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Long lunch breaks, firm divisions between work and leisure and the occasional treat enchant food writer who swapped London for a village in southern France

Sun 19 Mar 2023 07.00 EDT

If I look out of my window at 4pm, winter and summer, in all weathers apart from horizontal rain, there will be a group of women sitting on the bench, sometimes on two benches. There might be half a dozen of them or more, ranging in age from their 60s to their 80s, possibly older. There are always at least a couple of little dogs, very occasionally a husband. In summer, when the windows are open, I can hear their laughter, and conversations I like to think theyve picked up every afternoon at four since they were girls. As futures go, this doesnt look like a bad one.

We moved to this village 17 months ago, swapping a terraced house in Hackney, east London, for a long-neglected one yes, that cliche in Marseillan on the tang de Thau, a saltwater lagoon in southern France that opens into the Mediterranean.

This month, two separate reports were published lauding the health-giving properties of the Mediterranean diet. The first appeared in the journal BMC Medicine, using data from more than 60,000 people. It stated that this diet traditionally rich in fruits and vegetables, grains, seafood, nuts and healthy fats could potentially lower the risk of dementia by almost a quarter.

The second, based on the work of a team at Sydney University and published in the journal Heart, stated that women who followed the Mediterranean diet could reduce the risk of early death by almost a quarter. Id tell the women on the benches but I think theyre too busy having a good time to care about the numbers.

Im a food writer, so one of the great draws of this corner of France is close proximity to wonderful ingredients. The tang produces 13,000 tonnes of oysters every year and 3,000 tonnes of mussels. In a village of 8,000 inhabitants, there are three greengrocers, four bakers, a large butcher and several small shops selling oysters, mussels, and fish from the lagoon.

Vines creep up to the edge of the village. When I walk my dogs through the fields each morning, chances are were weaving past the grapes I used to add to my Ocado order when I lived in London, in the form of bottles of picpoul.

As each month goes by, it takes me longer to walk around the Tuesday market. I know more people now and they know me. We talk about whats good last week, the first gariguette strawberries, prickly sea urchins, and bundles of asparagus, yours for only 14.99 (13).

Everyone is scandalised at the cost, sniffing that theyre from Spain, waiting for the French asparagus to come in and the price to come down. By late spring, well be eating it every day.

Then onwards to the summer, with its artichokes, peas and beans, tomatoes and aubergines, peaches, melons and cherries, the best grown nearby and picked when theyre perfectly ripe. And with every new season, I gather new recipes, from the greengrocer, a neighbour, the man in the wine shop, one of our builders.

Its not Mediterranean food, its just food. Its not a diet, its just how things are. People eat seasonally here, on the whole, not just because its better but because its cheaper. No ones measuring out their (local, organic) olive oil in joy-defying teaspoons or weighing their walnuts. Peoples diets contain leafy veg and oily fish, of course, but many people slice into rich cheeses most days, and invariably pair it with good glasses of red.

On Sundays, the queue to pick up cakes from the baker is long and sociable. Here, in this provincial corner of France at least, balance is everything. Pouring small pleasures into each day is admired, gluttony or excess is not.

Its about more than just food. Most businesses close at lunchtime for an hour, two hours, three, four. Im joking. No one closes for just an hour. After all these months, I still get confused about what time the local Spar (shelves of biscuits, cat food, pasta and washing up liquid, plus a 12th-century wine cave in the back), butcher, greengrocers and bakeries open after lunch.

Almost everything is closed on Sundays. The idea of spending time with your family and friends, or simply having time to yourself, is sacrosanct. Its frowned upon to contact people about work outside of normal work hours. These are a very boundaried people.

The climate helps. We spend a lot of time outside. Isolation, for many the torture of old age, is less likely to happen here. The ladies on the benches take up their space. If one of them didnt appear one day, the others would notice, would check on her. Their daily laughter must be worth more than a ton of healthy grains.

Its easy to romanticise Mediterranean village life. Its certainly not all baguettes and brie carried home lovingly in a straw basket. Le fast food, le restauration rapide, is increasingly popular. With more than 1,500 branches, France remains McDonalds largest market outside the US. Many insist they love McDo for the free wifi (sure, Jean), but the one nearest us often has large queues of people wanting, controversially, to eat outside conventional mealtimes, young people on dates and parents with small children who dont want to sit down for a two-hour lunch.

French women do get fat. Obesity is on the rise; 17% of French adults are now obese, double the number of 25 years ago (in the UK, its 26%).

But there remains, in this village at least, a gentle rhythm of life, an attitude to seizing moments of pleasure, eating well, resting well and cultivating friendships, thats entirely life enhancing and, ultimately, potentially life-prolonging.

Debora Robertson is the author of Notes From a Small Kitchen Island: Recipes and Stories From the Heart of the Home

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Its about more than just food: Mediterranean diet is part of a whole way of life - The Guardian

You've probably heard about the medication Ozempic, used to manage type 2 diabetes and as a weight-loss drug.

Ozempic (and the similar drug Wegovy) has had more than its fair share of headlines and controversies. A global supply shortage, tweets about using it from Elon Musk, approval for adolescent weight loss in the United States.

Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel even joked about it on film's night of nights last week.

But how much do we really need drugs like Ozempic? Can we use food as medicine to replace them?

The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which works by inducing satiety. This feeling of being satisfied or "full", suppresses appetite. This is why it works for weight loss.

Semaglutide also helps the pancreas produce insulin, which is how it helps manage type 2 diabetes. Our body needs insulin to move the glucose (or blood sugar) we get from food inside cells, so we can use it as energy.

Semaglutide works by mimicking the role of a natural hormone, called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) normally produced in response to detecting nutrients when we eat. GLP-1 is part of the signaling pathway that tells your body you have eaten, and prepares it to use the energy that comes from your food.

The nutrients that trigger GLP-1 secretion are macronutrients simple sugars (monosaccharides), peptides and amino acids (from proteins), and short chain fatty acids (from fats and also produced by good gut bacteria).

There are lots of these macronutrients in energy-dense foods, which tend to be foods high in fat or sugars with a low water content. There is evidence that by choosing foods high in these nutrients, GLP-1 levels can be increased.

This means a healthy diet, high in GLP-1 stimulating nutrients can increase GLP-1 levels. This could be foods with good fats, like avocado or nuts, or lean protein sources like eggs.

And foods high in fermentable fibres, like vegetables and whole grains, feed our gut bacteria, which then produce short chain fatty acids able to trigger GLP-1 secretion.

