Published December 22, 2010

Lower two major heart attack risk factors with one nutrient

You probably heard a lot about cholesterol as a risk factor for heart attacks. But cholesterol isn’t nearly as important as two other major risk factors. These risk factors are high levels of C reactive protein and high fibrinogen levels. Fortunately, you can help both of them with one powerful supplement.

C reactive protein is a strong marker for inflammation. And fibrinogen thickens your blood. It often becomes elevated with inflammation.

A study in the journal Renal Failure followed 36 patients on dialysis. The researchers assigned them to take carnitine (100 mg daily) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Those taking carnitine had lower C reactive protein levels and lower plasma fibrinogen levels.

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Published December 17, 2010

Is this the cheapest way for diabetics to prevent kidney disease?

If you have type-2 diabetes, your risk of developing kidney disease is much higher than the average person. But an inexpensive vitamin may be all you need to prevent the problem.

A research team found that you can protect yourself with high doses of vitamin B1, thiamine. In their study, they gave participants 300 mg daily (100 mg, three times daily). To determine how well the nutrient works, they measured how much microalbuminuria (albumin) the patients lost during the three-month study. Diabetics develop kidney disease when they begin to lose molecules of this protein.

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Published December 16, 2010

Feeling terrible? Blame your thyroid test

I’ve told my patients and readers for years to ignore the results of thyroid blood tests. They are not an accurate way to diagnose thyroid deficiency. Unfortunately, most doctors don’t understand this. So you may need thyroid hormone, but your doctor won’t give it to you because your blood test says you’re in the “reference range.” If this happens to you, you’re not alone.

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