Tendon Rupture, a Little-Known Side Effect of Antibiotics

Here's an article that will make you think! It's scary to find out what some of these so called "safe" drugs have as side effects! Watching your back, Dr. K

Tendon Rupture, a Little-Known Side Effect of Antibiotics

Here's one more for the long list of tales about how the drugs we take to heal us can end up causing harm: The FDA has announced that it will now require a "boxed warning" (its strongest warning on a label) about the risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture associated with use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics -- such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) -- along with mandated distribution of a newly detailed medication guide to be dispensed by pharmacies with the drug.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro and Proquin XR), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin) are commonly prescribed for upper respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections (UTIs). FDA-approved labeling for these drugs mention the risk of tendonitis, but clearly public awareness is not widespread as the FDA continues to receive reports of tendon-related adverse events related to them. The FDA has received more than 400 reports of tendon rupture plus more than 1,200 of tendon problems, and, it's possible this represents only the tip of the iceberg since it's suspected that just a small fraction of cases are reported to the FDA.

In going to Sidney Wolfe, MD, director of The Health Research Group at Public Citizen, an advocacy group based in Washington, DC, which has been pushing the FDA on this point since 2006. In his view, these requirements are better than none, but far from complete. "This accomplishes two of the three steps we've urged," he said. "We've also requested that the FDA require drug companies to send a warning letter to physicians, clearly describing possible adverse reactions, such as tendon pain, so patients can be switched to alternative treatments before tendons rupture." Many doctors remain unaware of drug warnings like these until they receive such letters, Dr. Wolfe said. He advises consumers to be aware of the risks and attentive to early signs of trouble in order to protect themselves from serious repercussions.

WHO'S AT RISK?

Although anyone who takes fluoroquinolone drugs is at risk, the likelihood of having tendon problems is higher if you are over 60, taking steroids (corticosteroids), or are a kidney, heart or lung transplant recipient. Symptoms of tendonitis include pain, swelling, inflammation and tearing, all found most commonly in the Achilles tendon, shoulder or hand. Ruptures can occur without warning (some patients report feeling a "snap" or "pop" soon after starting treatment), but more typically patients feel pain or inflammation for days or weeks before the tendon actually ruptures. Another symptom is easy bruising right after an injury in a tendon area. These problems can occur during or after taking fluoroquinolones -- even months later, according to the FDA.

If you develop tenderness or other such problems, avoid exercising or overuse of the area. Any such symptoms should be immediately reported to your doctor in conjunction with your request to be switched to another antibiotic of a different class. Most serious problems may be avoided if you pay attention to the first signs of trouble. Source(s): Sidney Wolfe, MD, Director of The Health Research Group at Public Citizen and editor of www.worstpills.org, in Washington, DC.

Walk Backward to Sharpen Thinking

Here's a good one, not just for students, but for all of us! Dr. K

Magic Problem-Solver: Walk Backward to Sharpen Thinking

Trying to solve a thorny problem? Try taking a few steps backward. That’is what a study with 38 students at Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands suggests. The researchers set up a study to test the effect on mental functioning of "approach" movements, such as walking toward something, and "avoidance" movements, such as backing away. The study, published in the May 2009 issue of the journal Psychological Science, found evidence that suggests stepping backward may boost your capacity to deal with difficult situations.

WALK THIS WAY

The students took a test in which color words, like red, were sometimes printed in matching ink (like the word red written in red ink) and sometimes in another color (the word red written in blue ink). The test was to quickly name the ink color, suppressing the natural tendency to read the word, immediately after walking four steps forward, backward or sideways. Each participant walked in each direction twice. When the color names and inks matched, reaction times for correct answers were similar no matter which way the students walked. But when color names didn't correspond to inks, reaction times for correct answers were fastest after walking backward. Backward locomotion appears to be a very powerful trigger to mobilize cognitive resources, say the researchers.

STEP BACK FOR FORWARD-THINKING

Stepping backward isn't an inborn trigger for increased mental control, but a learned one, notes social psychologist and study coauthor Severine Koch, PhD. "Over a lifetime, the movement is habitually performed in situations that require increased control, such as when people encounter a dangerous or difficult situation," she explains. "Because of this associative link between backward movement and a vigilant state of mind, stepping backward seems to enhance cognitive functioning even in the absence of actual danger."
Okay, so in modern life we're not typically retreating from a lion and it's not so realistic to be walking backward -- but we certainly face other challenges that require intense concentration and enhanced mental capacity. Will stepping backward open the mind to new solutions? Dr. Koch said that the practical applications of this study require further research, but she speculates that people in jobs requiring constant alertness could benefit from avoidance movements. Meanwhile, you may want to take a step backward the next time you're plagued by a problem.

