This Week's Healthy Fun Facts!

Fact #1:

Sweet taste with a not so sweet effect.
Fructose, in animal models, has been shown to contribute to the development of non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) by increasing intestinal permeability through an increase of small intestine bacterial overgrowth. In humans, a study has demonstrated that those with NAFLD consumed significantly more fructose than controls contributing to an increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 which has been linked to liver damage of various etiologies.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that does not raise insulin or blood sugar levels and is a perfect sugar substitute for diabetics, dieters, and those wishing to avoid artificial sweeteners.

Source: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in humans is associated with increased plasma endotoxin and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 concentrations and with fructose intake.

Fact #2:


We’re all about synergy here at DFH.
The combination of plant sterols and omega 3 fatty acids from fish had a greater triglyceride lowering effect than when either was used alone. DFH’s Foresterol contains 80% plant sterols. We also carry various fish oil products in order to meet the various needs of the clinician and patient.

Source: The lipid-lowering effects of phytosterols and (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids are synergistic and complementary in hyperlipidemic men and women.

Fact #3:

Next time I fall off the ladder while cleaning the gutters, I’ll simply laugh all the way to the emergency room.
A recent study demonstrated that subjects reported a more negative pain response when making a standard facial expression of pain as opposed to a neutral facial expression in spite of the fact the intensity of the pain stimulus did not change.

Source: Voluntary facial displays of pain increase suffering in response to nociceptive stimulation.

Fact #4:

Weren’t we told not to swim after eating?
We all know the benefits of using niacin for promoting healthy blood lipid levels. And we also recognize the positive effects of exercise on serum triglycerides. But what about using both together? It appears that aerobic exercise alone lowers the postprandial triglyceride response to a high-fat meal. And niacin alone lowers fasting but not postprandial triglycerides. But when combined niacin appears to influence the triglyceride-lowering effect of aerobic exercise. However, exercise also decreases postprandial insulin concentrations after niacin administration, which illustrates the potential metabolic benefits of exercise in persons taking niacin.

Source: Postprandial triglyceride responses to aerobic exercise and extended-release niacin.

Fact #5:

“Doggone it mom! Can’t I stay up? ‘The Revenge of the Mutant Teenage Killer Zombie Eggplants from Jupiter’ is on the midnight movie tonight.”
Poor quality and/or insufficient sleep has been associated with elevated blood pressure or pre-hyper tension in normally healthy adolescents.

Source: Sleep Quality and Elevated Blood Pressure in Adolescents.