beside white. Now we even have white whole wheat which is acceptable. It is made with white wheat rather than the red which most flour comes from. Have you ever noticed the word Bleached on your bag of all-purpose flour?

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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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FACTS ABOUT TESTOSTERONE

 If you assume testosterone is a "male" hormone, you need to read this post. Are you aware both men and women produce testosterone? Yes, men produce testosterone in their testicles but both men and women produce testosterone in their adrenal glands. Women also produce a small amount of testosterone in their ovaries. Testosterone production begins early in fetal development and continues throughout life. Men produce much higher levels than do women, no doubt accounting for their muscular difference. The fact is it is impossible to build muscle and bone without testosterone. Following is more of the functions of testosterone.

• Decreases blood clotting
• Decreases visceral fat
• Decreases total cholesterol
• Improves bone density
• Improves glucose control
• Improves libido
• Maintains mental physical energy
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Prevents neurodegenerative disorders

Note: This information is from David Brownstein, M.D., a board-certified family physician.

WHAT WE EAT AFFECTS BODY CHEMISTRY

‎"Everything you eat and drink changes the chemistry of your blood. Our cell membranes are lined with fats that are comprised primarily of those we've eaten in the last 90 days." Keith I Block, MD, an oncologist in the Chicago, Illinois area. Did you note he says, "in the last 90 days"? You cannot change your body overnight. You do it steadily over time! Don't be discouraged if things don't change for you quickly in weight and in health. Just keep eating right and you will soon see and feel the results.

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WHERE'S YOUR FOCUS?

 I love this quote from Dr. Livingood.

DR BLOCK ON INFLAMMATION AND CANCER

"It is well known that decreasing inflammation can help reduce cancer growth, boost treatment efficacy, and diminish side effects.  We know that refined flours and sugars, most fast food and soda pop, increase the enzymes that promote inflammatory cascades.  This is why I encourage patients to avoid these pro-inflammatory foods and increase ingredients that have anti-inflammatory properties."  Keith I Block, MD

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CANCER AND DIET

"Cancer is a consequence of the complex interplay of genes and environment on the immune system, and diet, as part of the environment, plays a role that can influence cancer's development and treatment."  Gerry Mullin, MD, Contributing Editor to Nutrition in Clinical Practice.

YOUR HEALTH

 Think about it...

"HEALTH IS YOUR BIGGEST ASSET" a quote from Dr. Blake Livingood.

Without your health what do you have? Take care of yourself!

 

VISION SIGNS TO BE AWARE OF AFTER AGE 50

According to Robert C. Layman, OD, the following are signs those over the age of fifty should be aware of and see their doctor if they notice these problems. It is important to take good care of one's eyes as well as our general health.

• Frequent changes in vision. They could indicate diabetes (this was true for me) or high blood pressure.
• Floaters with flashes. Having some floaters is normal but having many, along with flashes, is not.
• Loss of peripheral, or side, vision. This is a potential sign of glaucoma.
• Wavy or distorted vision. A common symptom of age-related macular degeneration. 

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SALAD DRESSINGS

Dr. A. Marc Gillinov, noted surgeon at the famed Cleveland Clinic, suggests getting rid of creamy salad dressings and making your own dressing with some type of blend of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar with some spices to taste. Dr. Gillinov states, "Olive oil is a healthy fat that's good for your heart." Don't ruin a healthy salad by loading it down with a dressing that is not good for you!

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EATING YOGURT MAY BE GOOD FOR YOUR HEART

Eating yogurt may be good for the heart as well as the gut. A couple of studies done a few years ago by Dr. James W. Anderson, showed that people who ate approximately 7-ounces of yogurt a day, reduced their levels of total cholesterol by almost 3%. That may not sound like much, but according to Dr. Anderson even that small amount of reduction is important because for every 1% drop in total cholesterol, heart-disease risk goes down 2 to 3-percent. Remember, not all yogurt is the same. I recommend you buy yogurt that contains 'active cultures'. And remember buying plain yogurt and adding your own fresh fruit, etc is better for you than some of the yogurts that have a lot of sugar added.

