Studies show that certain foods can increase your chances of longevity by decreasing the risk factors associated with the top diseases plaguing Americans.  Here are some tips to increase your chances of living longer.

BEANS:

There are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States. While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.7 million people (or nearly one quarter) are unaware that they have the disease.

Studies have shown that people who eat a high-fiber diet lowered their risk of diabetes by 30 percent. Foods high in fiber take longer to digest, which means that insulin is created slowly, preventing blood sugar spikes.

PISTACHIOS:

About 400 million people around the world are classified by the World Health Organization as obese. In a study done by Swedish researchers, men who had been overweight at 18 were one third more likely to die prematurely compared to their normal-weight peers. The study of 45, 920 men over an average 38 years underlines the dangers of being overweight and the need to tackle a growing obesity epidemic.

This nut can help! Pistachios are known as “the skinny nut” because they contain two key nutrients which help stave off hunger: Fiber and protein. Pistachios are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids as well. Omega-3’s prevent platelets in the blood from clumping together and sticking to arterial walls in the form of plaque. They also drive down triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Researchers suspect that omega-3’s may block the production of inflammatory substances linked to arthritis and lupus.

Get cracking! Whether you’re at the office, ballpark or hanging with the guys, stick with pistachio nuts.

EDAMAMES:

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. One out of every six men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime, and one out of every 35 men will die of this disease.

Researchers from Japan’s National Cancer Center found that increased intake of soy isoflavones significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer in men by as much as 50 percent.  Soy isoflavones help reduce testosterone, which is the hormone that may increase prostate cancer risk.

While dining with your wife or taking your family out for Japenese food, order some edamame to the table, which are boosting with soy. If that’s not your thing, opt for the miso soup.  If you’re in the car, grab a Soy Joy, which is not only packed with healthy soy proteins, but filled with essential vitamins and minerals.

COFFEE:

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia among the elderly. As of February 2009, as many as 2.4 to 4.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.

Is your morning cup of joe what gets you through the busy work day? According to the April, 2009 publication of Tufts Newsletter, a new study by Finnish and Swedish researchers reported that people who drink between three to five cups of coffee a day in midlife could be cutting their risk of Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease by 65 percent.

Some studies have also shown that coffee helps protect the nervous system, which can also protect against dementia.  Due to the fact that the average American drinks more than three and half cups of coffee daily, these results can have imperative implications for the prevention or delay of the onset of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.

If three cups of coffee seems like one-too-many for you, don’t worry — have a skim cappuccino with breakfast or dessert, or grab an iced latte mid-afternoon. These sweet coffee treats will get you through the day. 

ALCOHOL:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States today. Seventy million Americans suffer from some form of CVD. 

A study by Harvard University researchers suggests that, moderate drinking was associated with a lower risk of heart attack. Those who had one-half to two drinks a day had the lowest heart attack risk — 40 percent to 60 percent lower than healthy men who didn’t drink. And that was true no matter whether they were drinking beer, wine or liquor. In addition, in a recent British study, they found that moderate alcohol consumption along with a healthy lifestyle added 14 years to life, compared with men and women who did not adopt these behaviors.

Do we need to say how to incorporate more alcohol in your diet? Just don’t get carried away doing shots with the guys.

SKIM MILK:

Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects 2.5 million people worldwide.

Consuming sources of vitamin D like skim milk, eggs and sardines will help reduce the risk factors associated with MS.  According to researchers at Oxford University, northern countries, which have less sunlight, tend to have a higher incidence of MS. The study proves that vitamin D controls the activity of a gene that increases the odds of MS. Vitamin D attacks the fatty sheath that insulates the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, reducing one’s risk of MS.

Switch from whole milk to skim milk and save on almost half the calories and eight grams of fat. Add skim milk to your coffee, smoothies and cereal bowls.

ONIONS:

According to researchers at the University of California’s School of Public Health, the healthiest people were those who consumed substantial dietary vitamin C on a daily basis.

