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    Housecall: Your diet and your heart — 8 steps to prevent heart disease

assorted fruits, vegetables and legumes arranged around a blank heart shape

THIS WEEK'S TOP TOPICS
Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease
A diet that's high in fat, salt, sugar and cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Eating habits can be hard to change, though. From controlling portion sizes and choosing foods that are healthier to allowing yourself the occasional indulgence, here are eight tips that can help make heart-healthy eating both doable and enjoyable.

Diabetes symptoms: Know what to watch for
Millions of people in the U.S. have diabetes but don't know it. Early symptoms of diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes, aren't always obvious. The signs and symptoms can come on so gradually that people may have Type 2 diabetes for years before they're diagnosed with the disease. Learn more about the symptoms of diabetes and when you need to see your health care provider.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Can the curcumin in turmeric slow cancer growth?
Curcumin, a substance found in the spice turmeric, has long been used in Asian medicine. Curcumin is thought to have antioxidant properties, which means it may decrease swelling and inflammation. It's being explored as a cancer treatment in part because inflammation appears to play a role in cancer. Learn more from Dr. Timothy Moynihan, an emeritus Mayo Clinic medical oncologist.

Is there an MS diet?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. With MS, the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. It is an incurable, potentially disabling disease, and the cause is unknown. There is no evidence that a specific diet can prevent, treat or cure MS. Some special diets can be harmful because they contain too much of certain vitamins or not enough of others. Learn more from Dr. Orhun Kantarci, a Mayo Clinic neurologist.

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HEALTHY RECIPES
Creamy cheesy macaroni
Potato and fennel soup
Lima bean ragout with tomatoes and thyme
Ambrosia with coconut and toasted almonds

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Fitness takes more than huffing and puffing
When it comes to fitness, aerobic exercise such as running, biking or swimming isn't the only thing that matters. A balanced exercise program includes five key components: aerobic fitness, strength training, core exercises, balance training, and flexibility and stretching. If you're not getting all five, it's time to mix up your routine.

Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover more healthy lifestyle topics at mayoclinic.org.

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