December 31, 2018 — Many consumers consider dietary supplements to be natural and, therefore, safe. In fact, the Council for Responsible Nutrition reported in 2017 that 87 percent of U.S. consumers have confidence that dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, oils, microbiome bacteria, and amino acids, are safe and effective. Unfortunately, their confidence may be a mistake […]
December 30, 2018 — The expectations are high. We are seeing some tantalizing research on the potential benefits of intermittent fasting. But as yet, we’re not seeing much in the way of definitive data on its effectiveness for delivering objective clinical outcomes. In fact, the latest controlled clinical trial paints the picture of a rather mundane miracle. In a […]
December 29, 2018 — Beware these words: I have a theory. Science defines theories as: Coherent groups of propositions formulated to explain a group of facts or phenomena in the natural world and repeatedly confirmed through experiment or observation. Writing in the New York Times, Stephen Kearse tells us that our present age of truth decay is distorting the meaning of […]
December 28, 2018 — As 2018 winds down, we have a chance to gratefully reflect on the fact that more than 100,000 users took the time to read some of the content we provided this year. No, this is surely not the New York Times. We admit that we have a very narrow focus. But given this narrow focus, […]
December 27, 2018 — How safe is a drug for type 2 diabetes that causes weight gain? This question pops up as we read a big new study of outcomes with second line drugs for type 2 diabetes. That’s because two types of drugs that cause weight gain – basal insulin and sulfonylureas – had a clear link to bad […]
December 26, 2018 — Sitting for Too Long Could Increase Your Risk of Dying – Even If You Exercise Are you sitting down? Then you may want to stand up to read this, as research from the U.S. has found that sitting for too long could increase your risk of dying – even if you exercise. The study found […]
December 25, 2018 — However you’re celebrating this holiday, we hope you’re feeling warm and well loved. Along with all those good feelings, no doubt some special food and celebrations may be coming your way. Holiday Cooking, Food, and Memories Jennifer Finney Boylan tells us that this holiday season is full of bittersweet memories. But cooking and eating can […]
December 24, 2018 — In all of the talk about the complications of obesity, much of the focus is on type 2 diabetes. But the health threat may be just as big – or even bigger – from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). And it can start at an early age. A big part of the problem is that it often goes […]
December 23, 2018 — It’s that time of year when cookies, cakes, candy, and treats show up at work, home, and every place in between. As researchers who have investigated obesity, people’s body image, and fast food and other nutritional topics we often get questions from people concerned about their weight and how they can avoid eating too much. […]
December 22, 2018 — Among American adults, 29 percent have high blood pressure. Less than half of them have it under control. But more than three quarters of them take blood pressure meds. By contrast, only one quarter of American adults get the exercise that’s recommended for good health. However, a new study in the British Journal of Sports […]
