PPI Meds Increase Risk of Mortality
Acid suppression therapy is very common--even among those who do not have a medically indicated need. Data from a 6 year follow-up study show those using proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) found a 1.25 increased risk of death from all causes when compared to those using histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2). Another study found PPI use is associated with higher…
Read MoreIs the Obesity Paradox Real?
A 2013 meta-analysis suggested that overweight individuals had lower all-cause mortality than those at normal BMI. Now data from three large cohort studies with more than 225,000 men and women has demonstrated there is no protective effect of being overweight. These researchers used the maximum weight achieved over the past 16 years in addition to current…
Read MoreGlobal Smoking Deaths Rising
Smoking is responsible for about 6 million deaths per year globally at an estimated associated cost of $1 trillion. An international report projects that by 2030, smoking-related deaths will rise to over 8 million a year! While smoking in the U.S. has fallen to a record low of 15.!% of adults, it has been countered…
Read MoreNo Safe Level of Cigarette Smoking
Many smokers believe very light smoking or not smoking every day may reduce their health risks. In a study of 290,000 middle-age and older smokers, researcher found long-time, low-volume smokers had significantly higher mortality risks compared with those who had never smoked or quit. Those who reported consistently smoking 1-10 cigarettes a day had an 87%…
Read MoreTypes of Dietary Fat and Mortality Rates
Over 125,000 male and female health professionals free of CVD, cancer, and diabetes were followed for about 30 years. Saturated fat when replacing carbohydrates raised mortality rates by 8%. A high intake of trans fats was associated with a 13% increase in mortality. On the other hand, higher intakes of polyunsaturated fats (most vegetable oils) and monounsaturated…
Read MoreYour Grip Strength is a Powerful Predictor
A large, international study has revealed that for each 5 kilogram decrease in grip strength, over all mortality risk increased by 16%, cardiovascular mortality by 17%, and a 9% increase in stroke risk. The findings were consistent across nationalities and economic levels. PositiveTip: Keep up the strength exercises. They could lower your risk of premature death.
Read MoreNot So Fast with the Alcohol
Earlier research appeared to show that moderate drinkers lived longer than non-drinkers and heavy drinkers. However, many of those studies included former heavy drinkers who had poorer health than never drinkers. Research from the U.K. which removed the former drinkers from comparison groups did not find the same benefits. The authors note they are skeptical…
Read MoreLifestyle Matters!
A 40 year community-based effort in a rural Maine (U.S.) county to help residents control elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, stop smoking, eat healthfully, and exercise more appears to have yielded significant benefits. Compared with other counties in the same state, Franklin's residents have lower mortality rates and fewer hospitalizations resulting in savings of $5.4 million…
Read MoreLongevity Linked to Plant-rich Diets
Consuming seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily reduced all-cause mortality, cancer and cardiovascular disease according to a large British study. The average consumption was just under four portions per day. It is not hard to eat seven servings as the standard portion size for most fruits and vegetables is one-half cup. This study…
Read MoreThe Results Are Not So Sweet
In a 15 year follow-up, consuming 10% to 24.9% of calories from added sugar raised the risk of cardiovascular death by 30%, compared to those with less than 10%. Death jumped to 175% in those who consumed 25% or more from added sugar. Remember: one can of soda equals 7% of the calories in a…
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