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Extensive research shows that lifestyle recommendations can help improve health and reverse chronic illness. Look at the summaries of published scientific evidence to see how lifestyle medicine can benefit your patients.
FirstLine Therapy
Lifestyle Medicine
Dietary Interventions
Exercise
Stress Management
Lerman RH, Minich DM, Darland G, et al. Subjects with elevated LDL cholesterol and metabolic syndrome benefit from supplementation with soy protein, phytosterols, hops rho iso-alpha acids, and Acacia nilotica proanthocyanidins. J Clin Lipidol. 2010 Jan/4(1):59-68.
Summary: People with metabolic syndrome and at a high cardiovascular disease risk benefited from a lifestyle program that included a medical food and nutraceutical.
Lerman R, Minich D, Darland G. Enhancement of a modified Mediterranean-style, low glycemic load diet with specific phytochemicals improves cardiometabolic risk factors in subjects with metabolic syndrome and hypercholesterolemia in a randomized trial. Nutr Metab. 20089;5:29. PMID: 18983673 Summary: In people with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, a targeted medical food containing soy protein and selective kinase response modulators increased the effectiveness of a low-glycemic-load, modified Mediterranean-style diet and regular exercise program.
Lukaczer D, Liska D, Lerman R, et al. Effect of low glycemic index diet with soy protein and phytosterols on CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women. Nutrition. 2006;22(2):104-113. PMID: 16459222 Summary: When postmenopausal women incorporated a low glycemic diet with a targeted medical food containing soy protein and phytosterols, there was a significantly greater reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Schiltz B, Minich D, Lerman R, Lamb J, Tripp M, Bland J. A science-based, clinically tested dietary approach for the metabolic syndrome. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2009;7(3):187-192. PMID: 19450142 Summary: A dietary plan that included a Mediterranean diet of low glycemic and anti-inflammatory foods had positive effects in people with metabolic syndrome.
Minich DM, Bland JS. Dietary management of the metabolic syndrome beyond macronutrients. Nutr Rev. 2008;66(8):429-444. PMID: 18667004 Summary: A review of various diets, including foods and phytochemicals, and the impact on metabolic syndrome and insulin signaling.
Lerman R, Minich D, Darland G. Enhancement of a modified Mediterranean-style, low glycemic load diet with specific phytochemicals improves cardiometabolic risk factors in subjects with metabolic syndrome and hypercholesterolemia in a randomized trial. Nutr Metab. 20089;5:29. PMID: 18983673 Summary: In people with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, a targeted medical food containing soy protein and selective kinase response modulators increased the effectiveness of a low-glycemic-load, modified Mediterranean-style diet and regular exercise program.
Lukaczer D, Liska D, Lerman R, et al. Effect of low glycemic index diet with soy protein and phytosterols on CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women. Nutrition. 2006;22(2):104-113. PMID: 16459222 Summary: When postmenopausal women incorporated a low glycemic diet with a targeted medical food containing soy protein and phytosterols, there was a significantly greater reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Schiltz B, Minich D, Lerman R, Lamb J, Tripp M, Bland J. A science-based, clinically tested dietary approach for the metabolic syndrome. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2009;7(3):187-192. PMID: 19450142 Summary: A dietary plan that included a Mediterranean diet of low glycemic and anti-inflammatory foods had positive effects in people with metabolic syndrome.
Minich DM, Bland JS. Dietary management of the metabolic syndrome beyond macronutrients. Nutr Rev. 2008;66(8):429-444. PMID: 18667004 Summary: A review of various diets, including foods and phytochemicals, and the impact on metabolic syndrome and insulin signaling.
Miyatake N, Fujii M, Miyachi M, et al. Changes in metabolic syndrome and its components with lifestyle modification in Japanese men. Intern Med. 2010;49(4):261-5. PMID: 20154429
Summary: Anthropometric parameters, BP, TG, and HDL-C were significantly improved and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly reduced at the 1-year follow-up after prescribing lifestyle modification. Markers of metabolic syndrome were also improved even when the abdominal circumference was greater than the normal value for Japanese men.
Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. 10-year follow-up of diabetes incidence and weight loss in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study. Lancet. 2009;374(9702):1677-1686. PMID: 19878986 Summary: A 10-year follow-up to the Diabetes Prevention Program study demonstrated that diabetes incidence was reduced by 34% in the lifestyle group (changes aimed at modest weight loss) and 18% in the metformin group compared with placebo.
Ford ES, Bergmann MM, Kröger J, Schienkiewitz A, Weikert C, Boeing H. Healthy living is the best revenge: findings from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition–Potsdam Study. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(15):1355-1362. PMID: 19667296 Summary: Subjects who had never smoked, had a BMI<30, exercised a minimum of 3.5 h/wk, and followed a healthy eating plan (high intake of fruits/vegetables/whole-grains and low meat consumption) had a lower risks to developing a chronic disease (78%), type 2 diabetes (93%), myocardial infarction (81%), stroke (50%), and cancer (36%) than participants without a healthy behavior.
Ornish D, Magbanua MJ, Weidner G, et al. Changes in prostate gene expression in men under-going an intensive nutrition and lifestyle intervention. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2008;105:8369–8374. PMID: 18559852 Summary: A pilot study showed that the progression of prostate cancer was modified by intensive nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Avenell A, Broom J, Brown TJ, et al. Systematic review of the long-term effects and economic consequences of treatments for obesity and implications for health improvement. Health Technol Assess. 2004;8(21):iii-iv, 1-182. PMID: 15147610 Summary: Sustained weight loss and reduced incidence of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, among other issues, were associated with behavioral, dietary and exercise counseling.
Carels RA, Darby LA, Cacciapaglia HM, Douglass OM. Reducing cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women through a lifestyle change intervention. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2004;13(4):412-426. PMID: 15186658 Summary: A 6-month lifestyle change intervention was shown to be effective for reducing cardiovascular risk in obese, sedentary, postmenopausal women.
Appel LJ. Lifestyle modification as a means to prevent and treat high blood pressure. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2003;14(7 Suppl 2):S99-S102. PMID: 12819311 Summary: While the effects of various dietary changes influenced blood pressure, the combined effects were substantial.
Daubenmier JJ, Weidner G, Sumner MD, et al. The contribution of changes in diet, exercise, and stress management to changes in coronary risk in women and men in the multisite cardiac lifestyle intervention program. Ann Behav Med. 2007;33(1):57-68. PMID: 17291171 Summary: Programs that focus on diet, exercise, and stress management can significantly improve coronary risk and benefit patients with coronary heart disease.
Gordon NF, Salmon, RD, Franklin BA, et al. Effectiveness of therapeutic lifestyle changes in patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia and/or hyperglycemia. Am J Cardiol. 2004;94(12):1558-1561. PMID: 15589017 Summary: After a 12-week lifestyle management program, patients with conventional risk factors for coronary heart disease experienced a lower risk without medication.
Appel LJ, Champagne CM, Harsha DW, et al. Effects of comprehensive lifestyle modification on blood pressure control: Main results of the PREMIER clinical trial. JAMA. 2003;289(16):2083-2093. PMID: 12709466
People with above-optimal blood pressure who were not taking hypertensive medications applied multiple lifestyle changes that lowered blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular disease.
Oldroyd JC, Unwin NC, White M, et al. Randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of behavioural interventions to modify cardiovascular risk factors in men and women with impaired glucose tolerance: outcomes at 6 months. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2001;52(1):29-43. PMID: 11182214 Summary: In people with impaired glucose tolerance, a 6-month lifestyle intervention resulted in reduced risk factors for coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Wannamethee SG, Shaper AG, Whincup PH. Modifiable lifestyle factors and the metabolic syndrome in older men: effects of lifestyle changes. J Am Geriatr Soc 2006;54(12):1909-1914. PMID: 17198498 Summary: Lifestyle modification, even later in life, can prevent metabolic syndrome.
Tuomilehto J, Lindstrom J, Eriksson JG, et al. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. N Engl J Med. 2001;344(18):1343-1350. PMID: 11333990 Summary: Changes in lifestyle prevented type 2 diabetes in high-risk patients.
