Medical Marijuana Provides Some Symptom Relief In Multiple Sclerosis

The American Academy of Neurology has published a new guideline stating that medical marijuana pills and oral sprays do ease the symptoms of people with multiple sclerosis, including spasticity, pain from spasticity and frequent urination. The guideline looked at other so-called complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for MS, finding no evidence of therapeutic value. Other nonconventional therapies included ginkgo biloba, magnetic therapy, bee sting therapy, omega-3 fatty acids and reflexology. The researchers noted that the marijuana-based therapies often have adverse side effects and should be taken only with the advice of physicians. The FDA has approved certain synthetic marijuana ingredients for treatment of some disease symptoms and drug side effects.

"Summary of evidence-based guideline: Complementary and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis: Report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. ", Neurology, March 24, 2014

Supplements Are Not The Only Viable Source Of Healthful Vitamin E

Vitamin E has been shown to improve age-related diseases and conditions, like Alzheimer’s and macular degeneration. That fact, and the growing proportion of older people in the world, led Swiss vitamin supplier DSM to recently call for a substantial increase in the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin E. But supplements are not the only viable source, Euromonitor says. The two most common food sources are gamma-tocopherol – found in corn oil, soybean oil and margarine – and alpha-tocopherol, found in wheat germ oil, sunflower and safflower oils, as well as sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts. According to Euromonitor, in 2012 nearly 1,500 tons of vitamin E were consumed in food and drink products, of which 40 percent came from oils and fats.

"Increasing Vitamin E Intake: No Need to Rely Solely on Supplements", Euromonitor International, March 21, 2014

Teaching People How To Substitute Herbs And Spices Reduces Salt Intake

A two-phase U.S. clinical study in which participants were taught strategies for substituting herbs and spices for salt found that those involved in the intervention learned to consume healthier levels of sodium. More than 60 percent of the participants had high blood pressure, 18 percent had diabetes; all were overweight. In phase 1 of the study, all participants ate a low-sodium diet for four weeks, reducing average sodium intake by half. In phase 2, half of the participants spent 20 weeks learning how to use herbs and spices in recipes, how to make low-sodium intake permanent, etc. Those in the intervention group consumed on average 966 mg less sodium daily than the control group, indicating that the coaching process was a more effective way to reduce sodium intake.

"Spices and herbs intervention helps adults reduce salt intake", News release, research presented at the American Heart Association scientific sessions on nutrition and metabolism, March 19, 2014

Scientists Explain Why Dark Chocolate Is So Good For You

Louisiana State University chemists recently told a scientific meeting that dark chocolate is healthful because good microbes (e.g., Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria) in the intestines “feast on chocolate”, growing it, fermenting it and producing compounds that fight inflammation. When absorbed by the body, the compounds reduce cardiovascular inflammation and cut the long-term risk of stroke. But how? It seems that cocoa powder, found in dark chocolate, contains several polyphenolic (antioxidant) compounds such as catechin and epicatechin, as well as some dietary fiber. None of these are well-digested or absorbed. But when they reach the colon, the beneficial bacteria do their job.

"The precise reason for the health benefits of dark chocolate: mystery solved.", News release, presentation at the American Chemical Society annual meeting., March 18, 2014

Omega-3 Supplements Do Not Reduce Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease Among The Elderly

Older people who took part in a five-year U.S. clinical trial testing the impact of omega-3 supplementation for age-related macular degeneration did not show a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The supplements contained, besides omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils, the dietary xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, found in green leafy vegetables and in the macula of the human eye. The data showed no significant cardiovascular benefit among older individuals treated with either omega-3 supplements or with a combination of lutein plus zeaxanthin. The results are consistent with mounting evidence from clinical trials, the researchers said.

"Effect of Long-Chain omega-3 Fatty Acids and Lutein Zeaxanthin Supplements on Cardiovascular Outcomes. ", JAMA Internal Medicine, March 18, 2014

Positive Memories Of Exercise Are Powerful Motivators To Lead Healthier Lifestyle

U.S. researchers have determined that positive memories of exercising are a good way to get motivated to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The researchers asked 150 students to remember either a positive or negative memory that would increase their motivation to exercise. A control group of students was not asked to recall a motivational memory. The students were asked a week later whether they had increased the time spent exercising. Students who remembered a positive exercise memory reported much higher levels of subsequent exercise than those who were not asked to recall a memory about exercise.

"Using memories to motivate future behavior: An experimental exercise intervention. ", Memory, March 17, 2014

Agave Sugar May Be Answer To A Type 2 Diabetic’s Prayer

Mexican researchers have determined that a natural form of sugar found in the agave plant – used to distill tequila –  may help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight because, though sweet-tasting, they not digestible and therefore act as a dietary fiber that reduces blood glucose levels. Agavins also increase levels of a hormone that stimulates production of insulin. Agavins are not expensive, have no known side effects, and help support the growth of healthful microbes in the mouth and intestines. Agavins should not be confused with agave nectar or agave syrup (found in health food stores) that contain fructans sugars similar to high fructose corn syrup.