This is why high fat, high fiber, and high protein diets can all help you feel fuller for longer. It's also why diet change is part of both weight and type 2 diabetes management.

However, it's not necessarily that simple for everyone. This system also means that when we diet, and restrict energy intake, we get more hungry. And for some people that "set point" for weight and hunger might be different.

Some studies have shown GLP-1 levels, particularly after meals, are lower in people with obesity. This could be from reduced production of GLP-1, or increased breakdown. The receptors that detect it might also be less sensitive or there might be fewer receptors.

This could be because of differences in the genes that code for GLP-1, the receptors or parts of the pathways that regulate production. These genetic differences are things we can't change

While diet and drugs can both work, both have their challenges.

Medications like Ozempic can have side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and issues in other organs.

Plus, when you stop taking it the feelings of suppressed appetite will start to go away, and people will start to feel hungry at their old levels. If you've lost lots of weight quickly, you may feel even hungrier than before.

Dietary changes have much fewer risks in terms of side effects, but the responses will take more time and effort.

In our busy modern society, costs, times, skills, accessibility, and other pressures can also be barriers to healthy eating, feeling full, and insulin levels.

Dietary and medication solutions often put the focus on the individual making changes to improve health outcomes, but systemic changes, that reduce the pressures and barriers that make healthy eating hard (like shortening work weeks or raising the minimum wage) are much more likely to make a difference.

It's also important to remember weight is only one part of the health equation. If you suppress your appetite but maintain a diet high in ultra-processed foods low in micronutrients, you could lose weight but not increase your actual nourishment.

So support to improve dietary choices is needed, regardless of medication use or weight loss, for true health improvements.

The old quote: "Let food be thy medicine" is catchy and often based on science, especially when drugs are deliberately chosen or designed to mimic hormones and compounds already naturally occurring in the body.

Changing diet is a way to modify our health and our biological responses. But these effects occur on a background of our personal biology and our unique life circumstances.

For some people, medication will be a tool to improve weight and insulin-related outcomes. For others, food alone is a reasonable pathway to success.

While the science is for populations, health care is individual and decisions around food and/or medicine should be made with the considered advice of health care professionals. GPs and dietitians can work with your individual situation and needs.

Emma Beckett, Senior Lecturer (Food Science and Human Nutrition), School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read more:
Ozempic Is a Weight-Loss Sensation, But These Foods Give The ... - ScienceAlert

Key Takeaways

What if you can fight inflammation by adjusting your diet? An anti-inflammatory diet might help reduce the risk of chronic inflammation-related diseases, such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.

Acute inflammation happens when the immune system kicks in after the body suffers from a wound or viral infection, and it might trigger pain and swelling for a few days until everything is healed. But chronic inflammation builds over the years and it's not always easy to identify.

Frank Hu, PhD, MD, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said that long-term exposure to air pollution, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy eating pattern can all contribute to chronic inflammation.

It's like a smoldering of the arteries instead of a big fire, Hu told Verywell.

In a 2020 study co-authored by Hu, researchers found that pro-inflammatory diets were associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

Eating more anti-inflammatory foods, like dark leafy greens and salmon, while limiting pro-inflammatory foods, like red meat and fried foods, may contribute to a lower risk of developing chronic disease.

Unlike the DASH diet or other structured eating patterns, the anti-inflammatory diet doesn't come with a set of rules to follow.

Anti-inflammatory foods include dark leafy greens, tomatoes, olive oil, berries, whole grains, nut, salmon, and other fatty fish. Pro-inflammatory foods include organ meats, red meat, refined carbohydrates like white bread and pastries, fried foods, and soft drinks.

"The foods that we choose to eat can actually help quiet that inflammation or fan the flames," Melissa Ann Prest, DCN, RDN, CSR, a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics based in Chicago, Illinois, told Verywell.

Prest said that an anti-inflammatory diet would involve more plant-based proteins, like tofu and legumes, more often than animal proteins. And red meat would be a "treat" to enjoy just a few times a month, she added.

Coffee and a moderate amount of red wine are also thought to be anti-inflammatory because they contain polyphenols, a group of antioxidant compounds that protect the body from free radicals. Polyphenols are found in many of the other plant-based foods in the anti-inflammatory eating pattern.

Hu said that scientists don't fully understand the biological mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory diet at this point. However, existing evidence suggests that polyphenols can reduce oxidative stress, which is believed to damage cells, proteins, and lipids, hence contributing to inflammation.

An anti-inflammatory diet might also work by improving insulin sensitivity or promoting a healthy gut microbiome, Hu added.

"We don't have the complete picture yet about the wide range of metabolic pathways through which healthy foods can reduce inflammation," he said. "It's like a big jigsaw puzzle and we only have some of the pieces."

In order to get the most out of an anti-inflammatory diet, experts say to incorporate certain lifestyle practices as well.

"There is no super anti-inflammatory food or nutrient that you can just take and then you don't have to worry about everything else in the diet. It has to be a holistic approach rather than a magic bullet approach," Hu said.

Good sleep hygiene, reducing stress, maintaining a healthy body weight, not smoking, and getting at least 20 minutes of moderate exercise every day can all help reduce chronic inflammation.

Experts say the anti-inflammatory eating pattern should not be considered a cure for chronic illnesses or autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes or arthritis.

"Sometimes you just have chronic illnesses that may or may not be related to what you're eating," Prest said. However, she said that eating more plant-based, anti-inflammatory foods can calm some of the inflammation and symptoms for people with certain autoimmune diseases.

"When they're adopting a lower inflammatory diet, it might not completely get rid of it, but it'll definitely help to manage it," Prest said.

Nutrition experts recommend eating more anti-inflammatory foods and limiting pro-inflammatory foods in order to reduce the risk of chronic disease. However, the anti-inflammatory diet alone isn't going to prevent illnessesyou should still incorporate other lifestyle practices like getting regular exercise and consistent sleep.

Read more from the original source:
Does the Anti-Inflammatory Diet Really Work? - Verywell Health

Most of us enjoy an occasional Maccy Ds from time to time. Nothing wrong with that. But TikTok celebrity Kevin Maginnis is trying to prove that a Big Mac doesn't have to be an occasional treat and can instead be the basis for a full-blown diet. The 56-year-old grandfather has set out to eat nothing but McDonald's for 100 days, with the goal of losing 50lbs (23kg) and improving his health and blood markers.

