Archive for February, 2012

Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Sleep Apnea

Friday, February 10th, 2012

By Diane FennellOver the years, we’ve reported on various benefits of the so-called Mediterranean diet — a style of eating that focuses on the consumption of healthful monounsaturated fats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish, nuts, and legumes, as well as moderate daily consumption of alcohol and a relatively low intake of red meat. In previous studies, this eating pattern has been shown to have wide-ranging benefits, including reduction in the rates of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and some types of cancer. Now, a small new study indicates that the Mediterranean diet, combined with exercise, has another benefit: potentially reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea.Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops for 10 s…

Source: www.medworm.com

Diabetes and Your Gums

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

This study found that, “when their periodontal infections were treated, the management of their diabetes markedly improved.” So you want to have your teeth cleaned by a professional at least twice a year, probably more if you have diabetes. Richard Bernstein, MD, author of Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution, advocates long (several months) courses of antibiotics “to help people with diabetes regain excellent blood sugar control.” Of course, all this dental care can be expensive. Medical insurance should cover dental care for people with diabetes, because it’s a vital part of care, but sometimes it doesn’t. If there’s a dental school near you, that might be an option for affordable care.When I started taking gum care seriously, my gums bled like crazy while flossing, and they hurt. Now th…

Source: www.medworm.com