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Health Journal: Deciphering the Ailments Tied to Gluten

Dr Joe — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:51:20 +0000

Researchers are making slow progress in understanding the numerous ailments that a growing number of people suffer after eating foods with gluten, a protein found in wheat. As the Health Journal column reports , a group of 15 experts from seven countries took a step forward this week, proposing a new classification and diagnosing system to help doctors and patients figure out what’s a wheat allergy, what’s celiac disease and what falls under a new category of ills lumped together as “gluten sensitivity.” Another international team aims to clear up the confusion caused by experts around the world using different terminology for gluten-related problems; celiac disease alone has been called sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy and gluten intolerance. Their consensus paper will be published soon in the journal Gut. A lesser-known disorder is gluten ataxia, in which antibodies to gluten damage parts of the brain that control gait, speech and motor function. Researchers have long wondered whether antibodies to gluten could attack other parts of the brain as well, and some intriguing findings have emerged. For instance, people with schizophrenia have a higher rate of the anti-gluten antibodies and gene variations associated with celiac disease than the general population. And some parents of autistic children say their symptoms improve, sometimes dramatically, on a gluten-free diet, though no link has been firmly established in lab studies. Gluten disorders could play a role in dementia as well. In a 2006 study, physicians at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., identified 13 patients with celiac disease who started showing signs of cognitive decline at the same time gastrointestinal symptoms set in. Some improved and some didn’t on a gluten-free diet, and much more research is needed to explore the connection. But neurologists at the Mayo Clinic now routinely test for celiac disease in patients with early on-set dementia. A more fundamental mystery is why gluten, a staple of most human diets since the dawn of agriculture 10,000 years ago, is creating more health problems now. Once considered rare, celiac disease is now believed to affect about 1% of the U.S. population, up fourfold over the last 50 years. “Has the staff of life become the stuff of illness for some?” asks Joseph Murray , a celiac expert at the Mayo Clinic. Some experts suspect that genetic changes to raise the protein content of wheat may play a role, as could industrial baking procedures that shorten the time bread is exposed to yeast. Wheat also makes up a larger portion of human diets than in generations past, and wheat consumption is growing in Asia and the Middle East, along with gluten-related disorders. Still another theory holds that the bacteria that inhabit the human body may have evolved to be less hospitable to gluten over time. Whatever the reason, says Alessio Fasano , director of the University of Maryland’s Center for Celiac Research, “our environment is changing faster than humans can adapt, and some people are paying the price.”

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Health Journal: Deciphering the Ailments Tied to Gluten

5 Healthy Reasons to Eat Valentine’s Day Chocolate

Sean Duffy — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:07:13 +0000

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and that may mean you’ve got chocolate on your mind. Though you may be fearing the amount of calories in those heart-shaped boxes, there are many reasons to love Valentine’s Day sweet treats. In fact, here are five healthy reasons to eat dark chocolate. It helps you exercise longer: A recent study found that eating a tiny amount of dark chocolate before a workout helps fight fatigue , which means you can go that much further during your workout. The amount that worked in the study was tiny - just half a square, but if it’s good quality chocolate, a small square will go a long way. It’s stress-relieving: And not just when you’re PMSing. A study found that when highly stressed participants ate an ounce and a half of dark chocolate (the equivalent of a Hershey’s bar) a day for two weeks, the level of stress hormones in their bodies, dropped significantly . While eating a candy bar a day can contribute to a whole new set of stresses if you’re watching your weight, it’s nice to know that dark chocolate has a measurable effect on stress levels. Read on for three more reasons to eat dark chocolate.

