Low levels of HDL cholesterol lead to an increased death rate

This study was published in the Journal of Lipid Research 2012 Feb;53(2):266-72

Study title and author:

Fifty-three year follow-up of coronary heart disease versus HDL2 and other lipoproteins in Gofman's Livermore Cohort.

Williams PT.

Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. ptwilliams@lbl.gov

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22128321

This study assessed the relationship of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels with total death rates and heart disease death rates. The study lasted for 53 years and included 1,905 men.

HDL cholesterol is made of HDL 2 and HDL 3. HDL 2 is larger than HDL 3.

After analysing 53 years of data the study found:
(a) Those with the lowest HDL 2 cholesterol had a 22% increase in total death rates.
(b) Those with the lowest HDL 2 cholesterol had a 63% increase in total heart disease death rates.
(c) Those with the lowest HDL 2 cholesterol had a 117% increase in premature heart disease death rates.
(d) Those with the lowest HDL 3 cholesterol had a 28% increase in total heart disease death rates.
(e) Those with the lowest HDL 3 cholesterol had a 71% increase in premature heart disease death rates.

The results of the study show that low levels of HDL cholesterol, especially HDL 2 cholesterol, are associated with higher total death rates and higher death rates from heart disease.

The best dietary way to raise HDL cholesterol levels is to eat a diet high in saturated fat. See here.

WIAW #40: Day in the Life

Y'all asked for it, so here's a WIAW, Day in the Life style!

DISCLAIMER: not every single activity or every single thing I ate/drank is included - it would be pretty darn dull if I included things like 'brushed my teeth,' 'took a shower,' 'washed my dishes,' etc. But no worries! Just because I didn't write it doesn't mean I don't do it. :P

Also, my days are very atypical. There is no 'usual' day for me right now. I'm interning for a teeny tiny start-up (so small that my boss is the only paid employee) and we don't even have an office. We usually work out of common working spaces or coffee shops, but this day she happened to be in Connecticut, so I worked from home (not the usual scenario).

6:00
Wake up, get myself ready for the day. Check emails, check blogs, comment on a few.

7:00
Eat breakfast while reading newspaper and magazine articles online.

Breakfast of champions: a big bowl of pudding oatmeal with chia, cocoa powder, chocolate almond milk,and chocolate melted in. Chocoholic, much? Half a grapefruit on the side - that just shows you how big these platter-like plates are!

8:00
Start work on the startup's website.

9:30
Have an email conversation with my boss.

10:30
Snack on some chocolate-covered strawberries and Trader Joe's California walnuts (because I clearly haven't had enough chocolate yet). Sorry, no pics!

12:30
Lunch at my computer

Sugar snap peas are the shizz. So is my homemade cheezy dressing, hanging out in the bottom left hand corner of this pic.

My Quest bar order arrived! Went perfectly with a slice of bread and a bag of almonds, yummmm

This was so crisp and delicious that pictures just can't do it justice.

13:00
Write copy for the company's website

15:00
Eat at my laptop, design workshops and write pitches. It's super hot, so a mocha frappucino ice cream bar with peanuts, cashews, and granola on the side really hits the spot.

17:00
Finish work for the day, turn on Pandora and have an unpictured strawberry jam, walnut, chocolate bar sandwich (just put all of the aforementioned between two slices of bread and sigh in delight). Also have a random plate/platter of awesomeness (see below). Drink half a gingerade kombucha. Yum.

Just like ginger-ale!

18:00
Get to work in the kitchen - baking! Inventing recipes! Having a (messy) blast. Lots of sampling goes on - after all, one must be sure that the recipes are going well! ;)


21:00
Dinner and people watching at a diner near Columbia. No pics, because I'm finally just shutting off and relaxing after my busy day. I have a veggie burger with a side of baked beans and tangy slaw. For dessert, I have a slice of chocolate chip pie a la mode. I obviously have a sweet tooth, y'all, what's new?

22:00
A little more recipe experimenting, this time no bake - it wasn't the best idea ever to turn on the oven and bake up a storm on such a hot day as today, considering that my apartment doesn't have real air conditioning.

At this point, I have half a mind to stick my head in the freezer and leave it there.

23:00
Christmas present planning! Noooooooo, it's not too early. It's never too early for Christmas presents!

0:30
Pre-bedtime snack.

My flatmate has a happy lamp and it's great to lighting up night shots of food! YAAAY!

1:00
Go to bed. Good night!

When do you start with Christmas presents?


Did that bore you to death, or do you want me to do more Day In the Life Posts?


