Category Archives: Diet And Food

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the nation, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with.

GREENSBORO, N.C. More than 1 million COVID-19 cases were reported in the United States over the last 7 days. Thats according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the nation, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with.

The CDC says gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. For some, being away from family and friends during the holidays can be hard. But, health experts say, hard choices to be apart this year may mean that you can spend many more years with your loved ones.

You should do what's best for you and your loved ones this holiday season. When you talk with your family and friends about holiday plans, it's okay if you decide to stay home and remain apart from others. Remember, the first step in managing stress is taking care of yourself and overall well-being.

Specifically, you want to make sure that you are taking care of your own wellness, said Dr. Michelle Bucknor, Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare North Carolina. So, try to maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, get in exercise, and be out with nature. Whatever you typically do, you want to make sure you're managing your stress with things that are going to keep you healthier and more balanced.

Health experts also suggests making time to take care of your body and staying active to lessen fatigue, anxiety, and sadness. The CDC offers the following tips to help manage stress and remain safe during the holiday season:

Healthy ways to cope with stress

Everyone Can Make Thanksgiving Safer

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Ways to manage holiday stress and remain safe amid COVID-19 pandemic - WCNC.com

BATAVIA There are certain things diabetics need to remember and keep track of this holiday season in the midst of COVID-19, a registered nurse and diabetes education and care specialist says.

United Memorial Medical Centers Jill Pickard said its been difficult for everyone during the pandemic, especially for those with chronic diseases such as diabetes.

I dont think it matters whether you have Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes or even gestational diabetes, she said. The difficulty is trying to figure out what services are available. How do I travel out and about safely? Is it safe to go to my doctors office? Is it safe to go to the hospital? Usually, when someone with diabetes becomes ill, if his or her blood-sugar is not controlled, the bodys not going to respond as well to the disease he or she has.

Persons with diabetes, theyre at increased risk of developing severe illness from COVID, especially if they have other conditions like heart disease, which can go hand-in-hand with diabetes if your blood-sugar is not well-controlled. You have a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 just because your natural immune response is not there, she said.

If youre a new diabetes patient or if youre struggling with well-controlled blood sugar, Pickard said, that the first thing you need to do is test your blood-sugar.

If you dont know what your blood-sugar is, how do you know if what youre doing is working? she said. Diabetes is not just about controlling the food you put in your mouth. Its not just about taking your medication as prescribed. Its not just about getting the right kind of diet or exercise and its not just about reducing your stress. Its about all four of those things. Its about lifestyle changes and coming together with a diabetes educator and your primary care physician and your endocrinologist, if you have one. to develop a sound plan that works for you.

FOR COMMON HOLIDAY DISHES, are there recommendations for diabetes patients for substitutes for certain ingredients to products and meals?

Not so much that, but just being aware and counting your carbohydrates. Know what carbohydrates are and follow your meal plan thats been provided to you buy your diabetes educator, registered dietician or primary care physician. When you come to our classes at United Memorial Medical Center, which are called Living Healthy with Diabetes, we talk about a meal plan, not necessarily recipes, but staying within your carbohydrate allowance. We try to spread the carbs out across the day, she said.

For example ... if you want to have a nice dinner and you only have 60 grams of carbohydrates that youre allotted for that meal, than you need to make better choices. You need to be able to count your carbohydrates and you need to stay within whatever is allotted to you, Pickard said. Its not just making substitutions in your recipes, but its about counting your carbohydrates also knowing your portions, reading those food labels.

One of the other things we tell people is, Lose the sugared beverages. That means, if youre a Pepsi drinker, maybe you might want to switch to Diet Pepsi or reduce the Pepsi intake altogether, she said. Look for those foods that are empty calories. Fruit juices are great, but a piece of food is better because theres more nutrition there. Theres more fiber. Theres more nutrition that youre not getting in a fruit juice.

WHAT ARE SOME RESOURCES for people with diabetes in the Batavia area?

Id like to reassure folks that our office is indeed safe, although we require an appointment for you to come in to the office. We offer an American Diabetes Association-accredited classes. Its 10 hours of diabetes self-management education. The course is called Healthy Living with Diabetes and it consists of four classes that are about two-, 2 1/2-hour classes each. The classes are taught by myself and Amy Miller, who is a registered dietician and a certified diabetes education and care specialist, Pickard said. Healthy Livings phone number is (585) 344-5331 for information about our classes. Unfortunately, this past week, weve gone to online classes via Zoom. We just completed our first Zoom class with some patients. This way, you can sit at home in your pajamas and learn about diabetes if you so choose. Pickard said she and Miller are both seeing patients in their offices.

I can also see patients who are diagnosed with diabetes in the hospital setting. I try to see as many of those patients as I can. Thats what we have out here in the Batavia area, Pickard said.

WE ALL FIND IT TOUGH to stay within our meal plans, whether or not we have diabetes or another chronic disease, Pickard said.

I think we have to get back to basics. You have to know what your blood-sugar is. You have to go back, dig those papers out, dig that information out reliable information from the American Diabetes Association if you have to ... Get a carb-counter on your smartphone. You can put it on your iPad. You can buy books online that are carb counting. Then, we advise people to complete a food log. Write down what youre eating. See if you can figure out what is the portion for that. Then, figure out the carb count for that and then stay within your meal plan thats provided by your diabetes educator or your registered dietician. Then, try to have fun with it. There are lots of recipes out there. The American Diabetes Association at http://www.diabetes.org has lots of information on their website about converting recipes. There are lots of sugar substitutes you can use.

HOW IMPORTANT IS TIME MANAGEMENT for diabetics and what can happen if diabetes is left untreated?

First, let me reassure everyone that our hospital is safe. If you think youre having an emergency ... If you cant reach your provider or your endocrinologist, you need to come to Urgent Care. You need to come to the emergency department. It doesnt matter where you are, emergency departments are everywhere, Pickard said. Urgent Care or immediate care providers are around. Seek medical treatment. You dont want to delay, especially if you have diabetes ... If you think youre getting sick, call your healthcare provider. Check your blood-sugar more often, maybe every two to three hours. You want to know, What is a normal blood-sugar. Where is my blood-sugar routinely? How far out of that range have I come? Is my blood-sugar consistently very, very high or very, very low?