You're thinking it, we're thinking it and every single dietician in the land is screaming it; there's no way eating McDonald's for 100 days straight can be healthy. 'Starting off everyone's like "No, you're gunna die, why are you doing this? Rest in peace,"' said Maginnis. 'Now, people are seeing that it's working.' Whether his methods are healthy or not, his (scale) results don't lie, with 21lbs (10kg) lost in 21 days so far.

The Tennessee grandfather has also amassed quite a following, and while some TikTok commenters are expressing concern, others are seemingly inspired by his progress. To see which side of the fence you should sit on, we've taken a look at the diet, it's efficacy and whether it's dangerous or not.

Before we state the rules of the extreme diet, we'll cut to the chase because it's important to mention that there's no evidence to support the efficacy of the McDonald's diet and we don't recommend it. However, if you're curious about what the diet entails, its five rules are fairly simple:

Maginnis also outlined his motivations during the process, and claimed he's embarking on the McDonald's diet for health reasons. 'For me, it's my grand babies, want to make sure my wife, my kids my grandkids, don't have to see me in a hospital bed, I want to make sure my grand kids' kids get to know me,' he said.

It will be no surprise to you that there isn't any magic at work when taking part in the McDonalds diet. The diet largely works by applying calorie restriction to facilitate fat loss. There are countless studies and reviews supporting that the quantity of calories eaten is more important for fat loss than the diet composition. But this doesn't necessarily mean we should all get in the car and head to the nearest drive through. There are some elements to the McDonald's diet composition, which could be easily replicated without eating fast food day after day.

According to physician Idrees Mughal MBBS, MSc in nutritional research, 'He is consuming protein at each meal, which suppresses appetite and keeps you full longer. This could be leading to less snacking than he was doing before and a calorie deficit at the end of the day.' There is evidence that protein content could also be the unsung hero of this obscure diet with research saying, 'It is the protein, and not carbohydrate, content that is important in promoting short-term weight loss and that this effect is likely due to increased satiety caused by increased dietary protein. It has been suggested that the increased satiety might help persons to be more compliant with a hypocaloric diet and achieve greater weight loss.'

However, the most interesting part about the diet is that Maginnis halves his meals. This not only restricts calories to ensure a deficit, but also encourages cognitive restraint to reduce portion sizing and incorporate mindful eating.

Maginnis also mentions one of the rules is to 'feel the heat before you eat', and there is a large wealth of evidence purporting to the benefits of mindful eating. In a 2019 study, which utilised mindful eating, it was demonstrated that participants assigned to this condition ate, on average, 50 calories less than those in the control condition.

We can't argue the mechanisms at play, but of course, you can use these methods without the McMuffin breakfasts and avoid any negative health implications.

Weight loss isn't just calories in calories out, the source of food choices does matter when it comes to health, satiety and how you feel. While the McDonalds dieter doesn't share his energy levels, it's not much of a leap to suggest that a diet low in nutrients will affect your get up and go, and especially, your training efforts.

A diet consisting of mainly McDonald's will likely have a high saturated fat content. In a meta analysis of studies into the association between dietary fat intake and mortality from all-causes, it was found that 'diets high in saturated fat were associated with higher mortality from all-causes, CVD, and cancer. CVD, and cancer.'

In addition to this, a McDonalds diet will likely have a very low fibre content. The main sources of fibre are fruits, vegetables, cereals and whole-grain products. It is a key component to health, with a 2020 study remarking that 'much evidence supports an important role for dietary fibre intake as a contributor to overall metabolic health, through key pathways that include insulin sensitivity. There are clear associations between dietary fibre intake and multiple pathologies that include cardiovascular disease, colonic health, gut motility and risk for CRC.' Bottom line: missing out on this key ingredient in your diet, could potentially spell trouble.

If we can take anything away from this somewhat off the wall weight-loss technique, it would be the following fat loss tips:

And perhaps as an additional note, it's also probably best to avoid following fad diets on the TikTok 'for you' page.

Go here to see the original:
This 56-Year-Old Lost 21lbs in 21 Days on the 'McDonald's Diet' - Men's Health UK

Your diet the foods and drinks you eat, not short-term restrictive programs can impact your heart disease risk. Evidence-based approaches to eating are used by dietitians and physicians to prevent and treat cardiovascular (heart) disease.

National Nutrition Month, with its 2023 theme of Unlock the Potential of Food, is an ideal opportunity to learn more about these approaches and adopt more heart-friendly behaviours.

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend three main dietary patterns for lowering heart disease risk: the Mediterranean Diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and the Portfolio Diet.

The Mediterranean Diet is rich in colourful vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil and seafood. Research studies have shown that this diet reduces risk of having a heart attack or stroke, even if you already have heart disease, and provides several other health benefits. Dietitians of Canada has created a resource that summarizes the details of this approach to eating.

The DASH Diet focuses on eating plenty of vegetables, fruit, low-fat dairy, whole grains and nuts, while limiting red and processed meats, foods with added sugar, and sodium. Originally developed to treat high blood pressure, this diet can also lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C the unhealthy type of cholesterol) and provides several other health benefits. Heart & Stroke has several resources on this approach to eating.

The Portfolio Diet was originally developed in Canada to treat high cholesterol. It emphasises plant proteins (for example, soy and other legumes); nuts; viscous (or sticky) fibre sources such as oats, barley and psyllium; plant sterols; and healthy oils like olive oil, canola oil and avocado. Many research studies have shown that this diet can lower LDL-C, and provides several other health benefits. Research shows that even small additions of Portfolio Diet heart-healthy foods can make a difference; the more you consume of these recommended foods, the greater your reductions in LDL-C and heart disease risk. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has an infographic on how to follow the Portfolio Diet.

A common theme among these three approaches to eating is that they are all considered plant-based, and small changes can make a difference in your overall heart disease risk. Plant based does not necessarily mean you have to be 100 per cent vegan or vegetarian to get their benefits. Plant-based diets can range from entirely vegan to diets that include small to moderate amounts of animal products.

Knowledge of healthy eating approaches is key, but behaviours unlock the power of food. Below are three strategies to use to apply the potential of food to promote heart health. They show that by combining the power of nutrition and psychology, you can improve your chances of making long-term changes.

You dont need to do this alone. We recommend requesting a referral from your physician (this helps with getting the appointment covered by your insurance) to work with a registered dietitian and/or psychologist (behaviourist) to co-create your own ways to unlock the potential of food.

Pick a goal youre 90 per cent sure you can succeed at, while creating a plan to meet larger and harder goals in the future. This approach will help you build confidence in your skills and give you valuable information about what does and does not work for you.

