Category Archives: Conditions of the Endocrine System

Vegan Diet for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, or adult onset diabetes affects nearly 20 million Americans in the US today. The disease develops due to poor dietary and exercise habits, with some susceptibility linked to childhood and prenatal health. Most individuals with adult onset … Continue reading

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Cortisol Calms Phobias

A phobia is an excessive fear of an object or fearful situation. The corticosteroids, cortisol or cortisone (stress hormones), are released during fearful situations. Previous findings suggest that high levels of cortisol or cortisone may inhibit fearful memories. Now research … Continue reading

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Health Benefits of Low Fat Dairy

The popularity of dairy products as a mean to lose weight is apparent every time we turn on the TV or drive by a billboard. Got milk seems to be a catch phrase for the last decade. Not surprisingly, all … Continue reading

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Heart Disease Risk Escalates in Diabetics

There are two main forms of diabetes mellitus (DM). Type 1 DM is most always diagnosed early in life and results from a lack of insulin production by the pancreas. Type 2 DM (adult onset) is usually diagnosed later in … Continue reading

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Clozapine and Metabolic Disorder

An effective treatment for schizophrenia and similar mental disorders may increase patients risk for Metabolic Syndrome. Clozapine, a very useful, widely prescribed anti-psychotic medication may be associated with disorders of the endocrine system. Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by obesity, high cholesterol … Continue reading

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Decaf Coffee Protects Against Diabetes

Numerous studies have shown benefits for coffee consumption from protecting the against diseases of the heart, brain, and diabetes. It has been thought, not proven, that this benefit was due to the caffeine in coffee, but a new study proves … Continue reading

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Americans At Increased Risk For Diabetes

The risk of developing diabetes is directly linked to weight. Those individuals who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop diabetes. This risk factor is independant of any family history, dietary habits, or lifestyle factors. Simply put, the … Continue reading

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Transcendental Meditation Improves Risk Factors Associated with Heart Disease

Individuals with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) are often on a list of prescription medications to treat a variety of complaints including high blood pressure, high blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) and high blood sugar (diabetes). In some cases these medications … Continue reading

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Can Exercise Help Diabetes?

Research reports that inactivity may cause type 2 diabetes. Continue reading

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Diabetes and Heart Disease

Diabetes has increased worldwide to epidemic proportions. The leading cause of death among diabetics is heart disease. Now research reports that the diabetes epidemic threatens the nationwide trend to decreased heart disease.
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Pancreatic Cancer May be Linked to Insulin

Finding ways to prevent pancreatic cancer appears to be a more practical approach. Smoking, aging and obesity have been shown to increase the incidence of pancreatic cancer. Now a new study shows that insulin and glucose metabolism may also be involved.
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Dangers Associated With New Diabetes Drug

An article appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2005;294:2581-2586) reviews the results of the 5 clinical trials sponsored by the drug maker which are now required by the FDA to be publicly disclosed.
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This Nutrient Helps Thyroid Problems?

Research reports that carnitine may help both hypo- and hyperthyroidism. Continue reading

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Healthy Lifestyle Still The Best

Research reports that following the four healthy lifestyle habits has a cumulative protective effect, and is associated with an 80 percent lowered risk of chronic diseases. Continue reading

Posted in Cancer, Conditions of the Endocrine System, Conditions of the Respiratory System, Diet and Nutrition | Tagged disease prevention, healthy lifestyle | Leave a comment
 

Diabetes? Try Yoga

Research reports that yoga nidra may reduce the symptoms of diabetes and help control blood glucose levels. Continue reading

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Prevent Diabetes With These Foods

Research reports that omega 3 ALA from plant foods may lower the risk of diabetes. Continue reading

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New Discovery: Master Obesity Gene Found

  The obesity rate has been skyrocketing in the U.S. and worldwide. Obesity has put a huge toll on the healthcare system. Experts have estimated that about 325,000 deaths in the U.S. per year are linked to obesity, which makes … Continue reading

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Combat Diabetes with Resveratrol?

  Resveratrol is a potent polyphenol antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes and red wine, as well as other plant foods like blueberries and nuts. Previous studies suggest that resveratrol has anti-inflammatory effects, heart benefits and anti-cancer effects. … Continue reading

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Smoking Linked to Diabetes

Cigarettes contain numerous carcinogens that increase the risk for developing cancer. They contribute to oxidative damage in the body, affecting every major organ system. And now research points to a link between cigarette smoke and diabetes.
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Sleep Length and Diabetes

Getting too little sleep over the short term is known to cause glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Glucose intolerance and insulin resistance occur when the body can’t effectively use insulin and may predispose individuals to diabetes. Additionally, newer research reports that getting too little or too much sleep over the long-term may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
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Insoluble Fiber and Diabetes

A study published in Diabetes Care this March shows that insoluble fiber may be an effective addition to treatment for diabetes, particularly type 2 or adult onset.
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Potassium Iodide Only For Nuclear Emergency

