Category Archives: nutrition

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world. They are the most common cause of seizures in the elderly, the second most common cause of dementia, and a frequent cause of major depression. In short, stroke is a burdensome—but preventable––brain disorder.   What Causes a Stroke? Strokes can killContinue reading “Eating for Stroke Prevention”

Meet Sylvia Klinger. We had the pleasure of interviewing her about food history and culture. Read on and enjoy her recipe for Jicama Mango Salad.     As an expert in cross-cultural Hispanic nutrition and health issues, how have you found food to tell a story and shape culture? In our Hispanic culture, food isContinue reading “Exploring Hispanic Cuisine with Sylvia Klinger”

What would happen within just two weeks after swapping the diets of Americans with those of healthier eaters?  Colon cancer is our second leading cancer killer, but some places, like rural Africa, have more than ten times lower rates than we do in the United States. How do we know it isn’t genetic? “Migrant studies,Continue reading “What Is the Best Diet for Preventing Colon Cancer? “

A low-fiber diet is a key driver of microbiome depletion, the disappearance of diversity in our good gut flora.  We have a hundred trillion microorganisms residing in our gut, give or take a few trillion, but the “spread of the Western lifestyle has been accompanied by microbial changes,” which may be contributing to our epidemicsContinue reading “What Are the Best Foods for Preventing Colon Cancer? “

What can millions of dollars in the hands of the lobbying industry do to shut down efforts to protect children?   For nearly half a century, there have been calls to ban the advertising of sugary cereals to children, a product that Harvard nutrition professor Jean Mayer referred to as “sugar-coated nothings.” In a SenateContinue reading “The Political Power of the Food Industry”

How does Dr. Greger pressure steam his greens?  In a review of more than one hundred articles about the effects of cooking on vegetables, researchers tried to find the sweet spot. On the one hand, heat can destroy certain nutrients, but on the other hand, softening the tissues can make them more bioavailable. Researchers settledContinue reading “Are Nutrients Preserved by Pressure Cooking?  “

Even those who test negative for cow’s milk allergy may have hypersensitivity reactions to dairy products.  Excessive spitting up and vomiting in infants may be treated by putting them down on their left side after meals—of course, never when sleeping. It’s always face-up to wake up to reduce the risk of crib death. Also, as IContinue reading “Treating Reflux in Kids with Diet “

How good is the evidence that flossing is effective? According to randomized controlled trials, what is the optimal toothbrushing and flossing sequence?  “Over the years, it has been generally accepted that the use of dental floss has a positive effect on removing plaque. The American Dental Association (ADA) even reports that up to 80% ofContinue reading “When Is the Best Time to Floss? “

What did double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials on berries and the first clinical study on the effects of berries on arthritis find?  How might berries improve human health, healthy aging, and quality of life? It may be due to their anti-inflammatory effects, since inflammation can be an underlying contributing factor in the “development, progression, and complication”Continue reading “Fighting Inflammation and Treating Osteoarthritis with Berries “

Given their oxalate content, how much is too much spinach, chard, beet greens, chaga mushroom powder, almonds, cashews, star fruit, and instant tea?  There was a tragic case in which a “green smoothie cleanse” shut down the kidneys of a woman who had had two cups of spinach a day for just ten days. ComplicatingContinue reading “High Oxalate Greens and Kidney Stones “