Walnuts improve blood vessel function in type 2 diabetes

Posted on November 5, 2009 by Dr. Jonathan

This study documents a significant improvement in blood vessel function (specifically their ability to relax and open up to allow blood to flow freely) when 56 grams of walnuts were added to the diet of the study subjects. Both the study cohort and the control group (who did not consume walnuts) were allowed to eat freely (ad libitum) otherwise. Their conclusion: “A walnut-enriched ad libitum diet improves endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in type 2 diabetics, suggesting a potential reduction in overall cardiac risk.”

Gluten & cardiac disease

Posted on October 26, 2009 by Dr. Jonathan

A recent case has put a spotlight on another potential effect of gluten allergy: cardiac disorders that arise from an autoimmune attack on heart tissue or the heart-regulating nerves. Here are several relevant studies:

The good news: there is evidence that a gluten-free diet results in some degree of repair. From The Mayo Clinic Proceedings (#2): “Cardiomyopathy associated with celiac disease is a serious and potentially lethal condition. However, with early diagnosis and treatment with a gluten-free diet, cardiomyopathy in patients with celiac disease may be completely reversible.”