Source(s): Severine Koch, PhD, department of social and cultural psychology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Fabulous Fruits You Really Ought to Try

Here's another health related article you should read through. You may end up trying new fruit you havn't tried before! Watching your Back, Dr. Kiefat!

Nearly every day, I have berries at breakfast and an apple as an afternoon snack. Sure, those fruits are healthful, but I’m feeling like I’m in a fruit rut. So now that summer is upon us and markets are filled with an array of exotic fruits, I’m determined to expand my dietary horizons.
Eating a wider variety of fruits is a good idea, according to nutrition expert Steven V. Joyal, MD, vice president of scientific and medical affairs for Life Extension Foundation, a Fort Lauderdale-based research organization.
Reason: Different fruits provide different nutrients, each of which has its own set of beneficial effects on the body. What’s more, taste buds that are treated to a variety of healthful fruits are less likely to get bored ("Not another apple! We want candy!") -- so it’s easier to resist cravings for nonnutritious foods.
Health-food stores, farmers’ markets and larger supermarkets carry a wide selection of fruits. Dr. Joyal recommends trying these especially nutritious, yet underappreciated, items...
CARAMBOLA, also called star fruit, is rich in vitamin A, which promotes eye health... vitamin C, to help support a healthy immune system... and potassium for cardiac function. Buy it green and let it ripen at room temperature until the ridges darken. Some varieties (such as the Arkin carambola) have a very sweet pineapple-orangey flavor... others (such as Golden Star) are more tart. Slice carambola crosswise (no need to peel it first) to make pretty star shapes that are perfect for fruit salad, avocado salad or Asian stir-fry.
CHERIMOYA looks like a hand grenade. Ripen it at room temperature until it is slightly soft, then peel it and discard the skin and seeds. The creamy white flesh inside, which tastes like a mango-pineapple-strawberry mix, can be scooped out or sliced and eaten raw or baked into a pie... or mashed to a custard texture and added to whole-grain waffle batter. The cherimoya contains niacin, which maintains "good" HDL cholesterol... lots of the antioxidant vitamin C... and iron for red blood cell production.
GUAVA provides protein for tissue repair... fiber for digestion... and calcium and phosphorus for bones. The guava may be green or maroon on the outside and white, pink or reddish inside. It is ready to eat when slightly soft and fragrant... expect a grainy texture and pear-kiwi-strawberry hybrid flavor. Eat a guava out of your hand as you would an apple... slice and salt it as you would a tomato... dice it into salads... or boil it to make jam.
POMEGRANATE provides powerful antioxidants, promotes blood vessel relaxation and may ease symptoms of inflammation from arthritis. According to Greek mythology, Persephone had to spend time in hell after she was tricked into eating some pomegranate seeds -- but don’t let that stop you from trying this fruit. Round and red on the outside, the pomegranate is filled with hundreds of crimson, gel-covered seeds called arils. Remove the crown and the bottom with a knife, then score the sides of the hard outer peel from top to bottom. Place the fruit in a bowl of cold water and pry it apart. Pluck out the fleshy arils, letting them sink to the bottom of the bowl... discard the peel and internal white membranes... drain the seeds. To eat, suck off the sweet-tart gel and either swallow or spit out the soft inner seeds. For juice, put the gel-covered seeds in a blender and blend well, then strain to remove the remnants of the pulverized inner seeds, if desired.
UGLI FRUIT looks like a lopsided grapefruit with baggy skin and tastes like a sweet-and-sour cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit. Packed with vitamin C and fiber, its segments can be eaten alone or added to salads (try it with fresh spinach leaves and shrimp). Juice it to add tang to marinades, sauces and salad dressings... or mix the juice with warm rum and honey for a hot toddy.

