Help for making and preserving lean tissue

Two weeks ago we covered the importance of muscle mass. Last week I discussed protein as a key requirement for building and maintaining muscle. Obviously, using muscles as in strength training is also necessary. I’ve included the drawing of “core muscles.” You probably know that we should work especially diligently on strengthening them to help […]

Do you eat enough protein?

In last week’s blog we talked about the importance of maintaining muscle mass even into advanced age. One requirement for building and maintaining muscle is adequate intake of protein. Experts do not all agree on the amount of protein we require, but they do generally agree that the goal should vary by person. As you […]

Muscles do more than lift weight and impress your friends

Sure, muscles can help you lift a gallon jug of milk and look good in a tank top. But, muscles do a lot more than that and it is easy to forget about them. You might be surprised just how critical muscle tissue is to overall health. For example: We know that exercise benefits the […]

Vitamin D dose confusion sorted out

There is vitamin D dose confusion. There is NOT confusion about the importance of this hormone-like “vitamin”. Apparently it is important for just about every aspect of our health. For example, the following quote is taken from my Library article on D: “inadequate Vitamin D levels are associated with arthritis, asthma, infections, depression, diabetes and […]

Supplement benefits are backed by good science

Hopefully, very few people take it seriously when some of the so-called “experts” imply that dietary supplements are just a frivolous fad based on old wives’ tales. Let me address that last part first. Grandma was an “old wife” and most of what she told us about health holds up under scientific scrutiny. And are […]

PART 2—Supplements—the good, the not-so-hot, and the potentially ugly

Next week I get to cover the more fun stuff—some surprising supplement benefits, pointers on their use and thoughts on why they are still controversial. However, today I had better finish telling the rest of the story about the 15 supplements that the Consumer Reports (CR) September cover article says to avoid. Kava – I […]

Supplements—the good, the not-so-hot and the potentially ugly—Part 1

In “Supplements—the good, the not-so-hot and the potentially ugly—Part 1” I begin to give the rest of the story on some recent supplement warnings. You probably know that nutritional and herbal supplements can be very beneficial. In two weeks, I will discuss some particular benefits; give a few pointers on their more effective use and […]

Dietary supplements really are regulated

Considering the spin that the FDA and the likes of Consumer Reports give supplement regulation, a person might think it is risky to buy vitamins and other supplements in a health food store. However, I assure you that it isn’t the wild, wild West. Dietary supplements really are regulated. Ask any reputable on the radar […]

Consumer Reports is biased against supplements

If you are a subscriber to Consumer Reports (CR) magazine, you may depend on their ratings of household items and automobiles. But, would you still trust their advice if they said they don’t approve of using dish soap, toasters or televisions? Before you believe a word of the new September 2016 issue about dietary supplements, […]

Get more value from routine blood tests

The purpose of the standard blood tests one receives along with an annual checkup is basically to detect disease markers. For example, some numbers will show if an infection or major immune issue is present. Others might hint that the liver is struggling or that the kidneys are headed toward shut down. The cholesterol measurements […]