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5 Healthy Reasons to Eat Valentine’s Day Chocolate

Many Doctors Don’t Follow Ovarian-Cancer Screening Guidelines

Dr Dreams — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:06:32 +0000

The government estimates that more than 15,000 women died last year from ovarian cancer. But routine screening of women with no symptoms isn’t recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force , American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or other professional groups, even for women at high risk for the disease. That’s because the benefits of the available tests — a transvaginal ultrasound and a blood test that detects an antigen called CA-125 — haven’t been shown to outweigh their risks (such as complications from unnecessary surgery), or to reduce the number of deaths. Despite that evidence, a new study finds that when presented with a scenario of a woman coming to her annual check-up, a significant percentage of physicians surveyed would screen for ovarian cancer. Some 28.5% of the 1,088 primary-care docs — OB/GYNs, family physicians and general internists — surveyed said they “sometimes” or “almost always” offered or ordered ovarian-cancer screening tests for low-risk women. When the vignette involved a woman at medium risk of the disease, that proportion jumped to 65.4% of physicians. About a third of physicians reported believing that ultrasound or CA-125 blood testing is an effective screening test for ovarian cancer, the study found. It’s unclear why that is, and more research is needed to discover why, says Laura-Mae Baldwin , an author of the study and professor of family medicine at the University of Washington. “We know that in medicine we have an enthusiasm for screening,” she says. “We want to find diseases before they can cause harm.” The study also found that physicians were more likely to say they’d order screening for patients who requested it — even if the doctor herself didn’t believe screening was effective. In that scenario, physicians may be trying to maintain a relationship with the patient, or they “may lack confidence in explaining why the test is more harmful than beneficial,” says Baldwin. She says there’s an important role for clinical tools that could accurately illustrate the level of risk faced by a particular woman and also illustrate the harms and benefits of the test. The study is published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. There are limitations to the research: doctors were reporting how they’d react to the scenarios presented to them, not discussing actual patients. And while there was a 62% response rate to the initial questionnaire sent to physicians, the results may not generalize to the doctors who didn’t respond, the authors write. Image: iStockphoto

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Many Doctors Don’t Follow Ovarian-Cancer Screening Guidelines

Live Chat: Are You Less Intelligent in a Group?

Dr Dreams — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:09:05 +0000

Ever clam up at a meeting even though you knew a lot and wanted to contribute? Have you tripped over yourself as you tried to explain a complex subject? Have you felt tongue-tied when the spotlight turns to you at a party? You’re not alone. WSJ’s Bonds columnist Elizabeth Bernstein writes this week about research which shows that some people become, in effect, less intelligent when in professional or social gatherings . Elizabeth will take reader questions in a live chat on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 12 p.m. ET. The chat will be moderated by Personal Journal news editor Laura Bird. Ask your questions now.

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Live Chat: Are You Less Intelligent in a Group?

5 Surprising Ways to Eat Nut Butter

Sean Duffy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:49:49 +0000

Nut butters are good for more than just sandwiches. As a source of healthy fats and plant-based protein, nut butters can be a nutritional powerhouse. Whether you prefer classic peanut butter or one of the healthy peanut butter alternatives , here are five unexpected ways to incorporate nut butter into your diet: Blend it into your smoothie: Make your breakfast sip a bit creamier – and more satisfying – by adding some nut butter to the mix. For a bit of indulgence, try a chocolate strawberry banana smoothie . The healthy fats and dose of protein will help you to stay full and get your day off to an energized start. Add it to your soups: Boost pureed soups with a spoonful of nut butter. Not only will it create a thicker texture, but it will also add rich, unexpected flavor to standard recipes. Surprise your taste buds by adding almond butter to butternut squash and or blending walnut butter into a beet soup. Turn it into a dipping sauce: Marinate meats in your favorite nut butter before grilling, or use it as a dipping sauce for fruits and vegetables. Get creative with your combinations: try jicama dipped in cashew butter for a fresh twist on peanut butter apples. Toss it into Greek yogurt. Get double the protein punch by mixing nut butter into your serving of Greek yogurt. For extra energy and nutrients, add fresh berries and rolled oats to the bowl. Use it in your salad dressing. Blend nut butter with other oils and spices to create a smooth, rich salad dressing. Not sure where to start? Try a Thai dish, like this kale slaw with peanut dressing recipe. Source: Flickr User Rusvaplauke

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5 Surprising Ways to Eat Nut Butter

Healthy Dose Link Time: Flat Belly Secrets

Martin Neumann — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:26:14 +0000