There has been more research about the immune-boosting effects of vitamin C than perhaps any other nutrient. Vitamin C increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies, as well as levels of interferon — the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses.

What’s a burger without sautéed onions?? Grill up some onions for your burgers and steaks and eat your way to a healthier life.

BANANAS:

Until the age of 55, more men suffer from high blood pressure than do women.

Research suggests that foods rich in potassium can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. The evidence is so convincing that the Food and Drug Administration recently allowed food labels to bear a health claim about the connection between potassium-rich foods and blood pressure.

Not only are bananas an amazing post-workout snack, but they are great to eat any time of day. Slice up some bananas into your morning bowl of oatmeal or cereal.  Blend bananas into a fruit smoothie or as a delicious dessert, or enjoy dark chocolate frozen bananas.

CHOCOLATE:

High cholesterol puts men at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease. For many men, the risk of high cholesterol starts in their 20s and increases with age. High cholesterol tends to run in families, so obviously genes play a role. But a variety of lifestyle factors also affect cholesterol levels ― including diet, activity level, and body weight

According to Dutch researchers, men whom consumed cocoa lowered their risk of dying from heart disease by 50 percent compared to those who did not eat cocoa. Cocoa contains chemicals called flavanols, which have been linked to lower blood pressure and improve function of the cells lining the blood vessels.

How exciting is this? Something that you grew up on can actually help reduce your cholesterol! 

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

Soy is not just recommended for women!  Scientific consensus supports soy as a part of a healthful lifestyle, and experts agree that soy is safe and healthy for men to consume in moderate amounts each day (2-3 servings daily).  Soy is a rich source of isoflavones, substances that mimic the effects of the female hormone estrogen — leading to concerns of whether or not this will have adverse effects on the male hormone.  Not only do researchers say there is no evidence of this when soy is eaten in moderation, but there are numerous studies showing the positive effects of soy on men’s health. 

Soy doesn’t just reduce cholesterol, but according to studies done at Tulane University, by bulking up on soy protein, you can lower your blood pressure. Soy may help by providing amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonin, tryptophan and valine) that expand blood vessels. Researchers from several Universities have concluded that adding 25 grams of soy protein to your daily diet helps lower the most damaging form of blood cholesterol — low-density lipoprotein (LDL) — by up to about10 percent.

In addition, Researchers from Japan’s National Cancer Center found that increased intake of soy isoflavones significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 50 percent. If all this isnt enough to convince you to bite into a soy burger, there has been evidence that soy can minimize hair loss, keep blood sugar levels stable and help with overall digestive health.

Soy is a must have for everyone. Soy is good for the heart because it is high in soy protein and fiber, contains heart-healthy fats, and is low in saturated fat. Soy is an all natural nutrient-rich food delivering high-quality protein, carbohydrates and fiber. It is also full of essential vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, iron and bone-building calcium.

With soy’s increase in popularity, manufacturers have been producing more soy products to receive these amazing health benefits. Below are some ways to incorporate soy into your daily diet:

Breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start your morning off right. Soy milk  enhances any cereal or oatmeal. If that doesn’t do it for you, combine a low-fat soy yogurt with a high-fiber cereal and berries for a breakfast that will leave you satiated throughout the day.

Lunch: You don’t have to clog your arteries with a high-fat meal like pizza or cheeseburgers. Enjoy a whole grain veggie sandwich with melted soy cheese or soy burgers on whole-wheat buns with all the fixings. You can also toss soy-filled edamames into your salad for some added soy protein.

Snack: When you’re on-the-go, avoid the mid-afternoon crash with some soy nuts. Smear a tablespoon or two of soy nut butter on an apple or whole-wheat crackers. These snacks will fill you up without filling you out.