Those can be medical emergencies that are best managed by your primary care physician or the emergency department. Dont stop taking your insulin, she said. If you have a fever, usually your insulin needs are a little higher. Make sure you drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. Its very easy, when youre dehydrated, to become ill and that will drive your blood-sugar up.

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UMMC diabetes education and care specialist offers advice on staying healthy during the holidays - The Daily News Online

More evidence suggests that eating like people who live near the Mediterranean Sea may help keep type 2 diabetes at bay.

In astudy published in November 2020 inJAMA Network Open, researchers found that women who ate a Mediterranean (MED)-style diet, rich in healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables, had a 30 percent lower rate of type 2 diabetes incidence compared with women who did not.

The new research included an examination of several mechanisms at work in the body to try to identify differences between the MED-like diet group and the normal diet group that could lead to the reduced risk in developing the disease.

In addition to finding thediabetesrisk reduction, investigators were able to better understand the potential reasons for those benefits, says a coauthor of the study,Samia Mora, MD, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and a physician at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. The largest contribution came from biomarkers of insulin resistance, followed by biomarkers of adiposity or body mass index (BMI), HDL (high-density lipoprotein) measures, and inflammation, says Dr. Mora.

I think the message of these findings is that what people eat now matters for their health, even up to a quarter of a century later. Many people tend to underestimate the impact of diet on their health risks, she says.

RELATED: The Prediabetes Diet Everyone Should Follow

People who follow a Mediterranean diet tend to cook with olive oil, which is a heart-healthy fat, and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, moderate amounts of fish and dairy products, limited amounts of red and processed meats like bacon and hot dogs, and limited foods with added sugar. They also drink some red wine.

Several previous studies have reported positive health benefits in people who eat a Mediterranean or MED-like diet. For example, a meta-analysis that included 50 studies and 534,096 people published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk for metabolic syndrome. Researchers also found that a MED diet could have a protective effect against developing this group of diseases, which include abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

RELATED: 8 Scientific Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

The 25,317 subjects involved in the current research were from the Womens Health Study, which enrolled female healthcare professionals between 1992 and 1995 and collected data through December 2017. Researchers used data gathered from a food frequency questionnaire and blood samples that were collected at the time of enrollment.

The average age of participants was 52.9; about 95 percent of the participants were white, 2.3 percent were Black, and 1.1 percent were Hispanic.

Using self-reported data from the questionnaires, researchers assigned each participant a MED diet intake score from 0 to 9; points were given for high intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and fish, moderate consumption of alcohol, and for eating less red or processed meat.

Blood samples of the participants were measured for markers that included blood pressure, lipids (LDL, HDL, triglycerides), glycemic level, insulin resistance, lipoproteins, and creatinine.

Investigators found that during the 20-year-plus follow-up, 2,307 of the participants developed type 2 diabetes. People who followed the principles of the MED diet more closely (indicated by an assigned score of 6 or higher) developed diabetes at a rate that was 30 percent lower than people who didnt consume a MED-like diet (scores were 3 or less).

After assessing 40 different biomarkers that are typically associated with type 2 diabetes, researchers used those measurements along with the MED diet score to calculate the contribution of each of those factors to diabetes.

Biomarkers of insulin resistance was the largest contributor, followed by BMI, HDL measures, in particular HDL particle size, and inflammation. Researchers also identified BCAA (branch-chain amino acids), VLDL (a type of cholesterol known as very low density lipoprotein), LDL measures (the way lipids are metabolized, but not actually LDL cholesterol itself), and blood pressure, though they determined these factors contributed relatively less to participants type 2 diabetes risk.

RELATED: A Complete Mediterranean Diet Food List and 14-Day Meal Plan

This study shows the characteristics for doctors to look at in women in this age group to help them have a specific conversation about a patient's risk of type 2 diabetes, including what may be the factors behind that risk, and how to slow or delay the diagnosis of the disease, says Kathleen Wyne, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine in the division of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. Dr. Wyne was not involved in the current research.

It also gives us specific parameters to measure and follow in this population, which is much more interesting than just telling people to exercise and lose weight, she adds.

The study authors acknowledge that the lack of diversity in participants is a limitation of the study. Study participants were well-educated female health professionals across the United States who were predominantly white individuals and might have different behaviors than men, individuals from other racial/ethnic backgrounds, or the general public, they wrote.

These results do suggest that the Mediterranean diet is a marker for healthy eating and, possibly, a healthy lifestyle, says Wyne. The reduced risk may be because the Mediterranean diet replaces unhealthy foods with foods that do not promote inflammation or insulin resistance, and that possibly improve insulin resistance and beta-cell function, adds Wyne. The primary function of beta cells is to produce and secrete insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose levels.

RELATED: A Comprehensive Guide to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

When researchers further broke down their findings, they found an association between the Mediterranean diet and lower diabetes risk only in women who had a BMI of 25 or higher, the authors write. A BMI of 25 or higher signals overweight or obesity, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is important to note that in the population overall there was a benefit of the lower risk for type 2 diabetes. I dont want people to think that if theyre at normal weight that they are protected from developing diabetes, says Mora.

Although it is possible to have insulin resistance without excess fat, its not typical, says Mora. Because type 2 diabetes is basically driven by excess fat in the wrong places in our bodies and by a state of metabolic dysregulation, it makes sense that women with a BMI of 25 or higher would especially benefit from being on a Mediterranean-style diet compared with their counterparts, she says.

If women made it to midlife and are still a healthy weight, then they probably have good habits and will continue them, Wyne says. The participants who are overweight clearly stave off the diabetes with the healthy choices of the MED diet; even if they do not fully prevent it, they clearly prolong the time until type 2 diabetes emerges, wrote Wyne.

RELATED: Study Suggests How a Plant-Based Diet Helps Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Unlike some other diets, a Mediterranean diet is relatively simple to follow and can be easier to stick with over the long term than more restrictive eating plans, says Mora. It is a flavorful diet with a lot of variety, she says.

Based on these findings, Wyne suggests incorporating at least a few of the elements of a Mediterranean diet onto your plate. One of the keys is to replace current less-healthy foods you may be eating with the healthy ones that are counted in this scoring system, says Wyne.

