Nutrition

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS: HOW THEY AFFECT YOUR HEALTH

January 30, 2014 by admin

Omega-3 fatty acids are an important part of a healthy diet according to Dr. Steven Reisman, a Manhattan Cardiologist. Omega-3 fatty acids are what are known as “essential” fatty acids which means they are not made in the human body but must be obtained directly from an outside source. These substances are very important for normal metabolism. They are important in reducing inflammation in the blood vessels, joints and in other locations. It is suggested that Omega-3 fatty acids be obtained from foods rather than from supplements. Fish high in these substances include salmon, herring, sardines and anchovies. Omega-3 fatty acids may be also obtained from ingestion of nuts and seeds and plant oils but to a lesser degree than from fish.

Eating a diet high in these fatty acids appears to decrease the risk of stroke and possibly cardiovascular and coronary artery disease. It has been shown that in the United States compared to other countries such as Japan there is a reduced percentage of these Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet along with a higher heart disease rate suggesting a protective effect of these substances. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish per week and also other sources such as eating walnuts and tofu. These substances have also been found to be useful in the management of rheumatoid arthritis and they have been shown to reduce joint pain and stiffness. A recent study looking at the brain suggests that individuals that have a higher level of Omega-3 fatty acid in their diet have less brain shrinkage, particularly those in their 70’s suggesting a larger brain size. These substances may limit the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Consuming Omega-3 fatty acids along with a healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet is highly recommended in an attempt to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke and is also useful in decreasing the triglyceride level in the blood according to Dr. Steven Reisman, a Manhattan Cardiologist. Consumption of fish high in Omega-3 Fatty acids does appear to be more beneficial than utilizing supplements.

DR. STEVEN REISMAN, A CARDIOLOGIST IN NEW YORK CITY, DISCUSSES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRE-DIABETES, TYPE 2 DIABETES AND METABOLIC SYNDROME

March 13, 2012 by admin

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing in the United States according to Dr. Steven Reisman, Director of the New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center and a cardiologist in New York City. Pre-diabetes is usually defined as an elevation of fasting or post-prandial glucose levels. The American Diabetes Association has defined impaired fasting glucose as a level of 100 to 125 mg/dl. Also, an elevation in hemoglobin A1c or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at a level of 5.7% to 6.4% may also represent pre-diabetes.

Metabolic Syndrome is related to pre-diabetes. Metabolic Syndrome is defined as any three of the following five components. These components include an elevated glucose level, abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Most individuals with metabolic syndrome have abdominal obesity. It is felt that insulin resistance may be mediating the metabolic risk factors of the metabolic syndrome. Most people with metabolic syndrome have insulin-resistance. It should be noted that the prevalence of pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome overlap but not exactly. One can consider the metabolic syndrome as a pre-diabetic state. When comparing individuals without metabolic syndrome, those with this syndrome have an approximate 5-fold increase in diabetes risk. Once pre-diabetes is combined with metabolic syndrome, the risk is increased even more for diabetes.

The major adverse outcomes in individuals with pre-diabetes are macrovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, the leading contributors to microvascular disease. Macrovascular disease occurs both before and after the onset of diabetes, whereas microvascular disease occurs predominately several years after becoming diabetic. Metabolic Syndrome is a risk factor for macrovascular disease. Initial management is lifestyle intervention including weight reduction in obese subjects, reduced intake of dietary saturated and trans-fatty acids, cholesterol, and sodium along with increased physical activity.

According to Dr. Steven Reisman the Director of the New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center and a cardiologist in New York City these initial steps of lifestyle intervention in first line management should be emphasized to this group of individuals along with a thorough assessment of cardiovascular risk.

DR. STEVEN REISMAN, A CARDIOLOGIST IN NEW YORK CITY, DISCUSSES THE EFFECT OF DIETARY PROTEIN AND CONTENT ON WEIGHT GAIN DURING OVEREATING

March 8, 2012 by admin

According to Dr. Steven Reisman, one of the best cardiologists in New York City and the Director of the New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center, obesity and overweight affect greater than 60% of the United States public. It is estimated that the United States government spends in excess of $200 billion per year on obesity associated conditions and diseases.

Obesity is the result of an accumulation of excess body fat. Obesity is not just excess body weight because overweight can occur from either muscle or fat deposition. Diet composition can affect the relationship between total body fat and body weight. Obesity related medical conditions may be associated with an accumulation of excess fat while increased muscle mass is beneficial because of its positive effect on metabolism.

There is a large body of scientific evidence that indicates that protein is the most satisfying of the macronutrients. High protein diets providing 25% of total energy compared to diets with low protein may lead to greater weight loss. Reduced total caloric intake with an increase in the intake of low-fat protein-rich foods may result in more successful weight loss in the long term secondary to the effects on resting energy expenditure.

It is possible that patients who exercise and eat adequate protein may build lean body mass more efficiently than those who are on a low protein diet. Because muscle weighs more than fat per unit of volume it is possible for patients to gain weight with muscle mass while reducing weight circumference and overall fat.

In addition to a healthy long term diet, it is important to increase the proportion of omega-3 fats, increase the intake of colorful fruits and vegetables, and limit the intake of refined carbohydrates from soft drinks, cookies, cakes, pastries, candies, and many processed foods with both hidden fat and sugar. In addition, physical activity is important along with behavioral interventions including self-monitoring stimulus control, stress reduction, and social support that may be helpful in weight loss.

Clinicians should consider evaluating a patient’s overall fatness rather than simply by measuring body weight or body mass index and concentrate on the potential complications of excessive fat accumulation. The goals for treatment of obesity should involve fat reduction rather than simply weight loss, along with a better understanding of nutrition.

Dr. Steven Reisman director of New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center and a leading cardiologist in New York City advocates and promotes a healthy lifestyle in the prevention of heart disease and the reduction of obesity.

DR. STEVEN REISMAN A NEW YORK CITY CARDIOLOGIST, DISCUSSES THAT OBESITY ALONE INCREASES THE RISK OF A FATAL HEART ATTACK

March 3, 2011 by admin

A recent study has suggested that obesity alone can increase the risk of a fatal heart attack even excluding the effect of other risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Healthday (2/14 Mozes) has reported that obese men have a dramatically higher risk of dying from a heart attack. In the study of 6,000 middle age men followed for about 15 years, there was an increased risk of fatal heart attack independent of risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Obese middle-aged men had a 60% increased risk of dying from a heart attack compared to non-obese middle age men after taking out the effect of these risk factors. This suggests that obesity itself may be causing the heart attack. One theory is that obesity may be related to inflammation as a factor in a fatal attack. In addition, obese individuals have larger hearts because of their increase in body size and their hearts may already be “stressed” prior to a heart attack.

Dr. Steven Reisman, Director of the New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center, states that our office advocates an aggressive approach about not only treating traditional risk factors but also obesity with nutrition counseling and also early diagnostic testing to detect heart disease prior to the development of a heart attack.

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Nutrition