Since Japan’s earthquake and nuclear crisis, there has been an increased demand worldwide for a salt called potassium iodide.  Radioactive iodine is one of the dangerous contaminants released by a nuclear reactor meltdown. It accumulates in the thyroid gland and … Continue reading

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Warning: Potassium Iodide Only For Nuclear Emergency

Since Japan’s earthquake and nuclear crisis, there has been an increased demand worldwide for a salt called potassium iodide.  Radioactive iodine is one of the dangerous contaminants released by a nuclear reactor meltdown. It accumulates in the thyroid gland and … Continue reading

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Chromium and Diabetes

A new study published in the March issue of Diabetes Care shows that chromium alone is not sufficient treatment for poorly controlled diabetes.
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New Discovery: Fish Oil’s Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil consist of biologically active EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Fish oil is known to have anti-inflammatory benefits although the mechanism is not fully understood. Now research reports the discovery of a … Continue reading

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Vitamin D Screening in Diabetics

Three out of five diabetics are deficient in Vitamin D. This fact carries with it serious consequences if not adequately addressed or diagnosed.
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These Vitamins Combat Diabetes

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently projected that 1 in 3 Americans could have type 2 diabetes by 2050. Now research reports that supplemental vitamin C and calcium are associated with lower diabetes risk. Vitamin C … Continue reading

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Health Effects of Too Much Insulin

Glucose that is taken up by the cells as a response to insulin is mostly stored as triglycerides or fats. As excess insulin is secreted, more fat is stored, and we gain weight.
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Warning: Diabetes Epidemic Can Affect Half of Americans by 2020

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in the U.S. and the seventh leading cause of death. The number of people with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. has tripled to more than 26 million Americans. Furthermore, over 67 … Continue reading

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Mediterranean Diet Slashes Diabetes Risk by 50%

The traditional Mediterranean diet is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, olive oil, and nuts, and low in red meat and high fat dairy. Previous studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet may help prevent heart disease, … Continue reading

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Carotenoids, Sugar Metabolism, and Diabetes

In a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(3):685-693), carotenoids are believed to be linked to decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improving how the body handles sugars.
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Diabetes Awareness Month Spotlights Vitamin K

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month spotlighting diabetes prevention and resources. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently projected that 1 in 3 Americans could have type 2 diabetes by 2050. Now research reports that vitamin K … Continue reading

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When Should You Take Dietary Supplements?

Your supplement program will be most effective if you follow these simple guidelines.
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Posted in Aging, Children's Health, Conditions of the Bone, Conditions of the Brain, Conditions of the Circulatory System, Conditions of the Ear, Nose and Throat, Conditions of the Endocrine System, Conditions of the Respiratory System, Conditions of the Skin, Diet and Nutrition, Dietary Supplements, Eye/Ocular Health, Fitness, Gastrointestinal (GI) Health, Men's Health, Misc., Women's Health | Leave a comment
 

CDC Warns Diabetes May Triple by 2050

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and is known to increase the risk for heart disease and other serious diseases. The number of people with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. has tripled in the … Continue reading

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Inflammatory Diet Linked to Diabetes

A large study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(3):675-684) outlines a specific dietary pattern that is linked to chronic inflammation and diabetes.
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Carotenoids and Type 2 Diabetes

The September (2005) issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a trial in Australia that examined the relationship between carotenoid intake and the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
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Season as a Prognostic Factor in Outcome of Hodgkins Lymphoma

There has been preliminary evidence that the seasonal variation of Vitamin D may affect the outcome of certain cancers, including Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
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Diabetes? Try Tai Chi

Tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, has been shown to reduce stress as well as improve strength, flexibility and balance. Now research reports that tai chi may help improve type 2 diabetes symptoms. Chronic inflammation is associated with diabetes … Continue reading

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Is Bariatric Surgery a Weight Loss and Diabetes Fix?

Bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach and bypasses a portion of the small intestine. This limits food intake and reduces digestion and calorie absorption. Although the surgery is used for treatment of extremely obese people, it may also … Continue reading

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Can Mindfulness Meditation Benefit Diabetics?

Previous studies suggest that meditation can decrease stress and lower blood pressure. Now research reports that mindfulness meditation may benefit diabetics. Mindfulness is a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and actions in the present moment. Researchers believe that chronic stress and anxiety … Continue reading

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Take Diabetes Drug Avandia At Your Own Risk?

