Diabetic Diet Menu Ideas

There are various diabetic diet menu ideas, from which a person with diabetes can plan what he or she should eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the day. It's not that diabetics cannot enjoy a tasty meal and have to eat boring food all their lives.

Diabetics have to be more cautious when it comes to dinner planning, as it is important for them to maintain their blood sugar levels. People withdiabetes need to control their weight and most often lose weight, which reduces the risk of getting heart attack or stroke. As far as diabetic diet menu goes, there isn't a single diet plan that has been outlined for diabetics to follow. The diabetic diet menu ideas vary from person to person depending on the type of diabetes one is suffering from. For example, people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes need to follow differentdiabetic diet meal plan.


Menu Ideas for Diabetics


Making healthy dietary choices is very important for diabetes control. Maintaining a diabetic diet has certain short term and long term effects. Having three regular meals a day is important. Moreover, 25 - 30 grams of dietary fiber intake is important for diabetics. This can be consumed in portions during all three meals in the day. The rest of the diabetes diet menu options depending on the type of diabetes is as follows:


Type 1 Diabetic Diet Menu Ideas
In type 1 diabetes, a person's body cannot produce adequate amounts of insulin hormone. While type 1 diabetes cannot be controlled by diabetic diet alone, controlling one's diet is important. People with this type of diabetes have to find the right balance between insulin therapy taken and the food they consume. The dietitian will help lay down the appropriate type 1 diabetes diet, which balances medication with diet properly.


On a general note, the daily type 1 diabetes diet for a diabetic patient should be rich in dietary fiber. Moreover, the amount of sodium intake should also be reduced. Foods low in sodium and fat is recommended. There is no need to avoid sugar containing foods completely. Eating sugar containing foods in moderation is alright for type 1 diabetics. Artificial sweeteners can be added to foods because it does not alter blood sugar levels.


Type 2 Diabetic Diet Menu Ideas
People with type 2 diabetes can control their diabetes by being cautious about the food they consume. Type 2 diabetes diet and exercise helps control type 2 diabetes.


Breakfast
The different breakfast foods that diabetic diet for type 2 diabetes entails is as follows:

• ½ cup oatmeal
• ½ cup skimmed milk
• Muffins
• Toast
• ½ cup fat free yogurt
• Orange
• Berries

Lunch
The different lunch options for diabetics are as follows:

• Salad with olive oil dressing
• Brown bread vegetable-meat sandwich
• Whole wheat tortillas with filling

Snack
There are some low carb snacks for diabetics, that should be consumed in between meals to maintain constant blood sugar level. The different snacks are as follows:

• Pistachios
• Sunflower seeds
• Almonds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Dried fruit

Dinner
The different good foods for diabetics at dinner time are:

• Pinto beans
• Lentils over brown rice
• Baked or grilled fish
• Bowl of dark green leafy vegetables

Dessert
Fat free yogurt can be consumed as dessert with some fruits for diabetics to add flavor.


Gestational Diabetic Diet Menu Ideas
During pregnancy some women encounter a temporary form of diabetes, called gestational diabetes, caused by pregnancy hormones. Women with gestational diabetes need to distribute their carbohydrate intake over 3 small to medium meals and 2 - 4 snacks a day.


Breakfast
Since consumption of carbohydrate conduces to rapid rise in blood sugar levels, it is best to consume more of proteins at breakfast. Chicken, turkey, egg, etc. keeps one fuller for the day. The carbohydrate intake at breakfast should not exceed 30 grams. The different foods that can be consumed are:

• Slice of bread
• Bagel
• Pancake
• Oatmeal
• Corn tortilla
• English muffin
• Veggie sausage
• Scrambled eggs

Lunch
The carbohydrate limit at lunch is 45 grams. The different gestational diabetic diet menu options are:

• Chicken / meat sandwich
• Lentil soup
• Carrots
• Apple
• Lettuce
• Tomato

Dinner
The carbohydrate limit to be maintained at dinner time is 45 - 60 grams. The different foods diabetics can eat at dinner time are:

• One cup pasta
• Brown rice
• Small potato
• Beef
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Pork
• Fish
• Salad
• Tofu
• Bowl of vegetables
• Reduced fat milk