Even changes that seem small can make a difference, says Mora. In our study, just a few points on the scale was enough to be associated with the reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, she says.

Link:
Mediterranean Diet Tied to 30 Percent Reduced Diabetes Risk in Women - Everyday Health

NEW YORK, 23 November 2020 "Good morning or good evening everyone. On behalf of UNICEF, its a pleasure to join you all for this important event.

"Nutrition has long been at the core of UNICEFs work. Thats because nutrition is at the core of every childs health and wellbeing.

"Last year, our flagship publication our State of the Worlds Children report cast a spotlight on children, food and nutrition.

"The report highlighted that at least 1 in 3 children under 5 are undernourished or overweight. And that 2 in 3 children are not fed the minimum diet they need to grow, develop and learn to their full potential.

"We are concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated the situation.

"Around the world, tens of millions of families are being hit by the economic fallout.

"We estimate that an additional 140 million children will fall into poverty further threatening their access to nutritious and safe diets, and disrupting essential nutrition services.

"Today, Id like to emphasize the experience of young mothers and young people as they interact with the food system.

"What choices do they have? What choices do they make and if the availability of healthy foods is limited what choices can they make?

"What are the time and money pressures they face in feeding children well? And how do they respond to the relentless pressure of the marketing of unhealthy foods?

"To help families feed children better, and to help young people make better food choices, we need to better understand how they perceive and respond to these questions.

"And today, the launch of these two follow-up reports to State of Worlds Children report represents an important milestone.

"These reports help us to identify and unpack the perceptions of young mothers and young people on a number of key issues: food and nutrition, barriers to healthy eating, probable solutions for a responsive food system, and much more.

"These two reports also reveal the findings from workshops in 18 different countries from Australia to Zimbabwe where more than 1,200 young mothers and young people sat down to discuss the real day-to-day challenges they face in feeding their children and in eating well.

"As Vice-Chancellor Glover and I note in our forewords, mothers told us in their own words about everything from the challenge of eating well during pregnancy, to the bond developed with a baby during breastfeeding, and the anxiety of coping with fussy eaters.

"Young people told us about wanting to eat healthy but not being able to do so because they lacked time or money to do so. Or, in far too many cases, healthy food just wasnt being sold in their schools or in local shops and markets.

"And, as we learned, for some the challenge was eating at all. As one workshop facilitator noted of young people participating in her event, Some did not eat dinner last night or just drank milk.

"That quote should make us all stop and think.

"Throughout my time as Executive Director, I have sought also to make UNICEF a leader in providing young people with a place to make their voices heard and to play a real role in bringing about change in their communities and societies.

"These workshops provide a vital first step in making that happen.

"Young people showed us they want to eat healthy. They also showed us that they believe change is possible. And they have plenty of ideas on how to bring about that change.

"So, my question to all of you is, how do we make that happen collectively? How can we support young people and families to be agents of change in ensuring that every child, and every young person, has access to nutritious, safe, affordable and sustainable diets?

"Since the reports provide communitys perspectives, I hope they will be a useful tool for practitioners and policy makers in developing policies and programmes.

"We urge governments and partners alike to ensure that every child, young person, and women has the nutritious, safe, affordable and sustainable diets they need at every moment of life to meet their full potential.

"On a final note, I want to congratulate my colleagues in UNICEF Headquarters, Country Offices, and National Committees in 18 countries all over the world for making this project happen.

"I want to applaud the wonderful work of Amandas team at Western Sydney University, which led the design and analysis of the focus groups.

"I want to thank Peggy and Rafael for their invaluable wisdom and advice throughout this project.

"And I want to acknowledge the support of the governments of the Netherlands and Norway for partnering with us.

"Most importantly, I would like to express my gratitude towards the young mothers and young people who agreed to talk to us and sharing their candid insights and suggestions. Without all of you, this endeavor would not have been possible.

"On behalf of everyone at UNICEF, thank you all."

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UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore's remarks at the launch of Nutrition Reports - UNICEF

An eating disorder is a mental health condition that causes disturbances to your diet and the way you view food.

There are several types of eating disorders. Some examples include:

People that have an eating disorder may eat too much food, too little food, or become preoccupied with their body shape or weight. Without treatment, an eating disorder may become serious and potentially life-threatening.

However, recovery from an eating disorder is possible with treatment. This often involves a team of health professionals that work together to help you on your way to recovery.

One part of your treatment plan will involve therapy.

Below, well explore the different types of therapy for eating disorders, how effective they are, and ways to seek help for yourself or a loved one.

There are many levels of care that are available for the treatment of eating disorders.

Outpatient means that you return home following a treatment session. This level of care is often used for individuals who:

Outpatient programs may vary in intensity depending on an individuals needs. Some may have sessions once or twice per week, while more intensive programs often involve sessions that are longer and more frequent.

You may also see these referred to as day hospital programs. Theyre more intensive than an outpatient program and may be recommended for someone who:

A partial hospitalization program typically involves sessions that can last several hours and occur most days out of the week.

People in a residential treatment program temporarily live in a facility thats specifically aimed at addressing eating disorders. These facilities offer their residents monitoring and care around the clock.

This type of program is often recommended for people that:

The length of time that a person spends in a residential program depends on the severity of their condition as well as the individual facility.

This level of care involves a stay at a hospital. Its used for individuals with an eating disorder who are experiencing a medical emergency, such as:

Hospitalization aims to stabilize your condition. When youre discharged, an outpatient, partial hospitalization, or residential program will be recommended based off your individual situation.

Various types of therapy can be used in the treatment of eating disorders. Below, well explore each type of therapy in more detail.

CBT aims to identify the thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to your eating disorder.

These could include thoughts or beliefs that are associated with things such as:

Once these thoughts and beliefs are identified, youre then taught strategies to modify them and to help manage them.

CBT is used for a variety of mental health conditions, and people receiving CBT for eating disorders experience improvements in other related symptoms like depression and anxiety.

CBT-E (enhanced) is a type of CBT thats intended for use in all types of eating disorders.

IPT is a type of therapy thats used to treat eating disorders like binge eating disorder or bulimia. In IPT, your eating disorder is explored in the context of social and interpersonal relationships.