Knoops KT, de Groot LC, Kromhout D, et al. Mediterranean diet, lifestyle factors, and 10-year mortality in elderly European men and women: the HALE project. JAMA. 2004 Sep 22;292(12):1433-1439. PMID: 15383513 Summary: In a study of the effect of the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, moderate alcohol use and nonsmoking on elderly people, there was a 50% lower rate of cause-specific mortality.
Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. 10-year follow-up of diabetes incidence and weight loss in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study. Lancet. 2009;374(9702):1677-1686. PMID: 19878986 Summary: A 10-year follow-up to the Diabetes Prevention Program study demonstrated that diabetes incidence was reduced by 34% in the lifestyle group (changes aimed at modest weight loss) and 18% in the metformin group compared with placebo.
Ford ES, Bergmann MM, Kröger J, Schienkiewitz A, Weikert C, Boeing H. Healthy living is the best revenge: findings from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition–Potsdam Study. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(15):1355-1362. PMID: 19667296 Summary: Subjects who had never smoked, had a BMI<30, exercised a minimum of 3.5 h/wk, and followed a healthy eating plan (high intake of fruits/vegetables/whole-grains and low meat consumption) had a lower risks to developing a chronic disease (78%), type 2 diabetes (93%), myocardial infarction (81%), stroke (50%), and cancer (36%) than participants without a healthy behavior.
Ornish D, Magbanua MJ, Weidner G, et al. Changes in prostate gene expression in men under-going an intensive nutrition and lifestyle intervention. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2008;105:8369–8374. PMID: 18559852 Summary: A pilot study showed that the progression of prostate cancer was modified by intensive nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Avenell A, Broom J, Brown TJ, et al. Systematic review of the long-term effects and economic consequences of treatments for obesity and implications for health improvement. Health Technol Assess. 2004;8(21):iii-iv, 1-182. PMID: 15147610 Summary: Sustained weight loss and reduced incidence of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, among other issues, were associated with behavioral, dietary and exercise counseling.
Carels RA, Darby LA, Cacciapaglia HM, Douglass OM. Reducing cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women through a lifestyle change intervention. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2004;13(4):412-426. PMID: 15186658 Summary: A 6-month lifestyle change intervention was shown to be effective for reducing cardiovascular risk in obese, sedentary, postmenopausal women.
Appel LJ. Lifestyle modification as a means to prevent and treat high blood pressure. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2003;14(7 Suppl 2):S99-S102. PMID: 12819311 Summary: While the effects of various dietary changes influenced blood pressure, the combined effects were substantial.
Daubenmier JJ, Weidner G, Sumner MD, et al. The contribution of changes in diet, exercise, and stress management to changes in coronary risk in women and men in the multisite cardiac lifestyle intervention program. Ann Behav Med. 2007;33(1):57-68. PMID: 17291171 Summary: Programs that focus on diet, exercise, and stress management can significantly improve coronary risk and benefit patients with coronary heart disease.
Gordon NF, Salmon, RD, Franklin BA, et al. Effectiveness of therapeutic lifestyle changes in patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia and/or hyperglycemia. Am J Cardiol. 2004;94(12):1558-1561. PMID: 15589017 Summary: After a 12-week lifestyle management program, patients with conventional risk factors for coronary heart disease experienced a lower risk without medication.
Appel LJ, Champagne CM, Harsha DW, et al. Effects of comprehensive lifestyle modification on blood pressure control: Main results of the PREMIER clinical trial. JAMA. 2003;289(16):2083-2093. PMID: 12709466
People with above-optimal blood pressure who were not taking hypertensive medications applied multiple lifestyle changes that lowered blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular disease.
Oldroyd JC, Unwin NC, White M, et al. Randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of behavioural interventions to modify cardiovascular risk factors in men and women with impaired glucose tolerance: outcomes at 6 months. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2001;52(1):29-43. PMID: 11182214 Summary: In people with impaired glucose tolerance, a 6-month lifestyle intervention resulted in reduced risk factors for coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Wannamethee SG, Shaper AG, Whincup PH. Modifiable lifestyle factors and the metabolic syndrome in older men: effects of lifestyle changes. J Am Geriatr Soc 2006;54(12):1909-1914. PMID: 17198498 Summary: Lifestyle modification, even later in life, can prevent metabolic syndrome.