Dinner:  Start your meal off with a soy-based miso soup, which will help keep you full until you get to your main dish. Try opting for a tofu stir fry which will tantalize your taste buds. Get creative and add soy cheese crumbles to your favorite pasta dishes.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

If your goal is to lose weight without hunger, improve your energy, and reduce your risk of disease the solution is here.  Two-thirds of American adults are overweight, half of them obese.  After a decade of low-fat and low-carb diets, Americans are heavier than ever. With The F-Factor Diet, you won’t focus on which foods you must omit, instead you focus on adding food into your diet in order to lose weight and keep it off. 

What is fiber and why should we eat it?
Fiber has zero calories (it’s the indigestible part of carbohydrates).  After a decade of banishing carbs from your diet, The F-Factor Diet teaches you how to eat carbs and still lose weight!  While the calories on the F-Factor Diet are low (which is ultimately what leads to weight loss), you would never know it because the fiber-rich foods keep you feeling so full. 

There are numerous benefits to eating more fiber beyond just losing weight. Studies show that fiber-rich foods not only help you to lose weight but increase your chances of longevity. High-fiber diets alleviate constipation and reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, adult onset diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer and hypertension. 

Dietary fiber comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble.  Although you should get both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet every day, there is no need to fixate on one type or the other. Because most whole plant foods contain both types of fiber, just increasing your intake of foods high in total fiber will provide you with beneficial amounts of both.  Soluble fiber swells in your stomach, providing bulk and giving you a feeling of fullness. Good sources of soluble fiber include dried beans and legumes, oatmeal, oat bran, barley and citrus fruits. Soluble fiber also has cholesterol-lowering properties because it acts like a sponge, absorbing cholesterol and pulling it out of your body.  Insoluble fiber, usually referred to as roughage, includes the woody or structural parts of plants such as broccoli, apples, wheat bran, and whole-grain cereals. Insoluble fiber tends to speed up the passage of material through the digestive tract and help reduce the risk of colon cancer and diverticular disease. It is often referred to as “nature’s broom.”

How much fiber should we be consuming?
Despite the ADA (American Dietetic Association) recommendation that Americans eat 30-35g of fiber per day, the typical American only eats 9-11g of fiber per day.  People often think of fiber as dry and tasteless, but currently fiber is being touted as a wonder-nutrient. Now, one could integrate fiber into their diets by choking down tall glasses of Metamucil, but that’s certainly not the most pleasant — or tasty — way to get one’s fiber. Take a look below at a before and after sample day of delicious meals with fiber:

                                                            Calories          Fiber (g)

BREAKFAST

Typical Breakfast

Granola (1/2 cup)                                  230                   3

Sliced banana                                            90                    2

Total                                                          320                  5

High-Fiber Breakfast

Fiber One cereal (1/2 cup)                60                     14

Blueberries (3/4 cup)                          60                     5

Total                                                         120                  19

 Fight food cravings with high-fiber cereal.

 LUNCH

Typical Lunch

Turkey sandwich on white

bread with mayonnaise                          265                   0

Potato Chips (1 oz)                                    150                   0

Total                                                             365                  0

High-Fiber Lunch

Turkey sandwich on whole-

wheat bread with

lettuce, tomato and

mustard                                                  195                   10

Soy chips (1 oz)                                     70                     2

Total                                                    265                  12

 Fiber and protein at every meal makes losing weight no big deal.

SNACK

Typical Snack

2 oz. pretzels                                      230                   0

Total                                                    230                  0

 High-Fiber Snack

1 oz. pistachios                                  65                   3

8 dried apricot halves                   60                     4

Total                                                   225                  7

 High-fiber snacks fill you up without filling you out.

DINNER

Typical Chinese Takeout

Wonton Soup                                        125                   0

Kung Pao Chicken                                1170                 4

White Rice (1 cup)                                240                   1

Total                                                    1535                5

High-Fiber Chinese Takeout

Vegetable Soup                                     40                     2

Chicken and Broccoli                          250                   6

Brown Rice (1 cup)                               240                   4

Total                                                        530                  12

 Avoid late-night snacking with a high-fiber dinner.

