December 7, 2003- Axe the Ipecac

If you're keeping syrup of ipecac on hand for emergencies, it's time to update your medicine cabinet.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has reversed its recommendation on syrup of ipecac, an emetic, for poison control crises. Studies have revealed that it offers no improvement in patient outcome. Instead, experts recommend that the first action after accidental poison ingestion should be calling a poison control center.

Source: Pediatrics, ©2003

December 14, 2003- Cold Cutter

Here's a reason to pass on that second piece of pie: overindulging could affect your body's ability to fight off a cold.

In a recent study, people who consumed a low-fat diet had the best immune response to an infection-fighting antigen. Researchers speculate that this kind of immune system response could indicate that eating less fat equals less susceptibility to infections.

In addition to possibly boosting your immune system, eating a low-fat diet has other health benefits. A low-fat diet can help lower your LDL-cholesterol levels, can help you manage your weight by reducing calorie intake, and may help reduce your risk of certain cancers. When you do eat fat, choose heart-healthy unsaturated fats, such as the kind found in vegetable oils, nuts, and salmon.

Source: Journal of the American College of Nutrition, ©2003

December 21, 2003- Supplements for Eyesight

A daily nutritional supplement could help save your eyesight for years to come.

Nutritional supplements containing vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc could help reduce the risk of macular degeneration in thousands of high-risk people over the age of 55, according to research. Macular degeneration is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to vision loss.

Be sure to include in your diet plenty of vegetables that are rich in lutein, such as kale, collard greens, and spinach. Lutein has been credited with protecting eye health.

Source: Archives of Ophthalmology, ©2003

December 28, 2003- Moods Matter

Nipping even a mild case of the blues in the bud could help you avoid illness-promoting inflammation.

In a study, people reporting only a few symptoms of depression had higher blood levels of interleukin-6, an inflammatory protein that has been associated with increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Be sure to schedule extra time for mood-boosting activities whenever your spirits start to sag.

Laughing and performing other enjoyable activities can help decrease the inflammatory protein.

Source: Archives of General Psychiatry, ©2003