By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. Several recent articles show that eating tree nuts or peanuts with a high-fat or high-sugar meal prevents the expected high rise in blood factors that increase risk for the inflammation that can lead to diabetes, heart attacks or strokes. Three ounces of ground peanuts that contain 198 kcal taken with a…
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. Energy drinks can raise blood pressure and may cause irregular heartbeats, according to a recent study conducted at Travis Air Force Base in California (Journal of the American Heart Association, April 26, 2017;6(5)). This extremely well-planned, -performed and -controlled study shows that two hours after drinking 32 ounces (four cups) of…
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. When it comes to belly cramps, cyclists are different from runners. The most common cause of belly camps in a cyclist is stool in the colon. In runners, it is a stretching of the ligaments from the diaphragm that holds up the liver. Fit athletes rarely suffer discomfort from small amounts…
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. People who take red yeast rice pills to lower their cholesterol levels may not be getting their expected protection against suffering a heart attack. North Americans spend an estimated $40 million a year on these pills. Harvard professor Pieter Cohen tested 28 brands of red yeast rice supplements purchased at major…
