Your question is an excellent one, and a hot topic in the world of cardiology and preventive medicine.Vitamin D is not a true vitamin since we can manufacture it in our bodies, through the action of UVB rays th... continue reading  about  I read recently that a vitamin D deficiency may be linked to increased heart disease. Should I be tested for this deficiency, and if I'm low, would a supplement take care of this increased risk?

It is wise to be concerned about dietary supplements, since they are not regulated by the FDA. This then allows manufacturers of these products to make claims that are not well founded in medical science or stu... continue reading  about  I've been running for a number of years. I feel like I've sort of hit a plateau in my race times and performances. I'm considering taking dietary supplements, but I'm concerned about possible side effects. Should I be?

If your blood pressure is 130-140/80-90, then lifestyle modification should be your initial attempt to lower it. National Institute of Health guidelines include: Weight reduction if you&rsqu... continue reading  about  I’m a 41-year-old woman who exercises regularly and eats healthy food. High cholesterol and high blood pressure run in my family. My blood pressure is borderline high. Are there natural ways to lower blood pressure without medications?

Blood sugar levels tend to rise in the morning for some people with diabetes. This is in response to the natural hormonal changes occurring in the early morning hours.In addition, the liver releases glucose dur... continue reading  about  Is there anything that can be done to lower my fasting blood sugar? I can control my postprandial blood sugar by limiting carbs during a meal, but my fasting blood sugar has been rising over the last year and it seems to be beyond my control.

A number of studies have shown that supplemental calcium is linked to both heart attack and kidney stones in some people. For this reason, women are encouraged to get their calcium from food and dairy products ... continue reading  about  I read on your site that calcium supplements are not advisable as it contributes to heart disease, but calcium ingested in food doesn't. I'm reluctant to take supplemental calcium, but have continued to take Vitamin D on the days I'm not in the sun.

Here are some general guidelines on food intake during pregnancy:Fish/Seafood:Eat no more than 12 oz of cooked fish a weekLimit tuna to once per weekAvoid shark, tile fish, or king mackerelAlcohol:Not recommend... continue reading  about  What foods should I avoid in pregnancy?

I am not familiar with a diet that consists of only complex carbohydrates. A balanced diet contains complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables with lots of color, lean protein, and good fats like olive oil an... continue reading  about  What exactly is a complex carbohydrate diet?

First of all, congratulations on your weight loss so far! Unfortunately, weight loss plateaus are a frustrating and all-too-common occurrence, even with weight loss surgeries. If you hit a plateau in the first ... continue reading  about  I had lap band surgery and I have lost 65 pounds, but I am getting discouraged because my weight seems to have stopped there. How many calories should I have a day? I am limited to about a cup of food three times a day.

Food jags, or when a child will only eat one food item at a time, is a common behavior in early childhood. It usually represents a way for children to show growing independence and is a normal part of their dev... continue reading  about  My 2 1/2 year old was once a great eater, but now wants to eat only cereal - plain Cheerios to be exact. He won't eat any dinner but complains he's hungry before bed, so I let him have some cereal. How do I break the cycle?