Q: Is there a natural sugar that doesn’t promote tooth decay?

A: Yes, Xylitol. It comes from the birch tree and is considered a “wood sugar” - much like the maple syrup that comes from the maple tree. But unlike maple syrup, this sugar has a crystal structure that makes it the perfect sugar substitute. Xylitol has a 5-carbon molecular structure that does not interact with oral bacteria. Since it doesn’t ferment, it never triggers acid production. That means it helps reduce tooth decay, inhibits plaque buildup, retards the loss of tooth enamel, and lowers infections in the mouth and throat. And because it inhibits plaque buildup, xylitol also helps prevent heart disease. Xylitol is affordable and easy to find. Check your local health food store or find it on the Internet. Along with stevia, xylitol is one of the safest and best-tasting sugar substitutes.

Q: Is high blood pressure typically associated with being over weight?

A: For the most part, yes. Not all overweight people have high blood pressure. However, hypertension - or high blood pressure - can be one side effect of being overweight. Losing just a little weight can provide substantial and long-lasting benefits for people who have high blood pressure. In a study of 102 people with severe hypertension, researchers discovered that those who lost an average of just seven pounds reduced their need for medication for more than two years. Lead researcher Daniel W. Jones, M.D., said, “The patients maintained their weight loss for only six to 12 months, but the benefits were sustained for as long as 30 months.”

Q: Is there anything “natural” that may help relieve arthritis?

A: Devil’s Claw, indigenous to Peru, has many healing properties. There are about a dozen studies that cite its effectiveness in reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and even lower-back pain. Devil’s Claw has an effect similar to the “Cox-2″ anti-inflammatory drugs like Vioxx and Celebrex, but without the risky side effects. A study published in the journal Rheumatology compared a Devil’s Claw extract with Vioxx for six weeks in 79 patients with severe lower-back pain. The Devil’s Claw turned out to be just as effective as Vioxx in reducing pain. Devil’s Claw is available in capsule, tincture, and tea form. You can find it at your local health food store.

Q: Can soda adversely affect your liver?

A: Fruit-flavored soft drinks are often made with both sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid. Chemical preservative sodium benzoate mixes with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), benzene forms as a byproduct. Benzene is an aggressive carcinogen, even in minute amounts. There is now supporting documentation that sodium benzoate itself could be responsible for DNA damage. Since we really don’t know what many of the “harmless” artificial ingredients and chemical preservatives in our food could do to us and the long-term effects are unknown, it’s a good precaution to stick to whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible.

Q: Are fat-free foods really fat free?

A: Some may be, however, you should be cautious and check your nutrition labels. Many dieters and those trying to eat healthy see “fat free” on the label and think, “ok, I’m trying to lose weight so I should avoid fat.” But what they need to understand is that after the fat is removed, sugar is added. Sugar is like high-fructose corn syrup … it is nothing more than fat fertilizer and a heart attack waiting to happen. Look for it listed as sucrose, dextrose, or cane sugar on the labels of your favorite foods. Then buy something else - like an all-natural food high in healthy fat. Healthy fat - which you can find in grass-fed beef, seeds, nuts, avocados, and eggs - is essential for proper growth, development, and the maintenance of good health. It provides your body with vital energy, without causing you to gain weight. In sharp contrast to carbohydrates, sugar, and trans-fats, healthy fats tell your body to burn fat and make you feel fuller quicker. Add them to your grocery list.

Q: How can I give my memory and mental performance a boost?

A: Recent studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can actually prevent “cognitive decline,” which is simply losing the ability to understand and think clearly. In one study, researchers looked at the diet and thinking ability of 210 healthy men who were 79 to 89 years old. Five years later, those men who ate fish regularly were mentally sharper than those who didn’t. And what nutrient does fish contain in abundance? Omega-3s. In the other study, researchers found that those with high omega-3 blood levels had better verbal ability than those who didn’t. This means they could speak more easily and recall words, names, and phrases without difficulty. Plus, they were better able to keep track of what they and others were saying. So to turbo-charge your mental agility, consider eating wild-caught fish (such as Alaska Salmon) or taking an omega-3 supplement with fish oil. The researchers behind the above two studies recommended 400 mgs per day for fish oil in capsule form. If you prefer straight fish oil, take about one tablespoon per day.

Q: I heard that taking mid-day naps can be good for you, is that true?

A: If you have the opportunity to take a nap for 20 or 30 minutes during your afternoon dip, do it. Not only will you likely wake up with more energy and mental clarity, you could also improve your health. The Harvard School of Public Health recently concluded the largest known study to examine the link between napping and health. The researchers, who followed 23,000 adults in Greece for a period of six years, found that those who took a half-hour midday nap break at least three times a week were 37 percent less likely to die of heart disease as compared to those who never napped. While one study is not conclusive, the results of this research do make sense. We know that the three basic keys to good health are diet, exercise, and rest. Sleep helps to relieve stress and gives the body a chance to reset the heart rate and blood pressure.