Newsbriefs: Sodium Consumption; Soy for Breast Cancer; Vitamin D
Sodium Consumption Is Up Rather Than Down
A study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual scientific session in March 2017 found that Americans with high blood pressure consumed an average of 2,900 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day in 1999 and 3,350 mg per day in 2012, for an overall average daily sodium intake of 3,100 mg during the 14-year study period. That’s more than twice the 1,500-mg daily maximum commonly recommended for people with high blood pressure, and it also exceeds the 2,300-mg maximum recommended for most other people. Excess sodium consumption raises blood pressure, which puts a strain on the heart and cardiovascular system. Reduce your sodium intake by cutting down on processed foods, switching to low-sodium or sodium-free products, and flavoring foods with herbs and spices rather than salt.
Soy May Be Beneficial for ER– Breast Cancer
Consuming soy foods may prolong survival in women with estrogen receptor-negative (ER–) breast cancer, according to a study published March 6, 2017 in the journal Cancer. Soy foods such as tofu, soy milk, and edamame contain isoflavones, compounds that are similar in some ways to the hormone estrogen. The nine-year study examined dietary isoflavone intake in 6,235 women with breast cancer. During follow-up, women with ER– breast cancer who consumed the highest amounts of isoflavones were 21 percent less likely to die than those who consumed the lowest amounts. The researchers noted that isoflavones have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may affect the growth and survival of ER– tumors. Other research suggests that eating soy foods may decrease the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
Vitamin D Supplements and Cancer Risk
Many women take vitamin D and calcium supplements to help prevent osteoporosis. Recent research (Journal of the American Medical Association, March 28, 2017) adds to other evidence suggesting that vitamin D also may lower cancer risk.
In a four-year study of more than 2,300 healthy postmenopausal women, those who took high doses of vitamin D3 and calcium had a 30 percent lower risk of developing cancer compared to women who took placebo. Among those who did develop cancer, blood levels of vitamin D were significantly lower than in women who did not develop cancer. While the results may be encouraging, researchers acknowledged that a larger, randomized clinical trial will be needed to confirm whether taking vitamin D actually can reduce cancer risk.
In addition to taking vitamin D supplements, eat a diet rich in vitamin D (including fatty fish, eggs, and foods fortified with the nutrient). You can also increase your vitamin D levels with brief periods of daily sun exposure; however, don’t overdo it and risk skin cancer. Talk with your doctor about having your vitamin D level tested; if you’re deficient, ask if you should take a supplement.
The post Newsbriefs: Sodium Consumption; Soy for Breast Cancer; Vitamin D appeared first on University Health News.
Read Original Article: Newsbriefs: Sodium Consumption; Soy for Breast Cancer; Vitamin D »
Powered by WPeMatico