Does anyone else love the Disney Station on Pandora? I'm so addicted to Mandy Moore's 'When Will My Life Begin,' it's ridiculous. Especially considering that I'm nineteen, not nine, years old.

About that...

PPP - another bijou rant-ette.

Blame it on the hot weather and screaming kids! :-D

PPP stands for Piss Poor Parenting.

Why, oh why, oh why do parents allow children to dictate their own diets? As if children know what's good for them! At an event I attended recently, "Johnny*" was given a plate of chicken drummers (mechanically-recovered chicken formed into the approximate shape of chicken drumsticks and coated with breadcrumbs) and oven chips. I asked Johnny if he would like a beefburger, sausage or pork steak. He replied. "I don't like them". He only wanted manufactured shite. Seriously, WTF?

When I was a lad, I was given the same food as my parents. If I didn't eat it, I went without. I ate it!
Nowadays, "children's menus" in restaurants (I'm being quite generous in the use of the word restaurant) consist of lots of manufactured shite that children like. Unlike veggies & fruit, this shite contains very little fibre/fiber or magnesium.

Is it any wonder that childhood constipation is a problem? Why are children being given PEG or even Lactulose, when there's a much better solution - Epsom Salts (which contains magnesium). The gut needs magnesium to function properly. See You're free, and a testimonial.

The brain needs magnesium to remain cool, calm and collected i.e. function properly. The brain also needs DHA and Vitamin D3 to function properly. Many kids don't like oily fish so they won't/don't eat it. It's not rocket science to purée some wild red salmon with some Bolognese/Sweet chilli/w.h.y. sauce so that they won't notice it. Many kids play indoors or are smothered in sunblock when they do go outdoors. Is it any wonder that childhood ADD/ADHD is much more common? Medication and psychotherapy? Seriously, WTF?

When I was a lad, there were a couple of show-offs in my class at school, but nobody behaved like "Jimmy*" (physically and mentally hyperactive with bad behaviour, screaming and shouting). Johnny was also badly behaved, but not as bad as Jimmy. The parents at the event seemed content that, every day, their children had to be given "uppers" (e.g. Ritalin) to help them concentrate during the day and "downers" to help them sleep at night. Seriously, WTF?

I will now take a deep breath and count to twenty. There, that's better!

*Names changed.

Men with the lowest cholesterol have a three-fold increased risk of death from AIDS compared to men with the highest cholesterol

This study was published in AIDS 1997 Jun;11(7):929-30

Study title and authors:

Low serum cholesterol and risk of death from AIDS.

Neaton JD, Wentworth DN.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9189220

The study investigated the relationship of cholesterol levels, measured prior to HIV infection, with risk of death from AIDS. The study included 332,547 men aged between 35-57 who were followed for 16 years.

The study found that men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 160 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L), had a three-fold increased risk of death from AIDS compared to men who had cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L).

Links to other studies:
Men with low cholesterol have a 66% increase in HIV infection compared to men with higher cholesterol
High cholesterol is a marker for longevity

Sneak Peek: SPARKLE Cover Inspiration Board!

Putting a book together from soup to nuts completely by yourself is not for the faint of heart. In the past 3 weeks, I have been totally and completely consumed by this book baby I'm pregnant with, and if my observations are correct, I have skipped the first trimester of bebe bliss and flown right on through to the third and final trimester, where you realize there is so much to do, with so little time, or as I call it: PANIC.

After playing with a few ideas for the cover art, and realizing that what I love on a computer screen will not necessarily translate to a paperback (what? you mean I can't have each book hand-sewn with glitter attaches!?), I've decided to expand my team of creative women geniuses and hire Fifi Flowers to do some custom illustration work for the cover of the entire Champagne Diaries series. If you haven't seen her work, then check it out here and prepare to have your mind blow. Her designs literally make you feel like you've been whisked away to Paris and you have unlimited funds to drink as much Champagne as you like, cart around really cute poodles and wear the finest fashions France has to offer. Her whimsical, feminine drawings are the epitome of what the The Champagne Diaries is all about: luxury, glam, booze, a little bit of fantasy, and feelin' good, and I know she will nail it! Of course, the wondrous Cara Loper will still be doing the cover layout and graphic design (and she will also be keeping my sanity in check), so together I think we will make an amazing team!

Check out some of the inspiration I've been pinning (as if I needed another reason to be on Pinterest 24/7) and tell me what you like!

 

Doesn't she look like SHE'S living an effervescent life!?

Maybe replace the coffee with bubbly? (always a good decision)

J'adore the way Fifi draws Champagne!

"At Least I'm Better Than I Used to Be!"

