Trailing Thoughts

There are so many food products available currently that have sort of claim, fat free, low fat, etc… now the new biggie is “heart healthy”. Some of these things you have to read the label carefully to see if they are really misinterpreting something. On the other hand, some new additions can do what they claim… like Minute Maid Heart Wise juice added plant sterols to help block cholesterol absorption. It claims if you drink 2- 8ounce glasses can decrease the LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) from 5 to 17%. Additionally soluble fiber, like Cheerios, or even oatmeal, can help reduce cholesterol by blocking cholesterol absorption. The recommended dose is about 3 grams of soluble fiber, which is about 3 servings.
Stopping the saturated fats can help reduce the LDL cholesterol… eat soy or nuts instead. Not all nuts mind you, but some that are recommended are peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or pistachios. These nuts have high levels of polyunsaturated fats and a handful a day can lower the cholesterol 5 to 10%.
It is well known that fish high in omega-3 fatty acids are good for us and seem to reduce the risk of heart disease. Salmon is one fish with a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Of course there are medications that help reduce cholesterol. We can help them work better if they are taken at the proper time. It is usually recommened that patients should take their statin in the evening because at night, most of a persons cholesterol is produced at night. Mevacor, Altocor, Zocor, and Lescol are the ones that this is recommended for… but it would not hurt to take the others, like Lipitor, Crestor, or Pravachol in the evening… but they can be taken at any time of the day, which is due to the fact that they have a little longer half life.
Most people with kids normally will have ipecac syrup on hand just in case the child poisons himself with something… but it is not recommended any longer. It does not improve the outcome in the event of a poisoning. In fact, some cases were worse because of Ipecac. First, it is not very reliable. It depends on the time of ingestion of the poison and when the ipecac is given. At this point, it only clears about 30% of the poison. It also can cause persistant vomitting so when you get to the ER, it is difficult to treat and delays the appropriate treatment.
It is abused often by people with eating disorders, which is not good, because continued, chronic use of Ipecac can cause cardiac toxicity….If a poisoning does occur, call 1-800-222-1222. This number willl connect you to the closest poison control center. Also, get to the ER as soon as possible…. talk to your doctor what are the best ways to prevent accidental poisonings.