Source: Steven V. Joyal, MD, vice president of scientific and medical affairs for Life Extension Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that supports research related to the prevention of degenerative diseases. http://www.lef.org/

Weight-Training Smarts for Everyone (For the non-athlete)

It's well known that 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to five days a week helps prevent cardiovascular disease. My favorite ways to fit this in are brisk walking or bicycling, because I love being outside in good weather, and or sprints a few times a week. What's less well known -- or at least less practiced -- is that strength training (e.g., lifting free weights or using weight machines) is equally important (actually more important for some)to good health, especially as we grow older. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that adults perform two to three strength-training sessions each week.
According to Wayne Westcott, PhD, fitness research director for the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts, strength training not only boosts metabolism and keeps blood pressure and glucose levels stable, it is also the only way to prevent the five-pound loss in muscle mass that we experience each decade as we age. Dr. Westcott says more about the health benefits of strength training, and offers some useful tips on how to safely and effectively work out with weights...

STRENGTH TRAINING: THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL AGING

Lean muscle mass naturally decreases with age, but strength training (especially training with weights) can help reverse this trend. As you grow stronger and muscle mass increases, benefits multiply -- you'll find that you are more energetic, have more stamina and feel better overall.
According to Dr. Westcott, strength training...
Lowers blood pressure, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. After two months, regular weight training can cause incremental drops in both systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure.
Encourages muscles to utilize glucose more efficiently. This means less glucose circulating in the bloodstream, which lowers your risk of diabetes.
Stimulates the skeletal system, which helps maintain bone density. This becomes increasingly important as we age, to prevent bone-thinning osteoporosis.
Enables you to manage weight more effectively. Your best bet is to combine aerobic and strength-training exercise to raise your metabolism and burn off excess calories.

GETTING STARTED

Weight training with progressively heavier resistance is far and away the best way to build strength and muscle mass, notes Dr. Westcott. But if you're not familiar with free weights or weight machines, what's the best way to get started? Join a beginner's weight training class at the local gym, or schedule a session or two with a personal trainer who is knowledgeable in weight training. There are also helpful how-to books, such as Dr. Westcott's own Strength Training Past 50 (Human Kinetics). If you're over 40 or have health issues, also see your health-care provider before taking on a new fitness program.
As for whether to choose free weights (barbells or dumbbells) or weight machines, such as Nautilus, Cybex, or just the plain old Generic versions try both forms and see which you prefer. Free weights and machines work equally well, observes Dr. Westcott -- though, of course, free weights can easily be done at home, without investing in expensive equipment or a health club membership. Muscles can't tell the difference.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR WORKOUT

Once you learn how to work with weights, you'll want to focus on maximizing benefits of your workouts. An average strength-training regimen consists of two to three sessions a week, with one to three sets, using sets of resistance exercises to cover all the major muscle groups. For optimal results, Dr. Westcott recommends...
Begin with eight to 10 repetitions of a series of resistance exercises. Consult a fitness trainer at the gym to determine appropriate starting weights, which should call on approximately 65% to 75% of your maximum resistance. At the gym, it's often not necessary to book a session with a personal trainer since many have "floor trainers" available to answer questions and offer advice on proper weight levels and lifting technique. At home, most women exercise with five- to 15-pound free weights, and most men lift 10 to 25 pounds.
Learn to lift weights properly, in a slow and controlled fashion. It's not the amount of weight you lift, but how you lift it that counts. As a general rule of thumb, each repetition should last five to six seconds, and a series of 10 repetitions should take 50 to 60 seconds. When in doubt about technique, seek advice from a fitness professional.
Be sure sessions last 20 to 40 minutes. Weight training should be performed three days a week, non-consecutive days, at first. As time goes on and you grow more experienced, you can cut back to only two sessions a week, three days apart. This allows the muscles ample time to recover and prepare for the next workout.
Remember to breathe. Holding your breath during weight training can lead to a dangerous elevation in blood pressure. Exhale when you lift, and inhale when you lower weights.
Vary your exercises. For example, do one set of repetitions to the shoulders, move down to the abs, and then on to the legs. Don't overwork any one muscle group, as this can contribute to muscle fatigue and the risk of injury.
Increase weight when you successfully work your way up to performing 15 reps with proper technique and without fatigue. However, to avoid strains and sprains, don't add more than 5% -- of pound weight -- at a time.
Stretch the muscles you just worked after each strength exercise -- or, if you prefer, following your entire strength workout.