Four different problem areas are used in IPT. These include:

Your doctor will work with you to explore how issues in each of these problem areas contribute to your eating disorder. Theyll then help you develop strategies to improve your communication and interpersonal skills to help reduce your symptoms.

You may also see this type of therapy referred to as the Maudsley Method. Its often used for children or adolescents that have an eating disorder.

In FBT, your family members are vital parts of your recovery process. Theyre involved in helping you do things like:

DBT focuses on managing difficult emotions. With DBT, youll learn skills to change the behaviors associated with your eating disorder.

Some specific skills that DBT aims to build include:

DBT has been studied in the treatment of binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa.

ACT asks you to focus on changing your actions as opposed to your thoughts or feelings.

A principle of ACT is that the behaviors associated with mental health conditions come from responses to unpleasant feelings like anxiety or pain.

People undergoing ACT are asked to examine for themselves what their core values are. Theyre then asked to develop goals that help them better satisfy these values.

The aim is to accept all feelings including the unpleasant ones and to commit to changing your actions so they better align with your core values. Through this, its believed that you can lead a better life and begin to feel better.

ACT is a viable treatment for eating disorders, but more research is needed to see if its effective as a standalone therapy.

CRT focuses on promoting big-picture thinking and mental flexibility. Its currently used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

In CRT, a variety of exercises and tasks are used to help address the rigid thinking patterns that are often associated with anorexia nervosa. Some examples of such tasks include:

The overall goal of psychodynamic psychotherapy is to help you understand the underlying cause of your eating disorder. This involves diving deep into things such as your internal conflicts and motives.

Providers of this type of therapy believe that your symptoms are the result of unresolved wants and needs. As such, understanding the root cause of your disorder can address your symptoms and reduce your risk of relapse.

You may be wondering which types of therapy are most effective for the treatment of eating disorders. The answer to this question can depend on the type of eating disorder you have.

Additionally, different types of therapy work best for different individuals. Because of this, you may need to try a few different approaches before you find one that works for you.

Some types of therapy for eating disorders are more established than others.

A 2013 review of different therapy types for eating disorders found the following:

Researchers continue to investigate the efficacy of other therapies that we discussed above. Below is a snapshot of some of the results:

As we discuss the effectiveness of these therapies, its important to be cautious when using the word cure in the context of eating disorders. A more accurate term to use is recovery.

Therapy for eating disorders aims to equip you with skills and strategies you can implement into your everyday life to address your condition. In this way, you can achieve recovery, during which you experience little to no symptoms.

Its possible for someone who has recovered from an eating disorder to relapse. This is not uncommon with many eating disorders.

You can help manage a relapse by:

If you believe that you or a loved one has an eating disorder, its important to remember that help is always available. Recovery from an eating disorder is possible by seeking treatment.

There are numerous resources available to help you find treatment. In the sections below, well discuss where to find help and how to talk with a doctor.

You can use the resources below to find help thats available in your area.

Your primary care doctor can be an important initial resource for getting help with an eating disorder. They can help evaluate your symptoms and eating patterns, and can refer you to a treatment specialist close to you.

NEDA is a nonprofit organization that works to support those that have an eating disorder. Their website contains a wealth of information about eating disorders, treatment, and support.

Additional resources from NEDA that you may find helpful include:

ANAD is a nonprofit organization that aims to help people with eating disorders get care and support.

They have several resources that you can use, such as:

NAMI aims to offer education, support, and public awareness of mental health issues.

Some NAMI resources you may find useful are:

SAMHSA is a government agency that addresses mental health and substance use concerns throughout the country. Their website has a treatment locator that you can use to find a treatment facility in your area.

Additionally, the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. You can call this number to receive a referral for a treatment facility near you. All information is kept confidential.

Getting help for an eating disorder may initially seem challenging or scary. These feelings are normal discussing concerns about our bodies or our mental health can require us to be more vulnerable than were used to.

Remember: Seeking help is a big first step on your recovery journey.

If you think you may have an eating disorder, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns. You can choose to see your primary care doctor or a mental health professional.

Try to be as open as possible with your doctor about your thought patterns, eating habits, and concerns. Also, dont hesitate to ask questions if you have them.

If youre nervous, it may be helpful to bring a family member or friend along with you for support.

A friend or family member that has an eating disorder may not believe they need to seek treatment. They may also be defensive about topics like their diet and weight.

If youre worried that someone close to you has an eating disorder, speak with them openly and compassionately about your concerns.

Encourage them to seek treatment. If theyre scared or unsure, offering to go with them may be helpful.

Treating an eating disorder often involves some form of therapy. The specific therapy method thats used can depend on the eating disorder you have, as well as which approach is most effective for you personally.

Overall, therapy helps you learn strategies that can help change the thought patterns or behaviors associated with your eating disorder. By using these in your daily life, you can reach recovery.

If you have an eating disorder, its always important to know that help is available and that there are many resources that can aid you in finding help.

Remember that seeking care is an important initial step in your recovery journey.

Read more:
Therapy for Eating Disorders: Types, Efficacy, and Recovery - Healthline

Shradhha Kapoor is not only one of the most sought after actresses of B'Town, she is also a social media sensation. Clocking a little over 56 million followers, Shraddha is sure a delight on Instagram. From her OOTD's, the candid behind the scene actions to her lavish getaways, you can find everything on her feed, we have to admit though that we are a little biased towards her food posts. The 'Chhichhore' actor has never shied away from displaying her foodie side on social media, and yet, she also proves time and again that balance is key.

(Also Read:High-Protein Diet: 4 Ways To Innovate WithMoong DalFor Cooking (Video Inside)

On Sunday, Shraddha gave us a glimpse of her Mahrashtrian brunch. She shared a picture of 'Pavachi bhaji', or a fiery bread snack, where chunks if pav is tossed in a masala made with tomatoes and hot spices, with the side of green chillies. On Monday morning, she was back to eating healthy and clean. She shared an image of delicious moong dal sprouts that seemed gently tossed in oil with fresh sprigs of coriander.

