In our modern world of processed foods, food additives have become part of our culture. You may have heard that some researchers feel that all the man-made additives in our processed foods are responsible for the current type 2 diabetic epidemic and other poor health conditions. What you may not have heard though is that … Read more
If you’ve been taking calcium supplements as prevention against osteoporosis and then quit because of the concerning findings of previous studies – you may not have needed to, says a new Harvard study. In an earlier HealthyAnswers newsletter article [Why You May Want to Stop taking Calcium Supplements, September 2012], I alerted my readers to … Read more
Bones can become weak at any age, but just growing older does put you at higher risk for fractures and/or developing osteoporosis. However, it isn’t a given that you suffer bone loss or weakness as you age. You can continue to have healthy bones long into your golden years if you give them what they … Read more
Like many of my patients, you may be wondering what you can do to keep your bones stronger as you get older. If so, you might be interested to learn about new research in four different areas that answer that very question. Let me explain. Watch the Salt and Save Your Bones (and Kidneys!) As … Read more
For years, doctors (including me!) had been telling their patients (especially postmenopausal women over 60 and older men) to take calcium supplements to prevent risks of osteoporosis. Now, with recent research findings, many doctors are holding off on telling our patients to take calcium supplements. Perhaps you routinely take calcium supplements as well. If so, … Read more
In our tough economy, my patients frequently ask me how they can keep their nutrition up and their food costs down especially when it seems that the healthiest foods are the most expensive. They ask me about including fortified foods in their diet as a way of getting the most nutritional bang for their dwindling food bucks. Like my patients, you may wonder about the value of adding fortified foods to your diet. Allow me to explain and give you some recommendations and cautions about adding fortified foods to your diet.
A strong skeleton means a strong body, one that can keep you together and moving the rest of your life (which I wish you a long, healthy and happy one!). What keeps your skeleton strong? There are several things, but generally a plain and simple little mineral called calcium is what gives all the bones of your skeleton strength. Let’s talk, then, about what calcium does for your bones and how you can be assured that you get enough of it so your skeleton stays strong.
Indeed, red meat and dairy do confer some positive health benefits to men. According to research studies, however, meat and dairy can also contribute to a man developing prostate cancer. Let me explain how.
Most of my male patients will chalk osteoporosis up to being a woman’s disease. And it is true that 80% of osteoporosis cases happen to women. But I want to give all you men out there two reasons to take osteoporosis seriously.
I diagnosed a patient with osteoporosis. She looked me in the eye and said I must be wrong. I assured her that her bone density was low and asked why she didn’t think the diagnosis could be correct. “I’ve taken a vitamin D supplement and a calcium supplement for years to make sure my bones stay strong. I just can’t have osteoporosis… I’ve done everything right.” She’d never been told about the third nutrient absolutely critical to bone health.
If you’re like most Americans, you slather on sunscreen before going outside, you wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat, and you stay indoors during the peak hours of the day. It turns out, you may have gone a little overboard. Sunlight is your body’s main source of vitamin D. When sunlight hits your skin it catalyzes the production of vitamin D, and vitamin D is very, very important to your health.
Of course I don’t need to tell you that fresh fruits and vegetables play a vital role in healthy eating habits. At the very minimum, you should eat five servings of produce each day. Seven is even better, and nine is really great. The reason fruits and vegetables are so important is that they are packed with micronutrients that help your body to support specific systems.