Supplementation with vitamin D and calcium makes sense as a strategy to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes in people with insulin resistance or other risk factors.
Many Americans are well fed but poorly nourished, thanks to a calorie rich, nutrient poor diet. This is a major driver of chronic diseases. Fortunately, it’s correctable. In the first of a two-part article, Steven Masley, MD, a nutrition-centered primary care doctor, offers tips for managing the most common deficiencies, including fiber, omega-3s, vitamin D and the B vitamins.
A unique form of hyperinsulinemia is one of the metabolic drivers of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). According to Dr. Alan Gaby, nutritional therapies aimed at normalizing insulin action and glucose metabolism can greatly benefit women with this condition, often restoring ovulation and fertility. N-acetyl cysteine, vitamin D, chromium, and a little known nutrient called pinitol are valuable allies.
Dr. Sanford Levy from Buffalo, NY, writes in, noting that the potency and expiration date information on the labels of some probiotic products is not always accurate.
A number of recent studies show that probiotic supplements and fermented dairy products can prevent or even treat colic, atopic dermatitis, and many other common allergic and infectious problems in infancy. Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria, the two main classes of “good bugs” can greatly improve the health of premature babies and those born via cesarean section. Plus, Perinatal Probiotics: A Research Review, and Choosing & Using Probiotics.
Osteoarthritis is the end result of the same disease process that leads to atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, according to Dr. Phil Cheras, an Australian investigator whose research shows that the vessels supplying the joints in patients with osteoarthritis become blocked with blood clots and lipid droplets. The good news is that triterpene compounds derived from the African shea nut can reverse this process in many patients with this devastating disease.
Long valued for its culinary zing, turmeric also contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds. New data suggest that it could be an ally in treating certain types of lymphoma, and also that it reduces “bad” cholesterol.
A combination of alpha lipoic acid, selenium and silymarin (Milk Thistle) can greatly improve liver function and overall health in people with Hepatitis C, thus averting the need for conventional drug therapy or liver transplant.
Lipoic Acid, Green Tea Extract, and Fish Oils are among the cornerstone supplements for helping people improve their glucose metabolism and preventing diabetes.
The large scale NORVIT trial surprised the medical world by showed no meaningful cardiovascular benefit from lowering homocysteine with folic acid and B vitamins. Though the lead investigator confidently pronounced that the homocysteine hypothesis is dead, others are not so sure.
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