Heart Health
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What are the factors affecting Nitric Oxide formation?
By Beth Shirley, RPh, CCN
With a profusion of consumer nitric oxide products out there, it’s nice to know that we’ve garnered the sponsorship of a truly science-based NO booster. Berkeley Life cares about the research, and has formulated a real physician-quality supplement that reliably…read more
Categories: Heart Health
Fish oil supplements are good. No, worthless. Wait—they work!
By Dr. Ronald Hoffman
Amidst the excitement over a major research group’s vindication of meat last week (NYTimes: “Eat Less Red Meat, Scientists Said. Now Some Believe That Was Bad Advice”), news of another stunning reversal was eclipsed. “Omega-3 fish oil supplements linked with lower…read more
Categories: Heart Health
Leyla Weighs In: The dangers of very low cholesterol
By Leyla Muedin MS, RD, CDN
Cholesterol is not a foe in and of itself. Here’s why: Cholesterol is a necessary substance in our bodies. It’s part of all of our cell membranes—the phospholipid membrane. As much as 80 percent of cholesterol is produced by the…read more
Categories: Heart Health
The weak case against saturated fats
By Dr. Ronald Hoffman
Saturated fats continue to be demonized by health “authorities.” The American Heart Association persists in recommending: “Eat an overall healthy dietary pattern that emphasizes: a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish.” It urges…read more
Categories: Heart Health
A cup of blueberries a day keeps the doctor away
By Dr. Ronald Hoffman
In a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition researchers demonstrated the benefits of eating a cup of freeze-dried blueberries every day. The subjects were overweight or clinically obese (with BMI > 25), ages 50-75, all with three or…read more
Categories: Heart Health
Ask Leyla: Should I be taking daily aspirin, even without a doctor’s recommendation?
By Leyla Muedin MS, RD, CDN
Q: What are the benefits or dangers of long-term aspirin use for stroke prevention? If it is of benefit, what does it actually do, and if it is not a good idea, why? A: Aspirin is probably the most widely…read more
Categories: Heart Health
Ask Leyla: What does my elevated LDL say about my heart risk?
By Leyla Muedin MS, RD, CDN
Q: I am a 71-year young man in excellent condition. At my last physical, my HDL was 63, triglycerides 55, and LDL is 173. I’ve been told this is on the high side for LDL. How do I reduce my…read more
Categories: Heart Health
Quiz: How well do you know your heart?
By Dr. Ronald Hoffman
February is Heart Health month, and today is Valentine’s Day, so there’s no better time to check up on how well you know your heart! Answer the questions below to find out if you’re a heart health aficionado, or if…read more
Categories: Heart Health
Does this statin make me look fat?
By Dr. Ronald Hoffman
It’s been conclusively demonstrated that people who take cholesterol-lowering statin drugs—especially women—are more prone to Type 2 diabetes, the kind associated with being overweight. So much so that the FDA issued a black box warning saying that statin drugs could…read more
Categories: Heart Health
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Though we think of declining estrogen as the hallmark of menopause, it's actually common for…
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Up to 12 percent of Americans have ulcers at some point in life. Peptic ulcers…
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Gallbladder disease is a modern illness. An estimated 20 million Americans have gallbladder disease. The…
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Q: My mother is otherwise healthy, takes no medications and walks daily for exercise, but she…
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More mask misdirection (and some possible clarity): I’m finally getting a handle on this mask…
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We are living in unprecedented and unpredictable times. It seems every day brings new recommendations…