If concerns about the side effects of hormone-replacement therapy have you worried, here’s some great news. A recent study shows that the simplest way to protect a woman’s heart after menopause is by being fit.
Although reduction in cholesterol is usually touted as the main benefit of exercise, the researchers observed that blood clots cause most heart attacks. So they examined whether women who were physically fit had lower levels of three factors that raise the risk of blood clots. The results showed that those who scored highest on a conventional fitness “stress test” also had the best blood profiles when it came to avoiding blood clots.
Is this why people who exercise are less likely to have heart attacks? The researchers can’t say for certain without further studies. But considering the many other benefits of exercise— including weight loss and maintenance, positive emotions and bone strength—why wait for the final verdict? If you’ve been sedentary, check with your physician before starting any exercise program. And then get up and get going!
Since our typical Western diet contains so much highly processed food,
a surprising number of people have developed magnesium deficiencies
—without knowing it. Magnesium deficiency has been shown to raise
levels of blood fats, which increase the risk of painful gallstones. Now
a 16-year study of more than 42,000 men, ages 40 to 75, confirms
that higher magnesium intake leads to a lower risk of developing gallstones—by as much as 33%. Note: The Daily Reference Intake (DRI) for
magnesium from all sources is 320 mg per day for women over 30 and
Whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds,
dark-green leafy vegetables
420 mg for men over 30. Some experts suggest taking more, so check
with your own doctor or pharmacist.
If your chocolate cravings get out of hand, you may need more magne-
sium. Increasing your intake to 500 to 1,000 mg of magnesium per
Magnesium deficiency may play
a role in the following:
• Migraines
• Restless legs syndrome
• Muscle cramps and/or weakness
• PMS
• Heart disease
• Osteoporosis
day may curb chocolate cravings.
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