Probiotics for Kids
We are increasingly recommending probiotic supplements for children, with or without conditions that would mandate their use. Probiotics are good bacteria, which counteract the damage caused by pathogenic bacteria that invade and dominate gut flora. The main...Antidepressants Increase Arteriosclerosis
An ultrasound study uses sound wave reflections in the body to visualize structure. Newer machines can detect minute variations in tissues. Ultrasound can measure increased thickness of arterial walls, which indicates damage and a loss of resiliency. Abnormalities in...The Most Dangerous Foods for Overweight
A New England Journal of Medicine study (June 23, 2011, pp 2392-2404) found the following foods most conducive to weight gain: FOOD, WEIGHT GAIN IN A 4- YEAR PERIOD: -Potato chips: 1.69 lb -Potatoes: 1.28 lb -Sugar-sweetened beverages: 1.00 lb -Unprocessed red...ADD Responds to an Elimination Diet
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects 5% pf children worldwide. It is often diagnosed by teachers who have difficulty managing certain children in class, and leads to the prescription of drugs that alter behavior, particularly stimulants such as Ritalin or...Impaired Sleep Lowers Testosterone
Sleep deprivation is epidemic in modern society, and indeed is the most frequent symptom we see in our practice. There is now evidence that impaired sleep lowers testosterone production. (JAMA, June 1, 2011, pp 2173-2174.) Ten healthy young men spent 11 days in the...Protect Your Right to Take Supplements
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed restrictions on the use of nutritional supplements that may go into effect on October 1, 2011, unless sufficient opposition is offered. The plan is to classify supplements introduced after October, 1994, as new...Kava For Anxiety And Stress
Kava is a dietary supplement used to relieve stress, anxiety, tension, as well as sleep impairment and menopausal difficulties. It grows in the South Pacific, and is commonly used by natives for social and recreational purposes. In 2002 the FDA offered a consumer...New Study: Fish Oil Helps to Offset Metabolic Syndrome
Previous studies have shown that dietary fat intake plays a critical role in the development of Metabolic Syndrome , a group of health risk factors that are associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Factors include enlarged waist circumference, high blood...