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Showing posts with the label How-not-to-die Series

Everyday Phytonutrients That Protect

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TL;DR — Everyday Phytonutrients That Protect   A diverse, plant‑forward diet delivers steady, evidence‑based protection against inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic disease. Polyphenol‑rich staples like tea, coffee, berries, apples, onions, cocoa, beans, herbs, and colorful produce supply short‑lived but repeatable benefits meal after meal. Whole foods outperform supplements, diversity beats any single “superfood,” and patterns like Mediterranean, MIND, and DASH show the strongest long‑term outcomes.   Introduction Polyphenols, a major class of plant compounds with strong antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory activity, were ranked using concentration data from the Phenol‑Explorer database’s 2010 analysis of the 100 richest sources. [7] These 10 foods contain the highest polyphenol levels: Cloves  Highest concentration Cocoa powder / dark chocolate  ~3,448 mg/100g for cocoa powder; dark chocolate follows closely Berries —especially chokeberries, blueberries, blackb...

The Truth About Cholesterol — A 2026 Perspective

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TL;DR The 2013 article was ahead of its time in highlighting inflammation and lifestyle as key drivers of heart disease. In 2026, the picture is more integrated: LDL/apoB lowering still saves lives and remains the primary strategy for high‑risk individuals, while inflammation explains residual risk and is now targeted through lifestyle, low‑dose colchicine, and emerging IL‑6 therapies. For individuals: focus on anti-inflammatory habits, get full risk assessment (LDL/apoB + hsCRP + imaging), and follow personalized medical advice. Cholesterol still matters — inflammation is the new layer on top. Back in 2013, this article argued that cholesterol alone wasn’t the full story behind heart disease — that inflammation, diet, and metabolic stress were major drivers. At the time, that view was ahead of the curve. A decade later, leading voices like Eric Topol and major cardiology societies now echo the same theme: atherosclerosis is both a lipid-driven and inflammation-driven disease. But th...

Dr. Greger’s Superfood Bargains — 2026 Update

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A lot has happened since this list was first written. Prices have shifted, climate volatility has changed crop availability, and Dr. Greger’s newer work—especially How Not to Age—has refined our understanding of antioxidant value. To give the original article proper context, here’s a quick 2026 update before the classic list begins. Superfood Bargains — 2026 Update Climate Inflation & Nuts Pecans now volatile due to climate impacts Walnuts = most stable antioxidant‑per‑dollar Frozen Beats Fresh Rising transport costs make fresh pricier Frozen blueberries & amla give highest antioxidants per dollar Acai & Goji Still Not Bargains More accessible but still overpriced Red cabbage remains the top budget antioxidant source Sulforaphane 2.0 Broccoli sprouts pricey Mustard seed powder boosts sulforaphane in cooked broccoli 2026 Value Rule Prioritize pigment‑rich staples Purples, dark greens, and spices stay inflation‑resistant — Original 2017 Article Begins Below —

New Insights into Parkinson's Disease: Exploring Risk Factors, Management Strategies, and Emerging Treatments

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The Alarming Rise in Parkinson’s Disease with Dr. Ray Dorsey (YouTube link ) Recent advancements in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) research have provided new insights into its progression and potential treatments: COVID-19 Linked to Parkinson's Risk: Some studies indicate that COVID-19 may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease . This is supported by a rise in cases of parkinsonism, a group of symptoms including tremors, slow movement, stiffness, and balance problems, following COVID-19 infections . [29] Gut Microbiota Link to Parkinson’s Disease:  Researchers found that reduced bacterial genes related to vitamins B2 and B7 synthesis in the gut microbiota are linked to Parkinson’s disease. This deficiency affects intestinal short-chain fatty acids and polyamines, which maintain the intestinal barrier. B vitamin therapy could potentially restore the barrier and treat Parkinson’s disease . [27] Potential link between air pollution and Parkinson's disease:  The prevalence of Park...

Health—Know Your Numbers

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I have been a vegetarian since 2006.  As the chart shown below, my lipid panel has improved after my diet changes: Based on my family physician's records, the following two problems were reported to me: Impaired fasting glucose (01/10/2005) Pure hyperglyceridemia (08/01/2006) Without doubt, I had  metabolic syndrome  in the period of 2004-2006. Metabolic Syndrome Metabolic syndrome  is related to insulin resistance .  It also reflects other health findings that accompany serious insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome can be diagnosed by any three of the following: Increased waist circumference ≥  35 inches in women ≥  40 inches in men Fasting blood sugar   ≥  100 mg/dL Blood pressure   ≥  130/85 Low HDL < 50 mg/dL for women  < 40 mg/dL for men High triglycerides > 150 mg/dL Higher fasting triglyceride predicts higher risks of diabetes mortality in US adults  (S...

Diabetes―the Silent Killer

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The onset of type 2 diabetes is gradual, with most individuals progressing through a state of prediabetes , a condition now striking approximately 1 in 3 Americans, but only about 1 in 10 even knows it. Video 1.   How to Prevent Prediabetes from Turning into Diabetes (YouTube link ) Type 1 vs Type 2 Type 1 diabetes Occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough of the hormones needed to alert the body to sugar Is now widely treated by supplemental insulin Type 2 diabetes (aka age-associated diabetes) Occurs when pancreas is able to make enough insulin but the body is deaf to it . The 9 percent of all adults globally with this disease need a drug (i.e., metformin ) that restores their body’s sensitivity to insulin so cells take up and use the sugar that’s coursing through their bloodstreams. That’s important for at least three reasons : [4] It gives the overworked pancreas a rest It prevents spikes of freely floating sugar from essentially caramelizing proteins in ...

Kidney Disease—All Things Considered

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Source: [36] A national survey found that only 41% of Americans tested had normal kidney function, a drop from 52% about a decade earlier. [1] If your kidneys do not function property, metabolic waste products can accumulate in the blood and eventually lead to such symptoms as weakness, shortness of breath, confusion, and abnormal heart rhythms .  If your kidneys fail completely, you will either need a new one or have to go on dialysis. However, the average life expectancy of a person on dialysis is less than 3 years . [3] So, it's better to keep your kidneys healthy in the first place. Video 1.   Treating Chronic Kidney Disease with Food (YouTube link ) Kidney Problems Healthy kidneys work hard to retain protein and other vital nutrients, preferably filtering toxic or useless wastes out of the blood stream via your urine.  Patients with kidney problems can range from experiencing no symptoms to leaking protein into urine or to  end-stage renal dis...