Limiting animal protein intake may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

A 10-year European study of over 38,000 participants found that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is increased by eating animal protein. Investigators discovered that meat, milk and cheese, and all sources of animal protein increased risk, but no risk was associated with vegetable protein from various sources. A plant-based diet has been shown to decrease the risk of disease and improve longevity.

PositiveTip: Try transitioning to a plant-based diet by gradually increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 

Teens may drink healthy beverages, but they still have too many sugary ones.

Almost three-quarters of 11,429 U.S. teens who responded to a national survey, reported drinking at least one glass of water each day during the previous week. Forty-two percent drank a daily glass of milk and 30% drank some kind of 100% fruit juice. However, 24.3% of teens reported drinking at least one sugar-sweetened soda every day, 16.1% used sports drinks daily, and 16.9% consumed another type of sugar-sweetened drink every day. Diet sodas were not as popular, with only 7% drinking them each day.

PositiveTip: Parents, schools and teens should limit intake of sugar-sweetened drinks and encourage water instead!

One-third of children with chronic constipation improved when cow's milk was removed from diet.

A small study followed 69 children with chronic constipation through a 12-week trial of four phases (three weeks per phase).

Constipation resolved within 5 days in 27 children in phase 2 (when cow's milk was removed). It returned in phase 3 (when cow's milk was reintroduced), and disappeared again in phase 4 (when cow's milk was removed the second time). No other dietary changes were made.

Although small and not blinded, the fact that constipation returned when cow's milk was reintroduced is compelling.

PositiveTip: The simple intervention of removing dairy milk is certainly worth a try if your child suffers from chronic constipation.

Michigan confirms 12 cases of campylobacterosis from raw milk consumption.

Raw milk is touted by some as being more nutritious and is inherently antimicrobial, and therefore superior to pasteurized milk. But in reality there are no significant nutritional differences, and raw milk may contain a wide variety of harmful bacteria.

A recent outbreak of campylobacteriosis in Michigan confirms this. Twelve cases of this illness have been identified among those consuming raw milk from an Indiana dairy.

American's are eating three times the cheese they did in 1970!

Food consumption patterns provide an interesting picture of changing tastes and eating habits. The US Department of Agriculture has been tracking food availability since 1909. A wealth of information from these records are now available online. Between 1970 and 2008 cheese consumption grew from 11.4 per person per year to 31.4 pounds--just over a threefold increase! Milk consumption has significantly diminished, while sodas seem to be replacing milk.

PositiveTip: It is not always healthy to follow national trends. Try setting a new trend by consuming significantly more fruits and vegetables in your diet!