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(Also Read:5 Benefits Of Eating Sprouts And Fun Ways To Include Them In Your Breakfast)

Dal sprouts are dubbed as one of the best sources of protein. Protein helps build muscle and also aid healthy weight management. They fill you up, and prevent the urge to overeat and keep your daily calorie intake in check. Sprouting also makes it easy for you to assimilate nutrients.On work front, Shraddha would be seen in director Luv Ranjan's next with Ranbir Kapoor.

(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)

About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows.

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You Would Want To Diet The Shraddha Kapoor Way After Seeing This Pic - NDTV Food

Bigorexia, also known as muscle dysmorphia, is a health condition that can cause you to think constantly about building muscle on your body.

Bigorexia shares some of the same symptoms as other disorders like anorexia nervosa and is a type of body dysmorphic disorder.

Bigorexia appears to be on the rise, especially among young adults. Lets take a look at the symptoms, risk factors, coping strategies, and treatments available for muscle dysmorphia.

Bigorexia is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) as a body dysmorphic disorder that triggers a preoccupation with the idea that your body is too small or not muscular enough.

When you have bigorexia, you are fixated on the thought that there is something wrong with the way that your body looks. That can influence your behavior.

Muscle dysmorphia can look like many things, including:

When left untreated, bigorexia can escalate and lead to:

Other mental health conditions, such as disordered eating and obsessive-compulsive disorder, may also play a role in this condition.

There is still some debate in the medical community on whether bigorexia should be classified simply as a body dysmorphic disorder, or if it has more in common with eating disorders or addiction.

Bigorexia is primarily a psychological condition, though it can appear in physical ways.

Someone with bigorexia might experience some of the following symptoms:

Many symptoms of bigorexia may feel relatively normal. But when you are pushing your body to achieve fitness goals that always seem out of reach, there may be more going on than simply wanting to be in good shape.

Its not always clear who will experience bigorexia.

As the Mayo Clinic points out, certain life experiences and underlying psychological factors may make you more likely to have body dysmorphia.

Both women and men can have muscle dysmorphia. Negative experiences during childhood, such as bullying or teasing about your size, may play a role in having this condition.

A 2019 study of over 14,000 young people found that 22 percent of males and 5 percent of females reported having disordered eating patterns linked to working out and getting more muscular.

The same study also found that having other mental health conditions can put you at higher risk for bigorexia. People into bodybuilding, certain sports, or wrestling communities are also more likely to have this condition.

If you have bigorexia, you may be looking for ways to control your symptoms.

While there are some things that you can do at home, you may need to seek a professional mental health provider to treat your condition.

You can start treating muscle dysmorphia today by making changes, including:

You may also want to start your treatment by calling or starting an online chat with the National Eating Disorder Helpline.

You may also want to speak to a mental health professional about your symptoms, especially if muscle dysmorphia is impacting your relationships and causing you to consider self-harm.

These treatments may include:

If you have muscle dysmorphia along with other mental health conditions, your provider may recommend a medication like a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to help stabilize your moods during treatment.

Living with bigorexia means finding coping strategies that work.

These strategies can help you with your symptoms and give you a sense of control:

Youre far from alone in living with bigorexia, whether you or someone you know experiences these symptoms.

Its now estimated that 1 in 50 people have some type of body dysmorphia. A documentary called Bigorexia has shed light on the way that muscle dysmorphia impacts the professional bodybuilding community.

Talking to a friend, family member, or someone else you trust about your experiences with bigorexia can be a helpful first step in taking control back of your life from an obsession with looking a certain way.

If you are having thoughts of self-harm because of bigorexia or any mental health condition, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to speak with a counselor today.

Muscle dysmorphia is a real health condition, and symptoms can be difficult to manage.

More people are becoming aware of body dysmorphia and related problems since public figures, including Jane Fonda, Elton John, Princess Diana, Lady Gaga, Zayn Malik, and Taylor Swift, have grown honest about having body image concerns.

As more people speak out about living with this condition, the stigma and myths around it can dissipate.

There is help and support for you if you are living with muscle dysmorphia. A mental health provider can get you started on a treatment plan, and self-care changes can get your symptoms under control.

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What Is Bigorexia? Definition, Symptoms, Coping & More - Healthline

Food is why were all here. It sustains life, spreads joy and brings us together.

But if we are to feed 10 billion people in a healthy way within planetary boundaries, the way in which we produce and consume food needs to change. As the coronavirus pandemic puts food security and nutrition at risk in many countries and hurts the livelihoods of small producers, we are called to re-evaluate our food systems.

As consumers, we have the power to be part of this transition. Informed and empowered consumers send a powerful message to producers and policymakers alike.

During the last century, the focus on crop yields and making food accessible and affordable has contributed to immense progress, with reductions in hunger, improved life expectancy, falling infant and child mortality rates, and decreased global poverty.

Still, nearly 700 million people equivalent to half of Indias population are undernourished. At the same time, 2 billion adults are overweight or obese and 1 in 5 deaths around the world are related to poor diets. Unhealthy diets have become a leading cause of mortality, killing more people globally than drug, alcohol and tobacco use combined.

Our diets are damaging our health.

Image: WWF

What is more, this singular focus on yield and efficiency has come at a significant cost for our planet. Todays food systems contribute up to 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions and are a leading driver in the dramatic decline in biodiversity, putting us in the midst of a sixth mass extinction.

Beneath our feet another crisis is unfolding: soils are being turned to dirt. Soil is a living system bursting with lifeforms that all play important roles in delivering nutrients to plants, maintaining soil fertility, retaining water and fighting climate change. Replenishing and protecting the worlds soil carbon stores could help offset up to 5.5bn tonnes of greenhouse gases every year.

But currently, about one-third of the worlds soil is degraded due in large part to intensive farming practices. Scientists predict that share will jump to 90% by 2050, if nothing changes. Without healthy soil, we face increased risks of desertification, dust storms and flooding. We also lose productive land, with crop yields predicted to fall by as much as 50% in certain regions, leading to forced migrations and violent conflicts. Ultimately, unhealthy soil equates to unhealthy food as the nutritional value of fruits, vegetables and grains is declining due to soil depletion.

But there is a way to change this worrying course and heal the land and balance the climate while feeding the world with healthy food. It is called regenerative farming.