Are you just settling for partial recovery?

Saturday's breakfast. But after this, I did have another waffle,
because it really wasn't enough for me.

Daniella, a regular blog follower in her 20s, recently asked me for advice about fullness, about eating enough. So I’m responding to her concerns, addressing in more general terms what might be your fears as well. She writes:

“I have struggled on and off with an eating disorder for 9 years, before finally seeking treatment last August. … Since then, I have come a really long way.

Minus slips here and there, I am no longer actively restricting. I have also moved up from following a pretty strict meal plan to working on intuitive eating. After many years of completely losing touch with and ignoring my hunger signals, they are finally back and I actually listen. I ...no longer wait until I am beyond starving to eat something. Although I am no longer on a meal plan, I pretty much still follow a loose version of the 3 meals and 3 snacks plan…

And now the problem, fullness. I am scared to death of feeling full. ...I am not actually allowing myself to eat enough in one sitting to where I physically feel full. ... (but) I am not actively choosing to stop eating like I used to. (In the past) I would set aside a certain amount of food and only allow myself to eat that, nothing more no matter how hungry I was. But that isn't the case anymore. Stopping when I do just feels natural to me. I don't feel like I am depriving myself at all. I don't leave the meal/snack frustrated or wanting more or even continue to think about food. I think I have just conditioned myself after all of these years to stop eating when I no longer feel hungry, instead of when I feel fullness.

I can recognize that this is still eating disordered ...I also know that the uncomfortableness and anxiety is much more mental then physical. The best way to judge my fullness is really by noticing when I get hungry again next and how soon it is. And I know that this means that I am still not completely in touch with my body.

Any suggestions of how to get passed this? I have allowed myself to stay stuck in this place for a while because of fear and convenience. I've justified where I am by telling myself that I am eating so much better then I used to …”

It seemed like the right amount, but it was a bit too much.

First, kudos to Daniella for the incredible strides she has made in her recovery, and for her honesty and insight into this issue.

So what do I think?

Well, it depends. Not knowing Daniella's (or your) full situation, I need to ask the following:

• Are you now in a healthy weight range, to support normal body temperature, blood pressure and pulse, and menses?
• If not, your frequent eating is still inadequate, necessitating an increased intake.
• Are you limiting your food selection because of this fear of fullness?
• True recovery provides the freedom to consume a wide range of foods.
• Is your pattern of eating interfering with your life?



Feeling full--I had had enough.

• From what Daniella adds, her work-at-home schedule allows for frequent eating to accommodate her need. But her schedule will soon be changing, and she won't have this luxury any more.
• And is getting hungry frequently interfering with your thoughts, your anticipation of getting to eat, your preoccupation with feeding yourself? 
• Then clearly this needs to change.
• "Scared to death" is not a good place to be.

Convinced? Then here are some strategies to move forward.

• Take baby steps. Make a small addition to one or two meals or snacks, and see how it goes. Did any bad come off it? Then it's safe to continue. Any perceivable benefits? Then use these to justify continuing on this course.
• Add foods that are quite safe, to start. First goal is just getting enough. Work on variety later.
• Reality check. What's the worst that can happen by adding, let's say, a fruit, a yogurt, toast, for instance? Nothing. Remember it takes at least 3500 surplus calories over and above your need to gain a single pound.
• Read an old post on this topic which discussed titration—figuring out justhow much it takes.

Over time, you will discover just how much your body tends to need for its standard routine, and it won't take so much work.

And remember your goal. Full recovery. 

Increase in colorectal cancer cases in statin users

This study was published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology 2011 Dec 21;17(47):5197-202

Study title and authors:
Statin use and the risk of colorectal cancer: a population-based case-control study.

Cheng MH, Chiu HF, Ho SC, Tsai SS, Wu TN, Yang CY.
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan, China.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22215945

The aim of the study was to investigate whether the use of statins is associated with colorectal cancer risk. The study included 1,156 colorectal cancer cases and 4,624 controls.

The results of the study revealed that those who were prescribed statins had a 9% increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to those who did not take statins.

Links to other studies:
Statins increase the risk of colon adenomas by 54%
Statins increase cancer rates by 41% and the overall death rate by 4%
Statins increase lymphoid malignancy rates by 124%

How Bad is Fructose? David Despain Interviews Dr. John Sievenpiper

In my article "Is Sugar Fattening?", I discussed a recent review paper on fructose, by Dr. John Sievenpiper and colleagues (1).  It was the most recent of several review papers to conclude that fructose is probably not inherently fattening in humans, but that it can be fattening if it's consumed to excess, due to the added calories.  Dr. Sievenpiper and colleagues have also written other papers addressing the metabolic effects of fructose, which appear to be fairly minor unless it's consumed to excess (2, 3, 4, 5).  The senior author on these studies is Dr. David Jenkins at McMaster University.  David Despain, a science and health writer who publishes a nice blog called Evolving Health, recently interviewed Dr. Sievenpiper about his work.