 TOTAL DAY (From meals above)

Typical Day                                         2450 Calories             10g Fiber

High-Fiber Day                                   1140                            50g Fiber

 The more fiber a food has, the fuller you feel, making you less likely to overeat throughout the day.  In addition, most high-fiber foods have few calories.  Eating high-fiber foods is the secret to losing weight without hunger.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

Potatoes are healthier than people think. Potatoes contain more potassium than a banana, vitamin C, fiber and even protein. The only problem is that many people often prepare potatoes in unhealthy ways. People mostly choose to fry them up, drown them in cheese or mash them with fattening butter and cream and since potatoes don’t contain fat or cholesterol, why would you add it to them?

Stuffed Baked Potato:
The key is to look for healthy toppers. Filling your baked potato with vegetables is a healthy way to add even more vitamins, without adding fat. Instead of using full-fat sour cream, mozzarella cheese or cheddar use their low-fat or fat-free alternatives to save on half the calories and fat. Use salsa for a bold topper —  you’ll crank up your metabolism. Capsaicin, the substance that gives kick to peppers and chilis, has a thermogenic effect, meaning it causes the body to burn extra calories for 20 minutes after you eat them. 

Baked Fries:
A typical serving of French fries — which usually takes a bath in vegetable oil — can contain about 600 calories. Your healthiest bet would be to spray Pam calorie-free, non-stick cooking spray on a roasting pan. Slice your potatoes and add salt and pepper and any seasonings you like. For a metabolism kick try making spicy fries. Studies have shown that spices like cayenne pepper can speed up your heart rate and metabolism.  Eating a very spicy meal can actually speed up the metabolism by about 25 percent for up to 3 hours.

Mashed Potatoes:
This is one of the most classic comfort foods, however once it is mashed with butter and cream and the gravy is poured on top, you have a creamy bowl or artery clogging fat. Most of the nutrients that are found in potatoes are located in the skin. Therefore to increase the amount of vitamins and minerals, leave the skin on. Use skim milk, roasted garlic and onions, and a little parmesan cheese instead of whole milk and butter.

Potato Salad:
What’s a party without a potato salad? One cup of this salad contains as many calories as half your daily requirement.  Food for thought, one tablespoon of mayonnaise contains 90 calories and 10 grams of fat. Let’s be honest, usually the potatoes are dripping in mayonnaise. For a creamy, rich flavor and an added boost of protein, use non-fat Greek yogurt as the base to save on half the calories and fat. If you must use mayonnaise, switch to low-fat versions. Substitute an artificial sweetener like Splenda in place of sugar. Add chopped veggies for an added boost of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Soups:
Instead of opting for a creamy-based potato soup, opt for a broth-based hearty vegetable one. The hearty mix of potatoes and other vegetables will fill you up on few calories. You can also add in some lean meat for a hearty fiber-filled meal that will keep you full without filling you out.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

In the past few years, omega-3 fatty acids have become increasingly popular with their numerous amounts of health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids work as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps reverse the processes of heart disease, cancer and many other conditions.  As of Monday, April 13th, new research has just been added to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on the effects of walnuts and fish on heart disease.

Researchers from Loma Linda University concluded that in healthy individuals walnuts lowered cholesterol more than fish, while fatty fish lowered triglyceride levels ultimately both reducing the overall risk of coronary heart disease. This study was conducted to show everyone including the healthiest of people how imperative and easy it is to simply add walnuts and fatty fish to their daily diet.

The American heart association recommends eating fish 3 times a week to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. Using this as a guideline, the researchers found that healthy people who included fatty fish twice a week, decreased triglyceride levels by 11.4 percent. In addition, adding 1.5 ounces of walnuts to their eating regimen lowered their LDL levels by 9.3 percent compared to a control diet based on USDA recommendations. Studies have shown that walnuts can significantly reduce blood cholesterol. Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and they also help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic.

