Monthly Archives: August 2009
Alcohol Types Other Than Wine Increase Risk of Cancer in Men
Researchers recently reported that Canadian men who are regular alcohol drinkers – on a daily or weekly basis – have a higher risk of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, lung, and prostate. The more men drink, the greater the risk. … Continue reading
Filed under Alcohol
Estimate Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Stroke
The American Diabetes Association has just unveiled an online calculator that estimates your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or stroke over the next 30 years. It’s at My Health Advisor. Anyone can use it. You use the … Continue reading
Fish Linked to Lower Dementia Risk, Once Again
Older adults in low- to middle-income countries seem to have a lower risk of dementia if they regularly eat fish, according to a new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This comes on the heels of another recent … Continue reading
Filed under Fish, Health Benefits
Wine Safely Lowers Fasting Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes
Wine consumption lowered fasting blood sugar levels by 15% in type 2 diabetics who had previously not been habitual drinkers, according to a 2007 study in Israel. Background Judicious alcohol consumption is linked to lower rates of cardiovascular disease (heart … Continue reading
Atkins Diet Beats Low-Fat Diet Over Three Months in Overweight Diabetic Black Women
A recent study compared effects of a low-carb versus low-fat diet in overweight diabetics (mostly blacks). After one year, the only major difference they found was lower HDL cholesterol in the low-carb eaters. The low-carb diet was more effective measured … Continue reading
Filed under Carbohydrate, Weight Loss
Metformin May Reduce Pancreatic Cancer Risk in Diabetics
Reuters reported recently that people with type 2 diabetes using metformin had a 60% lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared with diabetics who never used metformin. People taking insulin and drugs that stimulate insulin secretion, such as sulfonylureas … Continue reading
Filed under Diabetes Complications, Drugs for Diabetes
Potential Adverse Effects of Alcohol
In a recent blog post, I discussed the potential benefits of alcohol consumption on longevity, coronary artery disease, and dementia. I have no intention of overselling the benefits of alcohol. If you are considering habitual alcohol as a food, be aware that … Continue reading
Dental Problems and Systemic Chronic Disease: A Carbohydrate Connection?
Dentists are considering a return to an old theory that dietary carbohydrates first cause dental diseases, then certain systemic chronic diseases, according to a review in the June 1, 2009, Journal of Dental Research. We’ve known for years that some dental and systemic diseases are associated with … Continue reading
Potential Beneficial Effects of Alcohol
For centuries, the healthier populations in the Mediterranean region have enjoyed wine in light to moderate amounts, usually with meals. Observational studies there and in other parts of the world have associated reasonable alcohol consumption with prolonged lifespan, reduced coronary artery … Continue reading