It's an interesting interview and very timely, due to the recent attention paid to fructose in the popular media. This has mostly been driven by a couple of high-profile individuals-- an issue they discuss in the interview.  The interview, recent papers, and sessions at scientific conferences are part of an effort by researchers to push back against some of the less well founded claims that have received widespread attention lately.

Read more »

Wishing Everyone a Delicious Weekend!

Summer Style Must-Haves

It won't officially be summer for a while, but for me (and many of you, I imagine) it's been summer for a while.

Summer started for me right after my organic chemistry final exam and I have to admit - I was verrrrry happy to trade Cambridge laboratories for NYC cafes - they just don't compare!

Anyway, summer brings a new style season, too. Summer trends can be pretty hit-or-miss sometimes - anyone remember that mesh tanktop trend?

Luckily for us, this summer's trends are actually looking really good!

Summer 2012 Style Must-Haves

Floral prints are back with a vengeance - they're no longer just for grannies and curtains.

To pull off the look, pair your floral jeans/shorts with a simple summer shoe (sandals, flip flops, etc. - anything open-toed works better than sneakers or ballet flats), a simple white top, and a neutral bag. You don't want to add in too many prints, or other pieces in crazy colors, or you'll end up overwhelming yourself and the look with too much competition for attention.

Especially if you're on the west coast (whoot-whoot, LA in three weeks!) you don't want to forget to get a pair of the high-waisted, studded Runwaydreamz jeans shorts that are trending so hard right now.

Pair them with a simple top, preferably tucked in, or a crop top to get the full effect. If the price point, about $150 per pair, doesn't quite do it for you, several brands are coming out with ripoffs. Try Levi's or check out Etsy to find a more budget-friendly option.

Just be careful if you're traveling in them - TSA probably won't love the studs as much as I do!

While we're on the rocks(ish) train of thought, statement necklaces are making yet another comeback. Seriously, it often doesn't make sense to get rid of items when they're dated - just wait a few years and they'll be in again!

This time, it's all about sparkle and stones, the bigger the better. While I was at my boss's house in Connecticut, prepping for a tech meetup that her startup hosts each month, we had Celebrity Apprentice running on the TV in the background (I know, I know - I love my boss). I can't find a picture of it now, but Teresa Giudice of the Real Housewives of New Jersey (guilty pleasure, much?) was rocking a really awesome statement necklace. My boss and I couldn't stop gushing over it.

The trick to pulling off the statement necklace, other than having strong shoulder and neck muscles to hold up all that bling, is to pair it with a solid colored dress or top. Again, you don't want too much competition or business in your outfit. Especially with this trend of oversized statement necklaces, it's easy to look like you dipped into your childhood collection of costume jewelry. If you're over the age of thirteen, that's probably not a good look for you. Keep it simple, keep it classy.

The last must-have on today's list (see how I'm limiting myself?) is, of course. a shoe. Life needs shoes. 

Or maybe that's just me. Is anyone else out there a shoe addict? Recovery is not in my future.

Much as I love ankle-breaker heels, we all know that heels + walking  = the ER. Summer often means internships or jobs or subway commutes and it's best to have comfy footwear. After all, ER visits aren't cheap and that's money you could be spending on more shoes!

Whoop-de-doo for us, thong sandals are super hot this summer!

While their super-flat footbeds may not be the best thing for our arches and backs, either, they're a good deal safer than stilettos. Whether you go with sleek and simple, like above, or with a more complicated or bedazzled design, the common requirement for pulling off this look is a good pedicure. I'm a big fan of red toenails, they just make me feel so much sassier and glam instantly!

Okay, now I just have to share my latest non-style discovery (and addiction) because it's just that good:

The Comeback!

Whyohwhyohwhyohwhy was there only one season? This became my insta-fave for tv and then I went to get the second season and GAH. 

Anyway, I just became a Lisa Kudrow fan. Do yourself a favor and watch it. Then cry when you realize there are no more episodes.

Seriously, though - Jersey Shore gets who-knows-how-many seasons and this only gets one? 

Life is unjust.

What are your favorite TV shows? That's a purely selfish question - I need ideas!