Research shows starting with 90 per cent goals makes it more likely we meet future goals. A 90 per cent goal could be swapping out animal protein for plant protein such as tofu or beans at lunch on Mondays (Meatless Mondays). Another example: use a meal delivery service that provides measured ingredients with plant-based recipes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so you can get some new ideas about how to incorporate more plants into your meals.

Pick a do instead goal or work with a registered dietitian to substitute healthier choices for your current foods and drinks. Avoid setting goals that may make you focus MORE on the foods youre trying to avoid (for example, stop eating sugar).

Instead, the substitution approach can include things like choosing lower-sodium soup or purchasing pre-cut vegetables with the aim of reducing your starch portion at meals by half. Canadas Food Guide, Diabetes Canada and Heart & Stroke recommend that half your plate be vegetables.

Connect your goal to something that deeply matters to you. While long-term outcomes (such as heart disease) may be the impetus for change, research shows that things that matter to us right now motivate us most. Picking personal and meaningful reasons for change will help with sustained change.

For example, choose to cook one meal that incorporates a vegetable with a close friend or family member, so you can share the experience and spend time together. This example may be rooted in the following values: kindness, relational values, cultural values, empathy, courage.

Research shows a key to changing diet is focusing on changing eating habits and food behaviours, one at a time. The support of a nutrition professional, such as a registered dietitian and/or a psychologist, can help you make informed choices and plans, tailored to your unique needs, situation, preferences, traditions, abilities and capacity.

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See more here:
3 ways to unlock the power of food to promote heart health - The Conversation

Special promotional content provided by Simmons Veterinary Clinic.

For those that missed this segment last month, Im a veterinarian and owner of Simmons Veterinary Clinic, a recent business school graduate, and a fellow Decaturite. Given the emerging and escalating Great Veterinary Shortage, some pet parents are finding it harder than ever to ask questions, let alone get answers from their veterinarian. While I certainly cant replace that relationship, Ill do my best to address some of your questions, ranging from the most pressing to the silly.

On to the questions.

Q: We adopted three cat brothers 16 years ago. Obviously, they are aging. One died earlier this year after a brief period of weight loss and digestive problems. He was not in pain. Nearly $1,000 in vet bills offered no solutions. He died naturally after continuing to weaken, again with no apparent pain. A second cat seems to follow with similar symptoms. When should we seek aid in dying if there is no pain, and he is peaceful? Jeanne L.

Dr. Chris: Jeanne, I am so glad you asked this question, as this process can be both challenging and heart-breaking. Frankly, we do not give this topic enough appreciation. And often that leaves pet parents feeling confused, pressured, and heavy with guilt.

Before I answer your question, Id like to point out some things. First, these assessments are not formulaic. There just isnt one single approach that applies to each pet.

Second, pain in animals is inherently subjective and can be super subtle, particularly in cats. Most pet parents can identify the obvious signs of pain: loud yowling, the inability to move, or dramatic sensitivity to touch. But what about a subtle, low-pitch groan when lying or standing? Or the inability to jump onto the bed? Or stiffness when walking about? These also usually indicate pain. The difference is that they develop slowly over time and can be easy to miss.

So, when should you talk to a veterinarian? The short answer is as soon as you are able. Veterinarians can be most helpful at the beginning stages because we can help rule out fixable problems and counsel you on what to expect during the end-of-life process.

Rule out fixable problems: Your pets quality of life may be suffering from a medical issue that can be addressed! For example, an older cat who is losing weight and/or has digestive problems may have Hyperthyroidism or Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Both of these diagnoses offer an excellent chance to a terrific quality of life with a simple workup and the addition of a medication or diet change.

What to expect: Not all medical problems can (or should) be addressed. But it can be immensely helpful to talk to a veterinarian about what to expect during the end-of-life process. We can help coach you how to assess your pets physical and emotional quality of life. And we can provide clarity by outlining the benefits of the peaceful transition we can provide through humane euthanasia. Its not easy on anybody involved. Nor should it be. But we are uniquely equipped to comfort you through this process.

And if you dont want to stress your pet by going to the veterinary clinic, there are wonderful mobile veterinary services that specialize in hospice and end-of-life care and guidance. Lap of Love is one such organization here in Atlanta, but there are a number of alternatives as well. If nothing else, Id strongly consider giving one of them a call for a consultation.

Ill leave my answer there, but there is so much more to say on this topic. So, please feel free to email me if you are struggling or would like some guidance

Q: I am overwhelmed by all the commercials and posts about dog food. Fresh, raw, kibble, versus whatever else I feel guilty all the time for giving my dog kibble, pedigree wet food, and pumpkin. What is the best general food? Hiraeth S.

Q: Am I causing my dog to have a shortened life span by feeding Purina or pedigree vs something else? Tiffany E.

Ah, the age-old existential dog food question! Thanks for asking this, Hiraeth and Tiffany because this topic is definitely on the minds of many pet parents.

The marketing surrounding dog food has really blown up in the last decade or so. There are an overwhelming number of options out there! And the discourse on their efficacy and impact on pet health can be polarizing and dramatic.

My advice is this: 1) Avoid any/all raw food and grain-free diets; 2) Stick with a science-backed and reputable brand; and 3) Dont sweat this choice too much.

Why no raw food? There are a couple of big reasons. First, raw food diets pose the same gastrointestinal pathogen risks to dogs as they do to humans. Salmonellosis, for example, is a possibility. Feeding a processed or cooked diet essentially eliminates that risk and provides the same benefits. Second, that risk can be extended to you or your family because those pathogens can linger in an animals mouth. So, its only a matter of time before they end up on you (unless your pup somehow doesnt give you any doggie kisses ).

Why no grain-free? Back in 2018/2019, the FDA warned about a link between grain-free diets and a potentially fatal heart condition (canine dilated cardiomyopathy). In particular, this was found in diets with a high proportion of peas, lentils, and other legume seeds. And theres no known benefit of removing grains. So, theres no need to take this risk!

Why stick with a science-backed brand? They can point to some research backing their product. Thats all. Nothing too complicated here! My favorite brand is Royal Canin because they make diets specific for certain dog breeds and their prescription diets work great. For those wanting a fancier, home-cooked style brand, Id look at Farmers Dog since their recipes are backed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.

Why not sweat the diet choice too much? Well, it often doesnt make that big of an impact. Is it an important component of your pups health? Yes! Is it dangerous to feed any particular type of diet? Not really! I already mentioned raw food and grain-free diets, but I should add that there are many dogs on those diets that are doing great. And food allergies can occur, but are exceptionally rare. So, be intentional in choosing a diet, but dont let it weigh on your soul!

