Natural Therapies May Be Effective In Treating Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) – an almost constant feeling of being stressed out and exhausted – affects more than a million Americans, and is most common among people aged 40 to 59. Believed to follow an infection or a period of high stress, the symptoms may last for years, are usually not relieved, even with bed rest, and can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gastrointestinal distress, and depression of the immune system. Some natural and alternative therapies have been found effective in managing the condition: ginseng, kiwi fruit, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils, and relaxation techniques, including meditation.

"Natural remedies can help fight chronic fatigue", Psychology Today, August 03, 2012

Obesity Prevention Requires A Blend Of Strategies

Though obesity is a growing problem among children in the U.S. – 17 percent are considered obese – many parents continue to pack their cupboards and refrigerators with junk food. And the food industry continues to supply it. But mental health professional Diane Girardot reports that obesity can be prevented. It takes a combination of strategies: individual lifestyle changes, environmental and governmental policy changes, tighter regulation of the food industry and possibly litigation. Unfortunately, however, many parents refuse to deprive their children of junk food. And many people believe that obesity is a personal choice and the government has no business regulating what and how much they eat and drink.

"Behavior change and obesity in America", Philadelphia Inquirer, August 03, 2012

Dietitian Recommends “Super-Food” Tofu

A registered dietitian says substituting tofu for animal protein once a week is fairly risk-free and has many health benefits. For example, it helps lower overall cholesterol and so-called “bad” low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. As a soy product, tofu does have a down side: studies have linked intake of large amounts of soy to increased breast cancer risk. But in moderation, tofu is a “super-food” that has little saturated fat, zero cholesterol and lots of protein. Another benefit: it’s very versatile as a cooking ingredient and can be successfully added to any number of dishes.

"Tofu has little saturated fat, no cholesterol and is packed with protein", The Post-Standard (Syracuse, N.Y.), August 07, 2012

Supplement Company Focuses on Healthy Eating – And Prescription-Only Supplements

Diet Doc – a company that bills itself as a “wellness corporation, fitness facility, and sport supplement company” –  is touting a weight loss “ketogenic” diet that comprises green leafy vegetables, coconut oil (fat source), lean protein, fibrous plants and supplements. Nutritionists at the company tailor diet plans to patient needs, focusing on nutrient-rich greens like kale an spinach. A key to their diet plan is supplementation: fiber, probiotics and insulin and glucose support. Supplements are available only through prescriptions written by in-house doctors.

"HCG Diet Doc Reveals Weight Loss Diet Plan", Muncie Free Press, August 04, 2012

An Assortment Of Veggies At Mealtime May Encourage Healthier Eating

A four-week study by Penn State University researchers has found that participants offered a variety of vegetables ate more of them, even though they didn’t consume fewer total calories. The four different lunches during the study included various combinations of pasta with tomato sauce and broccoli, carrots or snap peas. Participants ate an average of 48 grams more vegetables when offered a variety. The researchers concluded that replacing salty, fatty foods in a person’s diet with a variety of vegetables may help increase the intake of healthy foods.

"Vegetable Variety: An Effective Strategy to Increase Vegetable Intake in Adults", Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, August 08, 2012

Physical Fitness In Adolescents Associated With Sufficient Levels Of Iron, Vitamin C

Researchers in Spain have found that the blood levels of various micronutrients such as iron and vitamin C in adolescents correlate with performance on physical fitness tests. Researchers analyzed nutrition and fitness data from a larger, long-term research project involving thousands of adolescents across Europe. The researchers found that for cardiorespiratory fitness, concentrations of hemoglobin, retinol, and vitamin C in males and beta-carotene and vitamin D in females was associated with maximum fitness. Concentrations of hemoglobin, beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol in males and beta-carotene and vitamin D in females were associated with better performance in the standing long jump.

"Iron and vitamin status biomarkers and its association with physical fitness in adolescents", Journal of Applied Physiology, August 08, 2012

A Normal-Weight Young Person Who “Feels” Fat May Grow Up To Be Obese

Researchers in Norway have determined from a long-term study of 1,196 normal-weight teenaged boys and girls that teens who perceive themselves as fat are more likely to grow up overweight or obese. The researcher suggested that one reason for this finding may be psychosocial stress that has been associated with gaining weight around the waist. The stress related to having (or not having) an ideal body type, along with thinking of oneself as fat, can result in weight gain. Another reason? Young people who see themselves as fat often change their eating habits by skipping meals. But dropping breakfast has been shown to lead to obesity.

"Being Normal Weight but Feeling Overweight in Adolescence May Affect Weight Development into Young Adulthood", Journal of Obesity, August 08, 2012

Fasting, And Low-Calorie Diets Generally, Linked With Slower Aging Process

A BBC report sheds some light on a scientific study that finds that the mostly out-of-favor “starvation diet” has some real benefits. BBC reporter Michael Mosley spoke with researchers at USC’s Longevity Institute, who say fasting reduces the levels of a growth factor (lGF-1) linked to disease development and aging. LGF-1 is needed during childhood, but not so much as a person ages. High levels later in life accelerate aging. But a low-calorie diet puts the brakes on lGF-1, slowing the aging process – at least in mice experiments.

"Warning: This article tells you a starvation diet could actually be good for you - and make you live longer", Daily Mail (U.K.), August 07, 2012

Babies Who Eat Healthy Foods Are Smarter By Age Eight Than Junk-Fed Peers

An Australian study of the dietary patterns of 7,000 infants and children up to eight years old found that those fed a healthy diet – e.g., legumes, cheese, fruit, vegetables – early in life had IQs at least two points higher at age eight than children fed junk food. Dietary patterns analyzed included home-prepared foods, ready-prepared baby foods, breastfeeding, and junk foods, such as cookies, chocolate, sweets, soft drinks and potato chips. "Diet supplies the nutrients needed for the development of brain tissues in the first two years of life,” researchers said.

"Dietary patterns at 6, 15 and 24 months of age are associated with IQ at 8 years of age", European Journal of Epidemiology, August 07, 2012

Research Uncovers Some Fun – And Healthy – Alternatives To Workouts, Dieting

Realbuzz.com surveyed recent scientific research that offers some fun -- but healthy -- alternatives to strenuous workouts and strict dieting. One study, for example, finds that repeating “mirthful laughter” can improve mood, lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol and strengthen the immune system – just like exercising. Another fun option is eating fiber-packed popcorn, which lowers cholesterol and contains B vitamins. An occasional popcorn snack is a healthy addition to the diet, “so long as you cut down on the sugar, salt and oils.”  Other fun alternatives include chocolate, sunshine and music.

"5 fun diet and fitness alternatives", realbuzz.com, August 05, 2012

Many People With Celiac Disease Remain Undiagnosed

A Mayo Clinic study, considered the most definitive to date, proves that celiac disease – a digestive disorder triggered by eating wheat, rye and barley – is “common” in the U.S. About 1.8 million Americans have it, though one in six remain undiagnosed. Meanwhile, about 1.6 million people have placed themselves on a gluten-free diet, though they have not been diagnosed, a fact that baffles physicians. "There are a lot of people on a gluten-free diet, and it's not clear what the medical need for that is," one researcher said.

"The Prevalence of Celiac Disease in the United States", The American Journal of Gastroenterology, August 02, 2012