MORE STRENGTH-TRAINING OPTIONS

Other forms of strength training also work well, if you don't enjoy weights or want to incorporate some variety into your fitness regimen. Classes or activities you might consider include...
Circuit training. This handy, all-in-one exercise program combines strength training with aerobic activities such as the treadmill and stationary bike.
Pilates. This approach emphasizes slow-moving stretches and resistance exercises (including using popular exercise resistance bands) to increase flexibility and strength.
Body sculpting. While body sculpting -- the modern day version of calisthenics with some light weights -- does not pack the same oomph as other strength-training exercises, it will help slow muscle loss and moderately increase strength.
For optimal fitness, make it a point to add strength training -- with weights, Pilates or whatever other strength-training exercise you enjoy the most -- to your regular fitness routine. You'll feel better, look better and enjoy your later years with greater strength, energy and independence.

Source(s): Wayne Westcott, PhD, fitness research director, South Shore YMCA, Quincy, Massachusetts. Dr. Westcott is author or coauthor of 20 books, including Strength Training Past 50 (Human Kinetics).

3d TVs and vision problems, seizure

We all have probably seen those new 3d TVs. They are amazing, but some research has came out that you might be interested in regarding vision problems, nausea, seizures and maybe even stroke! Something to at least think about before you buy that new TV!
Watching your back (and your eyes in this episode!),
 

Dr. Kiefat :)

 

3D TVs and Seizures

How badly do you and other members of your household want one of those cool new 3D televisions? Do you want to experience 3D shows at home enough to accept the possibility that they may harm your vision and hurt your health?

Don’t get me wrong -- I’m a believer in new technology that helps us or even just entertains us... as long as it doesn’t hurt us. There is no question that watching 3D TV is entertaining: Just as with the newest 3D technology used today at movie theaters, two superimposed images that are slightly off register appear on screen and the viewer wears special glasses that allow each eye to see just one of the images -- the brain then combines the two images, which we "see" in three dimensions. So that galactic cruiser or baseball or galloping horse really does seem to extend out of the TV and head right for you. While you won’t really be hit by the baseball or run over by the horse, the televisions themselves come labeled with scary warnings, including epileptic seizure (and also seizures in people who are photosensitive but not epileptic), stroke, disorientation, eyestrain, problems with balance and more.

Those are some pretty frightening risks, so we need to learn whether 3D TV dangers really exist -- and if so, to what extent.

We go to Norman Saffra, MD, director of ophthalmology at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, and clinical professor of ophthalmology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City, to find out. His answer to the question is -- yes and no. He says that (as we had suspected) the manufacturers’ warnings come from overzealous legal departments... but he also said people should realize that this technology isn’t for everyone, and that it definitely can harm some people.

Dr. Saffra reviews the warnings one by one:

Epileptic seizure. Some people are predisposed to having seizures when they see rapidly flashing bright lights or are in a room with strobe lights, Dr. Saffra said -- especially people with photosensitive epilepsy. The 3D TVs can present a heightened risk for seizures in people with this sensitivity, Dr. Saffra added -- saying that for the same reason, this warning is also posted on many video games and other products that involve flashing lights. These effects are bad enough in 2D, but 3D makes them worse. His advice: If you or a family member is photosensitive, especially if you have photosensitive epilepsy, proceed with caution.

Stroke. "To my knowledge of the medical literature, there’s never been a case of stroke that was associated with 3D TV," Dr. Saffra says, "but there is a theoretical risk. Stroke is a side effect of some seizures."

Vision problems, including seeing double, eyestrain and perceptual after-effects, such as seeing objects as closer to you or farther from you (for instance, a flight of stairs or the edge of a porch or balcony) than they actually are. These visual problems stem from the extra work the brain must do as a result of watching 3D TV. First is the necessary adjustment to "seeing" depth while watching 3D effects on what’s actually a flat surface, and then comes the need to readjust to normal vision afterward. People with certain eye conditions -- including amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes) or eye muscle imbalances -- will be almost certain to have these problems, which also may arise among people with other types of vision impairments or even normal vision, though with less frequency. Young people have greater neuroplasticity -- they can compensate for changes more quickly. But it is not known how long-term use of 3D might affect them. Older people have a greater likelihood for coexisting diseases -- diabetic neuropathy where they might not feel their feet on the floor... Parkinson’s, which would affect gait and balance... cataracts... glaucoma... macular degeneration. In fact, he noted, these vision issues may make it impossible for affected viewers to even see the 3D effect at all.

