Notes on Health News

Low Vitamin D in Infants With Food Allergy

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:56:19 -0700

A paper presented the the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 2012 Annual Meeting showed that one-year-old children with low levels of serum vitamin D are more likely to have food allergies than children with normal levels. What is not known is how much the mother’s vitamin D status makes a difference and whether correcting vitamin D status will improve these symptoms. This is a very intriguing line of research and may yield some interesting results. The incidence of llergies and asthma have both been growing.

Aspirin and Cancer

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:40:28 -0700

Several studies have been published recently looking at aspirin intake and cancer. These studies were part of other studies, so not designed primarily to look at the effect of aspirin on cancer. These particular studies suggest that aspirin may reduce cancer mortality and may reduce or prevent the risk for distant metastasis. Other larger, older studies have not found this. Because the data is conflicting and there is the risk of bleeding with aspirin, I would argue that these studies point out how important it is to keep inflammation in check to reduce cancer mortality and metastasis. In fact, several cancers are associated with inflammation. Inflammation can be reduced by having a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy fats.

Exercise Lessens Gene’s Effect on Obesity

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:36:02 -0700

People who are genetically predisposed to gain weight are better off exercising than watching television. Exercising is associated with lowering body-mass index (BMI) while television is associated with increasing BMI both in people not predisposed to obesity and in those predisposed. This is one of the first large studies to apply genetic testing to a large study on weight. Exercise and television viewing were independently associated with these changes. Other studies have pointed out how an hour of exercise a day and then spending the rest of the day sitting is also not healthy. This study was presented at the Epidemiology and Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism Scientific Session 2012.

Meat and Cardiovascular Disease

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:23:44 -0700

The March 12 edition of the Archives of Internal Medicine contains a study showing increased risk of cardiovascular and cancer death with red meat consumption. One additional serving of meat daily was associated with a 16% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and 10% increased risk of death from cancer. Replacing red meat with something else offered the following improvement in total mortality:
fish 7%
poultry 14%
nuts 19%
legumes 10%
low-fat dairy products 10%
whole grains 14%
The reason for this is still unclear. Part of the effect, but not all, can be explained by higher levels of saturated fats and cholesterol. High intake of heme iron found in red meat, especially in men, have been associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Red meat is also usually cooked at high temperatures, another risk factor. Colin T. Campbell, who wrote The China Study, would say that the protein in all animal products contributes to mortality.

Electronic Diet Diaries Helpful

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:23:09 -0700

Written diet diaries have been shown in the past to helpful in a weight loss program. It seems logical to me that electronic versions of the same thing would also be helpful. A big reason these diaries are helpful is that one has to pay attention to what one is putting in one’s mouth. In other words it reduces mindful eating. Electronic diet diaries do that and much more. They also make one aware of how much protein, carbohydrates, and fats one is consuming, as well as micronutrient information. In fact, electronic programs that gave that type of feedback, along with reminders, showed to be even more helpful in weight loss than paper diaries. These results were part of the Self-Monitoring and Recording with Technology Study (SMART) presented at the Epidemiology and Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism Scientific Sessions 2012.