TL;DR: Diet is an important part of your pets health, and you should avoid certain types (raw, grain-free). But, nutrition is a complex science with fairly limited research. And its generally not that big of a deal, so dont beat yourself up over it

Q: Whats the deal with Canine Flu? Jackie H.

Hey Jackie! Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is a highly contagious virus similar to the human flu that many of us have experienced. There are two primary types that can infect dogs (H3N8 and H3N2). Neither appears to infect humans (thank goodness ).

Symptoms typically include fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, lethargy, and loss of appetite. But fortunately, many show no signs at all, and nearly all recover within a week or two. That said, the puppies, elderly doggos, and immunocompromised (those receiving chemotherapy) are at a much higher risk for severe illness, notably pneumonia which would likely require intensive care at a veterinary hospital.

So, what should we do about it? Well, if your pup is high risk or a social butterfly that frequents the dog park, daycare, or the groomer, then the best thing you can do is get them vaccinated with a bivalent CIV vaccine as it is safe and dramatically reduces the chance of severe illness.

Want even more info? Consider reading this helpful FAQ from the Washington Post.

Rapid Fire Q&A time!

Q: Seasonal allergy solutions? My pups are sneezing just as much as I am from all this pollen! Michelle H.

Though it doesnt work great for itchy skin in pets, Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is a great option for reducing inhalant allergies! Please contact your veterinarian for dosing instructions. You can also look into adding a HEPA Air Purifier to your home, such as this one.

Q: How much experience do most vets have with more exotic animals (lizards, etc)? Is it worth taking them to a regular, non-exotic vet? Lauren E.

So glad you asked this! Bluntly speaking, most veterinarians receive very little, if any, training in exotic animals. So, I recommend seeking out veterinary hospitals that advertise that they specialize in exotic animals, such as For Pets Sake.

Thats all for today! Keep the questions coming! And please check out simmons.vet for more information about Simmons Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Chris

Link:
Ask the Vet: How do I know when it's time to say goodbye? - Decaturish.com

How to have a healthy gut

Its a huge organ that gives us the energy to live, grow and repair. But how does it work and how do you keep it healthy? Our science editor unravels its astonishing job

The gut, or gastrointestinal system, is the long and winding route that food and drink takes through the body. It ensures that all the beneficial nutrients are absorbed and used for energy, growth and repair. You can think of it as a number of hollow organs connected by a tube which starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. Once food has been swallowed, the oesophagus delivers it to the stomach. It then goes through the small and large intestines before waste the material the body cannot use is expelled as a stool. Solid organs help along the way: the liver, pancreas and gall bladder. The entire digestive tract is about 5m long in a typical adult, with the small intestine making up two-thirds, but there is plenty of variation between people. Spread the whole lot out, and the surface area of the gut that comes into contact with food is about 32m2. Thats about half the size of a badminton court.

The gut is built for digestion: the breaking down of food and drink into nutrients that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Chewing food turns it into smaller lumps for the gut to digest, a process helped by saliva. Saliva contains enzymes that break down starches and fats in food before it reaches the stomach.

Food is moved through the digestive tract by peristalsis, where the gut walls squeeze behind the contents, much as toothpaste is squeezed from a tube. Once swallowed, food is pushed down into the stomach, which releases strong acids and enzymes to break the food down further. This produces a thick fluid called chyme which is slowly released into the small intestine.

Nearly all of the nutrients the body absorbs from carbohydrates and vitamins to fats, proteins and minerals are absorbed in the small intestine. Here, the solid organs lend a hand. Small ducts from the pancreas deliver digestive juice that helps break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Another digestive juice called bile is made by the liver and either fed into the small intestine or stored in the gall bladder to use later. Bacteria in the small intestine also get involved, releasing enzymes that help with digestion. Once in the bloodstream, nutrients are circulated around the body, where they are used and stored by the tissues and organs.

Once the small intestine has absorbed all the nutrients it can, the large intestine takes on the waste. Peristalsis moves it through the colon, where water is removed to produce a stool made up of undigested food material and bacteria. It takes six to eight hours for food to pass through the stomach and small intestine, and a further 36 hours to move through the colon. At the end of the large intestine is the rectum, which stores stools until they are passed in a bowel movement.

From mouth to anus, the human gut is lined with more than 100m nerve cells that make up the enteric nervous system. This dense collection of nerves can send messages back and forth to the brain. Signals are exchanged along the left and right vagus nerves, which run from the brain down the corresponding side of the body to the large intestine. The nerves play a crucial role in healthy digestion, mucus and saliva production, immune responses, taste and bladder control, not to mention heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, mood and speech.

Given the guts role, its not surprising that doctors recommend a healthy diet for a healthy gut. That means fruit and vegetables every day, cutting back on sugary and fatty foods, and choosing poultry or fish over red meat. Dr Megan Rossi, a registered dietitian and research fellow at Kings College London, recommends eating 30 different plant foods each week. If that sounds a bit much, bear in mind that it includes fruit and veg, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Hitting the target could be as easy as sprinkling mixed seeds on your breakfast in the morning.

Some foods are obviously healthier than others and, although theres no formal designation, dozens are often described as superfoods. The label means they are particularly rich in healthy nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, though some are also high in fibre, healthy unsaturated fats and flavonoids. The latter include plant compounds such as apigenin, found in parsley, chamomile and celery, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Dark, leafy greens such as spinach and kale, berries, avocados, cinnamon, root vegetables, garlic, ginger, green tea, lentils and salmon are regarded as superfoods, but its not always easy to establish the health benefits of particular foods: most studies test specific constituents on cells in petri dishes or in mice.

Adults in the UK are advised to eat 30g of fibre a day but typically consume only 20g. A high-fibre diet can help digestion and prevent constipation, and is linked to lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. Fibre should come from a variety of sources, including fruit and veg, beans, nuts, seeds, oats, wholemeal bread and pasta and brown rice. It is important to drink enough water, too, which helps food pass through the digestive system. Too little can lead to dehydration, a common cause of constipation.

Physical activity, such as a walk after dinner, also helps with digestion. Moving around and letting gravity do its thing helps food to move through the gastrointestinal tract. A healthy gut has benefits far beyond the intestines themselves. A wealth of research is coming together to highlight that gut health is central to the health of every other element of the body, says Rossi.