Snacks
Snacks should be had in between meals to stabilize the blood sugar levels. The carbohydrate limit in snacks for a day is 15 grams. To keep the blood sugar under control, one should have a light snack everyday before going to bed. The different snacks that can be consumed are as follows:

• Saltine crackers (6)
• Pretzels (¾ of an ounce)
• Graham crackers (3)
• Popcorn (3 cups)
• Fresh fruit (4 ounce)
• Cottage cheese (1 cup)
• Cookies (2)
• Yogurt (6 ounces)
• Grapes ( 1 cup)

Your dietitian will help you formulate your diabetic diet menu plan and will inform you about different diabetic diet menu ideas. With the variety of options available even diabetics can enjoy a relishing meal without harming their body. The 1200 calorie diabetic diet menu plan is also available for people who need to keep a strict vigil on their calorie intake.

As the weather turns fine, now is your chance to get fit and enjoy the great outdoors with our six-week walking plan.

Walking is great for your heart and boosts fitness.
Walking is a great cardiovascular workout. Anyone can do it by simply varying the pace.
You don't need fancy equipment, and you can fit it into your everyday life with ease.
Summer is a great time for outdoor exercise, so take advantage of the long days with this six-week walking plan.
Six-week walking programme: before you start
Basics
A good pair of training shoes from a sports shop are best, but comfortable shoes, properly laced, will do the job.
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing.
If you've not exercised in a while, consult your doctor before starting any new exercise programme.
Posture and technique

However fast you walk, you need to try to maintain good posture.
Work through this check list, starting from your feet up, to get your posture right before you start.
Walk with your feet hip-width apart and parallel, landing on your heels and coming squarely off your toes so that your feet don't roll in (pronate) or roll out (supinate).
Keep your knees in line with your toes so they don't turn in or out and your hips should be square to the front.
Lightly pull in your tummy to help support your back. - Roll your shoulders down away from your ears to open your chest. This makes it easier to get full deep breaths.
Look straight ahead, your chin parallel to the ground and your neck in line with the rest of your spine so that your ears are in line with your shoulders.
Stand tall by imagining a cord running through the centre of your body and coming out of the top of your head that pulls you upwards.
Keep breathing evenly and deeply throughout and make sure you are well hydrated by drinking water before, during and after your walk. Drink more if it's a hot day.
Following the programme

Record all your times and distances. This doesn't have to be in metres - two laps of the park is just as good.
You may find a pedometer useful. They count the number of steps you take and can be very motivating.
Plan your week and fit the walking into your everyday routine, making it part of your journey to work or taking time out before sitting down to dinner.
You're more likely to stick to the plan if you decide on exactly when you're going to walk - morning, lunch hour or evening, for example - and keep to the same time each day.
If you are struggling, stay on the same week until you feel fit enough to progress to the next week.
If you're finding the workout easy, increase the fast sections or the length of time for which you walk.
Six-week walking workout
Warm up and stretches
To warm up, walk more slowly for the first three to five minutes than your aimed-for pace.
Ankle rotations are useful if you have twisted your ankle or they are particularly tight.
After your walk you will need to stretch out, especially your calves and back of thighs (hamstrings).
Calf stretch

Stand about half a metre away from a wall.
Press your hands against the wall for support. They should be at shoulder height and shoulder width apart.
Bend your left knee forward as you take a step back with your right leg, keeping it straight.
With the ball of your foot on the floor, press the right heel down until you feel a gentle stretch in the calf.
Hold for 20-30 seconds.
Repeat on the other side.
Back of thigh stretch

Stand straight.
Put your right heel on the ground or you can use a bench.
Lean forwards from your hips, keeping your tummy lightly pulled in, until you feel a stretch in the back of your right thigh.
Hold for 20-30 seconds.
Repeat on the left side.
Week 1

