Dr. Steve: High-Calorie Cocktails & Artificial Sweeteners Don't Work

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7:00am Segment Info:
Researchers say they've identified more genes that raise the risk of prostate cancer.

Individually, the genetic variants play a minor role in the disease, but together they become more dangerous. This discovery could lead to a new test allowing doctors to identify several genetic variants at one time. That would make it easier to determine which men are susceptible to aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Until now, only a few genes had been associated with prostate cancer and that accounted for a small percentage of cases.

In other news, we've all heard that chain restaurants are going to have to post the amount of calories in every meal, but it's not just the food.

WATCH THE VIDEO & GET MORE INFO AFTER THE JUMP

We all expect to see the calories for a burger or fries, but according to the new regulations. Chain restaurants with more than 15 restaurants nationwide must post the calories of their beverages as well for chains that sell alcohol like TGI Friday's, they're going to have to post the amount of calories in every cocktail even their beer and those numbers can really add up.

How many calories are we talking about?

More than you want to hear to give you an example a standard pina colada has 380 calories and a chocolate martini has 500 calories. Remember, the average person is only supposed to get about 1800 to two thousand calories a day so if you have a couple of drinks and dinner. You could be over your entire daily requirement with just one meal.

So we have to watch what we eat, but are diet foods the answer?

I've been telling you this for months, artificial sweeteners don't work. In fact a new study from Purdue University found that rats that are fed artificial sweeteners still put on weight. That's because a sweet taste followed by no calories makes you crave extra food... Because in the end you're not giving your body the calories that it thinks you're giving it.. So it's not getting satisfied. When the meal does not arrive.. Your body gets confused and has trouble regulating your appetite.

So what's the best way to go if you're trying to lose weight?

The best thing you can do is give your body what it needs food in it's natural state, and that includes natural sugars. You have to make sure you're eating a well balanced diet that has plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains along with protein and low fat dairy. If you do that and limit sweets like desserts to a minimum, it can make a difference.

8:00am Ask The Doctor Segment:
1. Milagros from Waterbury, CT asks: My daughter has head lice. I've tried several over the counter medications with little results. What should I do?

Milagros, lice can be extremely difficult to treat. It's not just as simple as washing with shampoo. The challenging part is getting rid of all the eggs or nits that are attached to the hair. To do that you need a special comb and you have to do the hair in sections. It's a very lengthy meticulous process, but in addition to that, you have to wash all clothing, bedding, personal items and furniture. There are also prescriptions treatments that kill lice, but you still have to do those other steps.

2. Ed from Pearl River, NY asks: How contagious is pink eye and what happens if not treated?

Ed, pink eye is a general term for conjunctivitis. It can come from many different things, allergies, viruses, bacteria or irritation. Pink eye is very contagious. If you have it you should use separate towels in your house and wash your hands frequently. If you have bacterial conjunctivitis you'll need antibiotic drops for treatment. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. If it's viral, your eye will get better within two to three weeks on it's own. You should see a doctor to make the diagnosis.

3. Osama from New York City asks: What is the best way to get rid of the flu?

Osama, there's really no prescription that makes a significant difference in treating the flu. There are some antivirals on the market, but you have to take them early on, and they only shorten the course by a day or so. The best way to treat the flu is through supportive treatment, which means lots of fluids, rest and acetaminophen if you have fever.