Some of the highest levels of omega-3 fats can be found fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon.  The reason for this being, that fish is a good source of protein and doesn’t have the high saturated fat like ones found in fatty meats.  

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

Today I want to comment on a news piece from the New York Post about Dr. Malcolm Lloyd, a physician who seems to be recommending daily alcohol consumption as a preventative for a variety of ailments from the common cold to Alzheimer’s and certain cancers. He also seems to be indicating that people who drink regularly in moderation seem to live longer than those who don’t. Give me a break!

I know that there have been numerous publications exploring the correlation between alcohol consumption and heart health. For example, we all know that a chemical compound found in wine called resvesterol, is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to complement the stability of a healthy heart.

However, there have been many other studies that have clearly demonstrated increased cancer rates ― especially breast cancer ― in women who consume moderate amounts of alcohol.

Now trust me, I am not, by a long shot, a person who doesn’t enjoy a good drink once in a while. And I do acknowledge that there are cultures in various parts of the world where alcohol is an integral part of the local cuisine. However, these are also the cultures where healthy servings of vital nutrients, vegetables and proteins play a key role in their daily eating habits. They tend to be more physically active, and place a lot of importance on maintaining healthy sleep patterns.

But here in the U.S., we are a “fast-food nation.” For the last 3-5 years, we’ve been hearing about how the obesity rate has reached epidemic proportions – affecting both adults and our children.

Obesity significantly raises the risk for many diseases and conditions like:
          o          Coronary heart disease

          o          Type 2 diabetes

          o          Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

          o          Hypertension (high blood pressure)

          o          Dyslipidemia (high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)

          o          Stroke

          o          Liver and Gallbladder disease

          o          Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

          o          Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)

          o          Gynecological problems

 
Americans also deal with high rates of depression — another disease that when coupled with the effects of alcohol can have disastrous results.

We also have to remember that alcohol has addictive properties that for some folks can completely ruin the chances of future health and longevity.

I know that everyone is looking for an excuse to justify their daily cocktail, but I find it irresponsible for one physician to give us a free pass to drink myself to “an everlasting life.”

There are some great foods that you can incorporate into your diet that are heart-healthy and will do wonders for your sex life! Cooking together with a romantic partner encourages intimacy and connection — so prepare meals together.

Stay away from foods that contain excess amounts of caffeine — they reduce libido.  And stay away from foods that may make you feel bloated and gassy (cabbage, broccoli, onions). Selenium, manganese and of course, zinc, are also vital in regulating hormones and revving up sex drive and are found in various fruits and vegetables, so include a salad with meals if you want some action later. This is very exciting news, so start preparing.

Foods for a better sex life:

Bananas, carrots, asparagus. 
Bananas, carrots and asparagus are all erotic stimulants because of their phallic resemblance.  Asparagus contain folate, which boosts histamine production necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both sexes.  Plus, watching you eat asparagus, a phallic food, is sure to get him in the mood.

Red wine.
Red wine is healthy for your heart and your romantic moods!  It may help prevent blood clots and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits. It is also a particularly rich source of antioxidants which raise HDL (good) cholesterol.  It lowers inhibitions and stimulates appetite so add a glass of wine to a romantic dinner!

Oysters.
Oysters have long been considered the food of love, and legend has it that Casanova ate dozens of oysters a day — once even seducing a vestal virgin by sliding an oyster from his lips.  Oysters carry a hefty dose of zinc. Zinc has been linked to male fertility, potency, sex drive, and is essential for sperm production. The daily requirement for zinc can be gained by eating just one oyster, so imagine what serving your boyfriend/husband an appetizer of a few oysters can do …  schwing!  If oysters aren’t his thing, turkey, lean beef, and beans are other good sources of zinc.