Goal: to get walking regularly, at a pace that increases the heart rate.
Monday: start with a 15-minute walk at a pace that gets you warm and slightly breathless. Maintain this speed for the rest of the week's walks.
Wednesday: 15 minute walk.
Thursday: 15 minute walk.
Saturday or Sunday: 15 minute walk.
If the walk is becoming easier towards the end of the week, increase your overall pace.
Week 2
Goal: to increase your walking times and add some cardiovascular step ups to improve your cardiovascular fitness. This week, focus on your posture and keep your strides long.
Step ups
Stand at the bottom of some stairs.
At your own pace, step up to the first step and down again.
Repeat for one minute.
Monday: start with a 15-minute walk at a pace that gets you warm and slightly breathless. Maintain this speed for the rest of the week's walks.
Wednesday: 15 minute walk.
Thursday: 20 minute walk.
Saturday or Sunday: 20 minute walk. One minute of step ups.
Week 3

Goal: to increase your walking times and improve your cardiovascular fitness by adding sprint walks.
Monday
Walk at a moderate pace for 5 minutes. Sprint walk for 30 seconds. Repeat x 4.
Wednesday
Walk at a moderate pace for 5 minutes. Sprint walk for 30 seconds. Repeat x 4.
1 minute of step ups.
Thursday
Walk at a moderate pace for 4 minutes. Sprint walk for 1 minute. Repeat x 4.
90 seconds of step ups.
Saturday or Sunday
20 minute walk. Choose a pretty green space or coastal path for this walk.
90 seconds of step ups - try to increase your speed.
Week 4

Goal: to increase your walking times and build muscular strength by carrying weights.
Concentrate on your stride, taking bigger, longer steps as you walk and gently swinging your arms.
Monday
Walk at a moderate pace for 3 minutes. Sprint walk for 2 minutes. Repeat x 4.
2 minutes of step ups - now get your arms moving like you are marching.
Wednesday
Today, carry some small hand weights (about 1-2kg) or a full water bottle in each hand.
Walk at a moderate pace for 4 minutes. Sprint walk for 1 minute. Repeat x 4.
2 minutes of marching step ups.
Thursday
Walk at a moderate pace for 3 minutes. Sprint walk for 2 minutes. Repeat x 4.
2 minutes of marching step ups.
Saturday or Sunday
Walk at a moderate pace for 4 minutes, carrying your hand weights. Sprint walk for 1 minute. Repeat x 5.
2 minutes of marching step ups - try to increase your speed.
Week 5

Goal: to increase your walking times and add uphill walks. This will involve a bit of planning to find a route with at least one hill.
Alternatively, use a treadmill with a hill workout on those days with hill walks.
Monday
Walk for 3 minutes. Sprint walk for 2 minutes. Repeat x 5. Make sure you walk uphill for one of these sets.
2.5 minutes of step ups.
Wednesday
Carry your hand weights.
Walk for 3 minutes. Sprint walk for 2 minutes. Repeat x 5.
2.5 minutes of step ups.
Thursday
Carry your hand weights.
Walk for 3 minutes. Sprint walk for 2 minutes. Repeat x 5. Make sure you walk uphill for one of these sets.
2.5 minutes of step ups.
Saturday or Sunday
Walk for 3 minutes. Sprint walk for 2 minutes. Repeat x 6.
2.5 minutes of fast step ups.
Week 6

Goal: to walk for at least 30 minutes comfortably with sprint walks, weights and uphill walks.
Monday
Walk for 3 minutes. Sprint walk for 3 minutes. Repeat x 5.
3 minutes of step ups.
Wednesday
Carry your hand weights.
Walk for 3 minutes. Sprint walk for 3 minutes. Repeat x 5.
3 minutes of fast step ups.
Thursday
Carry your hand weights.
Walk for 3 minutes. Sprint walk for 3 minutes. Repeat x 5. Make sure you walk uphill for one of these sets.
3 minutes of step ups with weights.
Saturday or Sunday
Walk for 3 minutes. Sprint walk for 3 minutes. Repeat x 5. Make sure you walk uphill for two of these sets.
Walk for an extra 10 minutes. Push the pace as much as you can, but if you are very breathless, take the last five minutes slowly.
3 minutes of fast step ups with weights.

If you're walking regularly for more than half an hour at a time, it pays to invest in a pair of good trainers, bought from a specialist sports shop.
Avoid fashion trainers because they don't offer much support.
Don't be swayed by the colour, style or because it's the latest fashion. The only thing that matters is the fit.
Ensure your shoes give adequate support at the arch and at your ankles.
Try a specialist store for runners, such as Runners Need or Run and Become. The staff will get you to walk or run up and down to check your footfall (to correct the foot rolling in or out) and advise you if you have ankle or knee injuries.
You don't have to go for one of the famous, expensive brands. Asics and New Balance make well-designed shoes with prices starting at around £25.
If you have old trainers, make sure they still have tread and give you support at the ankles. The same applies for walking shoes.

