 Health Front
News that's good for you
February 2008
Reprinted with permission from Taste For Life
For Bone Health
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and
milk and dairy products has been shown
to significantly reduce the risk of fracture. Eating
potassium-rich foods, which are also rich in
bicarbonate precursors, favorably affects acidbase
metabolism and appears to be linked to
the prevention of osteoporosis—a bone disease
that affects approximately 10 million Americans.
Sweet potatoes, tomato paste and puree, yogurt,
unpeeled baked potatoes, bananas, and raisins
are good sources of potassium. And don’t forget
that calcium, magnesium, and vitamin
D are also useful for bone
health.
selected source
- "The Balance of Bone Health: Tipping the Scales in Favor of Potassium-Rich, Bicarbonate-Rich Foods " by S.A. Lanham-New, J Nutr, 1/08
- "Sodium and Potassium," Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, www.organic-center.org
Stay Fit Together
When exercise is a family
affair, healthy patterns are set
and are more likely to be effective
and long lasting. Biking, hiking,
family walks, various types
of martial arts, or having fun in
parks and public recreation areas
are just some of the options families
can try together. The benefits range
from paving the way for fitness as
a lifelong commitment to overall
health improvement, decreased
medical expenses, and, of
course, the pleasure of being
together as a family.
selected source
Persistent Allergies
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
have found that childhood allergies persist longer than previously
thought. “Not only do more kids have allergies, but fewer of them
outgrow their allergies, and those who do, do so later than before, ”
says lead researcher Robert Wood, MD. The study followed 800
patients with milk allergy and nearly 900 with egg allergy, two common
allergens. If allergens run in your family, don’t introduce these
foods too early—wait until six months
old at least, ideally not until a year
old. Starting your baby’s life with
natural and organic baby food is
also wise.
selected sources
- "The Natural History of IgE-Mediated Cow's Milk Allergy " by J.M. Skripak et al., Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 11/07
- "The Natural History of Egg Allergy," by J.H. Savage et al., Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 12/07
Heart Happy
A 15-year study of more than 6,000
men and women, 25 to 74 years old, shows
that emotional vitality may protect against the
risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Emotional
vitality was defined as a sense of energy, positive
well-being, and effective emotion regulation. Those
with healthy psychological functioning ppeared to
have lower risk of CHD. So if you find yourself feeling
blue, it’s important to talk with your healthcare practitioner.
A change in diet (taking fish oil, for example), exercising
regularly, and getting enough sleep are all important.
selected source
- "Emotional Vitality and Incident Coronary Heart Disease: Benefits of Healthy Psychological Functioning" by L.D. Kubzansky and R.C. Thurston, Arch Gen Psychiatry, 12/07
African-American Women Need More D
A study of 208 postmenopausal African-American women
found that hispopulation needs the upper intake level of vitamin D3 in order
to ensure adequate levels of his important vitamin. Increased skin pigmentation
reduces the amount of vitamin D that is produced in the skin, putting
these women at greater risk for vitamin D deficiency. Rickets, convulsions,
general ill health, and an increased risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis
have all been linked with vitamin D
deficiency.
Look for vitamin D-fortified milk or
soymilk, vitamin D-fortified ready-to-eat
breakfast cereals, and salmon,
tuna, and sardines as good sources
of vitamin D. Be sure to eat these at
least three times a week, and take
vitamin D in your multivitamin.
selected sources
- "Dose Response to Vitamin D Supplementation Among Postmenopausal African-American Women " by S. A. Talwar et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 12/07
- "Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D ," National Institutes of Health, ww.ods.od.nih.gov
Keep Working
A five-year study of
almost 17,000 men and
women indicates that among
retirees, increasing the retirement
age by five years was associated
with a 10 percent decrease in
mortality—in other words, those
who worked longer had a greater
chance of living longer. This association
was particularly evident
for cardiovascular mortality.
selected source
- "Age at Retirement and Mortality in a General Population Sample: The Greek EPIC Study " by C. Bamia et al., Am J Epidemiol, 12/07
Seeing Green
A recent survey of 1,000
natural product consumers
finds that the majority see the environment
as a priority in 2008. This survey
reveals a growing commitment to
organic and sustainable products for
personal health benefits and the health
of our planet as well. And most consumers
seem willing to put their money
where their values are by paying more
for these products.
selected sources
- "Consumers Seeking More Green and Organic Products in 2008," www.mambosprouts.com, 12/07
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