Does Alcohol Have a Place In a Healthy Diet?
Ronnie Bussey

A number of recent news stories have reported that drinking alcoholic beverages has health benefits–some even imply that one or two drinks a day is a government-endorsed route to better health. Other stories say that alcohol abuse is related to many of the major causes of death in America.

The 1995 Dietary Guidelines advise: If You Drink Alcoholic Beverages, Do So In Moderation. This is virtually the same advice that has been given since 1980. The 1995 Dietary Guidelines added the comment that many individuals throughout the ages have drunk alcoholic beverages in moderation to enhance the enjoyment of meals. The Guidelines also note that there is some recent scientific evidence that for some individuals moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of heart disease.

However, alcohol also has undisputed drug effects, which can be harmful under many circumstances. Some people, in particular, should not drink at all. Alcohol carries with it the risk of dependency and excess consumption, which can cause serious health problems. Therefore, the Dietary Guidelines recommend only that those who do drink alcoholic beverages do so in moderation. They do not recommend that those who do not consume alcohol begin drinking.

SoWhat’s the Bottom Line?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans present information on the pros and cons of alcohol consumption. While there may be some health benefits with moderate alcohol consumption, the Dietary Guidelines clearly emphasize that dependency and excess can cause serious health problems. While moderate alcohol consumption may have some effects that reduce the risk of heart disease, there are other ways of achieving reduction in risk.

There are many factors that reduce the risk of heart disease, including a healthy diet, moderate exercise, avoidance of smoking, and maintenance of a healthy weight. These behavior changes carry less potential for negative consequences. As one person put it, ”people don’t get addicted to fruits and vegetables and don’t get into accidents after eating too many apples.” Thus, the correct interpretation of the Dietary Guideline on alcohol is, if you don’t drink, this guideline is not a reason to start; however, if you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation, with meals, and when consumption does not put you or others at risk.
About the Author

Ronnie is a content writer for http://www.1st In Weight Loss Tips.com
Your Free Source for Weight Loss, Dieting, Health and Fitness Tips!
Promoting Health Living In Today’s Fast Paced Society.

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Alcohol as a Key Ingredient to a Healthy Diet
Dr. John Rumberger

Evidence suggesting that alcohol is “cardio-protective” first appeared in the literature about 30 years ago. The Framingham Heart Study [the longest running population study of heart disease which began in 1948] provided the first solid evidence of this association. The relationship has now been confirmed by dozens of large population [“epidemiological”] studies. However, physicians have been reluctant to recommend alcohol consumption to patients because of the well-known health consequences of excessive drinking [hypertension, liver disease, increased rates of cancer, violent or accidental death] and the horrors that are associated with “drinking and driving”.
Moderation is the key. Many large studies have found that men and women who consume light to moderate amounts of alcohol per day live longer than those who abstain completely. The Physicians’ Health Study involved long term follow-up of 89,300 men. The study found that men who drank five or six alcoholic drinks per week had a 20% lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who drank no alcohol. On the other hand, the same study showed that men who had more than two alcoholic drinks per day had a higher risk of death than nondrinkers. That means that, when drinking moderately, it appears to be quite beneficial; however, higher alcohol intake increases the risks of cancer and motor vehicle accidents so much as to overwhelm any cardiovascular benefits.
How does alcohol protect the heart? A large portion of the benefit may be attributable to increased levels of HDL [“good] cholesterol. Alcohol also has “antiplatelet” effects [making these natural blood elements less sticky and then less likely to clog arteries during plaque rupture] in much the same way as aspirin.
Moderate alcohol consumption may also help improve insulin resistance, which is just about one step below true diabetes and recognized as another independent predictor for cardiac risk. The Physicians’ Health Study also showed that in subjects who consumed alcohol daily, the risk for heart disease was reduced by 60% in diabetic patients, compared to a 40% decrease in persons who did not have diabetes. Moderate alcohol intake also decreases blood values for CRP [C-reactive protein], a metabolic marker for inflammation (elevated when you are in an increased state of oxidative stress).
The jury is still out as to whether or not wine provides a better protective effect compared to other forms of alcohol. Red wine is rich in flavonoids, which slow down oxidation of LDL [“bad”] cholesterol [which is one of the last steps before it is deposited in your artery wall]. One recent study suggested that light drinkers who avoided wine reduce their risk of all-cause mortality by 10%, while light drinkers who preferred wine had more than a 30% decrease in this risk. However, other studies have found that all forms of alcohol [beer, whiskey, etc.] were equally protective.
It is important to emphasize that alcohol [of ANY kind!] should be limited to one drink daily for women and at most two drinks daily for men [this is based merely on general body size and nothing else]. One drink is defined as 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (such as whisky, gin, and vodka), 5 oz of wine, or 12 oz of beer. Patients who have liver disease, who have a personal or family history of alcohol abuse, or who cannot limit their intake in a responsible manner should NOT start! However, since “all things in moderation” is a good adage for much of life, others can enjoy a daily alcoholic drink as part of a generally healthy diet.
Disclaimer: If you are under 18, pregnant, nursing or have health problems, consult your physician before starting any weight loss plan. The information here is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.