A panel of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisers recommend the controversial diabetes drug Avandia be allowed to stay on the market. However, the panel advise additional warnings of heart risks and restrictions on use. The FDA usually follows recommendations … Continue reading

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Muscle Loss Linked to Diabetes

Sarcopenia is muscle loss often found in obese or older adults. Now research reports that low muscle mass is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers suggest that sarcopenia may have negative effects on glucose (sugar) … Continue reading

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Corn Syrup, Low Fiber Intake, and Type II Diabetes

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004;79(5):774-779) comes as no surprise, demonstrating that increased consumption of refined sugars and decreased intake of fiber is associated with developing type 2 diabetes.
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Vitamin D and Insulin Resistance

Because type II diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, research into the role of nutrients in development of this debilitating disease is blooming. Not much is known about the function of vitamin D in glucose metabolism.
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Whey Protein Beneficial in Type II Diabetes

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(1):69-75) shows that the addition of a whey protein supplement reduces the rise in postprandial glucose and increases insulin secretion in Type 2 diabetics.
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Probiotics Improve Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome, also known as Syndrome X, is a condition linked to heart disease and diabetes. Symptoms include obesity (especially around the waist), high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance. Now research reports that probiotics may improve metabolic … Continue reading

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Coffee May Reduce Type II Diabetes Risks

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2005;294(1):97-104) indicates that moderate to high coffee consumption may reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes mellitus.
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Bilberries Cut Diabetes Risk

Bilberries (a fruit related to blueberries) are rich in flavonoid antioxidants including anthocyanins and flavonols.  Previous studies suggest that these flavonoids may promote vision and brain health. Now research reports that bilberries can lower blood glucose (sugar) levels and diabetes … Continue reading

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Glycemic Control and Eye Health in Diabetics

A study published in the July issue of Cornea investigated the effects of strict glycemic control on refractive eye changes in diabetics.
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Chocolate Lowers Diabetes and Blood Pressure Risks

Previous research has shown that flavanol antioxidants, a class of polyphenols found in chocolate, fruits, vegetables, red wine, and green tea, may contribute to heart health and boost immunity. Now a study reports that daily supplementation with antioxidant-rich dark chocolate may reduce the risk of hypertension and diabetes.
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Gut Bacteria Linked to Diabetes

Probiotics such as acidophilus and bacillus are beneficial bacteria found in the gut (intestines). Probiotics are known to help support GI (gastrointestinal) health and immunity. Now for the first time research reports that gut bacteria of diabetics differs from non-diabetics. … Continue reading

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Thyroid Disease Linked to Pesticides

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, secretes thyroid hormones regulating growth, development and metabolic functions. In hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone. In hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) the thyroid gland produces too much … Continue reading

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Lifestyle Changes Help Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes and metabolic syndrome have been rapidly increasing in the U.S. and Europe. The symptoms of metabolic syndrome include obesity (especially around the waist), high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance. Millions of people are at risk for … Continue reading

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Type 2 Diabetics, Cholesterol, and Plant Sterols

The June issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a small double blind randomized study that tested the efficacy of plant sterols against placebo in Type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
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Mediterranean Diet Helps Eliminate Diabetes Drugs

Previous studies show the Mediterranean diet offers protection against heart disease, various forms of cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Now research reports that a low carb Mediterranean Diet reduced the need for prescription drugs in overweight patients with type … Continue reading

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Thyroid Cancer Increasing

Although overall cancer rates are falling, thyroid cancer incidence has been rising. For the past three decades, studies have shown that thyroid cancer rates are increasing about 6% a year. More aggressive screening may be one explanation for the rise. … Continue reading

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Cranberry for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections

A review published in American Family Physician (2004;70:2175-77) concluded that “cranberry appears to be a safe, herbal choice for UTI prophylaxis and has relatively good tolerability.”
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Calcium and Risk of Renal Stone Formation

A study from the Mahidol University in Bangkok investigated the effect of calcium supplementation in a sub-population of men who do not consume high levels of oxalate foods.
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Magnesium Affects Diabetes Risk in Children

Childhood obesity, currently at epidemic proportions in the US, is a leading cause of pediatric type 2 diabetes. Now research reports that magnesium deficiency in obese children is associated with an increased risk of diabetes.
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Lycopene Lowers Pancreatic Cancer Risk

Previous studies have indicated that the carotenoid, lycopene, may reduce the risk of cancer and macular degeneration. Research now reports that lycopene lowers the risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer.
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Pycnogenol Lowers Glucose in Diabetics

Pycnogenol, the extract of French Maritime pine bark, is a proanthocyanidin (PCO) flavonoid known for its potent antioxidant benefits. New findings report that pycnogenol may have glucose-lowering effects in diabetics.
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Low Carb Diet Improves Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetics

A recent study published in the March issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine sought to clearly define the effects of a low carb diet on body weight, body water, energy intake and expenditure, glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and lipid levels.
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Ginkgo Biloba May Prove Beneficial for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

A study from the University of Texas measured the antioxidant effects of Ginkgo for three months in a population of adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Fish Oils for Acute Pancreatitis

A study published in Clinical Nutrition researched the effects of enteral polyunsaturated fatty acids (fish oil) on patients with acute pancreatitis.
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Exposure To Excessive Iodine Levels, Total Thyroid Volume, and Children

A study published in the April issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition investigated the intake of dietary iodine in children from five different continents; aiming to study the effects of iodine consumption on the total volume of the thyroid gland.
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