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Acupuncture moistens a dry mouth
Created on 9/16/2008
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of illnesses, but only in recent decades have Western conventional medical doctors begun to explore its potential benefits for patients in the US. Studies using a special type of "x-ray," called functional magnetic resonance imaging, have shown that acupuncture stimulates specific areas of the brain related to certain functions. Incredible as it may seem, inserting a fine needle at a specific point on one's index finger may help moisten a dry mouth, a potentially uncomfortable situation that can affect the taste of food. While more research is needed, it is possible that acupuncture could be of help to people experiencing dry mouth from Sjogren's syndrome, or even from changes related to radiation therapy that was directed towards the head and neck. How acupuncture "works" has yet to be agreed upon, but that it does offer therapeutic benefits in specific situations is beyond a doubt.
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Low-carb or low-fat for weight loss? It depends...
Created on 9/16/2008
In a 2-year trial that compared 3 different diets (low-fat and restricted calorie, Mediterranean and restricted calorie, low-carbohydrate and NON-restricted calorie) among people classified as being "moderately obese," the greatest degree of weight loss occurred in the low-carbohydrate diet group (followed closely by those in the Mediterranean diet group). Participants with diabetes seemed to do better with the Mediterranean-type diet (they had lower fasting blood glucose levels).
The main point of the study is not that we all should be following one type of diet; rather, the idea is that each of has unique tastes and our own special metabolic demands. One person may be very sensitive to carbohydrates whereas the next may not be. Any one of the 3 diets examined helped people lose weight, so if you desire to lose weight, one of these diets might be good for you. To determine which might be best for you, however, speak wth your doctor and / or nutritionist.
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More reason to be "trans fat free"
Created on 9/2/2008
Trans fat, as can be found in many fried or baked goods, margarine and vegetable shortening, are clearly not good for us. Studies have shown that trans fat can increase inflammation throughout the body and raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. Now comes new research showing that regular intake of foods high in trans fat can also put us at risk for colon polyps. The good news is that the food industry has responded to these health concerns in recent years by moving away from trans fat on their menus and in their products. One important way to limit intake of trans fat is to read food labels carefully (and Harris Teeter Wellness Keys), another is to avoid fast food.
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