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DO YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR OIL?

Dr. A. Marc Gillinov, cardiac surgeon and surgical director at the Cleveland Clinic says many of us need to change our oil! He is talking about cooking oils. Dr. Gillinov suggests swapping other types of cooking oil for extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil. He went on to say, "They are low in saturated fats and a source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids."

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DR. STEVEN NISSEN, FORMER CHAIR OF THE CARDIOLOGY DEPT. CLEVELAND CLINIC, ON DIET AND HEART HEALTH

According to Dr. Steven Nissen, former chair of the cardiology department of the Cleveland Clinic, today's 75-year-old can live to be 90 or 95. But there are some things to do and not do to stay healthy, especially heart healthy. Here is his #1 thing to stay away from: Fad Diets! He says there are many diet books out there and all are mostly contradictory. "One will say eat no fat. The next one will say eat no carbs. They're all wrong. None of these diets is healthy or appropriate for cardiac health." That is a quote from Dr. Nissen. His #2 thing to stay away from is dietary supplements. He stated, "There's no way to know what's in them (they are largely unregulated).

He says heart health is determined by the quantity and types of foods one eats. He cited a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine that looked at a low-fat diet versus a Mediterranean-style diet. Those who consumed a diet rich in olive oil and nuts (both have fat content, but they are good fats) had a much lower risk for heart disease. That would be a Mediterranean-style diet.

Note: Dr. Nissen is semi-retired now, but he still does some attending at the Cleveland Clinic.

SOME BENEFITS OF EATING SOY

 Following are some facts about the benefits of soy in your diet:

• Aaron Tabor, M.D., nutrition researcher and author of The Revival Slim and Beautiful Diet states that soy is rich in isoflavones, plant compounds that increase the production of skin-firming collagen. Studies have shown around 63% of women see improvement in skin tone and texture when they add soy to their diets.
• According to researchers at John Hopkins University, a daily dose of soy can cut ones breast cancer risk by 15%. Warning, this is only effective when your soy comes from food and not supplements! Soy contains mild estrogen-like compounds that block the effects of a woman's stronger, more damaging estrogens.
• Need to kick start weight loss? Adding soy to your diet can restart weight loss in as little as three days according to researchers at the University of Illinois. Soy is packed with proteins that stimulate body cells to burn fat.

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WEIGHT AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

Not all people who have type 2 diabetes are fat, as many people suppose. Personally, I am 5'6", weight 142 lbs and I am a type 2 diabetic. I could stand to be slimmer, but I am not fat. People are often surprised to discover I am a diabetic. Here is a statistic for you - 20% of people with type 2 diabetes are not overweight! So don't think just because you aren't 'fat' you are protected from diabetes. Ruth Loos, Ph.D., leading researcher for the British Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, says, "Regardless of your size, aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week and eat a diet rich in whole foods. If type 2 diabetes runs in your family, ask your doctor about glucose testing."

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STROLL AFTER MEALS

A study out of George Washington University shows that taking a 15-minute stroll 30 minutes after eating lowers post-meal blood sugar levels for at least 3 hours. Exercise scientist and lead author Loretta DiPietro says, "The muscle contractions resulting from the exercise are what help clear the blood sugar." It is suggested to aim for these short strolls after every meal if possible.

SATISFY FOOD CRAVINGS WITH GUM

Pamela Peeke, M.D. is the author of The Hunger Fix: The Three-Stage Detox and Recovery Plan for Overeating and Food Addiction.  She makes the suggestion to overcome food cravings by chewing gum.  "You'll be putting a food-like substance in your mouth, giving your jaws something to do and stimulating the production of serotonin."  She also suggests you choose gum with xylitol.  Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute which helps protect your teeth from cavities. The photo below is an example only. It is not a brand endorsement.