The secret to a flat belly according to doc Travis Stork: never diet – Prevention Holding that Warrior 1 helps build willpower off the mat – Yoga Journal Borrow these seven habits of highly successful snackers – Real Simple Get the skinny on finding (and using) your fat burning zone – HuffPost Healthy Living When is the perfect time to work out? – Shape Donkey kicks truly are a kick in the pants – Peanut Butter Fingers Fat burning lunches! All under 400 calories a pop – Fitness Was yoga the secret weapon behind the Giants’ Super Bowl win? – Mind Body Green Hit it! Boxing boosts self-confidence – Health Stock options for all your wintry soups – Vegetarian Times

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Healthy Dose Link Time: Flat Belly Secrets

Going For A Walk, Squeezes Creative Thinking

Dr Dreams — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:58:23 +0000

The next time the individual is need of imaginative and creative inspiration, step out of the box or the assigned cubical. As per a novel study by the researchers from the University of Michigan, they demonstrate that if an individual engages in physical acts and experiences, it will augment his creative problem solving. Creative thinking Related posts: No Regular Walk Today – Regret Later! According to Hippocrates, “Walking is man’s best medicine.” And he… Having a Walk While Under the Influence of Alcohol Can Be Dangerous The general public is continuously warned by the government to… Brain’s Reaction to Mistakes Influenced by our Way of Thinking A recent study that will soon be published in the…

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Going For A Walk, Squeezes Creative Thinking

Overindulgence in Drinking, Its Ill Effects to the Heart

Sean Duffy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:58:19 +0000

The University of Maryland Medical Center defines alcoholism as “being characterized by craving alcohol and losing control over drinking, along with a physical dependence (meaning that the person experiences withdrawal symptoms when not drinking) and a tolerance for alcohol (meaning the person needs to drink greater amounts to feel “good”). Before entering recovery, most alcoholics Related posts: CDC expresses alarm over the rising rate of Binge Drinking The health researchers and experts at CDC, Center for Disease… Binge Drinking Of Women In College Associated With Sexual Assault Risk Drinking alcohol has already known detriments attached to it, in… According to researches light drinking causes no risk to baby According to a latest study published, light drinking during pregnancy…

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Overindulgence in Drinking, Its Ill Effects to the Heart

Robot: To Eliminate Stomach Cancer?

Dr Dreams — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:58:16 +0000

An engineer from the Nanyang Technological Institute along with few doctors from Hospital of Singapore’s National University have teamed together and constructed a remote controlled robot which could be fed down an individual’s throat and into the gut of the individual to eliminate the stomach tumor or cancer. After having lunch with the world famous Related posts: Stomach Cancer: Can Soy Be a Remedy To It? Several researches had revealed the secret of estrogens, an element… Heavy Alcoholic Drinking Linked To Stomach Cancer Risk According to a large European study and analysis, men who… How to get a flat stomach? Stomach Crunches For A Flatter Stomach More women these days are wearing shirts that show off…

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Robot: To Eliminate Stomach Cancer?

5 Surprising Health Benefits of Being a Sports Fan

Martin Neumann — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:19:15 +0000

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar! By Cristina Goyanes, Prevention It’s no wonder your friends aren’t available to hang out on Sundays in the Fall and Winter – according to a 2005 Gallup Poll, 64 percent of Americans claim to be professional football fans, and as of 2010, women make up 44 percent of the NFL fan base. Being a sports fan doesn’t mean you’re expected to know all the players and stats of your hometown teams and destined for a beer gut – it’s about coming together in the name of good times as part of a community. “Bonding over sports – the highs and lows of the game – strengthens ties, helps us feel supported, and makes it easier for you to open up about personal things,” says Renee Clauselle, PsyD, who runs a private psychology practice in Long Island, NY. Seventeen Unexpected Side Effects of Exercise Rooting for the same team creates an immediate sense of family, says Daniel Wann, PhD, a Murray State University professor who has been studying the psychology of sports fans for over 20 years. “If you identify with a local team, you build an instant connection to others around you,” he says. Beyond the bonding aspects, watching sports can motivate you to pump up your own workouts – and even burn a few extra calories when you jump, cheer, and clap during the highlights of the game. Find out more ways being a sports fan is a winning situation for your health. Keep reading to learn how being a sports fan benefits your health.

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5 Surprising Health Benefits of Being a Sports Fan