A subscriber to The Heart of Health submitted the following question.

“Hello Lisa – Just read the article concerning subject matter (Zetia versus Niacin) and would appreciate knowing if there are Niacin brands and/or amount of dosage you can recommend. As information, I have taken 50 Mg of Niacin for approximately 2 years along with Vytorin, and my Cardiologist is very happy with my blood results and other testing. Thank you very much.”

Recommended dosage for niacin varies drastically from 50-3,000 mg per day. So, you are on the right track working with your physician to determine what level is best for you. In the study you reference above, the niacin level prescribed was 2000 mg per day. Dr. Stephan Sinatra reports in his book Reverse Heart Disease Now that he typically finds 1500-2000 mg enough for more people to raise low HDL levels.

Continue reading ‘Increase HDL Cholesterol – How Much Niacin?’ »

It often feels like pharmaceutical companies often get wrapped up in dollar signs and forget the bottom-line reason for manufacturing the medication – improving your health. A study compared the effectiveness of Niacin versus Zetia.

The study

The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine this past November 2009. Researchers analyzed the effect of extended-release niacin and ezetimibe (Zetia) on LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels.

Continue reading ‘Lower Cholesterol Effectively – Zetia Versus Niacin’ »

A subscriber to The Heart of Health submitted the following question.

Question: “Your article [How to Lower Triglycerides] suggests avoiding baked goods. Is it possible for a more detailed explanation of “baked goods”? Does this pertain to store-bought baked goods w/ sugar, or does it also apply to home-baked such as bread machine output w/ minimal sugar – and that being honey? Are you referring to the sugar itself, or the conversion to sugar of a carbohydrate? Information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.”

Answer: In this case, the definition of baked goods includes cookies, cakes, and pastries regardless of whether or not the product was store bought or home-made. Both will have an impact on triglyceride levels due to sugar content.

Continue reading ‘Triglycerides and Baked Goods’ »

All right, this is the final series of questions and answers from my interview with Dr. Mark Houston in February 2010.

Lisa Nelson RD: Does grape seed really help lower blood pressure?

Dr. Houston: Yes, systolic blood pressure is reduced about 8 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure 5 mm Hg. It is in the formulas mentioned above.

Lisa Nelson RD: What causes of an enlarged heart and are there ways to reverse an enlarged heart?

Continue reading ‘Dr. Houston Answers Your Top Heart Health Questions – Part 4’ »

Having you been during endless cardio workouts and still struggling to lose weight?

Next week JJ Virgin will be going into detail on 5 simple steps you can put into action NOW to have the body, energy, and confidence for this summer and beyond!

Here’s a little of what she’ll be covering . . .

1. Burst to Blast Fat
2. Eating by the Plate
3. How to create your metabolic SPANX
4. What to look for in meal replacement shakes
5. How sleep impacts weight loss

Continue reading ‘Top 5 Tips to Burn More Fat from Celebrity Nutrition & Fitness Expert JJ Virgin’ »

When you eat breakfast in the morning do you find you are hungrier throughout the day? I recently had someone comment that this was what they experienced and for that reason they choose not to eat breakfast.

So, let’s address why this may happen and what you can do if you find eating breakfast increases your hunger.

First of all, there are two potential reasons breakfast can increase your hunger later in the morning.

1. Higher metabolism

When you do not eat breakfast the body naturally adapts and conserves energy by slowing your metabolism and decreasing hunger. This adaptive function can lead to bad habits of not eating breakfast then also skipping lunch because you just don’t feel hungry and not eating your first meal until the middle of the afternoon. The major benefit of eating a healthy breakfast is to jump start your metabolism so you burn more calories throughout the day to promote weight loss. This elevated metabolic rate may cause feelings of hunger mid-morning. It is okay to satisfy this hunger with a small snack, such as a handful of mixed nuts.

2. High carbohydrate breakfast

Continue reading ‘Does breakfast make you hungry?’ »

Have you set a goal to eat more fruits and vegetables, but not followed through? Have you set up a gym membership only to let it go to waste?

At the Virtual Health Retreat next week, Australian nutritionist Cyndi O’Meara will be sharing with you 5 easy steps for increased energy, vitality, and incredible health. She’s had international and national success with her two books Changing Habits Changing Lives and Companion Cookbook.

Here’s a little of what she’ll be covering . . .

• The good, the bad, and the ugly in the food industry,
• Understand the impact your food choices have on your body,
• Step by step changes to change your life . . . MORE energy, BETTER health, increased VITALITY!

Continue reading ‘5 Easy Steps to Incredible Health, Energy and Vitality from Cyndi O’Meara’ »

So, what diet is right? Do you need to stick with a low carb intake to lower cholesterol? Do you need to go high protein to lower blood pressure?

What’s the best way for you to achieve optimal heart health?

Later this month, Rosanne Rust will provide a step by step guide on what you can do right now to balance calories, carbs, and fat to achieve your health goals.

Here’s a little of what she’ll be covering . . .

• Add good carbs to your diet and still maintain a healthy weight,
• Spot hidden fat in “high fiber” foods,
• Add good fats to your diet: It’s easier and tastier than you think, and
• Get over your fear of “the bun”!

Continue reading ‘Balancing Calories: What You Must Know About Carbs and Fat for Optimal Heart Health’ »

Are you ready to fuel your body for optimal health?

Do you live an active lifestyle and want to know exactly what you need to do to support your busy life without compromising your health?

At the Virtual Health Retreat this month, Jack Medina (past Olympic coach) will teach you how to fuel your body for peak performance and optimal health. Tired of working out without seeing the results you want. Well, make sure you are not training the wrong energy system! Jack will explain what you need to know to start training and fueling your body for the results you seek.

Here’s a little of what he’ll be covering . . .

Continue reading ‘Fact vs. Fantasy in Nutrition & Exercise – Your Map for Optimal Health’ »

The clocks ticking . . . do you feel your age or have you been taking steps to slow down the clock?

Who wouldn’t like a sip from the fountain of youth? Well, guess what, there are steps you can take to slow down aging and it starts on the inside.

At the Virtual Health Retreat later this month, Dr. Cynthia Shelby-Lane will help you understand the aging process and 7 simple anti-aging steps you can implement immediately.

Here’s a little of what she’ll be covering . . .

• What is causing you to age (Hint: It’s more than one thing!)
• Slow aging to maximize health with functional medicine and systemic approach
• Reclaim your youth, boost energy, and be healthier for longer than you ever thought possible

Continue reading ‘Top 7 Tips to Staying Young and Living Longer from Dr. Cynthia Shelby-Lane’ »