What are you hoping to add to your summer wardrobe this season?

What's your favorite season of the year for fashion?

Higher cholesterol levels in both men and women are linked to a longer life

This study was published in the Journal of Internal medicineVolume 254, Issue 4, pages 353–362, October 2003

Study title and authors:
Total cholesterol and mortality in the elderly

E. Casiglia, A. Mazza, V. Tikhonoff, R. Scarpa, L. Schiavon, A. C. Pessina

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padova, Italy

This study can be accessed at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2796.2003.01200.x/full

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether cholesterol levels are associated with death rates  and to verify whether or not this is true for both genders. The study lasted 12 years and included a total of 3,257 subjects aged 65–95 years.

The study found:
(a) Women with the highest cholesterol levels had a 34% lower death rate than women with the lowest cholesterol levels.
(b) Men with cholesterol levels over 4.66 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) and a Body Mass Index above 25 had a 28% lower death rate than men with cholesterol levels below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL) and a Body Mass Index above 25.
(c) Men with cholesterol levels over 4.66 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) and a Body Mass Index above 25 had a 38% lower death rate than men with cholesterol levels below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL) and a Body Mass Index below 25.

The results of the study indicate that higher cholesterol levels in both men and women are linked to a longer life.

Mixed Berries Muffins (C2)

Mixed Berries Muffins (C2)

Recipe Author: Simmie Sinow

2 scoops Strawberry protein powder (I use Body Fortress)
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 3/4 cup oats (not quick oats, but the regular oats)
1 tsp baking powder
Sugar replacement equivalent to 3 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Frozen mixed berries (I use Dole's Wildly Nutritious Mixed Fruit blend of mixed berries with pomegranate)

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine all ingredients except the frozen fruit and mix well.

Don't worry about the batter looking "wet."  It IS really wet.

Randomly chop the berry blend of frozen fruit -- I just lay out one cup of fruit and chop like you would anything else.  Personally, I like most of mine diced, but you can leave some larger if you'd like.

Generously spray your muffin tin: either a standard (12 muffins) or jumbo (6 muffins).  I usually make the Jumbo.

Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or so.  Gently tap the top of the muffins to see if they're done.

They may be overly moist inside when you go to eat them; that is ok, as this recipe is intended to be frozen and thawed and microwaved.  When microwaving to heat, the middle will bake the rest of the way (I microwave for about 30 seconds after thawing).

Remove from oven and let them sit for about 5 minutes, then take a knife and go around the outer edges to loosen them and remove from the pan.  These can be frozen 4 per quart size freezer bags. I put them on their sides with bottoms facing each other and 2 sets of 2 fit nice and snug!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: Jumbo: 246; Standard: 123
Fat: Jumbo: 5g; Standard: 2.5g
Fiber: Jumbo: 6g; Standard: 3g
Protein: Jumbo: 16g; Standard: 8g
Carbs: Jumbo: 41g; Standard: 20.5g (only 8 Natural starches total in the entire recipe)
Sugars: Jumbo: 8g; Standard: 4g

17 Day Diet Info:
Natural Starches per muffin: Jumbo: 1.3; Standard: 2/3
Fruit per muffin: Jumbo: 1/6th; Standard: 1/12th

Low vitamin D levels associated with higher rates of cardiovascular and cancer deaths

This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2011 Dec;94(6):1471-8

 

Study title and authors:

Prospective association of vitamin D concentrations with mortality in postmenopausal women: results from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).

Eaton CB, Young A, Allison MA, Robinson J, Martin LW, Kuller LH, Johnson KC, Curb JD, Van Horn L, McTiernan A, Liu S, Manson JE.

Center for Primary Care and Prevention, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Pawtucket, RI, USA. charles_eaton@mhri.org

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22030222

25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is the major circulating form of vitamin D and is currently considered the best indicator of vitamin D levels in the body.

This study aimed to determine whether 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D) levels were associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality in 2,429 postmenopausal women.

The study found:
(a) Women with the lowest vitamin D levels had a 25% increased death rate compared to women with the highest vitamin D levels.
(b) Women with the lowest vitamin D levels had a 27% increased risk of cardiovascular disease deaths compared to women with the highest vitamin D levels.
(c) Women with the lowest vitamin D levels had a 39% increased risk of cancer deaths compared to women with the highest vitamin D levels.

The results of this study show that low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased rates of deaths from all-causes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Vitamin D is only found in foods from animal sources (University of Bristol). The richest sources include lard, eggs, liver, fish, marine oils, organ meats and butter.