Tuomilehto J, Lindstrom J, Eriksson JG, et al. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. N Engl J Med. 2001;344(18):1343-1350. PMID: 11333990 Summary: Changes in lifestyle prevented type 2 diabetes in high-risk patients.
Knoops KT, de Groot LC, Kromhout D, et al. Mediterranean diet, lifestyle factors, and 10-year mortality in elderly European men and women: the HALE project. JAMA. 2004 Sep 22;292(12):1433-1439. PMID: 15383513 Summary: In a study of the effect of the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, moderate alcohol use and nonsmoking on elderly people, there was a 50% lower rate of cause-specific mortality.
Pimentel GD, Arimura ST, de Moura BM, Silva ME, de Sousa MV. Short-term nutritional counseling reduces body mass index, waist circumference, triceps skinfold and triglycerides in women with metabolic syndrome. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2010;2:13. PMID: 20181143
Summary: In a 90-day study, nutritional counseling showed a significant decline in BMI, waist circumference, triceps skinfold, and TG. Increases in calcium and vitamin D consumption also showed an association with the improvement in markers of metabolic syndrome.
Dai J, Lampert R, Wilson PW, Goldberg J, Ziegler TR, Vaccarino V. Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with improved cardiac autonomic function among middle-aged men: a twin study. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2010 Jul;3(4):366-373. PMID: 20551372 Summary: In a study of middle-aged male twins, the Mediterranean diet was associated with a higher heart rate variability.
Esposito K, Marfella R, Ciotola M, et al. Effect of a Mediterranean-style diet on endothelial dysfunction and markers of vascular inflammation in the metabolic syndrome: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2004;292(12):1440-1446. PMID: 15383514 Summary: A Mediterranean-style diet may lower the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.
Esposito K, Maiorino MI, Ciotola M, et al. Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on the need for antihyperglycemic drug therapy in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2009 Sep 1;151(5):306-314. PMID: 19721018 Summary: Patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes who followed the Mediterranean-style diet lost more weight and had greater improvement in glycemic control and coronary risk measures than those on a low-fat diet.
Esposito K, Ciotola M, Giugliano D. Mediterranean diet and the metabolic syndrome. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007 Oct;51(10):1268-1274. PMID: 17879992 Summary: Dietary nutritional quality improved in people with metabolic syndrome who followed a Mediterranean-style diet.
Appel LJ, Moore TJ, Obarzanek E, et al. A clinical trial of the effects of dietary patterns on blood pressure: DASH Collaborative Research Group. N Engl J Med. 1997;336(16):1117-1124. PMID: 9099655 Summary: Blood pressure can be lowered with a diet of fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy foods along with decreased saturated and total fat.
Nieves JW. Osteoporosis: the role of micronutrients. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;81(suppl):1232S-1239S. PMID: 15883457 Summary: Studies show that adequate nutrition plays a major role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Millen BE, Quatromoni P A, Nam BH, et al. Dietary patterns, smoking, and subclinical heart disease in women: opportunities for primary prevention from the Framingham Nutrition Studies. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004;104:208–214. PMID: 14760568 Summary: A 12-year study showed that women who ate a heart-healthy diet and avoided smoking had significantly lower odds of subclinical heart disease. Women who had a heart-healthy diet and who had never smoked had the lowest odds of subclinical heart disease.
Serra-Majem L, Roman B, Estruch R. Scientific evidence of interventions using the Mediterranean diet: a systematic review. Nutr Rev. 2006;64(2 Pt 2):S27-47. PMID: 16532897 Summary: A review of 35 studies showed the favorable effects of the Mediterranean diet in obese patients and in those with previous myocardial infarction.
Weidinger KA, Lovegreen SL, Elliott MB, et al. How to make exercise counseling more effective: lessons from rural America. J Fam Pract. 2008;57(6):394-402. PMID: 18544323 Summary: When patients in 12 rural communities were presented with exercise counseling as part of a prescription or plan, they were nearly five times as likely to meet physical activity recommendations.
Dai J, Lampert R, Wilson PW, Goldberg J, Ziegler TR, Vaccarino V. Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with improved cardiac autonomic function among middle-aged men: a twin study. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2010 Jul;3(4):366-373. PMID: 20551372 Summary: In a study of middle-aged male twins, the Mediterranean diet was associated with a higher heart rate variability.
