Dr. Lisa Belisle

Food Sensitivities & Stress: School Stomachaches, Headaches and Other Brain-Gut Syndromes

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published September/October 2009, Parent & Family

Kids, school and stomachaches. You know the drill: morning rolls around and your child doesn’t want to get on the school bus, claiming his belly hurts. You keep him home, and he seems to recover, only to have the same thing happen again.

Then there is the recurring daily headache. Your child starts the day just fine, only to return in the mid-afternoon holding his head in pain. A visit to the doctor shows that nothing is wrong with his brain, but gives you no additional answers.

The Health Implications of Meat-Eating: Barbecuing and Beyond

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published July/August 2009, Parent & Family

Are you a griller? Many people are taking their food preparation to the patios this time of year. Backyard barbecues are a wonderful way for families to relax and enjoy being outside together. Grilling also generates less kitchen mess and doesn’t heat up the house — an attractive perk in mid summer.   

Playing with Food and the PPBD

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 22, 2009, The Maine Switch

In the January 8 edition of Switch I discussed the benefits of eating a predominantly plant-based diet, also known as the ‘PPBD.’ This article had been prompted by a query from one of my Facebook friends, so I posted it there for him to read. The PPBD concept prompted a variety of interesting comments from other Facebook friends. Most people agreed that:

Vegetarianism, Poseurtarianism and the PPBD

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 8, 2009, The Maine Switch

One of my friends recently sent a note via Facebook asking my opinion about vegetarianism/veganism. He wanted to know where the science stands on this issue, and if I had any specific concerns about being a vegetarian/vegan. Like my friend, I have eaten a predominantly plant-based diet for many years. As a doctor, I’ve come to believe that plant-based diets have much to recommend them.

Farmers’ Market Fun

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published August 7, 2008, The Maine Switch

Bushels of just-picked basil; crates overflowing with cucumbers; artfully arranged buckets of bouquets: all in a convenient location, crawling with friends and neighbors.

Wondering where to find such a scene? Look no further than your local farmers’ market.

Lose Weight, Gain Joy: Engage in Dietary Revival

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published March 13, 2008, The Maine Switch

Many of my otherwise healthy patients need to lose weight—by their own admission. When one tells me he is going on a “diet,” however, I cringe. “Dieting” usually involves significant food restrictions; sometimes even fasting. I have yet to see a patient who can stay with a restrictive diet for long. In my practice, I advocate eating enhancement: dietary revival rather than deprival.

Ask the Doc, Spring 2008

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published Issue 1, Early Spring 2008, Healthy Living Connection, Healthy Living Club, Maine Medical Center

Dear Doc, 

I hear a lot about lowering my cholesterol, but my doctor recently suggested I increase my HDL (good cholesterol numbers). Can you tell me why and offer some suggestions to do this? 

—Bill, Portland, ME 

Dear Bill, 

HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps the body remove other types of cholesterol. This keeps cholesterol from building up in the heart and blood vessels. The more HDL a person has, the better: more than 60mg/dL is ideal. High HDL levels tend to run in families, as does high total cholesterol. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly have higher amounts of HDL, while people who are overweight have lower amounts. To increase HDL, start walking, swimming or engaging in some other type of aerobic activity for 30-45 minutes most days of the week. Stay interested in exercise by trying something new, such as T’ai Chi, yoga or Qigong (see the January “Monthly Dish” for classes). Or take advantage of Maine’s winter wonderland through activities such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Finally, if you smoke, it’s time to quit — smoking is related to lower HDL levels. Need help? Call the Maine Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-207- 1230. For more information on HDL, and other types of cholesterol, visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov. 

Best, 

Lisa Belisle, MD, MPH 

MaineHealth

Morning Oats and My Relationship with the Quaker Man

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published November 29, 2007, The Maine Switch

I’ve had an on-and-off relationship with the Quaker man for years. As a youngster, I spent many mornings admiring his broad-brimmed hat and white neck ruffle while eating instant oatmeal flavored with ‘raisins and spice.’ He joined me for ‘apples and cinnamon’ on cool autumn days, and kept me company in the winter with ‘maple and brown sugar.’ His convenient brown-paper packets eased me into my grade school existence.

Fish Tales

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published May 2007, Parent & Family

When I was young, I would sit on the dock near the family camp, threading my father’s fishhooks with freshly dug worms, as he cast out into the waters of Little Sebago. For me, late spring and summer (if we were lucky) meant fish on the grill. Fish-eating is a healthy habit to have: fish is filled with heart and brain-friendly omega-3-fatty acids, as well as zinc, iron, and vitamins A, B and D. It is also a good source of protein for those limiting their red meat intake.

Of Sweet Corn and Sun-Warmed Tomatoes: Finding Fabulous Food

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published March 13, 2007, The Maine Switch

Have you ever eaten an ear of sweet corn straight from the stalk? What about a succulent sun-warmed tomato? If so, you know these fit the definition of fabulous food—that which is both nutritious and delicious. As National Nutrition Month, March is a prime time to focus on fabulous food. One of my favorite ways of obtaining said food? Community Supported Agriculture.