Based on ancient knowledge, pioneering holistic planning and cutting-edge science, regenerative agriculture increases biodiversity, replenishes soils, improves water security, stores carbon and improves the nutritional value of our food through simple practices such as no-tilling, the use of perennial crops and livestock rotation. This type of agriculture also supports thriving farmer communities, so they can retain a larger share of their profits.

While shifting from destructive and extractive agriculture will take major efforts from governments and business alike, consumers also have the responsibility and power to act. How and what we eat matters, and we must use that power wisely.

Boycotts, demonstrations, and campaigns on social media have been powerful levers to demand positive change. However, there are simpler changes that consumers, especially in wealthier countries, can make to drive action:

1. Eat nutritious plant-rich diets.

Currently, the average meat intake for someone living in a high-income country is 200-250g a day far higher than the 80-90g recommended by the United Nations, and ten-fold that of lower-income countries. Livestock takes up nearly 80% of global agricultural land, is a leading cause of tropical forest clearing and uses enormous amounts of water, yet produces less than 20% of the worlds supply of calories.

Overconsumption of red and processed meats is also making us sick. Eating red and processed meats as little as twice a week increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death by 3 to 7%. Sustainably managed, grass-fed and humanely raised livestock needs to be part of regenerative farm ecosystems.

However, it is likely such systems will not be able to feed the worlds growing appetite for meat on existing land. While it might sound counterintuitive, to support regenerative ranchers, consumers should increase their intake of alternative proteins such as whole grains, nuts and seeds, and fruits and vegetables while carefully choosing where they get their meat.

2. Diversify what's on your plate.

Regenerative farms are diverse by design, integrating a large variety of crops and wildlife on the same land. This contrasts with our global food systems, which have tended towards general homogenization of landscapes and agricultural varieties, as high-output varieties have come to dominate. Despite there being about 30,000 edible plant species, more than 40% of our daily calories come from three staple crops: rice, wheat and maize. And 75% of the worlds food comes from just 12 plant and five animal species. In China, for example, there has been a decline in the number of local rice varieties from 46,000 in the 1950s to slightly more than 1,000 in 2006.

This uniformization can make poor and marginalized populations vulnerable to pests and the impacts of climate change and threaten global food security. Dietary diversity also makes eating more fun, tasteful, healthy and adventurous. Eating more diverse whole foods would stimulate the search for adapted species and varieties and thus increase cultivated biodiversity and support local regenerative farmers.

We need to transform our food systems.

Image: WWF

3. Reduce and repurpose your waste.

One-third of the food is wasted worldwide representing an agricultural land area larger than Canada and India together while 821 million people are undernourished. When food is lost or wasted, all the resources that were used to produce it water, land, energy, labour and capital go to waste. In addition, the disposal of food loss and waste in landfills leads to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.

Consumers in wealthy nations waste up to 115 kilograms of food per capita a year on average, compared with just 6 to 11 kilograms per capita in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Simple steps such as meal planning, picking the ugly vegetable, following the use-by rather than the best before date, freezing leftovers and composting food scraps to turn them into valuable nutrients for the soil go a long way.

Two billion people in the world currently suffer from malnutrition and according to some estimates, we need 60% more food to feed the global population by 2050. Yet the agricultural sector is ill-equipped to meet this demand: 700 million of its workers currently live in poverty, and it is already responsible for 70% of the worlds water consumption and 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

New technologies could help our food systems become more sustainable and efficient, but unfortunately the agricultural sector has fallen behind other sectors in terms of technology adoption.

Launched in 2018, the Forums Innovation with a Purpose Platform is a large-scale partnership that facilitates the adoption of new technologies and other innovations to transform the way we produce, distribute and consume our food.

With research, increasing investments in new agriculture technologies and the integration of local and regional initiatives aimed at enhancing food security, the platform is working with over 50 partner institutions and 1,000 leaders around the world to leverage emerging technologies to make our food systems more sustainable, inclusive and efficient.

Learn more about Innovation with a Purpose's impact and contact us to see how you can get involved.

Informed and empowered consumerism can be transformative in demanding better food systems. This requires us to recalibrate our expectations about the role of farming, fishing and food in our lives starting with understanding the impact of our dietary decisions on our health, society and environment.

Food is a central part of our lives. Its time to reconnect with it for your health, for people and for the planet.

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How your food choices can clean up the planet and feed the world - World Economic Forum

This holiday, chances are you'll be sharing a table with a smaller group than ever, but since 1 in 4 Americans is eating more plant-based, you will likely be told by one member of the group: "I am eating plant-based or vegan these days." It could even be you, telling your family about your resolve to be healthier, for yourself and the planet and for the sake of animals. Luckily two doctors have written a new book on how to go plant-based and get your family on board, and do it in a way that is healthy and sound. These doctors, one pediatrician and another a plant-based health expert, both know the ins and outs of getting enough vitamins and minerals, protein and micro-nutrients, and how to make sure that everyone at your table who chooses to eat plant-based does so healthfully and safely, without compromising any aspect of their diet.

Dr. Reshma Shahis a Pediatrician in the Bay Area, a clinical affiliate at Stanford University Medical School, and a practitioner of integrated medicine at Stanford. Dr. Brenda Davis is a dedicated Registered Dietician who has written a total of 12 books on the topic, having raised her now-grown kids at a plant-based table.

Together they have written a new book, a comprehensive guide to getting started on plant-based nutrition for families, calledNourish:.

"If there is a parent who is plant-based or who is interested in being more so, wewanted to give them the tools they need to feed their families this way, and to not have to worry about nutrient deficiency, so we provide practical tips and strategies," Dr. Shah said. The book has over 50 recipes to help them get started.Dr. Brenda Davis is one of the pioneering dieticians on plant-based eating for all ages. She has written books on how to eat healthy on a vegan or vegetarian diet, a raw vegan diet, and how to eat to avoid or reversetype 2 diabetes. Dr. Davis has been pioneering this topic for 30 years, has spoken in 30 countries, and conducted research on this topic, even in the Canary Islands. She helpsfamilies eat plant-based from every age and life stage, taking them through pregnancy and lactation and of course parenting.

