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. Two excellent recent studies from Germany and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee tell us that us excess salt: causes hunger, rather than thirst; breaks down muscle and fat; and may be a primary dietary factor in the high rates of obesity, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes in North America because it raises blood levels…
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. A study of elite race walkers shows that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet will slow their race times and training (J of Physiology, February 14, 2017). Thirty world-class race walkers participated in an intense, high-speed training program and took in the same total calories. They were divided into three groups: High-carbohydrate Alternating…
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. Several recent articles provide new data on which foods are associated with both your health and your longevity. The current issue of JAMA (2017;317(9):912-924).contains a major statistical analysis of the association between diet quality and rates of death from the cardiometabolic diseases (heart disease, strokes and type II diabetes). This review…
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. Many years ago the Gatorade Sports Science Institute published a study showing that 46 percent of recreational exercisers are dehydrated (Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, June 2006). However, the study did not say that the exercisers were harmed by their dehydration, with good reason.
