News & Reviews

Healthy bacteria found in foods such as yogurt appears to have a beneficial impact on emotional state. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating probiotic-containing yogurt improved mood in depressed subjects. One-hundred and thirty two subjects drank a probiotic-rich beverage or a placebo for a three week period. At the end of the three weeks, previously depressed subjects reported feeling happy.
Probiotics are the opposite of antibiotics and are defined as live microorganisms which improve the balance of intestinal microflora, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. In addition to mood enhancement, probiotics promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection. The natural balance of intestinal microflora can be upset by antibiotics, stress, antacids, sugar, processed foods, pesticides, and chlorine in drinking water. Maintaining a healthy ratio of healthy microorganisms in the gut is vital to good health.

Organic yogurt and kefir are excellent sources of probiotics, but they are also available as nutritional supplements. Look for them in the refrigerated section of your local health food store.

Reference: Benton, D., Williams, C, Brown, A. (2006) “Impact of consuming a milk drink containing a probiotic on mood and cognition,” Eur J Clin Nutr 10.

Kids & Calories

An excess intake of calories leads to obesity. Sure, it’s a well-known fact, but in case there was any question that this is the case for our children, a recently published study proved that the caloric intake of American children is imbalanced with calorie-burning activities. This “energy gap” is a major cause of the obesity epidemic across our nation.

Weight gain doesn’t occur overnight (or after one meal, like many of us like to believe). To gain one pound of body fat, 3,500 kcal in addition to your daily calories must be ingested (or burning off 3,500 kcal less than you usually do). These 3,500 extra calories accumulate over time. The study suggests that obesity may be prevented by eliminating one sugar- and calorie-dense snack such as a soft drink or glass of juice daily. At 150 calories per serving, one glass of juice and one soft drink a day means one extra pound every 12 days!

Replace these empty-calories with a few extra minutes of physical activity daily, and snack on nutrient-rich veggies and dip or healthy homemade muffins (fiber-rich, of course!).

Reference: Wang, Y., Gortmaker, S., Sobol, A., Kuntz, K. (2006) “Estimating the Energy Gap Among US Children: A Counterfactual Approach,” Pediatrics. 118.