The researchers found that exposure to metals such as cadmium, tungsten, uranium, and cobalt was associated with significantly elevated levels of coronary artery calcium over a 10-year period. For example, people with the highest levels of urinary cadmium had coronary artery calcium levels that were 75 percent higher than those with the lowest levels over the 10-year period. Likewise, urinary tungsten, uranium and cobalt corresponded with coronary artery calcium levels that were 45 percent, 39 percent, and 47 percent higher, respectively, during that decade. These metals are widespread in the environment, largely due to pollution from tobacco smoke, fertilizers, batteries, oil production, welding, mining, and nuclear energy production.

Overall, the researchers say that exposure to such metals was linked to increased calcium buildup in coronary arteries comparable to that associated with traditional CVD risk factors like smoking and diabetes.

Try this recipe today: Good Earth Kale Cobb

Sign up for more Dr. Weil newsletters! 

The post Environmental Metal Exposure May Raise Cardiovascular Risk appeared first on DrWeil.com.

Participants were divided into two groups: a lifestyle intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received guidance on health-promoting habits through group meetings and a web portal. The study found that lifestyle changes, such as improved diet quality and increased physical activity, significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes —regardless of genetic risk. These results highlight the effectiveness of lifestyle modifications in preventing the disease, say the study’s authors.

Try this recipe today: Oven-Roasted Tomatoes

Sign up for more Dr. Weil newsletters! 

The post Lifestyle Measures May Curb Diabetes — Even For Those At Genetic Risk appeared first on DrWeil.com.

They found that fish oil supplements may benefit older adults with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease, specifically those carrying the APOE4 gene. While the study did not show significant benefits for all older adults, it did reveal that APOE4 carriers experienced a notable reduction in the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain after taking fish oil for one year. The researchers suggest that fish oil may be beneficial for APOE4 carriers but don’t recommend it as a general preventative measure for dementia. The findings highlight the need for further research in more diverse populations.

Try this recipe today: Green Cabbage & Mushrooms

Sign up for more Dr. Weil newsletters! 

The post Fish Oil May Benefit Some People With Alzheimer’s Disease appeared first on DrWeil.com.

Try this recipe today: Japanese Wild Mushrooms With Soba

Sign up for more Dr. Weil newsletters! 

The post Placebo Effect Linked To Improved Mental Health appeared first on DrWeil.com.

Lion’s mane mushrooms may boost nerve health

Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve the health of the brain and nervous system. Now, a laboratory study by researchers at the Queensland Brain Institute in Australia suggests that compounds in lion’s mane may help extend the length and connections of neurons derived from rat embryos and may significantly enhance memory, at least in mice. While more research is needed, the findings add to our understanding of how this mushroom influences nerve health and brain function. The research was funded by CNGBio Co., a Korean mushroom-farming company.

Edible mushrooms linked to better thyroid function

In a recent prospective study of 6,631 people, researchers at Tianjin University in China measured consumption of edible mushrooms, as well as the incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland). After analyzing the data, they found that people who consumed mushrooms four or more times a week were significantly less likely to develop subclinical hypothyroidism than those in the study who ate them less frequently.

Sources
honlinelibrary.wiley/doi/10.1111/jnc.15767
sciencedirect/science/article/pii/S2213453022001264

Try this recipe today: Japanese Wild Mushrooms With Soba

Sign up for more Dr. Weil newsletters! 

The post Mushrooms & Health: What’s The Latest? appeared first on DrWeil.com.

The study supports the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, confirming that dietary interventions should be the first line of treatment for hypertension. The research team urges clinicians to prioritize diet-based strategies over immediate pharmacological treatments to achieve better health outcomes for patients with hypertension, particularly those at high risk of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases.

Try this recipe today: Wild Rice And Mushrooms

Sign up for more Dr. Weil newsletters! 

The post Want Lower Blood Pressure? Pick More Produce appeared first on DrWeil.com.

They found that cutting processed meat intake alone by 30 percent could result in 352,900 fewer cases of diabetes, 92,500 fewer cases of cardiovascular disease, and 53,300 fewer cases of colorectal cancer over ten years. Additionally, reducing both processed and unprocessed meat consumption by 30 percent could lead to even greater health improvements: 1,073,400 fewer diabetes cases, 382,400 fewer cardiovascular disease cases, and 84,400 fewer colorectal cancer cases over the same period. Their analysis underscores the potential health benefits of reducing meat consumption, particularly processed meats, and highlights the need for further research into the impacts of dietary choices on chronic disease risk.

Try this recipe today: French Lentil Soup With Cremini Mushrooms, Sweet Potatoes & Thyme

Sign up for more Dr. Weil newsletters! 

The post To Help Prevent Diabetes, Pass On Processed Meat appeared first on DrWeil.com.

Try this recipe today: Tofu Fajitas

Sign up for more Dr. Weil newsletters! 

The post Want To Prevent Dementia? Improve Cardiovascular Health appeared first on DrWeil.com.

Now, a recent study suggests that for people suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy, having a specially trained canine companion could potentially reduce the frequency of seizures. Conducted by researchers at Erasmus University Rotterdam, the study followed 25 participants over a period of up to three years. Researchers observed a significant reduction in seizures among participants during periods when seizure dogs were in their service. On average, participants experienced 31 percent fewer seizures with a dog compared to their usual care conditions. In addition, the number of seizure-free days increased from 11 days per 28-day period before having a seizure dog to 15 days afterwards.

While these findings are certainly promising, the datapoints were self-reported by participants, and accuracy of recall poses a limitation to the reliability of the study’s published outcomes. The researchers emphasize the need for further research to identify which individuals would benefit most from seizure dog assistance.

Try this recipe today: Broccoli Pasta

Sign up for more Dr. Weil newsletters! 

The post Specially Trained Dogs Might Help Reduce Seizures appeared first on DrWeil.com.

They assigned 158 cancer patients who were undergoing chemotherapy with drugs known to cause nerve issues to either standard care or to twice-weekly exercises. The exercise sessions lasted 15 to 30 minutes and included sensorimotor training (balance exercises) or whole-body vibration training (standing on a vibration plate). Results over five years showed that participating in one of the exercise groups was associated with a 50- to 70-percent lower risk of nerve damage from these drugs, as well as improved quality of life and lowered mortality rates. The most significant benefits were observed in patients on a class of chemotherapy drugs called vinca-alkaloids who performed sensorimotor training.

Try this recipe today: Creamy Tomato Soup

Sign up for more Dr. Weil newsletters! 

The post Could Exercise Protect Against Nerve Damage? appeared first on DrWeil.com.