The sugar substitute xylitol may help you lose weight, but it can be deadly for your dog, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. Xylitol is present in many human foods and other products, and the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has received a number of reports over the past several years of dogs being poisoned by xylitol. The most recently reported case involved sugar-free ice cream, said FDA veterinarian Dr. Martine Hartogensis. Other products that may contain xylitol include: sugar-free chewing gum; breath mints; baked goods; some peanut and nut butters, sugar-free desserts; cough syrup; children’s and adult chewable vitamins; mouthwash; toothpaste; over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements. When dogs eat something containing xylitol, the sweetener is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and can trigger a surge of insulin from the pancreas. This could lead to a rapid, severe drop in blood sugar levels that can be life-threatening, according to the FDA. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, decreased activity, weakness, staggering, lack of coordination, collapse and seizures. If you think your dog has eaten xylitol, take it to a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately, Hartogensis advised. There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk that your dog will consume xylitol. “Check the label for xylitol in the ingredients of products, especially ones that advertise as…  read on >

In the quest to lighten up on carbs and refined grains, cauliflower rice is the hands-down favorite substitute. But you don’t have to buy pricy, pre-riced bags of cauliflower when a simple countertop appliance can do the job for you quickly and easily. Cauliflower is one of the healthiest vegetables around, high in vitamins C and K, fiber and folate, but not everyone loves it on its own. The beauty of cauliflower is that other ingredients can transform its taste into familiar dishes. For instance, when mashed and seasoned with chives and/or sauteed garlic, cauliflower can step in for potatoes. A ricer is the kitchen tool typically used to turn cooked cauliflower into fine, uniform shreds and works great to create a thick puree. But when you want to use cauliflower as a substitute for white rice and need to rice it raw, reach for the processor. Riced cauliflower can be used for many dishes that call for rice or pasta. This Asian fried “rice” is the perfect introduction to cauliflower cuisine. Cauliflower Fried Rice 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets 3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided 4 carrots, peeled and chopped 1 red or yellow onion, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons ginger, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup corn kernels 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon hot sauce…  read on >

People are getting the message about the dangers of sugar. Nearly 70% of Americans have cut back on foods high in added sugars, according to a survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation. But there’s still a long way to go. One of the key ways to reduce your sugar intake is by drinking plain water or low- and no-calorie beverages instead of soda and flavored waters. Pre-sweetened beverages represent half of all the added sugars we eat. Note that while 100% juices have only natural sugars, they don’t have the fiber found in the whole fruit and could cause blood sugar spikes, so you need to be judicious about your intake. Top Sugary Drinks to Avoid Soft drinks, including soda Fruit-flavored drinks Sweetened coffee and teas Energy drinks Alcoholic beverages Flavored waters It’s also important to know the various names sugar goes by. There are at least 61 forms of added sweeteners used in processed foods, according to the University of California, San Francisco’s SugarScience. They include various types of sugars, syrups and other ingredients ending in “ose.” To uncover sources of sugar in your diet, read the ingredients label of every food you buy, including those you may not associate with sugar, like yogurt, protein bars, whole grain cereals and even some salty snacks. And just because a label says no “high-fructose…  read on >

When it comes to blood pressure readings, the “top” number seems to grab all the attention. But a large, new study confirms that both numbers are, in fact, critical in determining the risk of heart attack and stroke. Blood pressure measurements are given as a “top” and “bottom” number. The first reflects systolic blood pressure, the amount of pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts. The second reflects diastolic blood pressure, the pressure in the arteries between heart muscle contractions. For years, systolic blood pressure has been seen as the one that really matters. That’s based on studies — including the famous Framingham Heart Study — showing that high systolic blood pressure is a stronger predictor of heart disease and stroke. At the same time, though, doctors measure both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and treatment guidelines are based on both. So just how important is that diastolic number? “The idea behind this new study was to address the confusion,” said lead researcher Dr. Alexander Flint, an investigator with Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s division of research. Using medical records from 1.3 million patients, his team confirmed that, yes, high systolic blood pressure was a stronger risk factor for heart attack and stroke. But those risks also climbed in tandem with diastolic pressure; and people with normal systolic readings were still at risk if their…  read on >