Health News Tidbits - June


Child Obesity on the Rise-
A recent US News article stated that one in eight (5.3 million) children from 6 to 18 are obese, or more than 30% heavier than normal based on height and age. The same article mentions that one quarter are overweight or at risk, twice as many as in 1980. Commenting on the report, Licensed Nutrition Counselor Bonnie Minsky believes these numbers are "conservative."

More Brain Atrophy Seen In Women Using ERT -
Despite the putative benefits of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), women taking estrogen appear to have more central brain atrophy than women not taking estrogen, according to the May issue of the Journal of American Geriatrics Society. While the implication of this finding has yet to be determined, forthcoming studies will allow the post-menopausal patient to make more informed choices. J Am Geriatric Soc 48:467-472, 588-589

National Nutrition Summit Soundbites -
According to Dan Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture, "The fact is that only 12% of the American people have a good diet."
The Federal Government states one in three non-elderly adults (58 million American adults ages 20-74) are now overweight.

Autism Statistics Staggering -
Local pediatric authority Dr. Michael G. Chez, in a recent Pioneer Press article stated, "It is shocking to me how many children a week we see with autism or pervasive developmental disorders. So when you hear statistics that it used to be 1 in 10,000 children and now it's 1 in 400 children, those numbers do seem to be reflected in our clinical experience."

Teen Junk Food Diet Linked to Heart Disease -
In addition to the risks of obesity, teens who consume diets high in fat and cholesterol may already show signs of arterial disease that will translate into strokes and heart attacks later in life, according to a number of studies presented during the 49th Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology. One study found that 37% of Latino students had abnormally high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Complements of Reuters

Children Eat Healthier if they Sit Down to Dinner -
According to Harvard Researchers, children aged 9 to 14 who eat a family dinner are more likely than their peers to consume fruits and vegetables and less likely to drink soda or chow down on fried, high-fat or sugar-laden foods. Eating dinner together might improve diet overall because family dinners tend to be more healthy than other alternatives. The study of more than 16,000 boys and girls, is published in the March issue of the Archives of Family Medicine. Complements of Reuters

Suggested Supplements Lead to Better Results -
A Consumer Reports Survey indicated that 25% of people who took nutritional supplements recommended by health professionals were more likely to experience good results. The survey of over 46,000 people found that many individuals who attempted to make their own supplement choices without guidance were apt to make glaringly bad decisions.

40% of Americans take Vitamins or Minerals -
A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reported more than 11,000 respondents taking at least one vitamin and mineral supplement within the previous 30 days or equivalent to 40% of the US population. Most common were vitamin-single nutrient combinations and vitamin-multiple nutrient combinations. Complements of Reuters via Archives of Family Medicine

GMO Watch -
Mexico's Senate recently voted unanimously to require the labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients.

The largest supplier of potatoes to McDonald's Corp. has told its farmers to stop using Monsanto's genetically modified potato.

The United Nation's world food body favors caution in the use of biotechnology and its effects on the health and environment.

Recent findings by The World Wildlife Fund shows that Genetically Engineered Crops cannot be depended on to reduce pesticide use, which was believed to be one of their main benefits.

JUNE FEATURE - Essential Fatty Acids
written by Bonnie and Steve Minsky

Optimal EFA Levels
It is estimated that 80 to 90 percent of the U.S. population is deficient in Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). Linoleic acid (Omega 6) and Alpha-linolenic acid (Omega 3), are the two polyunsaturated fats required by the human body. It is now believed that dietary deficiencies of EFAs play a critical role in the onset of chronic, degenerative diseases, including circulatory disorders, arthritis, and cancer. EFAs have been shown to assist with inflammatory conditions such as allergies and lupus. In addition, they may reduce skin dryness, including dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema by lubricating skin tissue from the inside.

EFA Facts
EFAs serve to facilitate cellular communication, keep the blood flowing smoothly throughout the body, protect the body from cancer, and regulate blood sugar to aid in prevention of diabetes. EFAs cannot be manufactured in the body, so they must be ingested through food sources or supplementation. Getting 12 to 15 percent of one's total calories in the form of EFAs will actually help burn off excess fats and help one lose weight.

Trans Fatty Acids
Do not be fooled by Trans Fatty Acids. These are not EFAs, but artery clogging, saturated fats usually found in processed foods and those containing hydrogenated oils or margarine, or baked goods. Trans Fatty Acids also interfere with the normal function of EFAs.

Supplementing Your Diet with EFAs
Because of the prevalence of Omega 6 fatty acids in our diet through over-consumption of vegetable oils, there tends to be a higher percentage of Omega 3 deficiencies. Supplementing with Omega 3 for three months, while cutting down on the Trans fatty acids, will help normalize levels. Once three months has passed, then a total EFA dietary supplement (prepared blend or hemp oil) would be warranted. Optimum daily dosage of EFAs - 9 to 18 grams of Omega 6 and 2 to 9 grams of Omega 3. Ask your health professional for the right EFA supplement for you.

Best Omega-3 Fatty Acids Foods -
Trout, Salmon,  Halibut, Anchovy, Tuna, Flax (seed or oil), Walnut (oil or nut), Borage Oil, Evening Primrose (oil).

Some of the information in this article was adapted from the writings of Dr. Artemis Simopoulous, Dr. Gary Wikholm and Licensed Nutrition Counselor Bonnie Minsky.

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