Our bodies need protein, carbohydrates, and fat, but some kinds are better for us than others. It’s important to eat the right kinds and quantities of these components in order to receive the most benefit from them.
Fish oil contains beneficial omega-3 fats, but people with heart failure, angina, or an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) should minimize their consumption of fish, and should not take fish oil capsules.
The steps that should be taken to prevent dementia are also likely to help protect the heart and the rest of the body.
Besides the effets of fatigue and irritability, a sustained sleep defecit can lead to a greater risk of other health problems such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
A CT scan for calcium buildup in arteries near the heart can help predict the likelihood of an attack, but its cost outweighs its usefulness in people with low risk of heart disease.
A clinical trial measuring the effectiveness of maintaining tight control of blood sugar in diabetics was ended early due to a higher than expected number of deaths, but keeping blood sugar below a certain level is still important for those with diabetes.
Testosterone affects many of the body’s functions throughout a man’s life. Some studies have attempted to link declining testosterone production in later life to decreased cognitive function, but no firm connection has yet been found.
The recommendation to take beta blockers before noncardiac surgery is now tempered by the information that the drug should be started a few days prior to surgery.
A British study found that people with chronic back pain who had regular sessions of a rehabilitative movement discipline known as the Alexander technique felt better and had fewer days with pain.
I had a mechanical valve put in to replace a stiff aortic valve. But it hasn’t made a big difference in how I feel. I still get short of breath when I try to walk fast. Could it be the wrong size, or not working properly?