About the Author

Dr. John Rumberger is the Author of The WAY Diet, The complete lifestyle plan to live longer, reduce stress, and lose weight the healthy way. To purchase The Way Diet simply go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?path=
ASIN/0974993387&link_code=as2&camp=1789&tag=icobweb-20&creative=9325 or go to Empty Canoe Publishing http://www.emptycanoe.com and order your copy of The Way.

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When turning to the internet to research the LapBand surgery, many individuals are doing the research for themselves. Unfortunately, not all obese individuals want to seek weight loss help. In fact, many mistakenly believe they have reached the point of no return. If you are related to one of those individuals, you may be in an impossible situation. You want to respect the wishes of your loved one, but you want them to lead a happy and healthy life. So, when should you discuss LapBand with a loved one?

If obesity is an issue. Luckily for you, obesity is easy to determine. Unlike drug or alcohol abuse, it is not easy to hide. Remember, there is a difference between obesity and overweight. On average, those who are 30 pounds overweight are considered obese. In terms of LapBand surgery, surgeons recommend patients have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher.

If it is difficult to complete daily tasks. If you are close to the relative in question, you should be able to see them go about their day. Do you notice any difficulties completing daily tasks? For example, does your mother have a hard time walking from the house to the car? Does she lose her breath or wheeze? If so, it may be time to discuss LapBand surgery.

If work is not possible. Severe to morbid obesity does more than just affect ones ability to walk to and from a vehicle, but it hinders their ability to work. Those who suffer from obesity tend to miss more work due to health related complications. Some even find themselves laid off or terminated. This is due to the inability to complete job related duties. If your loved one is unable to work, whether or not it is due to choice, the LapBand system should be discussed.

If experiencing health related complications. As previously stated, complications are common with those suffering from severe to morbid forms of obesity. Two common examples are asthma and diabetes. Not only do these lead to other risks, but they are costly to treat. Did you know that most LapBand patients see their diabetes symptoms completely disappear? Many do.

If you notice unusually changes. Those who suffer from extreme to morbid obesity undergo many changes. Many are in denial about their condition. Others have accepted their fate, which may include an early death. It is seems as if your loved one is preparing for an early death or other obesity related health complications before they occur, seek help immediately. Now is the time to seriously discuss the LapBand system.

If you are approached by other family members. This sign is important if you are a long distance relative. When not involved in the day-to-day life of a close family member, you may be unable to spot the warning signs. For that reason, listen to all suggestions and concerns that come from close friends and family members of your loved one back home. If they are concerned enough to voice their concerns, there likely is a true problem.

If any of the above mentioned signs apply to a loved one you know, consider discussing the LapBand surgery. When doing so, acquire informational brochures from a medical professional. Be sure to introduce surgery as an option in a calm and respectful manner.

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There are numerous studies showing us how gastric bypass surgeries have improved the lives of those who suffer morbid or severe obesity. Patients who have underwent the procedure were able to lose about 50 to 60 percent of their weight a year after a surgery. Some would even report an astounding 80 percent weight loss after two years.

About 140,000 gastric bypass surgeries are conducted every year. Obese teens could also undergo the medical procedure as long as they are within the guidelines set. Those who are qualified to undertake the surgery should at least be 100 pounds overweight and failed to reduce weight in the last six months through monitored weight loss programs. But every coin has two sides. Gastric bypass surgery also has its downside.

Some patients would often report depression after the gastric bypass operation. Some of the patients would often pinpoint the procedure itself as depressing. While others think that it is the low-calorie diets triggering this depression. Gastric bypass patients are recommended to follow a special diet that would ensure them the best and sustained results. This special diet is about low-calorie, low-sugar and low-fat foods.

The Thinner Times website, stated that about 5 to 10 percent of deaths occurred to patients after the gastric bypass surgery. This happens just within a month or two since the procedure and the primary cause would be psychological challenges. To address this, experts recommend that adequate supplies of calories should be ingested daily.

There are studies showing that those who suffer depression and anxiety after the gastric bypass surgery is less likely to lose weight compared with mentally healthy people. There are many methods on how doctors and experts would know if their patients are mentally prepared for the surgery. There are medical centers who would employ or require their patients to undergo rigorous metal health evaluation.

A patient candidate for weight loss surgery is to undergo psychological evaluation to ensure that they are prepared mentally for the operation and the lifestyle changes that will follow after the surgery. If a person is found out to be suffering from depression prior to the surgery, they will not be automatically disqualified. Those who have history of drug and alcohol abuse are the ones who are disqualified.

Some medical centers would require patients with depression go through treatment before gastric bypass surgery. Treatment could include taking of antidepressants, psychotherapy, and help from their family, friends and support groups.

It is not uncommon to find weight loss surgery candidates to suffer from depression, since they would have to deal with being ostracized because of their weight. Candidates for weight loss surgery would oftentimes suffer from a history of depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress or panic/anxiety attacks.

Having mental health problems are not preventing people from getting the treatment that they need to improve their lives and their health. Just like in any other surgery, it is important to gain support from friends and family to recover well and to get the desired results. Gastric bypass surgery would require a lot of change in lifestyle, it could be difficult but having loved ones will help a patient get through with it.

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