Your gut has many ways of telling you when it isnt healthy. Infections such as gastroenteritis can cause stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Lactose intolerance an inability to digest a form of sugar found in milk and other dairy products can leave you feeling bloated. Coeliac disease, when gluten causes the immune system to attack the gut, can trigger abdominal pain and indigestion. So an absence of pain and bloating are starters for good gut health. Bowel movements are a decent indicator, too: these should be regular and pain-free and shouldnt involve too much pushing. The ideal stool is a medium-to-dark-brown sausage shape that has a soft-to-firm consistency. Healthy ones tend to sink and dont stick to the toilet bowl. Floating stools are less dense, usually because they contain more gas or fat. High-fibre diets can lead to more gas in stools, as its released when bacteria in the colon go to work on the material. If you are eating more fat than usual, any excess that cant be digested could make your stools float. But fatty stools can also signify problems with absorption in the gut or an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis).

A whole host of conditions affect the gut from indigestion, heartburn and diarrhoea to constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and cancer. Indigestion happens when stomach acid irritates the stomach lining, or a raw patch of the stomach wall, such as an ulcer. Heartburn is similar: the burning feeling in the chest is caused by stomach acid flowing back up the oesophagus. Its often a sign that the band of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus isnt working properly. When heartburn happens regularly its called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or Gord. Some foods such as chillies, onions, garlic, tomatoes and citrus fruits can trigger heartburn, as can certain drinks, such as tea, coffee and fizzy drinks. Reducing stress and anxiety can help.

Constipation and diarrhoea are extremely common gut health problems. Constipation generally means having fewer than three bowel movements a week, and finding it difficult to pass stools. Often, constipation is the result of eating too little fibre, not drinking enough fluids, and not being physically active, but sometimes there is no obvious cause. Diarrhoea when the stools become loose and watery is often caused by bacterial, viral or parasitic infections in the gut.

Irritable bowel syndrome is still something of a medical mystery. The causes are unclear, but the condition can develop after severe diarrhoea-causing infections. Studies suggest that changes in gut microbes and early life stress play a role, too.

More serious diseases also affect the digestive system. Doctors estimate there are about 5m new gastrointestinal cancers each year, accounting for about a quarter of new cancers worldwide. Eating red meat, including beef, lamb and pork, and processed meats, such as sausages, bacon and salami, raise the risk of bowel cancer by an estimated 13%. Nearly a third of bowel cancers are linked to eating too little fibre, 11% to obesity and about 7% to smoking, according to Cancer Research UK.

In the UK, an estimated two million people have a diagnosed food allergy. Peanut and tree-nut allergies were uncommon before the 1990s, but have risen to affect between 0.5% to 2.5% of children. The range of foods people are allergic to has expanded, too. According to a 2007 study by St Georges, University of London, UK hospital admissions for anaphylaxis due to food allergies rose sevenfold, from 16 to 107 per million children, between 1990 and 2004. What is driving the rise is unknown. One theory is that babies and infants are not as exposed to microbes that help train the immune system as much as they were in the past. Another suggests that at-risk babies those with severe eczema, for example have foods such as peanuts introduced into their diet too late, preventing them from building tolerance in their first year.

At least 1% of the UK population has coeliac disease. The real figure is probably much higher because mild cases can go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed. The autoimmune disorder affects genetically susceptible people and often runs in families. It happens when the immune system mistakes gliadin, a component of gluten found in cereals such as wheat, barley and rye, for a threat. The immune system responds by releasing antibodies that inflame the gut. This flattens down the hair-like fronds called villi, which line the small intestine in their millions, impairing their ability to absorb nutrients. Coeliac disease causes symptoms ranging from weight loss and fatigue to diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating. Cases have risen in the UK in recent decades, with researchers noting a four-fold increase between 1990 and 2011, but they suspect this is down to better diagnoses, rather than the condition becoming more common.

Inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, is also common. The two most prevalent forms are Crohns disease, which can affect any part of the digestive system, and ulcerative colitis, which affects only the colon. Both involve long-term inflammation, but their root causes are unclear. The UK has some of the highest rates of IBD in the world, but estimates vary a lot, partly because of ambiguous diagnoses. As a long-term but rarely fatal disease, the total number of people with IBD in the UK population is rising, with a 2021 study in BMC Gastroenterology finding a 34% rise in prevalence in the decade to 2016. According to a 2020 report in BMJ Open, which looked at IBD in the UK between 2000 and 2018, new diagnoses were stable in children under 10, stable or falling in adults, but rising in 10- to 16-year-olds. This could be down to earlier diagnosis people who are diagnosed with IBD at 15 are not diagnosed again at 40 but if it reflects a surge in disease, this is of great concern, the authors warn.

Trillions of microbes, comprising thousands of species of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites, live inside the human gut. Most are symbiotic, meaning both the human and the microbe do well from them being there, but some can raise the risk of disease, or ramp up levels of toxins if exposed to a poor diet. As with most communities, the good tend to outnumber the bad and keep them in check, but the balance can be thrown out by diet, infections or a long course of antibiotics. This can cause the bad bacteria to proliferate, increasing the risk of diseases such as IBD, IBS, obesity and colon cancer.

In recent years, this mass of microbes, and its role in human health, has become one of the hottest topics in medicine. As a collective, they help to break down food and support digestion. Some gut bugs synthesise vitamins we struggle to obtain from our diets. In the large intestine, bugs ferment indigestible fibres, producing short chain fatty acids that reinforce the gut wall, possibly preventing certain cancers and bowel conditions.

Absolutely. The microbiome is thought to affect virtually every aspect of human health. Compounds that are either produced by the bugs, or released when they degrade food, help regulate hormones, metabolism and immunity. Beyond their impact on diseases, these can affect anxiety, mood, cognition and pain. Hundreds of clinical trials are now either planned or under way to investigate what role the gut microbiome plays in a whole host of issues including the brain development of babies, autism, obesity, diabetes, coronary artery disease, gastric cancer, arthritis, Parkinsons, Alzheimers, depression, mood disorders, anxiety, anorexia nervosa, pain and sleep quality. Theres even evidence to suggest the microbiome can boost motivation in exercise.

A healthy microbiome is a diverse microbiome. Dr Karen Scott, a microbiologist at the University of Aberdeen, says diversity helps to maintain a balanced microbiome. It allows you to degrade all types of food and release the full variety of products, all of which are useful in different ways, she says. One way to feed the good bugs is to eat prebiotics. This is indigestible fibre that reaches the large intestine intact. It acts as a food source for the microbes, which metabolise and ferment the material. The process produces byproducts that are healthy for the gut. The usual suspects fruit, veg, legumes and grains are good sources of prebiotic fibre. If you are eating 30-plus plant foods per week, you are going to be getting enough prebiotics, says Rossi.