Atherosclerosis: Protect and Serve - Herbalist's Way

Many actions associated with herbal supplements may help prevent or potentially alleviate atherosclerosis. Herbs such as garlic and ginkgo appear to directly affect the hardened arteries by multiple mechanisms. Herbs such as psyllium, guggul, and fenugreek reduce cholesterol and other lipid levels in the blood¡ªknown risk factors for hardened arteries. A related group are herbs, including green tea, prevents the oxidation of cholesterol, an important step in protecting against atherosclerosis. Finally, there are herbs such as ginger and turmeric that reduce excessive stickiness of platelets, thereby reducing atherosclerosis.

Garlic has been shown to prevent atherosclerosis in a four-year double-blind trial. The preparation used, standardized for 0.6% allicin content, provided 900 mg of standardized garlic powder per day. The people in this trial were 50 to 80 years old, and the benefits were most notable in women. This trial points to the long-term benefits of garlic to both prevent and possibly slow the progression of atherosclerosis in people at risk.
Garlic has also lowered cholesterol levels in double-blind research, though more recently, some double-blind trials have not found garlic to be effective. Some of the negative trials have flaws in their design. Nonetheless, the relationship between garlic and cholesterol-lowering is somewhat unclear.

Garlic has also been shown to prevent excessive platelet adhesion in humans. Allicin, often considered the main active component of garlic, is not alone in this action. The constituent known as ajoene has also shown beneficial effects on platelets. Aged garlic extract, but not raw garlic, has been shown, to prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol in humans, an event believed to be a significant factor in the development of atherosclerosis.

Ginkgo may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by interfering with a chemical the body sometimes makes in excess, called platelet activating factor (PAF). PAF stimulates platelets to stick together too much; ginkgo stops this from happening. Ginkgo also increases blood circulation to the brain, arms, and legs.

Garlic and ginkgo also decrease excessive blood coagulation. Both have been shown in double-blind and other controlled trials to decrease the overactive coagulation of blood that may contribute to atherosclerosis.

Guggul has been less extensively studied, but double-blind evidence suggests it can significantly improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people. Numerous medicinal plants and plant compounds have demonstrated an ability to protect LDL cholesterol from being damaged by free radicals. Garlic, ginkgo, and guggul are of particular note in this regard. Garlic and ginkgo have been most convincingly shown to protect LDL cholesterol in humans.

Several other herbs have been shown in research to lower lipid levels. Of these, psyllium has the most consistent backing from multiple double-blind trials showing lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The evidence supporting the ability of fenugreek to lower lipid levels is not as convincing, coming from preliminary studies only.

Since oxidation of LDL cholesterol is thought to be important in causing or accelerating atherosclerosis, and green tea protects against oxidation, this herb may have a role in preventing atherosclerosis. However, while some studies show that green tea is an antioxidant in humans, others have not been able to confirm that it protects LDL cholesterol from damage. Much of the research documenting the health benefits of green tea is based on the amount of green tea typically drunk in Asian countries¡ªabout three cups per day (providing 240¨C320 mg of polyphenols).

The research on ginger¡¯s ability to reduce platelet stickiness indicates that 10 grams (approximately 1 heaping teaspoon) per day is the minimum necessary amount to be effective.Lower amounts of dry ginger, as well as various levels of fresh ginger, have not been shown to affect platelets.

Turmeric¡¯s active compound curcumin has shown potent anti-platelet activity in animal studies. It has also demonstrated this effect in preliminary human studies. In a similar vein, bilberry has been shown to prevent platelet aggregation115 as has peony. However, none of these three herbs has been documented to help atherosclerosis in human trials.

Butcher¡¯s broom and rosemary are not well studied as being circulatory stimulants but are traditionally reputed to have such an action that might impact atherosclerosis. While butcher¡¯s broom is useful for various diseases of veins, it also exerts effects that are protective for arteries.

