Monthly Archives: June 2009

Are High-Protein Weight-Loss Diets Safe and Effective?

According to researchers at Tufts University, high-protein weight-loss diets may be effective and safe except for people prone to kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, and people with diabetes.  Long-term effects on bone health – osteoporosis, specifically – might be a … Continue reading

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Filed under Diabetes Complications, Protein, Weight Loss

Mediterranean Diet Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

The traditional Mediterranean diet has long been associated with lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia.  The diet is rich in olive oil, fruits, nuts, cereals, vegetables, and fish but relatively low in dairy products and meat.  Several … Continue reading

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Filed under Mediterranean Diet

Which Components of the Mediterranean Diet Prolong Life?

Researchers at Harvard and the University of Athens (Greece) report that the following specific components of the Mediterranean diet are associated with lower rates of death: moderate ethanol (alcohol) consumption low meat and meat product intake high vegetable consumption high fruit and nut consumption … Continue reading

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Filed under Alcohol, Health Benefits, Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean Diet Cuts Risk of Diabetes After Heart Attack

In a blog post last year I discussed how the Mediterranean diet reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes in healthy people.  I found another scientific journal article that examined the effect of various lifestyle factors that might influence the … Continue reading

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Filed under coronary heart disease, Mediterranean Diet

High Protein Ketogenic Diet Beats High Protein/Medium Carb Diet in Men, at Least Short-Term

Scottish researchers last year reported greater weight loss and less hunger in obese men on a high-protein ketogenic diet compared to a high-protein, moderate-carbohydrate diet. Background Dietary protein seems to be more satiating – able to satisfy hunger, that is - than … Continue reading

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Filed under Carbohydrate, ketogenic diet, Protein, Weight Loss

Comparison of Mediterranean, Low-Carb, and Low-Fat Weight-Loss Diets

The July 17, 2008, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine has a well-done study comparing the Mediterranean, low-carb, and low-fat weight-loss diets in an Israeli population over the course of two years.  The researchers conclude that “Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate … Continue reading

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Filed under Mediterranean Diet, Weight Loss

Do Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements Cut Risk of Diabetes?

Several studies have associated vitamin D and calcium intake with lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  After reading that the Institute of Medicine in 2010 will probably increase the recommended amounts of vitamin D for every one, I decided to … Continue reading

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Filed under Causes of Diabetes, Prevention of T2 Diabetes

Adverse Health Effects of Obesity

As a physician, I see many illnesses and conditions that are caused or aggravated by overweight and obesity.  Both terms refer to excess body fat; obesity is a greater degree of fat. Body mass index (BMI) is used to define … Continue reading

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Filed under Overweight and Obesity

Low-Carb Diet Beats Low-Fat, Calorie-Restricted Diet

I found one of the early studies (2003) demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of an Atkins-style diet in the severely obese.  Doctors traditionally have been hesitant to recommend the Atkins diet out of concern for tolerability and potential increased atherosclerosis … Continue reading

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Filed under Carbohydrate, Overweight and Obesity, Weight Loss

Fiber and Systemic Inflammation

High dietary fiber intake helps prevent constipation, diverticular disease, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, and perhaps colon polyps.  Soluble fiber helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, and it reduces LDL cholesterol levels, thereby reducing risks of coronary heart … Continue reading

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Filed under Fiber