Champagne.
 So you’ve already heard the buzz that a daily glass of wine raises good cholesterol and helps prevent arteries from clogging. But alcohol, especially champagne, can also improve your health and your sex life. Like many mind-altering substances, a glass or two of champagne will lower inhibitions and help ease any couple into an amorous mood. 
 
Pistachios.
Besides providing protein to help increase stamina, pistachios are heavy in healthful mono-saturated fats, zinc and other nutrients that are linked with increased sexual desire. Pistachios also have a greater portion size than any other nut, so you can eat 49 kernels (1 serving) and still feel thin and sexy.
 
Artichokes.
This nutrient-dense, peculiar plant was once considered such a powerful aphrodisiac that women were banned from eating it. According to Martha Hopkins, co-author of “Inter-Courses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook,” part of the appeal of the artichoke may be that you have to work hard to “get past the spiked leaves to get to the velvety-smooth heart.” 
 
Spices.
The right spices not only heat things up on the tongue, but also in the bedroom.  Capsaicin, the substance that gives kick to peppers, stimulates nerve endings to release chemicals, raising the heart rate and possibly triggering the release of endorphins, giving you the pleasurable feeling of a natural high.  “Chili pepper and ginger help improve circulation,” says Dix. “And hot spices like cayenne, curry and cumin help warm the body.”  The intoxicating aromas of exotic spices help infuse romance into the atmosphere.
 
Avocado.
According to the Doctrine of Signatures, food aids the part of the body it resembles. In fact, the Aztecs valued the avocado as an aphrodisiac and named it “ahuacale” or testicle because they grow in pairs. Though science can neither confirm nor deny that this fruit will get your fire going, it will give you fuel in the form of healthy fats, protein and potassium.
 
Chocolate.
Don’t skip dessert!  Eating chocolate causes the release of mood-boosting, stress-reducing serotonin. The sweet stuff also causes a release of phenylethylamine, which causes changes in blood pressure and blood-sugar levels, leading to feelings of excitement conducive to lovemaking. Just make sure to choose antioxidant-rich dark chocolate.

Even smells of certain foods have been found to be sexually arousing, according to studies at the Smell and Taste Foundation in Chicago, notably:

For men: Pumpkin pie and buttered popcorn
For women: Licorice candy

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

I’ve been concerned for a long time about the tendency that my patients have to mix their medications with over-the-counter treatments and herbs. This is not a safe or wise approach, though most of the time, no major side effects occur.

Just this week, a patient called me to say she had a cold and wondered if she could take a common over-the-counter cold medication. On the surface it seems like an easy question with an automatic “yes” answer — except for one thing. She was taking the kind of antidepressant medication that can raise blood pressure, and the cold medicine she had in mind contains Sudafed, which can also raise BP. So my answer was actually “no.” More importantly, I felt glad she thought to ask me the question, as too many patients don’t think they need to discuss over-the-counter aspirin, Tylenol, or cold medicines with their doctors.

According to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, approximately 2.2 million or 1 in 25 older adults, are at risk for potential major drug-drug interaction. Men are at greater risk than women. The study looked at close to 3 thousand people aged 57 to 85.     

The problem often occurred because of mixing prescription drugs with over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements, which also contain active chemicals. Frequent problems involved mixing Coumadin (a blood thinner) with aspirin or garlic (which also thin blood), or mixing a cholesterol-lowering statin with dietary niacin (lowers cholesterol and can effect the liver). Aspirin, when taken with gingko, can also increase the risk of bleeding. Certain blood pressure medicines (lisinopril) can raise potassium, and many patients were also taking potassium at the same time (for use with diuretics). Unfortunately, these different and potentially conflicting drugs are often prescribed by different doctors, and there is no one who has the entire list or is coordinating care.
     
Here is my take:

1. This study brings home the point that physicians need to be in the loop on ALL medications their patients are taking, including over-the-counter pills and supplements.

