Calcium Supplements and Kidney Stones

by Theodora on July 22, 2011

Findings of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) has linked calcium supplements to kidney stones. Researchers took a second look at the WHI data on 36,282 postmenopausal women, half of whom were randomly assigned to take 1,000 mg of calcium carbonate and 400 IU of vitamin D for 7 years; the rest got a placebo. Initially the women all averaged about 1,145 mg of daily calcium from diet and supplements, close to the recommended 1,200 mg for women over 50. Those in the supplement group boosted their intake to at least 1,800 mg daily – and were 17% more likely to develop kidney stones than the control group. Calcium is a factor in the formation of most kidney stones, although dietary calcium has also been shown to fight stone formation. An accompanying editorial advised, “Optimal calcium intake can be achieved while minimizing kidney stone risk by the use of dietary calcium sources and the avoidance of calcium supplements.”
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Source-Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter 7/15/11

**Ladies – It is truly important to get your calcium levels checked by a physician with a 24 hour urine output test. Blood levels don’t tell the whole story.

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Losing sleep causes dieters to lose muscle more than fat

by Theodora on July 22, 2011

An article in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a study from UIC regarding the effect of sleep and weight management. Ten overweight males and females were studied with the same diet over 2 weeks, but with different sleep schedules. The participants slept 8.5 hours/night during week 1, and 5.5 hours/night during week 2.

The results?

8.5 hours/night of sleep resulted in over 50% of weight loss from fat, while 5.5.hours sleep/night resulted in only around 25% of weight loss from fat.

Just more proof that getting enough rest and sleep needs to become a priority in our routine along with diet and exercise. It is an important factor in keeping our body fat and muscle mass at a healthy ratio.

Source-Life Extensions 12/10

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An Apple A Day…….

by Theodora on July 14, 2011

We’ve all heard the saying  ’An apple a day keeps the doctor away’.

Apples can stand up to that quote more than you know. Research has shown that apples, ESPECIALLY eaten WITH THE SKIN,  are downright packed with antioxidants, nutrients, fiber, flavonoids, and phytochemicals. The apple’s skin contains something called  triterpenoids, which have been found to have powerful anti-cancer activity against breast, colon and liver cancer. The skin and the inside of the apple together, have been found to help prevent health problems including cardiovascular disease, asthma, lung cancer, Alzheimer’s and dementia, and excess weight.

*     An average apple contains 5 grams of fiber. Research has shown that for every 10 grams of fiber added to a diet,  there  is a 14% reduction in heart illness.

*    The flavonoid phlorizidin, found only in apples, may help prevent osteoporosis and may increase bone density in post-menopausal women.

*   Pregnant women who eat apples may protect their children from developing  asthma. The apple was the only food recorded with a consistent protective correlation against lung disease. The children of moms who ate 4 apples a  week  had a 53% lower chance of having doctor-confirmed asthma.

*  A recent study at Cornell University discovered quercetin, an antioxidant,  may protect brain cells against oxidative stress, a factor associated with Alzheimers.

APPLE GUIDES

-The freshest apples are available September through November.

-Pick apples that are firm, undented, have a shiny skin and fresh fragrance.

-Golden Delicious are considered the best all purpose apple; Granny Smith and Rome are great for baking; and Red Delicious and Fuji make wonderful salads.

-To prevent apples from browning inside after they’re cut, squeeze a little citrus juice (lemon, lime, orange) on them immediately.

-Store apples in a cool dark place like a plastic bag in the crisper of the fridge.

And hey, the next time you see your doctor, share an apple:)

Source – Life Extensions 7/11

 

 

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