"People know I am vegan and plant-based and parents will come to me and say my daughter wants to be vegetarian and can you please convince her not to be? Instead, I want to help parents learn that she can be, and it's healthy. And that they can do it too. We wanted to give them the tools to do it safely and effectively. And of course, now there are manyparents who think it's better for the planet and their family's health, but it would not know where to begin."

"The one thing we want people to know is that it's completely possible to raise healthy, vibrant kids on a plant-based diet. It's not that difficult," says Dr. Shah. "People think that if you are plant-based or vegan, you have to focus on the nutrients, but I would point out that this is true of omnivorous kids too. All diets have to be appropriately planned. You can do it safely and adequately on a plant-based diet."

"And people assume if I need a supplement on a plant-based diet, it's not as good to eat that say," Dr. Davis adds. "But the grains that we all buy at the store now are fortified with vitamins and so is our milk and our formulas. We have supplements in our diets already."

"People think they have to do it all at once, but you don't. Go at a pace that is a fit for your family. So you don't have to go all at once," Dr. Shah points out. "The first thing to do is to stake stock of what your family enjoys and look at that. Do they love pasta with marinara sauce? Great. Or if they are used to meat sauce, you can add plant-based meat if you want to. Try a tofu scramble instead of eggs one morning. Figure out how to make whatever they already enjoy into a plant-based version, and trying doing more of that."

Substitute the easy things: Almost or oat milk for the real thing. Non-dairy butter, cheese spreads, and nut cheese work well. You can easily substitute a flax egg or chia egg, the doctors recommend. Make swaps where your family is not going to even notice.

"We definitely emphasize cooking at home with whole grain and whole food ingredients but swap in plant-based meals as often as you like at first, then do more of that over time," Dr. Shah says. Don't sweat it if you backtrack. No vegan police are going to come around and say you can't use a veggie burger. Some of these foods are really helpful as kids are trying to transition.

Some parents worry about birthday parties and soccer, she points out. "Try to be plant-based at home and don't worry too much about what happens outside the home," she suggests. "Or bring your own snack. People who have allergies like celiac or nut allergies so less judgment around that."

Dr. Shah adds: It's so easy to transition breakfast. so many plant milk and scrambles. It gets a little trickier at dinner because it's built around animal products in our culture. But look at the spaghetti and meatballs or tacos and look at how m=you might transition that to a plant-based version. Try veggie balls andall diff things and see how your family likes them. Keep experimenting, adding one recipe at a time or one meal at a time can be really helpful.

And of course, if it's the teenager that has decided to become vegan and it's the parents who are resistant. it the teenager who has to be responsible for going to the store and bringing home vegan options.

Sometimes the kids are the ones leading the charge. "How your family handles it will depend on whether it is the parent's idea or the kid's idea," says Dr. Shah. "The kids are going to be a lot keener if it's their idea. Children will be sensitive about this transition," she adds, especially since if they come home from a rescue farm or petting zoo and announce they're not eating meat, they want to be respected in that decision.

If the kids are the ones transitioning then the parents may be reluctant, Dr. Davis has found. Some people will watch Forks over Knives or What the Health, or whatever the movie is and they are vegan the next day. How the transition goes will depend a lot on how who is driving and how fast you want to transition.

"There are so many advantages with a plant-based diet in terms of disease,butthere is also the potential for deficiencies," says Dr. Shah. The two you worry the most about are vitamins B12 and D. But the truth is that most of the population is lacking in vitamin D. The other things that could be a deficiency in calcium, especially foryoung kids growing fast, like 4 to 8-year-olds. Even an adult can have a hard time getting 1,000 milligrams a day of iodine, but if you cook with iodized salt that can help. For vegans, you do have to be somewhat aware of iodine sources.

"Supplements can help put parents at ease," she adds. "We are not opposed to parents using a multivitamin that has some of the nutrients like D and B and iodine, especially for kids, but we recommend a liquid supplement like a vegan chewable... to prevent choking."

The bottom line is you can be plant-based and healthy at every age and stage.

Dr. Davis pointsout that for longevity, plant-based eating has been a boon to her health. "I am close to 62 and I don't feel much different from when I was 35. "I can still do handstands and headstands and rollerblade and run and ski and have races with my grandkids.

"Eating plant-based has preserved the integrity of my body. I look at my relatives and in comparison, I am still the same weight, a few =pounds thinner than when I got married. Really grateful for that. That is one of the perks of living a healthy lifestyle. there are a lot of perks."

And, she adds, if you need one more reason: "I think it's easier to feel good about yourself."

Original post:
How to Help Your Family Go Plant-Based and Be Healthy, By Doctors - The Beet

Lightly seasoned salmon strips, made mostly from Bristol Bay reds, are the third product made by Bambinos Baby Food of Anchorage that is aimed at getting more seafood into the mouths of babes.

I always kind of giggle because its not going to be just for the little ones. Im sure mom and dad and elder brother or sister are going to be gnawing on those as well, said Zoi Maroudas, Bambinos founder and operator. I also wanted to honor our indigenous families and traditions and share how natural, nutrient-rich omega strips can be so good for a little one to enjoy. Instead of a cookie or cracker, a frozen salmon strip.

Seeing our community and friends near and far now having the option to find Pivsi (Inupiaq for dried fish) at Bambinos is very exciting and a healthy new option for kiddos, said Lars Nelson, president of TRIBN construction company at Utqiagvik, and parent of six.

(Bambinos Baby Food)

Maroudas, who was born in Greece and came to Alaska as a child (her family owns Pizza Olympia in Spenard), launched Bambinos first seafood item, Hali-Halibut, in 2017 followed shortly after by a Sockeye Salmon Bisque. The pouched meals feature frozen, star-shaped portions that are perfect for baby-sized hands or for thawing into puree-style meals. Each contains the perfect balance of proteins, grains and vegetables for optimal nutritional content, she added.

The baby seafood items are among 20 Alaska-grown products that are made in Maroudas store and production facility in Anchorage.

Bambinos has resonated with some big names and won notable awards. Maroudas has been featured on the Today Show Fox News, numerous magazines, by hip hop artist Uncle Murda, and she was personally honored by both Martha Stewart (she brought her sockeye salmon) and President Trump. The Bambinos line also won the American Choice Award for Best Organic Brand and Alaskas Top Manufacturer in 2019.