Links to other studies:
Can lard and other fatty foods offer protection from peripheral arterial disease?
High vitamin D levels associated with a 40% reduction in colon cancer - Best sources of vitamin D = High fat foods & sunshine

Hey, it's OK!

I saw this kind of post over on Tessa's blog and, since I do always enjoy those posts in Glamour, thought I'd jump on the bandwagon!

Hey, it's ok...


...to start thinking 'are we there yet?' 40 minutes into your early morning 4 hour train ride.

The sun's up, so we must be almost there, right?

...to eat two granola bars, a jumbo 2oz bag of roasted almonds, a full fat flavored yogurt, cereal, and an apple for breakfast on aforementioned train ride (who cares that it's over 1,000 calories?)

Add a chocolate nature valley chewy granola bar and a 'yogurt' dipped quaker chewy granola bar.

...to laugh at terribly inappropriate things

I obviously have super highbrow humor.

Source: someecards.com via Nina on Pinterest

...to have food all over your laptop all the time

                            

                                      At least carrots don't make a mess...unlike ice cream (been there, done that)

...to be happy when everyone else is groaning about how it's not "summer weather" yet.

Um, heat? Don't need that.

...to bake really ugly things that taste reallllllly good. And then eat a bunch of them a la mode :)

Do your own! Hey, it's okay...what?

Patients hospitalised with a stroke with low cholesterol have a 117% increased risk of death compared to patients with high cholesterol

This study was published in the Journals of Gerontology. Series A Biological Sciencies and Medical Sciencies 2004 Mar;59(3):293-7

Study title and authors:

Low cholesterol levels are associated with short-term mortality in older patients with ischemic stroke.

Zuliani G, Cherubini A, Atti AR, Blè A, Vavalle C, Di Todaro F, Benedetti C, Volpato S, Marinescu MG, Senin U, Fellin R.

2nd Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy. gzuliani@hotmail.com

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15031316 

The study evaluated the association between cholesterol levels and 30-day death rates in 490 older patients admitted to hospital with ischemic stroke.

The study found that those with the lowest cholesterol levels, under 4.1 mmol/l (158 mg/dL), had a 117% increased risk of death compared with those with the highest cholesterol, over 5.2 mmol/l (201 mg/dL).

Linls to other studies:
Low cholesterol levels lead to a 20.2% increase in death rates in those who have had a stroke
High cholesterol levels are associated with a 22% DECREASE in stroke incidence
A direct association between falling cholesterol levels and mortality in men and women aged between 31 and 65 years old

Testing hypotheses - a rant.

My brain just exploded! On Why conventional view of obesity / FR is wrong, ItsTheWoo wrote "...there is not a doubt in my mind obesity is entirely 100% an illness, a disorder... "

According to ItsTheWoo's hypothesis, the increasing incidence of obesity all around the world since 1970 is 100% caused by the increasing incidence of illness all around the world since 1970. Seriously, WTF?

According to Nigeepoo's hypothesis, the increasing incidence of obesity all around the world since 1970 is significantly caused by the increasing influence of Crap-in-a-Bag/Box/Bottle (CIAB) manufacturers on the population by cunning marketing and on the Government by bribery lobbying since 1970.

The former results in increasing consumption of CIAB and the latter results in increasing subsidies on the raw materials used for manufacturing CIAB, making CIAB cheaper (also more profitable) than natural foods, thus increasing consumption of CIAB. See Why are Twinkies cheaper than carrots?

There are other factors causing increased obesity e.g. increasing numbers of towns/cities which discourage walking. See also Determinants of the Variability in Human Body-fat Percentage.

Highly-engineered and highly-calorific CIAB encourages subconscious over-eating via Food Reward. The hyper-secretion of insulin (compensatory hyperinsulinaemia) caused by the subconscious over-eating of CIAB causes subconscious under-moving by inducing drowsiness and lethargy, sometimes followed by the munchies if blood glucose goes too low. Insulin is just a hormone that is secreted for the storage of stuff and a reduction in the burning of stuff. Don't blame insulin for doing its job. If you have zero insulin (e.g. untreated type 1 diabetes), your body stops storing stuff and starts burning stuff uncontrollably. Before the invention of insulin injections, people with type 1 diabetes usually died within 2 years.

Subconscious over-eating is good for the profits of CIAB manufacturers. An increasing number of dyslipidaemic/hypertensive/depressed/diabetic/demented/w.h.y. people is good for the profits of health-care providers and drug manufacturers. These organisations currently make huge profits, so it's not going to be easy to change anything that will reduce them.