2. Doctors need to address this with each and every patient and to go over potential interactions.

3. Elderly patients have SLOWER metabolisms, so the risk of a major complication from medicines competing with each other to be removed by the liver or kidney is much greater.

4. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has an excellent Website which goes over medications at high risk for misuse as well at the latest news. They have recently launched a new website for the consumer, www.consumermedsafety.org, which is very accessible and user friendly.

5. Any concerns raised by reading this information, should NOT lead to automatically stopping medications that may be important, but rather should lead to a clarifying consultation with your physician.

Dr. Marc Siegel is an internist and associate professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine. He is a FOX News medical contributor and writes a health column for LA Times, where he examines TV and movies for medical accuracy. Dr. Siegel is the author of “False Alarm: The Truth about the Epidemic of Fear“ and “Bird Flu: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Pandemic.”  Read more at www.doctorsiegel.com

Today I want to talk about some of the most promising medical breakthroughs that we could see in the New Year.

Over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to be looking at different diseases — but for now, I want to concentrate on heart disease. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., and even though new drugs to reduce cholesterol and diagnostic tools, such as the Ultrafast CT scan to predict coronary artery disease, have made a tremendous difference in mortality — more work needs to be done.

So, here are three new exciting possibilities for 2009:

Percutaneous valve replacement
A valve replacement procedure is currently a major surgery where the chest is opened up to repair or replace diseased heart valves. But new technology could introduce the replacement of these valves through blood vessels, and without the need for major surgery. This would reduce the possibility of complications, side effects and recovery time after surgery.

Safer drugs
Coumadin is a blood thinner that millions of Americans take everyday — and it is especially popular among those who have had heart surgery. This medication is a strong anticoagulant, meaning it reduces the formation of blood clots, but it has many side effects. Newer drugs will improve efficacy and reduce side effects.
Semi-artificial hearts
Small, mechanical pumps that can be placed in the heart prevent it from failing may extend the lives of patients on the transplant waiting list, and in many cases, may even void the need for heart transplantation in the future.

In my next blog I’ll be talking about new breakthroughs in cancer treatment and Alzheimer’s disease. I know the present feels overwhelming, but the future, at least in medicine, looks very bright.

Nearly 50 million Americans have high cholesterol. There are two kinds of cholesterol: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein). HDL is often called the “good” kind of cholesterol because it helps remove unwanted cholesterol from the body. LDL is the “bad” cholesterol made up primarily of fat, and is a particular risk factor for heart disease. So when setting out to lower your cholesterol, you need to know your HDL number, your LDL number, and your total cholesterol number.

This  chart will provide you with some helpful information:

High levels of cholesterol in the blood increase your chances of developing heart disease. In an effort to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk, you must increase your fiber intake. Clinical studies show that a heart-healthy diet that is low-fat and includes lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grain products that contain fiber can lower blood cholesterol. Fiber, among its other benefits, seems to bind up cholesterol allowing it to be eliminated from your body. If enough is removed it can lower cholesterol by 10-15 percent.

Many studies have shown that fiber can slow the liver’s manufacture of cholesterol, as well as modify LDL particles to make them larger and less dense. Researchers believe that small, dense LDL particles pose a bigger health threat.

The American Dietetic Association recommends that Americans eat 20-35 grams of fiber per day. Here are some fiber-filled foods to help lower cholesterol:

•   Oat/oat bran/whole-wheat products
•   Dried beans and peas
•   Nuts
•   Barley
•   Flax seed
•   Fruits such as apples and pears
•   Vegetables such as carrots and broccoli
The key to improve overall health is not only dieting, but making physical activity a part of your daily routine. Regular physical activity is key to keeping your cholesterol low. Aerobic exercise may improve insulin sensitivity, HDL, and triglyceride levels, and may reduce your heart risk. People who exercise and control their diet appear to be more successful in long-term lifestyle modifications that improve their heart risk profile.
 
Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.