Bambinos is filling a void by Americas baby food makers who continue to completely snub seafood in their protein lines, despite its proven health benefits (they offer seafood items in Asia and Europe). And that is despite the fact that starting in 2021, new federal dietary guidelines go into effect that say along with eating two portions of seafood each week, fish should be included in babies diets starting at six months old.

The omega 3s found in seafood are to a developing retina and brain what calcium is to bones. But it is not just the omega 3s, it is these great minerals that are in some cases rare in other foods. The zinc and iron and selenium and iodine...and these are just not as high as they need to be in diets that are missing seafood, said Dr. Tom Brenna, professor of pediatrics, chemistry and nutrition at the University of Texas/Austin and at Cornell University.

Bambinos is now shipped from Anchorage to customers in all 50 states and can be found at all Safeway/Carrs stores, Amazon and at Baby Vend machines at Alaska Airline terminals.

Maroudas said she doesnt strive to be the number one baby food in sales; she aims to be the best on the market. Above all, she said feeding more children with the purest Alaska ingredients is her biggest reward.

Its an absolute honor to represent our state for its quality, for its nutrition, she said. And working together with our farmers and our fishermen to create that beautiful plate as an extension of their home, for their families wherever they are, is the most humbling, most rewarding. And at nighttime. I pray that tomorrows even better for everyone around the world.

Up next for Bambinos an Alaska pollock product.

Fishing updates - Lots of fishing updates and wrap-ups continue across Alaska from Ketchikan to the far reaches of the Bering Sea. And lots of outlooks for next years fisheries are starting to trickle in from state and federal managers.

The Pacific halibut fishery for this year, for example, ended on November 15 and early estimates peg Alaskas take at just under 15 million pounds out of a 16 million pound catch limit. Results from the yearly halibut survey have raised cautious hopes for a possible uptick in some fishing regions in 2021.

Pacific halibut appears to be holding its own, with an encouraging if small indication that overall weight of Catch Per Unit of Effort (CPUE), a proxy for abundance, went up by 6% coastwide, reported Peggy Parker, executive director of the Halibut Association of North America.

CPUE refers to a standard skate of gear that is 1,800 feet long bearing 100 hooks. Of note, the total weights per skate increased by 24%.

Of note, the total weights per unit increased by 24% in the Central Gulf, the largest halibut fishing hole. The other Alaska areas did not fare as well: the WPUE at Southeast was down 5%, the Western Gulf dropped 6%, at the Aleutians, weights were down 2% near Dutch Harbor but up 3% at Adak; and the Bering Sea fishing regions increased by 8%. Coastwide, the WPUEs were up 6%.

The final halibut catch limits for next year will be revealed at the International Pacific Halibut Commission virtual meeting set for Jan. 25-29 and the fishery will open in March. The deadline to submit halibut regulatory proposals is December 26.

Homer held onto its title of Americas #1 halibut port for landings, followed by Kodiak and Juneau.

Alaskas sablefish fishery (black cod) also ended on Nov. 15 with 71% of its 31.7 million pound quota crossing the docks. Kodiak, Seward and Sitka were the top ports for landings.

Another blockbuster sockeye run is projected for Bristol Bay next summer, topping 51 million reds if projections by the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game hold true. That means the fishery will average over 48 million reds annually for the past 10 years. The 2021 forecast calls for a sockeye catch of 36.35 million fish.

ADF&G also is predicting an average pink salmon harvest for Southeast Alaska next year of 28 million fish, below the 10-year average of 34 million but better than the 2019 catch of 21 million.

Meanwhile, Southeast trollers are still out on the water fishing for winter Chinook salmon.

A few areas of the Panhandle remain open for pot shrimp and the harvest had reached 540,670 pounds.

Divers also continue pulling up geoduck clams; they have also taken 1.2 million pounds of sea cucumbers out of a 1.7 million pound catch limit.

The regions Dungeness fishery is ongoing through Nov. 30 and nearly 200 crabbers have landed 6.4 million pounds in the combined summer and fall fisheries.

A sea cucumber fishery at Kodiak and the westward region has a small quota of 165,000 pounds. A herring food and bait fishery opened on Nov. 14 at Kodiak with a 319 ton limit.

The nations biggest fishery Alaska pollock just wrapped up in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska until January 20, producing over three billion pounds of the popular whitefish.

Cod fishing is mostly over for the year except for a small reopener in the Gulf on Nov. 23 for pot or jig boats. Other boats also continue to target various rockfish and flounders.

Catches for 2021 Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska fisheries will be revealed when the North Pacific Fishery Management Council meets virtually from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.

Bering Sea crabbers have taken 99% of their 2.38 pound red king crab quota. They also are tapping on over 2 million pounds of Tanners and more than 6 million pounds of golden king crab.

Sea cuke cures Sea cucumbers have been considered a delicacy in Asian cuisine for centuries and also have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help aid in many different health problems.

In his book Cancer: Step Outside the Box, author Ty M. Bollinger calls the spiky, slug-like creates a miracle cure for cancer.

You can cook them for various dishes, but the way its found in local health food stores is dried and powdered and in capsule form, he said, adding that dried sea cucumber extract is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Another of the fascinating things about sea cucumbers is that they are very high in chondroitin sulfate, which is commonly used to treat joint pain and arthritis. To my knowledge, they have the highest concentration of chondroitin of any animal, Bollinger said in an interview.

While customers likely wont see it on the labels, he added that powdered sea cucumbers also have many cancer curing abilities based on studies over the past 15 years.

Number one, its cytotoxic, which means it kills cancer cells, and it also is immunomodulatory. So it has both sides of what I call the cancer killing coin, he explained. If you are going to defeat cancer, you need something that regulates your immune system to where it works properly but you also must have something that is going to kill those cancer cells. The sea cucumber does both.

Sea cucumber extract also is used as an adjunct treatment for those undergoing chemotherapy, Bollinger said, because its very effective at mitigating the side effects of that cancer treatment.

There are over 1,250 species of sea cucumber in the world.

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Anchorage startup aims to get more seafood into the mouths of babies - Anchorage Daily News