Healthy Diet Equals Longer Life for Kidney Patients. Researchers have found that a healthy diet may help individuals with kidney disease live longer. An analysis of data concerning more than 15,000 people with chronic kidney disease found an association between a 20-30% lower risk of early death and a diet high in fruits, vegetables, fish,…

Fruits and Veggies Lower Head and Neck Cancer Risk. Chinese researchers compared the diet and lifestyle characteristics of 921 head and neck cancer patients with healthy controls and determined that the risk of such cancers fell as participants consumed a greater number of daily servings of fruits and vegetables. They note their findings are similar…

Beans & Peas Increase Feeling of Fullness. Study participants who consumed a meal with either beans or peas as the main element ingested 12% fewer calories during their next meal than participants whose meals featured pork or veal. Lead researcher Dr. Anne Raben writes, “It is somewhat contrary to the widespread belief that one ought…

Low Vitamin D Levels May Increase the Risk of Bladder Cancer. New research shows that bladder cells activate and respond to vitamin D, which can stimulate an immune response. Experts say this finding is important because the immune system may help prevent cancer by identifying and destroying abnormal cells before they develop into cancer. The…

Too Much Salt in US Kids’ Diet. A majority of kids in the United States (US) consume more than the recommended amount of salt for their age. Researchers analyzed data on more than 2,100 children aged 6 to 18 and found their average salt intake was 3,256 milligrams (mg) a day. Currently, the recommended salt…

Can Diet Impact Migraines? Eating processed foods high in nitrites or monosodium glutamate (MSG) and drinking too much alcohol are potential migraine headache triggers. After performing a literature review of more than 180 studies, investigators found that eating more natural foods such as fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and fresh meat while avoiding processed foods high…

Are You Getting Enough Iron? Iron is an essential nutrient for optimal health. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends the following dietary sources: lean cuts of pork, beef, chicken, turkey and fish; pinto and kidney beans, soybeans, and lentils; breakfast cereals fortified with iron; rice enriched with iron; spinach and other vegetables that are…

To Sauté or Not to Sauté? Sautéing is a healthy and simple way to prepare your vegetables. The American Heart Association gives the following tips on how to do it: add a tablespoon or two of broth or water to a skillet and place over medium heat; wait for the water or broth to begin…

Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Prevent Lupus? Michigan State University researchers have found that an essential fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can stop a known trigger of lupus—a systemic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the body’s skin, joints, and organs. It is considered a genetic disease and can be triggered…

A Specific Amino Acid Improves Immune Response Against Cancer. An amino acid called L-arginine may help fight cancer. In a new study, researchers found that L-arginine, an amino acid that is consumed through diet, boosts the activity of T cells—immune cells that play a crucial role in the defense against viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.…