Prebiotics should not be confused with probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria found in certain yoghurts and other fermented foods, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and kombucha. These good bacteria may help to maintain a healthy, diverse population of gut microbes, but the science is unclear on whether they prevent many health problems. There is some evidence that certain probiotics can ease irritable bowel syndrome, for example, but none that they help with eczema. Frequent reviews of the evidence by the Cochrane collaboration find that many studies are too weak to draw conclusions from, or that probiotics have little or no effect, though they may help prevent common colds and other upper respiratory tract infections. For someone who is healthy, prebiotics are the way to go, because they feed the bacteria that are already there, says Scott. Probiotics have had a lot of bad press, with people saying they dont work, but people forget that bacteria are not all the same. You need to use a specific probiotic for a specific purpose. It has to be the right one that has been tried and tested.

Consuming a lot of fast food, sugar, processed foods and alcohol is bad for the microbiome. In 2021, researchers linked the western diet, rich in processed food and animal-derived products, along with alcohol and sugar, to microbiomes that drive inflammation. Further work has shown that alcohol can disrupt the balance between good and bad bacteria, leading to an overgrowth of harmful microbes that release toxins.

In one remarkable 2015 study, researchers invited African American and rural African volunteers to swap diets for two weeks. The rural Africans, who were used to a diet rich in beans and vegetables, fared worse on the US diet, which was rich in fat and animal protein, but low on dietary fibre. Their metabolism switched to that seen in diabetes and their risk of colon cancer rose. The African Americans did better out of the deal: they had less inflamed colons and their biomarkers for cancer dropped. The only negative was a ramping up of flatulence. The beneficial effect of the rural African diet was attributed to microbes that break down fermentable fibre in the colon to produce butyrate, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Prof Jeremy Nicholson, an author on the study at Imperial College London, said it was startling how profoundly the microbes, metabolism and cancer risk changed in just two weeks.

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What are the real signs of a healthy gut? A users guide - The Guardian

What makes a diet effective and easy for one person, might not be the same for you.

So, its essential to consider individual factorssuch as your budget, personal taste and comfort level with cookingand work with a medical doctor or registered dietitian when searching for the easiest diet to lose weight.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding on an effective diet for you, according to experts:

Focusing on foods that can be increased on a particular diet, rather than focusing on which foods have to be removed, can help with overall weight loss, explains Matthew Landry, Ph.D., a registered dietitian nutritionist and a postdoctoral research fellow at the Stanford Prevention Research Center.

(Note: Product details and pricing are accurate as of the publication date and are subject to change.)

A positive approach to dieting is to focus on achieving full body health and flexibility in food choices, as opposed to just weight loss. This translates to wanting to see improvements in wellness that extend beyond just the number on the scale. After all, as research continues to show, there is no one right way to lose weight, and there is no one right diet for weight loss.

Healthy weight loss isnt about being the thinnest you can beits about being the best you can be, says Samantha Cassetty, M.S., a registered dietitian and wellness expert.

The goals with any eating plan, explains Cassetty, should be to feel more energetic, sleep better, have improved digestion and have markers of health, like cholesterol levels, within normal rangeswhile maintaining a sustainable weight that allows you to socialize and take pleasure in food. Going into a diet with this mindset could also make it easier to stick with it in the long-term.

The five eating plans outlined below have been shown to help facilitate these whole-health goals for many people, as well as support weight loss in some cases; making them easier diets to follow for the long-term.

What is it? The Mediterranean diet is a low-carb, moderately high-fat diet that emphasizes vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, olive oil and fish, according to Dr. Landry.

Why is it easy? The wide array of acceptable foods on this diet make it easy to adapt to personal needs and incorporate a variety of different foods. If youre unsure where to start with trying a new diet, the Mediterranean diet could be a good option, says Dr. Landry.

What does science say? The Mediterranean diet has the most hard evidence in terms of being best, in terms of reducing morbidity and mortality as it relates to cardiovascular disease, suggests Dr. Stanford. Additionally, out of 65 studies included in a recent review paper, the 11 studies that looked at the Mediterranean diet showed a strong and consistent benefit of being better for long-term metabolic health and weight loss than other well known diets.

What is it? The flexitarian diet is essentially a vegetarian diet that allows for occasional meat consumption, according to Catherine Champagne, Ph.D., a registered dietitian nutritionist and professor at Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Why is it easy? You dont have to eliminate meat completely. If you like animal protein, you can still enjoy a burger, pork chop or chicken breast. But, this pattern emphasizes putting plant-based foods at the center of the plate.

What does science say? This eating plan is not necessarily designed for weight loss. Studies suggest there may be some small effects on improving body weight and metabolic health. However, research in the European Journal of Nutrition found Nordic adults who followed a flexitarian style eating pattern for 12 months had vitamin B12 and iodine deficiencies, possibly due to a lack of animal protein, so followers of this diet should be sure to occasionally check in with their doctor or dietitian. Other researchers point to this style of eating as important for supporting the health of your body and the planet.

What is it? For people with hypertension [high blood pressure], the DASH diet is often recommended, says Anne Thorndike, M.D., chair of the American Heart Associations Nutrition Committee. Weight loss is not the goal with this diet, as its mainly intended to limit sodium intake through food choice for improved cardiovascular health. Vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products, as well as whole grains, fish, poultry and nuts, are all part of the DASH Diet.

Why is it easy? The DASH diet is similar to the Mediterranean diet but gives more concrete recommendations and advice on actual amounts and limits on types of foods consumed, adds Dr. Landry. This can make it easier to follow for some people.

What does science say? There are a number of studies that show the DASH diet lowers blood pressure, helps people lose weight and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, according to the National Institutes of Health.

What is it? WW is a commercial diet program that involves learning a point system linked with foods. So no foods are restrictedyou just have to stay within your daily points. This diet is intended for weight loss, notes Dr. Champagne.

Why is it easy? WW can be easy for some people in that overall, no foods are off limits. Additionally, WW is unique in that theres a strong emphasis on emotional support, which tends to lead to higher compliance, notes Dr. Landry.

What does science say? A recent randomized clinical trial in JAMA Network Open supported by WW suggests that 373 adults across three countries found that following WW resulted in significant weight loss over 12 months compared to a do-it-yourself approach that included t other eating plans (e.g., low fat, low carb, vegan and the Mediterranean diet). WW may also be one of the most cost-effective, non-surgical options for weight management, according to recent research sponsored by WW.

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What is it? As is in the name, low-carb diets limit carbohydrate-containing foods and beverages, usually in the pursuit of weight loss. Low-carb diets may not be appropriate for everyone, including those with high cholesterol or people with diabetes.