Nausea, disorientation and increased problems with balance. Some people may experience these reactions while watching. Others have the problem after they’ve removed the 3D glasses. Some people may have trouble with re-fusing images into a single image -- which could affect the ability to walk around safely or to drive.

So should you shop for a 3D TV?

We ask Dr. Saffra what his advice would be to someone considering a 3D TV -- and his advice is prudent. "First, for people with underlying eye conditions, or with epilepsy, this isn’t a great choice," he says. "Beyond that, it would be best to moderate your use -- don’t watch every program in 3D, and if you start to experience symptoms, reconsider the amount of time you’re using the TV." And if you still aren’t sure? "Like most technology, it will get better and safer over time," Dr. Saffra says. "So if you’re not sure, wait it out."

 

Source(s):  Norman Saffra, MD, FACS, FAAO, director of ophthalmology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, clinical professor of ophthalmology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City.

Avoid Cancer by Eating Avocados

Some people will use any excuse to eat an avocado, so now they can be happy to see research identifying yet another virtue of this delicious fruit (and yes, it's a fruit!). Enjoy ! Dr Kiefat-

There is a new study reporting that plant chemicals in avocados are effective in killing certain cancer cells in the laboratory and also in preventing particular precancerous cells from developing into actual cancers.
For this study, Steven D'Ambrosio, PhD, professor at Ohio State University and his research team published a review of previous studies where a chemical extraction process was used to isolate six compounds in avocado meat, which were then injected into a petri dish containing human cells. These were either normal, precancerous or actively cancerous (in this case, oral cancer) in order to ascertain how the cells would react to the isolated avocado compounds.
One of the six extracts (they called it D003) was found to have an effect -- it reduced the growth of some pre-cancerous and cancerous cells while also killing other ones outright. Based on these study results, Dr. D'Ambrosio speculates that "as part of a healthy diet, a cup of avocado may have some cancer-prevention effect."
This adds to other research pointing to some cancer-fighting benefits of avocado as well. A 2005 study done at UCLA found that the growth of human prostate cancer cells was inhibited by 60% when exposed to avocado extracts. But keep one caveat in mind: Each of these studies used an extract from only a single type of avocado whereas there are actually hundreds of avocado varieties. The studies Dr. D'Ambrosio reviewed involved only Haas avocado extracts.
Why does this matter? Because, according to Jonny Bowden, author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, the nutritional value of an avocado varies by type and growing location. For example, 100 g of a California avocado has about 28% fewer calories, 35% less fat and about 10% fewer carbohydrates than a Florida avocado. He believes nutrient values may vary as well, although the California Avocado Commission says there is likely only a slight difference. In addition to potential for cancer prevention, avocados are a source of lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene and folate, among other nutrients. So it looks like avocados are worth incorporating into your diet for lots of reasons. Bring on the guacamole!

Source(s): Steven D'Ambrosio, PhD, professor, Ohio State University. Dr. D'Ambrosio's area of research and interest is natural preventatives for cancer.

Jonny Bowden, CNS. Bowden, the popular "Weight Loss Coach" on iVillage.com, is a contributing writer to AOL.com and a frequent Daily Health News contributor. His free mini-course "7 Super Foods That Could Change Your Life" is available at www.feelyourpower.com. A radio talk-show host, he's the author of the best-selling Living the Low Carb Life and, most recently, The 150 Healthiest Foods

Resveratrol -- Setting the Record Straight

THis article give good info on resveratrol so you can make an informed decision! Dr. K-

The red-wine supplement resveratrol has been very much in the news in recent years, but reports vary -- while some cast doubt, many are very promising about its numerous health benefits. With sales soaring and more than 100 resveratrol supplements available, it’s clear that lots of people want to believe that these products work miracles. Do they? How? And which work best?

To learn more, we turn to Joseph C. Maroon, MD, a professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and author of The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life. Regarding resveratrol, he says what scientists are sure of and what has yet to be proven. Dr. Maroon also shared his insights on how to safely and effectively use this supplement today.

Helpful or Not?

Resveratrol is a beneficial polyphenol (a type of plant chemical) that is particularly abundant in red wine and the skins of red grapes. Many scientists believe it works -- potentially extending lifespan and offering protection against heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes -- by "switching on" a class of proteins called sirtuins. These help prevent gene mutations and repair DNA damage, slowing the aging process and the development of age-related diseases.