"Tequila plant possible sweetener for diabetics, helps reduce blood sugar, weight.", News release, presentation at the American Chemical Society annual meeting., March 16, 2014

Older People Should Focus Less On Weight, Body Mass, More On Building Muscle

New U.S research confirms that building muscle mass, especially as we age, is important in decreasing metabolic risk. The study analyzed data collected between 1988 and 1994 on 3,659 men 55 or older and women 65 or older. Measuring body composition and associating it with death rates, they found that the greater the muscle mass, the lower the risk of death. In other words, people should be worried less about weight and body mass index and more about maximizing and maintaining muscle mass.  The researchers advise physicians to keep these findings in mind when counseling older adults about behavior that might improve health.

"Muscle Mass Index as a Predictor of Longevity in Older-Adults. ", The American Journal of Medicine, March 14, 2014

Study Answers The Question: Should I Do Cardio Or Left Weights First For Maximum Benefit?

This study by Finnish researchers was set up to determine whether it mattered what order a person does cardio or strength exercises. Are the exercises more effective at increasing performance or muscle mass one way or the other? Participants were men 18 to 40 years old who did two to three supervised cardio and resistance training sessions a week, regularly reversing the order over 24 weeks. The researchers found differences in recovery times for the differently-sequenced routines, but ultimately found that the order of the different routines “does not lead to differences in the adaptations of overall fitness and body composition”. No matter which exercise was performed first, physical performance and muscle size increased during the study “to about a similar extent”.

"The order effect of combined endurance and strength loadings on force and hormone responses: effects of prolonged training. ", European Journal of Applied Physiology, March 13, 2014

Big Waist Takes Years Off Men’s And Women’s Lives

Men and women with big bellies are more likely to die years earlier than smaller-waist people, and more likely to die from heart disease, respiratory problems, and cancer after accounting for body mass index, smoking, alcohol use and physical activity, U.S. researchers have found. After analyzing 11 studies involving 600,000 people from around the world, the researchers noted that men over 40 with waists of 43 inches or more were 50 percent more likely to die three years earlier than men with waists less than 35 inches. Women with a 37-inch waist or larger had about an 80 percent higher risk of dying than women with a 27-inch or smaller waist. The larger waist in women over 40 takes five years off their lives.

"A Pooled Analysis of Waist Circumference and Mortality in 650,000 Adults. ", Mayo Clinic Proceedings, March 12, 2014

Drinking Two Quarts Of Water A Day Does Not Contribute To Weight Loss

Just about every diet plan recommends drinking a lot of water – usually eight 8-oz. glasses a day – to reduce appetite and help burn calories. But a nutrition professor at the University of Alabama could find no scientific evidence that drinking a lot of water leads to weight loss. She acknowledges that people need to drink plenty of fluids during the day, but they can come from many sources: diet soda, green tea, juice, powdered beverages mixed with water and, yes, plain water. Caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea also count, and they do hydrate. For weight loss, Beth Kitchin suggests long-term, science-based weight management programs like EatRight (by UA-Birmingham) or Volumetrics.

"Debunking water myths: Weight loss, calorie burn and more", News release, University of Alabama, Birmingham, March 12, 2014

Bread, Cereals Contribute Heavily To Elevated Salt Consumption Among British Children

A British study finds that children in London eat way too much salt, and they get it from some surprising sources. Researchers analyzed urine samples from 340 children aged five to 17. Five and six year olds ate 3.75 grams of salt a day, while teenagers between 13 and 17 ate 7.55 grams a day. Thirty-six percent of the sodium the children ate came from breads and cereals; meat products provided 19 percent and dairy products accounted for 11 percent. The American Heart Association recommends adults and children consume no more than 3.75 grams a day (about a teaspoon). Salt starts increasing the risk of high blood pressure in children starting at age one.

"Salt Intake of Children and Adolescents in South London: Consumption Levels and Dietary Sources. ", Hypertension, March 10, 2014

Debate Rages In Diet Industry Over “Cleansing” Products And Regimens

Physicians and nutritionists argue that the human body’s digestive system is already very efficient at removing harmful substances. But others – who are making millions of dollars selling detoxifying diets, diet books, supplements, juices, etc. – disagree, saying the liver, kidneys and colon are simply overwhelmed by the environmental toxins they have to deal with. And that’s the great debate in the $60 billion U.S. diet industry. Still, most gastroenterologists – acknowledging the confusion caused by the “jumble of science, pseudoscience and hype” of the cleansing industry – advise against the supplements, laxatives, enemas and irrigation devices sold to unclog the colon. For one thing, their use can lead ironically to constipation. Instead, eat more fruits and vegetables to keep the digestive system functioning normally.

"The Debate Over Juice Cleanses and Toxin Removal", The Wall Street Journal, March 03, 2014