Why is it easy? A low-carb diet may be helpful if you enjoy eating meat, are trying to eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts or whole grains, and have a hard time restricting fat in your diet.

What does science say? This diet may lead to quicker weight loss. Dr. Champagne notes that while this diet has been studied for its weight loss benefits, there is a lack of robust research analyzing the long term-effects on health.

Across just about all of these diets, more long-term (e.g., greater than one year) and high-quality (e.g., randomized clinical trials) studies need to be done in more diverse populations and research settings.

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The Easiest Diets To Follow, According To Experts - Forbes

Every springtime a new diet comes up to the market. However, there is one whose popularity doesnt seems to fade. Its the Keto Diet, often advertised as a weight-loss wonder (whether its ideal for getting permanently rid of your menopause belly or not is another question).

Losing weight is usually a frustrating process that demands a lot of patience and requires extraordinary effort. For women over 50, its even tougher because of their slowing metabolism, thats why many of them are excited by the quick results the Keto Diet can offer.

In fact, this high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb diet program promises to help you lose fat quickly and based on some evidence, its worth considering if youre struggling with weight gain, high blood sugar, chronic inflammation, or other age-related problems. But it also requires certain sacrifices and making big shifts in how you usually eat is the first one.

Basically, when you eat keto-friendly meals, your liver can convert fat into ketones that are used as energy by your body.

This state where your body uses fats as an energy source instead of carbohydrates is referred to as ketosis and allows fat burning to increase dramatically, potentially helping get rid of unwanted fats.

Sounds good, doesnt it? But this diet may come with some challenges (especially if you love pasta) and according to health experts with some risks too, thats why its very importantto consult your physician before starting this plan.

A Keto diet might work, however, if you are over 50 in this case you have to be even more careful to eat appropriately-sized portions, regulate fat consumption and track your macronutrients.

A ketogenic diet is high in saturated fat, says registered dietitianKathy McManus, director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Womens Hospital, and may increase bad LDL cholesterol, which is also linked to heart disease. Also, if youre not eating a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains, you may be at risk for deficiencies in micronutrients, including selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins B and C.

Losing and then maintaining the right weight is often a result of mixed factors.

There is a lot of investigation to substantiate the efficacy of keto for women over 50, but most of it is not geared toward its usefulness for losing weight. Researchers and even doctors recommend keto diets to treat various ailments and conditions, but little scientific researchhas studied its effects on weight loss.

In the end, whether you follow the Keto Diet or another plan, being consistent and having realistic achievable goals is the best way to see some results.

Dont get tricked by trends: the right regimen is the one that works for you.

Many keto advocates claim that keto causes the body to burn more fat for fuel, and while this may be true,this does not seem to promote more weight loss when calories are controlled,according to a meta-analysisof thirty-two trials that compared carbohydrate intake, says trainer and fitness expert Jordan Syatt. Ultimately, you can do keto and see great progress, or you can follow a different diet and see great progress. As long as your calories are in check, you will lose weight over time.

The reality is, to lose fat, you need to be in a calorie deficit. If youre at all concerned about how a keto diet will affect your energy levels or hormone levels, consult a doctor for a blood test before beginning your plan and exercise routine.

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Keto Diet For Women Over 50: Is It Really A Weight Loss Wonder? - CrunchyTales.com

Mainstream diets may not be appropriate for people with a cancer diagnosis, so it is imperative that patients know how best to eat to support their health and how that may differ from fad diets that are seen online and on social media, according to Margaret Martin, a registered dietician and nutrition educator at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

People confuse adult or wellness nutrition with oncology nutrition, and they can be very different, Martin said in an interview with CURE.

Martin explained that oftentimes, wellness or mainstream nutrition focuses on losing weight. However, cancer and its treatments can cause patients to lose weight, so maintaining or even gaining weight may be a more appropriate goal of someone with cancer, unless their clinicians say otherwise.

According to Martin, sometimes patients have already lost up to 10% of their bodyweight by the time they are diagnosed, and then side effects from treatment, which can include nausea, vomiting, or pain and difficulty swallowing, depending on the treatment type, can make eating even more difficult.

READ MORE: Cancer Survivors Share Their Eating Struggles

(Weight loss) is not the goal in cancer care. The goal is to nourish your body as best as you can so you can take your treatments as scheduled and have the best quality of life, Martin said.

Another misconception about cancer-related nutrition revolves around the usage of popular or fad diets, according to Martin.

Many people who are in the public tend to promote different popular diets that are not nutritionally complete, she said. That can cause problems for people with cancer because they not only need to meet their present nutritional needs, but then they usually have to increase their protein and calories by about 20% or more. If youre on a fad diet, youre not often going to get that.

Since there is an abundance of diet-related information available, Martin emphasized that it is important for patients to work with a dietician to help determine the best way of eating for their individual circumstance.

The first thing I suggest is asking the center where youre receiving your cancer care. They may have a registered dietitian or nutritionist on staff, she said, noting that if the cancer center does not offer nutritional services, patients can also call a larger cancer institution to see what they offer, explore Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website, where individuals can search to find an expert in their area who may accept their insurance, or reach out to their local public health department.

Martin also highlighted that organizations such as the LLS offer nutritional counseling from a registered dietician through their PearlPoint Nutrition Services, a service that offers free nutrition education for patients with any type of cancer.

When it comes to eating to support health during cancer treatment, Martin said that a good first step is to find foods that can be eaten and absorbed with the least amount of discomfort. Start slowly, she said, and focus on adding more plants (such as fruits and vegetables) to the diet.

Find some plants that you can enjoy and can include in your menu, in a form that you can actually absorb, she said. Cooked (vegetables) works a lot better for people than raw vegetables, which are more difficult to digest, but cooked veggies are just a nutritious as raw.

While cooked versus raw vegetables usually offer the same nutrition profile, Martin recommends turning to foods like these real, whole foods to get essential vitamins and minerals rather than supplements.

Martin also explained that cancer treatments can also impede on patients hunger signals, so it is important to stay nourished even with a lack of appetite.

Finally, Martin stressed the importance of patients speaking up when they have questions or concerns about eating.

Dont be shy; tell your treatment team if youre having nutritional problems or digestive issues, she said. They hear about this every day and can really help you to manage your digestion so you can stay on a stead intake of foods and fluids.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, dont forget tosubscribe to CUREs newsletters here.

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Separating Mainstream Diets From Oncology Nutrition - Curetoday.com

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