Archive for October, 2010

Cilantro Pepita Pesto Recipe

October 12, 2010 Written by JP

I often discuss the concept of complementary medicine wherein one uses an alternative or holistic strategy to improve the efficacy and safety of a conventional treatment. Today’s recipe could be considered a “complementary recipe”. You can add it to a variety of main courses or side dishes to enhance flavor and catapult its health promoting potential. In fact, this an excellent approach to take whenever constructing meals. Start with a nutrient dense menu item, then think about how you can make it even more beneficial by selectively incorporating antioxidant rich dips, marinades and sauces.
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Posted in Nutrition, Recipes | 2 Comments & Updates

Meridia Drug Removal

October 11, 2010 Written by JP

One of the top news stories from this past week was the “voluntary” removal of the weight loss drug Meridia from the US market. Dr. John Jenkins, the director of the Food and Drug Administration’s drug evaluation branch, stated “Meridia’s continued availability is not justified when you compare the very modest weight loss that people achieve on this drug to their risk of heart attack or stroke”. Presently, there are an estimated 100,000 patients in the US using this previously sanctioned medication. But now, they’re being urged to discontinue using it and consult with their physicians about alternative means of losing those extra pounds. My Healthy Monday tip of the week is to strategically use safe dietary techniques to accomplish your weight loss goals instead of potentially dangerous drugs.
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Posted in Diet and Weight Loss, Nutrition | 4 Comments & Updates

Diverticulitis Alternatives

October 8, 2010 Written by JP

Are you familiar with a medical condition known as diverticulitis? The answer to this question likely depends on your age. Adults over the age of 50 are far more likely to have an intimate awareness of this inflammatory condition that affects the inner lining of the intestines. In fact, it’s estimated that as many as 50% of seniors will deal with one complication or another associated with the swelling of sacs (diverticula) in the intestinal wall or diverticulitis. Potential symptoms include abdominal pain, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. As with most health care matters, preventing the development of this disease is preferred over treating it.
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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Food and Drink, Nutrition | 17 Comments & Updates

Dr. Loren Cordain Interview Part Two

October 7, 2010 Written by JP

In part two of my interview with Dr. Loren Cordain, I’ll turn the spotlight on the most recent scientific developments regarding Paleolithic nutrition. Dr. Cordain shares some insights about using a traditional diet to manage autoimmune diseases. He also comments on a current batch of “modern day Paleo diets” and describes what he’d like see in future scientific investigations. We’ll even get a sneak peak into his forthcoming book, The Paleo Diet Cookbook.
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Posted in Interviews, Nutrition | 14 Comments & Updates

Dr. Loren Cordain Interview Part One

Written by JP

Today I’m very happy to present part one of my interview with Dr. Loren Cordain of Colorado State University. Dr. Cordain is widely regarded as the preeminent authority on paleolithic nutrition – a dietary approach which aims to practically replicate the eating style of humans “prior to the Agricultural Revolution (a mere 500 generations ago)”. A Paleolithic menu primarily consists of lean meats, seafood and low-glycemic fruits and vegetables. It’s naturally rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, phytochemicals, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. As one might expect, it discourages the consumption of many of the controversial elements of modern diets including artificial flavors and sweeteners, dairy, grains, hyrdrogenated fats, processed foods, salt and sugar. The net result of adopting such a diet is often a dramatic improvement in conditions ranging from acne to osteoporosis.
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Posted in Food and Drink, Interviews, Nutrition | 5 Comments & Updates

Stuffed Mushroom Recipe

October 5, 2010 Written by JP

This week’s recipe was a surprise to me, literally. One evening I was writing away in my office and an enticing aroma caught my attention. I thought to myself, “That’s odd. I thought we were having leftovers for dinner”. So, I walk into the kitchen and find Mrs. Healthy Fellow removing a pan from the oven. On it is an armada of stuffed mushrooms. Immediately, there’s a conflict going on in my head. Part of me thinks, “Ugh. Mushrooms!”. But my senses and stomach are singing a different tune. Whatever this creation was smelled absolutely fantastic. Could this be, at long last, the mushroom dish that converts me from a a mushroom-avoider to a mushroom-lover?
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Posted in Heart Health, Nutrition, Recipes | 11 Comments & Updates

Hazelnut Heart Health

October 4, 2010 Written by JP

It’s a very common scenario that plays out in doctors’ offices around the world. A patient sits on an examination table and their physician sternly alerts them that their cholesterol level is slowly creeping upward and may soon need to be controlled with medication. From a natural health perspective, there are many options one can employ to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Eating a daily serving or two of nuts tops the list. The beauty of this strategy is that you don’t necessarily need to make other lifestyle changes to accomplish your objective. My Healthy Monday tip of the week is to consider adding a specific member of the tree nut family – hazelnuts or filberts – to your natural cholesterol-lowering regimen.
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Posted in Food and Drink, Heart Health, Nutrition | 17 Comments & Updates

Food Pyramid Follies

October 1, 2010 Written by JP

My primary objective for this site is to assist patients and physicians in improving the quality of health care. A new article appearing in the October 1st issue of the journal Nutrition suggests a timely strategy to accomplish this end. On June 15, the 2010 Dietary Guideline Advisory Committee Report (DGAC) was released. The recommendations contained therein will play a major role in shaping the USDA Food Pyramid. This will, in turn, affect the lives of most Americans and “strongly influence nutrition education, research funding, governmental meal programs including school lunches, as well as providing direction for the food industry, regulatory agencies, consumer advocates, and the media”. As you can imagine, the health ramifications of the report are immense with respect to health care spending and quality of life. The problem, according to the prestigious authors of the new paper entitled, “In the Face of Contradictory Evidence”, is that the guidelines are likely to continue an upward trend in preventable diseases directly associated with the dietary recommendations espoused by the DGAC Report. Read more »


Posted in General Health, Nutrition | 14 Comments & Updates