Recipe: 

Purple Cabbage Salad with Edamame, Golden Raisins, & Smoked Almonds

Most people know that obesity is a risk factor for increasing one's chance of developing diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, many people don't realize that being obese can also significantly increase your chance of developing cancer. This is the message that four major organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) want Americans to realize.

In a recent study, data on cancer incidence was obtained from the CDC, NCI and NAACCR. Data on cancer deaths was obtained from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. After all the data was analyzed, there was some good news: death rates from all cancers decreased from 1999 to 2008, continuing a decline that began in the early 1990s. However, the incidence of several cancers increased, including pancreas, kidney and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus; all cancers that are associated with being overweight.

The authors of this study go on to say that "for more than 30 years, excess weight, insufficient physical activity and an unhealthy diet have been considered second only to tobacco as preventable causes of disease and death in the United States. However, since the 1960s, tobacco use has declined by one-third, whereas obesity rates have doubled." This is a powerful message because both smoking and being overweight are preventable and, for the most part, reversible.

Bottom Line 

There is evidence that in addition to the increased risk of cancer development due to being overweight, three cancers: colon, endometrial and postmenopausal breast cancers can be attributed to lack of physical activity. So...go for a walk today and start decreasing your cancer risk. 

If you've had a kidney stone, you know that they are no picnic. Now there is evidence that for older women, decreasing chances of developing kidney stones could be as simple as getting enough calcium and water.

In a recent study, researchers analyzed the food intake of 78,293 women (ages 50 to 79) from the prospective WHI OS (Women's Health Initiative Observational Study) and compared the women's intake to see if diet was a contributing factor in the development of kidney stones.

Researchers found that 1,952 women in the study developed kidney stones (either one stone or multiple stones). When they compared the diets of these women to those who did not develop a kidney stone, they found that those who consumed more calcium had a five to 28 percent decreased risk of developing stones, and those who consumed more water had a 13 to 31 percent decreased risk of developing stones.

Bottom Line

Getting calcium from food sources is best; opt for two to three servings of low-fat dairy every day, aiming for about 1200 mg of calcium per day. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women consume about 75 ounces of fluid per day and men should aim for closer to 100 ounces. Adequate water intake is crucial as water helps flush the kidneys and can dilute the substance that could end up as kidney stones.

Source

Ever wonder if your metabolism is keeping you from reaching your weight goals? Let a Sensible Nutrition RD measure YOUR metabolism and tell you the truth! Call 781-741-5483 or send an email to nutritionist@sensiblenutrition.com to schedule your appointment.  

About Sensible Nutrition

Sensible Nutrition is a consulting firm established in 1994 that provides nutrition and fitness services to individuals, universities, corporate wellness programs and nonprofit groups. SN's client list includes the United States Coast Guard, Blue Cross Blue Shield, EMC, Putnam Investments, Corcoran Jennison, Harvard Business School, the Boston Ballet and Children's Hospital. For more information about our corporate wellness services, please check us out at www.wellnessworkdays.com.

SN services: One-to-one counseling, fitness counseling and training, group lectures, metabolism measures and more! Let the Sensible Nutrition staff develop a nutrition program to help you finally reach your health and weight goals! Gift certificates are available!

Debra Wein, MS, RD, LDN, SN President and Co-Founder writes a regular nutrition column for the National Strength and Conditioning Association's  Performance Training Journal, has been quoted in Family Circle, Muscle & Fitness, Shape, Self, Men's Health, Allure and Prevention and has appeared on Fox 25, Channel 56, Channel 5, New England Cable News and several radio stations.

Contact us at www.sensiblenutrition.com or 781-741-5483.