Heart Healthy News

Sugar is not so sweet for your heart.

Sugar & Heart Disease Link Confirmed

A study of over 40,000 Americans reviewed from 1988 through 2010 confirmed a strong link between sugar consumption and heart disease. Those Americans consuming the most sugar as a portion of their diet, increased their risk of dying from heart disease by multiple times. The sugar equal to drinking two cans of soda each day was enough to significantly increase the risk of death. Fat has long taken most of the abuse when it comes to nutrition and heart health. However, research has increasingly pointed to sugar being a bigger issue than fat. Natural fats like fish oils, olive oil, and coconut oils are actually heart healthy. When it comes to your heart, try to eat real foods and avoid the processed ones like sugar and margarine.

Heart Risk Warning Re-affirmed for NSAID Naproxen

Scientists recognized the increased risk of cardiovascular problems and death from taking NSAIDs about 10 years ago, and since then these common anti-inflammatory medications have been required to include a warning label. An FDA panel recently re-evalualted the necessity of this warning, specifically for Naproxen. Some believe it may not be as risky as other NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Experts confirmed there is weak data showing a smaller increase in heart problems with Naproxen, and that data may be flawed. They voted to keep the warning. It was also noted that the belief that short term use of NSAIDs is safe is not supported by research. There is little data to support the safety of taking NSAIDs for any length of time. Try reducing your inflammation with exercise and an anti-inflammation diet.

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