So does it work or not? Let’s take a look at how the controversy got started.

Because there was a load of exciting research supporting resveratrol’s benefits, in 2008, the giant pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) paid $720 million to purchase a small biotech firm that owned the patent for a synthetic form of resveratrol. In an attempt to win FDA approval of this formulation of resveratrol, GSK launched clinical trials -- but had to shut them down in April 2010 when some of the participants developed kidney complications. This is the event that led some critics to charge that resveratrol’s benefits were overstated.

But it wasn’t the right stuff: Dr. Maroon explained that it’s important to recognize that the problems stemmed from an artificial form of resveratrol that chemists had concocted in a laboratory. The clinical trial did not use the kind of natural resveratrol that humans have safely consumed in wine and grapes for thousands of years... that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries... and that has been available as a neutraceutical supplement for about a decade.

EVIDENCE OF MULTIPLE HEALTH BENEFITS

The cancellation of the clinical trial resulted in a rush of negative press, said Dr. Maroon, but meanwhile there is plenty of other research on resveratrol that is yielding extremely positive results. Where earlier studies demonstrated that resveratrol brought health benefits to animals, now new ones are examining what resveratrol does for humans (or human cells). The findings suggest that resveratrol can be beneficial in areas such as...

Inflammation control. A University of Buffalo study published in the September 2010 issue of Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism verified for the first time that resveratrol controls oxidative stress and inflammation in people. Twenty healthy volunteers took a 40-milligram (mg) resveratrol extract or a placebo for six weeks, and subsequent blood tests revealed lower levels of inflammatory cytokines in the resveratrol group. Inflammation lies at the root of devastating age-related illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and Alzheimer’s, Dr. Maroon notes.

Cancer prevention and treatment. In a 2010 laboratory trial at the University of Rochester Medical Center, investigators discovered that resveratrol may help combat pancreatic cancer. They added 50 mg of the supplement to one group of human pancreatic cancer cells and nothing to the other and found that the cancer cells treated with resveratrol responded more positively to chemotherapy. Other research suggests that resveratrol guards against cancers of the skin, breast, liver, lung and colon.

Protection against diabetes. Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University report that resveratrol improves glucose metabolism in adults with prediabetes.

Improved heart and brain health. A March 2010 review in Genes & Nutrition summarized existing reports on the cardioprotective and longevity aspects of resveratrol, which protects the linings of blood vessels in the heart to prevent blood clots and other damage. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 22 healthy adults reported in the June 2010 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, British investigators at Northumbria University found that resveratrol increases oxygen uptake and blood flow to the frontal lobes of the brain (the site of cognition and problem solving).

Want to Try It?

To supplement your diet with resveratrol, Dr. Maroon says to look for products made with trans-resveratrol -- the active form of resveratrol polyphenols made from the skins of red grapes. An average dose consists of 250 mg to 500 mg a day, and scientists have detected no significant side effects at these doses. Expect to pay on average $40 for a 30-day supply. Dr. Maroon recommends the following brands...

• Vindure 900. A mixed polyphenol supplement based on Harvard University’s resveratrol research. It can be purchased directly from Vinomis Laboratories (http://www.vinomis.com/, 877-484-6664).

• ResVitále Resveratrol. A resveratrol supplement from French red wine vineyards. http://www.resvitale.com/, 877-787-5454).

• GNC Longevity Factors Cellular Antioxidant Defense. A combination of resveratrol, vitamin D (cholecalciferol D-3), grape seed extract and quercetin. Note that this product was developed by Dr. Maroon together with GNC, and that he does have a financial interest in it. Available at GNC stores or on their Web site (http://www.gnc.com/, 877-462-4700).

Whether you choose to take supplements or not, it certainly makes sense to eat plenty of resveratrol- and polyphenol-rich foods. Go for variety in your diet, because different plant compounds interact synergistically with one another to provide more powerful health benefits. Choose items such as red grapes... red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir (in moderation, of course)... pure red grape juice (high-quality organic, not from concentrate)... unroasted peanuts... dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)... green tea... and blueberries, cranberries and pomegranates.

Source(s): Joseph C. Maroon, MD, clinical professor of neurological surgery and Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh. Dr. Maroon is the team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers and author of The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life (Atria).