I deleted the last part of my rant as it was a bit too ranty, but I'm reinstating it in a toned-down form as I've mentioned it in the comments.

ItsTheWoo continually conflates subconscious over-eating and under-moving with conscious over-eating and under-moving (gluttony and sloth). The vast majority of over-fat people become over-fat due to subconsciously over-eating and under-moving. A tiny minority of over-fat people are gluttonous and slothful.

Telling people to consciously Eat Less, Move More doesn't work. This doesn't mean that Eat Less, Move More doesn't work. It means that Eat Less, Move More has to be done subconsciously. This is where low-carb/paleo/real food diets come into their own.

Rant over.

Trend of increased kidney cancer risk with statins

This study was published in Expert Opinion on Drug Safety 2012 Apr 16

Study title and authors:
Statin use and the risk of kidney cancer: a population-based case-control study.

Chiu HF, Kuo CC, Kuo HW, Lee IM, Lee CT, Yang CY.
Kaohsiung Medical University, Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22502740

The objective of the study was to investigate whether the use of statins was associated with kidney cancer risk. The study included 177 kidney cancer cases and 708 controls aged 50 or over.

The study found that those who were prescribed statins had an 8% increased risk of kidney cancer compared to those that did not take statins.

The author of the paper, Professor Hui-Fen Chiu, advises; "there is a trend of increased kidney cancer risk" and "it is prudent to continue monitoring cancer incidence among long-standing statin users".

Men taking gemfibrozil have a 117% increase in cardiac deaths

This study was published in the Annals of Medicine 1993 Feb;25(1):41-5

Study title and authors:

Efficacy of gemfibrozil in dyslipidaemic subjects with suspected heart disease. An ancillary study in the Helsinki Heart Study frame population.

Frick MH, Heinonen OP, Huttunen JK, Koskinen P, Mänttäri M, Manninen V.

First Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8435186

The study examined the effects of gemfibrozil (a cholesterol lowering drug) on death rates in male patients who had symptoms and signs of possible coronary heart disease. The study included 626 patients, average age 49, who were followed for five years.

The men were given either:
(i) 600 mg gemfibrozil twice daily.
(ii) Placebo.

The study found:
(a) The men taking gemfibrozil lowered their cholesterol levels by 8.5%.
(b) The men taking gemfibrozil had 61% more deaths than the men taking a placebo.
(c) The men taking gemfibrozil had 117% more cardiac deaths than the men taking a placebo.

The results of the study show that taking the cholesterol lowering drug gemfibrozil results in lower cholesterol levels and higher cardiac death rates and higher total death rates.  

WIAW #39

I'm still in NYC and I love it! I already feel like such a New Yorker. Hahaha, shh - I know I've only been here for about two weeks. It's about the spirit, not the length of residency. :P

Anyway, we'll skip the blaeh-blah-blah and get to the food. I'm planning to do a day-in-the-life WIAW soon, but right now my days are all so different that I'm really not sure what the point would be.

This isn't what I ate in one day, it's just some food snapshots that I got over the last week.

I've been obsessed with nuts lately, so add a few handfuls of nuts to each of these (but seriously - I've eaten several pound bags already! At this rate, I'm going to become a nut). 

Above: what happens to ice cream when you take it home on the subway on a hot day, then refreeze it. Texture? Not so awesome. Taste? Still rockin'.

And the texture wasn't that bad, it just looks worse than it was since I had to scrape it out with a fork (no ice cream scoopers here)!

Roasted spiced zucchini with mustard, nooch, and greens.

So good, it deserves a second photograph. ;)

KABOCHA!!!! Yes, I am Kabocha crazy. And still sundried tomato crazy, ever since Germany. And greek yogurt (oh hey, hiding under the berries and kabocha!). And peanut flour with olive oil...hmm.

Chia pudding and frozen strawberries (I made the chia pudding with vanilla soymilk and matcha powder).

The odd looking yellowish blob is my latest addiction - mustard mixed with nooch and a little olive oil. Try it. Now.

I decided that since my ice cream already looked funky, experimentation was due. Thus: vanilla bean ice cream with matcha, topped with goji berries and sitting on a bed of cereal. On the side, peanut flour with olive oil (and lots of kabocha!).

As with all the other plates, a bunch of mixed nuts made it into the mix post-pic and nomnomnom.

POMEGRANATe ARILS! SOOOOOOOO GOOD WITH ICE CREAM! AND SPICES! AND STRAWBERRIES! AND....

Okay, I'm done.

What do you do with melted, re-frozen ice cream?