Reduce Toxins and Enjoy a Healthier BBQ

(NaturalNews) This time of year everyone is excited to pull out the grill and get the Barbeque started. Unfortunately, grilling out regularly is a dangerous habit that radically increases one`s risk of heart disease and cancer. This article will discuss the necessary steps to take to reduce toxins and get the most out of your BBQ.

There are 3 major cancer causing molecules that are present when meat gets heated at a high temperature. One is caused by the smoke that is released when fat drips from meat or fish onto a heat source. This potent carcinogen is called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAH's for short. The second set of molecules formed by cooking meat at high temperatures is heterocyclic amines (HCA's). HCA's are formed through a chemical reaction between naturally occurring amino acids and creatine in the meat.

Finally, grilling meat at high temperatures increases the amount of advanced glycolytic enzymes (AGE's) present in the meat. When you eat the meat the AGE's get transferred to your body. AGE's cause inflammation and oxidative damage in the tissues of your body. Inflammation and oxidative damage are the leading causes of degenerative diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, etc.

Fortunately, there are certain steps we can take to enjoy our barbeque while minimizing exposure to these toxic molecules. A report published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2008 showed that marinating meat in anti-oxidant rich substances can be effective. The researchers found that an olive oil, lemon juice and garlic marinade cut HCA levels in chicken by as much as 90%. Marinating in red wine for 6 hours before grilling cut down HCA levels by up to 90% compared to unmarinated steak.

Healthy BBQ Tips:

1.Cook at Lower Temperatures: Lower temperatures cause more of a "roasting" effect than grilling, but they significantly cut down on the amount of HCA's formed in the meat. Well-done meat has much higher levels of HCA's than meat cooked medium-rare.

2.Avoid Char-Grilling or Blackening Your Meat: This causes the largest amount of HCA's to form. Do your best not to char-grill your meat and avoid eating any blackened regions.

3.Prevent Flaring: Flames from the grill cause the formation of both HCAs and PAHs. Keep an eye on your grill & turn meats frequently to minimize flaring.

4.Use Grass-Fed Meat Sources: Grilling grain-fed meat causes more AGE's to form due to a higher sugar content within the meat. Grass-fed meat is lower in total fat than grain-fed meat. Cooking leaner meat reduces the PAH formation. Grass-fed meat also contains a significantly higher amount of healthy omega 3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid.

5.Marinate the Meat in Anti-Oxidant Rich sources: Not only is this tasty but it also reduces HCA levels by as much as 90%. Use lemon/lime, red wine, apple cider vinegar, & herbs.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7...
http://www.nutritiondata.com/topics...
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/a...

A simple massage could keep you from getting sick

(NaturalNews) Massages are a great way to release tension and stress and promote relaxation. But a new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine has revealed for the first time that massages also provide a measurable, therapeutic benefit to the immune system as well.

Dr. Mark Rapaport and his team of researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., evaluated 53 people, 29 of which received 45-minute Swedish massages--one of the most common forms of massage used in the U.S.--and 24 who received gentler, light touch massages. Researchers took blood samples at intervals before and after the massages and found that those who received even just one Swedish massage experienced significant, positive changes in blood composition.

"This research indicates that massage doesn't only feel good, it also may be good for you," explained Dr. Rapaport in a press release. "People often seek out massage as part of a healthy lifestyle but there hasn't been much physiological proof of the body's heightened immune response following massage until now."

Besides experiencing a significant increase in lymphocytes, the white cells in the body that help fight and prevent disease, the Swedish massage group experienced lower cortisol levels as well. Cortisol is the hormone released by the adrenal gland in response to stress.

The Swedish massage group also experienced a decrease in arginine vasopressin, a hormone linked with aggressive behavior.

"European-style massage is often used to treat back pain, sleep disorders, and other stress-related disorders," explain Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox and Makoto Suzuki in their book The Okinawa Program: How the World's Longest-Lived People Achieve Everlasting Health.

Sources for this story include:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/healt...

Green Tea and DHA: Nutrients Promote Health and Assist Weight Loss

(NaturalNews) Green tea and the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA combine to provide a powerful natural shield against certain forms of cancer, heart disease, stroke and dementia while assisting weight loss and maintenance. Both of these nutrients directly target gene sequences which have been shown to lower disease risk while increasing base metabolism to burn more calories. Include green tea and DHA in your nutritional arsenal to prevent a wide array of potentially lethal illnesses and reach your ideal weight loss goal.