Esposito K, Marfella R, Ciotola M, et al. Effect of a Mediterranean-style diet on endothelial dysfunction and markers of vascular inflammation in the metabolic syndrome: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2004;292(12):1440-1446. PMID: 15383514 Summary: A Mediterranean-style diet may lower the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.
Esposito K, Maiorino MI, Ciotola M, et al. Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on the need for antihyperglycemic drug therapy in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2009 Sep 1;151(5):306-314. PMID: 19721018 Summary: Patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes who followed the Mediterranean-style diet lost more weight and had greater improvement in glycemic control and coronary risk measures than those on a low-fat diet.
Esposito K, Ciotola M, Giugliano D. Mediterranean diet and the metabolic syndrome. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007 Oct;51(10):1268-1274. PMID: 17879992 Summary: Dietary nutritional quality improved in people with metabolic syndrome who followed a Mediterranean-style diet.
Appel LJ, Moore TJ, Obarzanek E, et al. A clinical trial of the effects of dietary patterns on blood pressure: DASH Collaborative Research Group. N Engl J Med. 1997;336(16):1117-1124. PMID: 9099655 Summary: Blood pressure can be lowered with a diet of fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy foods along with decreased saturated and total fat.
Nieves JW. Osteoporosis: the role of micronutrients. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;81(suppl):1232S-1239S. PMID: 15883457 Summary: Studies show that adequate nutrition plays a major role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Millen BE, Quatromoni P A, Nam BH, et al. Dietary patterns, smoking, and subclinical heart disease in women: opportunities for primary prevention from the Framingham Nutrition Studies. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004;104:208–214. PMID: 14760568 Summary: A 12-year study showed that women who ate a heart-healthy diet and avoided smoking had significantly lower odds of subclinical heart disease. Women who had a heart-healthy diet and who had never smoked had the lowest odds of subclinical heart disease.
Serra-Majem L, Roman B, Estruch R. Scientific evidence of interventions using the Mediterranean diet: a systematic review. Nutr Rev. 2006;64(2 Pt 2):S27-47. PMID: 16532897 Summary: A review of 35 studies showed the favorable effects of the Mediterranean diet in obese patients and in those with previous myocardial infarction.
Weidinger KA, Lovegreen SL, Elliott MB, et al. How to make exercise counseling more effective: lessons from rural America. J Fam Pract. 2008;57(6):394-402. PMID: 18544323 Summary: When patients in 12 rural communities were presented with exercise counseling as part of a prescription or plan, they were nearly five times as likely to meet physical activity recommendations.
Mustelin L, Pietiläinen KH, Rissanen A, et al. Acquired obesity and poor physical fitness impair expression of genes of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in monozygotic twins discordant for obesity. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2008;295(1):E148-E154. PMID: 18460597
Summary: This study of monozygotic twins demonstrated that exercise carries greater weight than heredity on developing insulin resistance in those who are obese. (Acquired obesity can impair expression of the genes that help cells produce energy.
Gaesser GA. Exercise for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Curr Diab Rep. 2007;7(1):14-19. PMID: 17254513 Summary: Moderate-intensity exercise showed a significant reduction in risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
Borer KT. Physical activity in the prevention and amelioration of osteoporosis in women. Sports Med. 2005;35(9):779-830. PMID: 16138787 Summary: Evidence shows that physical activity may prevent osteoporosis, with benefits of regulating bone maintenance and stimulating bone formation.
Gaesser GA. Exercise for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Curr Diab Rep. 2007;7(1):14-19. PMID: 17254513 Summary: Moderate-intensity exercise showed a significant reduction in risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
Borer KT. Physical activity in the prevention and amelioration of osteoporosis in women. Sports Med. 2005;35(9):779-830. PMID: 16138787 Summary: Evidence shows that physical activity may prevent osteoporosis, with benefits of regulating bone maintenance and stimulating bone formation.
Lane JD, Seskevich JE, Pieper CF. Brief meditation training can improve perceived stress and negative mood. Altern Ther Health Med. 2007;13(1):38-44. PMID: 17283740
Summary: Long-term health benefits may be obtained from the improvement in negative mood and perceived stress gained from a simple, 15-20 minute meditation technique.