Starkie Sowers – Clark’s Nutrition

Waist hip ratio is a simple body check that can be done easily in the house. The method uses a simple tape measure that can be bought for a small amount of money. Measure the largest area around the buttocks, then measure the waist around the navel. Take the waist measurement and divide it with the hip measurement. The ratio that appears is called the waist hip ratio (WHR) and is a power full tool for preventing heart disease (atherosclerosis). The WHR is also a strong indicator for potential diabetes. The numbers you can look to for safety are .8 or below for females and .9 or below for males.Recent research has also indicated aging with increased WHR is more of a critical factor than obesity by itself in relation to mortality. Simply put abdominal fat around the waist is something to pay attention to for prevention of disease.

CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTATION: HEART DISEASE

For the last few years we have seen a lot of information about calcium and heart disease. Some studies indicate that the use of supplemental calcium and cardiovascular disease prevention is controversial. Some of the most recent studies have indicated calcium supplementation is not associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Recent research is not indicating dietary calcium isassociated with decreased CVD risk. This study done with a Korea population, most studies in the past have been done with Caucasian population, indicates that higher dietary calcium intake with food and supplementation had a decrease in cardiovascular disease, but did not have a reduction in stroke or bone fracture. Additionally the higher calcium consumption resulted in reduced blood pressure. Some individuals had a slight increase in BP for a short duration followed by a reduced BP, suggesting higher calcium intake is associated with reduced BP.