Harness the Power of Green Tea Against Cancer
The active antioxidant compound in green and white tea is Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which has been shown to exert significant anti-cancer properties by fighting development and proliferation of rogue cells. EGCG works by switching off the genes responsible for cancer initiation while influencing natural cell death to prevent replication. Chemical components of green tea further help to cut off the blood supply cancer cells need to grow while lowering levels of dangerous systemic inflammation known to promote cancer as well as many other diseases.

Green Tea Boosts Metabolism
The results of a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition provide evidence that EGCG increases fat oxidation by 33% through accelerated metabolism. Green tea has also been shown to inhibit fat cell formation and improve excretion of fat from abdominal adipose tissue. This study found that fat was burned at a higher rate for 2 hours after eating and deceased rapidly after that point. The study authors recommend drinking green tea or supplementing with EGCG prior to eating for maximum benefit.

The researchers also noted that higher intake of green tea or EGCG does not necessarily translate into increased levels of fat oxidation. Fresh brew your own green tea or use low dose EGCG supplements (300 mg or less) to receive the full fat metabolism effect.

DHA Provides Support for the Heart and Brain
DHA is one of two Omega-3 fats found in fish and distilled fish oil. DHA has been shown to lower levels of inflammation, provide a thinning effect to blood platelets to prevent clotting and reduce dangerous triglycerides in the blood. These benefits all contribute to the heart health benefits of DHA as research demonstrates that supplementation can cut the risk of sudden death from a heart attack by one-third.

DHA is the preferred fat used in brain cell neurons as well as in most other cells in the body. Its unique properties allow for oxygen and nutrients to easily pass through the cell wall. When this vital fat is deficient, other fats must be used which create a stiffer cell membrane leading to cellular death and disease.

DHA Prevents Fat Accumulation
DHA works by influencing genes which control blood sugar, insulin secretion and fat accumulation. This Omega-3 fat targets the bioactive white adipose cells and affects how triglycerides in the blood are either burned for fuel or allowed to be stored as fat. The results of a study published in the International Journal of Obesity demonstrate the addition of DHA and Omega-3 fats increased weight loss in a group of overweight men by 28% compared to those who didn`t supplement.

It`s no surprise that natural nutrients and supplements act to promote health and assist weight loss. Green tea and DHA fats are prime examples of an intricate mechanism evolved over generations which our body uses to support our health. Incorporate these powerful nutrients into your lifestyle for improved quality of life and longevity.

Article References:
http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/...
http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v...
http://www.wellnessresources.com/we...

High fat meals worsen asthma

(NaturalNews) Eating meals high in fat may worsen the symptoms of asthma, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Newcastle and presented at the international conference of the American Thoracic Society.

"If these results can be confirmed by further research, this suggests that strategies aimed at reducing dietary fat intake may be useful in managing asthma," researcher Lisa Wood said.

Prior studies have shown that meals high in fat can cause the immune system to produce more of the inflammation-causing compounds that cause the coughing, wheezing and breathing trouble characteristic of asthma attacks, but the connection with the disease had never before been tested directly. In the new study, researchers assigned 40 asthmatic volunteers to eat either a high-fat meal consisting of hamburgers and hash browns or a low-fat meal consisting of yogurt. The high-fat meal contained 1,000 calories, 52 percent of them from fat, while the low-fat meal contained 200 calories, 13 percent of them from fat.

Following the meal, the researchers collected and tested sputum samples from all participants. They found significantly higher levels of inflammation-triggering immune cells known as neutrophils in the sputum of participants who had eaten the high-fat meal. In addition, patients in the high-fat group exhibited less response to an asthma inhaler three or four hours after the meal than patients in the low-fat group did.

The researchers could not determine why a high-fat meal would affect the efficacy of the inhaler, and they are planning further studies to investigate the question.

Rates of asthma in the United States increased 75 percent between 1980 and 1994, with 34.1 million people suffering from the disease by 2007. Some scientists are now suggesting that the high prevalence of the disease in First World countries may be linked to the high-fat diets that prevail in those cultures.

Sources for this story include: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933....