Nutrition

News Briefs: September 2021

Aug 5, 2021 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

Increased Exercise Levels May Counter Health Harms Caused by Poor Sleep Little or no exercise is associated with poor cardiovascular health, cognitive decline, and a host of other negative health consequences. The same is true for poor sleep. A recent study, not surprisingly, found that the combination of a sedentary … Read More

Ask Tufts Experts: Plain Yogurt; “Low” and “Reduced” Defined; Herbs vs. Spices

Jul 26, 2021 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

You frequently recommend eating plain yogurt, but I find it too sour. What can I do? Judith C. Thalheimer, RD, managing editor of Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter, answers: “Yogurt supports a healthy gut microbiome and is an excellent source of underconsumed calcium, but it is often loaded with added … Read More

Making Lactose Tolerable

Jul 26, 2021 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

If you are one of the estimated 30 million adults in the U.S. who feels bloated or develops diarrhea, gas, or a rumbling tummy after eating dairy products, you may not have a sufficient amount of the enzyme lactase in your small intestines to break down the milk sugar lactose. … Read More

Flavor!

Jul 26, 2021 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

If you equate healthy dietary choices to eating like a rabbit or you’re simply tired of the same old veggies, take heart! Open that spice drawer, stock up on tasty (and nutritious) toppings, and get ready for easy, delicious dishes. Science Says. There’s no question that vegetables are a health-promoting … Read More

Lentils: Easy, Tasty Nutrition

Jul 26, 2021 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

Lentils may not be a staple in your pantry, but they should be! Easy to prepare, delicious, nutritious, and versatile—these tiny legumes check the boxes of an excellent food choice in a healthy dietary pattern. Despite research on the emerging health benefits of regular legume consumption, most Americans are not … Read More

Newsbites: Vitamin D levels; carbs vs. fats; boosting liver health

Jul 26, 2021 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

Vitamin D Levels Not Associated with COVID-19 Infection While earlier studies had suggested low blood levels of vitamin D might increase the severity of COVID-19 infection, a recent observational study found that low levels of vitamin D were not associated with getting the virus in the first place. The study … Read More

“Plant-Based” Diets Done Right

Jul 26, 2021 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

Plant-based diets (patterns that maximize plantderived foods and minimize animal-derived foods) are a good choice for your health. They are consistently associated with lower risk of various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. And plant-based foods are generally better for the environment. But not all plant-based choices … Read More

Ask the Experts: Moving to Memory Care; Heart Transplantation in Seniors; Bloating from Fiber

Jul 26, 2021 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

I’ve been caring for my elderly mother for a couple of years, but her dementia is getting worse. I have my own health problems, and am beginning to feel very isolated because I need to spend most of my time at home with her. With these factors in mind, I … Read More

Newsbriefs: Fall Risk; Cancer Recurrence; Mediterranean Diet; CPAP and Dementia Risk

Jul 26, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Mobility & Fitness

Most Older Americans Take Drugs That Increase Fall Risk A recent study suggests that the majority of U.S. adults age 65 and older take at least one prescription drug that is associated with an increased risk of falls. The study (Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety, Feb. 3, 2021) compared federal data … Read More

Ask Dr. Etingin: Cow’s milk vs almond milk; Insomnia and coronary heart disease

Jul 26, 2021 · Orli R. Etingin, M.D. · Mobility & Fitness

Several of my family members have switched from cow’s milk to almond milk. How do the nutrients in these two beverages compare? Both almond milk and cow’s milk can be included in a healthy dietary pattern. One advantage of almond milk is that it contains no saturated fat. (A cup … Read More