Researchers Conclude Diets Don't Work

In a review of 31 weight loss studies ranging from 2-5 years researchers at UCLA concluded that dieting does not work. The study will be published in the April issue of the American Psychologist. Initially dieters may lose 5-10% of body weight in the first 6 months but most regain that weight and the majority of dieters add more over the next 4-5 years. In fact, most of the dieters would have been better off not undergoing the wear and tear on the body from losing weight. In one study of healthy live styles of 19,000 men one of the best predictors of weight gain over the 4 years of the study was whether one had lost weight by dieting. More research is needed on the effects of weight loss but preliminary results show that losing and regaining weight may contribute to cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and altered immune function. If you want to lose weight you need to change your lifestyle, eat healthy foods in moderation, and exercise.

Herbal Remedy for Urinary Tract Infections

A study conducted at Duke University and reported in a recent issue of the Journal of Nature Medicine shows that the herb Forskolin can greatly reduce urinary tract infections. These infections are 4 times more likely to occur in women than men and are predominantly caused by the E coli bacteria. These bacteria are difficult to eradicate completely with antibiotics because bacteria hide in the lining of the bladder. Forskolin forces the bacteria out of their niches and into the urine where it can be killed by the antibiotic. Forskolin, , an extract from the Indian Coleus plant, has also been shown to be effective an vasodilator, weight loss aid, and a supplement to fight gluacoma.