Statins increase the risk of gallstone disease

This study was published in Expert Opinion on Drug Safety 2012 May;11(3):369-74

Study title and authors:
Statin use and the risk of gallstone disease: a population-based case-control study.

Chiu HF, Chen CC, Kuo HW, Lee IM, Wu TN, Yang CY.
Kaohsiung Medical University, Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22243480

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the use of statins and the risk of gallstone disease. The study included 1014 gallstone disease cases and 1014 controls aged 50 years or older.

The study found that those who were prescribed statins had a 14% increased risk of developing gallstone disease compared to those who did not take statins.

Strawberry Cinnamon Muffins (C2)

Strawberry Cinnamon Muffins (C2)

Recipe Author: Becky Yokeley Love

2 scoops strawberry whey powder (vanilla would be fine too)
1 cup wheat flour
1 cup oats
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 applesauce
2 egg whites (6 tbsp liquid egg whites)
12 packets stevia (sugar substitute equal to 1/2 cup sugar)
1/2 cup water
1 cup frozen strawberries (yes frozen don't thaw see note below)

Preheat oven to 350 and spray muffin tins with non stick spray.

Mix flour, whey powder, oats, soda, cinnamon, and salt together.

Add applesauce, sugar, egg whites, and water, mix until just blended.

I get the no sugar added whole strawberries from walmart...I took out a few and chopped them up with a knife some little chunks, big chunks etc. and measured out a cup of chopped strawberries (about 6 ounces chopped)

Add in chopped strawberries and stir gently to cover.

Bake for 25-35 min (350 oven) or until tops have lightly browned. I make jumbo muffins (6ct) and had to bake for 35 min.

Starvation Mode and Minimum Calories

Periodically, there seems to be some confusion on whether or not we need a minimum number of calories and if so, what that minimum number is.

The number (minimum) to try and hit is 1,200 for women and 1,500 for men (although for some it's slightly different).  It's not really magic, but it will help to keep you steadier in your weight loss and will definitely keep you healthier.  It's very important.

Read that again: it is the minimum you should be eating, not the maximum; you will probably lose at a higher rate if you add to that, taking into account your body's metabolism and your activity level.

For me, 1,350 to 1,375 is my sweet spot (which I've talked a LOT about on my Facebook community).  Others do best at a lot more, others do good at dipping below 1,200 every now and then.  KNOW YOUR BODY!

Why 1,200 calories? After all, it is not mentioned in the book.

The menu plans in the book only come up to 800-900 calories and women require 1,200 to keep from going into starvation mode (1,500 calories for men); starvation mode slows down your metabolism and your weight loss--sometimes completely halting it.

Remember also: Eat when you are hungry-- as much as you want from list of unlimited proteins and cleansing veggies lists.

Remember that the meal plans in the book are suggestions -- you'll do just as well by following the diet by making your own choices from the food lists.

We all need to add foods from the list of unlimited proteins and cleansing veggies list to reach your required food for the day.

Now on the whole issue of "why 1,200 calories as a minimum?" question:

Our bodies need a certain number of minimum calories just to function. For women, that minimum is 1,200 calories a day and for men, it is 1,500 calories per day.

When your calories dip under that minimum on a regular basis, your body will go into famine or starvation mode, which means that without enough calories (remember calories = fuel for our bodies) our bodies start to think that we aren't getting enough nutrition and won't be getting any for some time.

So, instead of burning the fuel you have put in, it starts to store it as fat.

The same thing happens if you don't eat often enough, oddly enough!  If, say, you're eating every 8 hours, your body knew it wasn't going to get any food/energy during that time, so it won't burn any of it. Ideally, with the snacks and meals on this diet, it's a good idea to try and eat every 3 hours or so.

This means you need to eat a minimum number of calories on a regular basis! It does not mean that if once in a while (say once or twice a month) you have one day where you get less than the minimum that you're going to stall your weight loss or damage your health.

P28 High Protein Bread Review

I've been seeing P28 High Protein Bread floating around in the blogosphere and have been super curious about it.

High protein bread? How does that work?

Answer: WELL. I shouldn't have been so surprised, considering the yumminess of high protein baked goods.

Anyway, this bread was fantastic!

We'll start with the stats, for those of you that are interested:

14 whopping grams of protein! Vegetarian love <3 And since I am a carboholic...

And the bread is sooo good. It's a little different than regular whole wheat bread - it has more chew. It also has a nuttier flavor (see the little seeds in there?) but I love it. I like it better than "normal" bread!

And the slices are nice and big (and thick) - not complaining! I don't like whimpy little slices of bread. :p

Do you like bread butts?


Have you ever tried P28 bread or bagels?