Category Archives: Diet And Food

Adhering closely to the Mediterranean-style diet particularly one rich in vegetables and fish is associated with higher cognitive function among older adults, according to a National Institutes of Health-funded study published this week in the journal Alzheimers & Dementia.

The study found no link, however, between the Mediterranean diet and slower cognitive decline.

These findings suggest that eating healthful foods may help keep our brains functioning at higher levels during the aging process, even if those levels arent quite as high as they were when we were younger.

For the study, researchers at the National Eye Institute (NEI) analyzed data from two major randomized clinical trials the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2 that had previously investigated the effects of diet on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye disease that gradually damages the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. AMD is a leading cause of permanent vision loss and blindness in people aged 60 and older.

Both studies had reported that certain nutrients, particularly the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, were associated with a lower risk of developing AMD later in life. The authors of the current study wanted to see if the diets of the participants in the AREDS studies also had an effect on their cognitive function. Other research has shown an association between AMD and dementia, and the two conditions are known to share some environmental risk factors, such as smoking and high blood pressure.

We do not always pay attention to our diets. We need to explore how nutrition affects the brain and the eye, says Dr. Emily Chew, the studys lead author and director of the NEI Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, in a released statement.

For the study, Chew and her colleagues used data from 7,756 ARED participants who had completed cognitive tests while in those clinical trials. The participants were aged 55 to 80 when they entered the trials, and were followed for 10 years.

At the start of the trials, the participants filled out a detailed questionnaire designed to assess their diet over the previous year. Based on those questionnaires, the NEI researchers scored each participant on how closely they adhered to the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fish and olive oil, as well as reduced amounts of red meat and alcohol.

Then the researchers looked for associations between the participants diets and their cognitive functioning. They found that, in general, the people who most closely adhered to the Mediterranean diet had the highest cognitive function throughout the decade of the study. The differences were small, but still statistically significant.

The individual components of the diet that appeared to have the greatest protective effect on the brain were fish and vegetables. Fish was also the only food associated with slowing down the process of cognitive decline. At the 10-year mark, the people with the highest fish intake exhibited not only higher rates of cognitive functioning, but also the lowest rate of decline.

These findings held even after the researchers adjusted the data to account for education levels.

The benefits from the Mediterranean diet were similar for people with and without a gene ApoE known to raise the risk of late-onset Alzheimers disease. That finding suggests, say the researchers, that the diets influence on cognitive functioning is independent of genetic risk. The people with ApoE did, however, tend to have lower average scores for cognitive function than those without the gene. They also tended to show more cognitive decline.

This is an observational study, and therefore cant prove a connection between diet and higher cognitive abilities. In addition, it relies on people self-reporting the foods they ate. Such reporting can be inaccurate.

In addition, most of the people in the study had some degree of AMD. Whether or not the findings can be generalized to other populations is unclear.

Still, the findings are provocative, for they support other observational studies that have found a link between the Mediterranean diet (or one thats similar) and better cognitive function and slower cognitive decline.

Scientists arent sure why the Mediterranean diet might help the brain, explains the National Institute of Aging (NIA) on its website. This primarily plant-based diet has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, which may, in turn, reduce dementia risk. In contrast, the typical Western diet increases cardiovascular disease risk, possibly contributing to faster brain aging.

In addition, this diet might increase specific nutrients that may protect the brain through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the agency says.

FMI: Youll find an abstract of the NEI study on the website for Alzheimers & Dementia, although the full paper despite being funded by the government is behind a paywall. For more information on diet and the risk of dementia, go to the NIAs website.

Link:
Mediterranean diet linked to higher cognitive functioning during aging - MinnPost

Kamden Glade is a 25-year-old graduate student at Bemidji State University who is in charge of gathering most of the diet data. The Minnesota DNR and Bemidji State University have a contract to complete the project, with Brian Herwig of the Bemidji DNR office and Jeff Reed of the Glenwood office leading the overall research.

The work is scheduled to look at 11 bodies of water in Minnesota. Seven of those lakes hold muskies, but northern pike, largemouth bass and walleyes are also a part of the study that is designed to do a wide-ranging diet overview of some of the states most popular predatory fish and see how the species are co-existing in Minnesota waters.

Were taking diets from muskies, northern pike, walleye and largemouth bass in all the lakes so that were able to compare diets between lakes and between seasons, Glade said. Then we have (four) reference lakes too to see if theres any kind of significant difference in walleye, pike and largemouth bass diets in lakes that do or dont have muskies in them.

Miltona, Little Boy (Longville), Bald Eagle (East Metro), Ten Mile (Hackensack) and South Center (Chisago) Lakes were sampled in 2019 during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Other muskie lakes that are scheduled to be sampled for the study include Bemidji and Shamineau (Little Falls) in 2020 and North Star (Grand Rapids) and Pelican (Fergus Falls) in 2021. Lakes without muskies in the study are Ten Mile, South Center, Grace and Deer (Bemidji).

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to stop spring sampling in 2020, but Glade said they are hopeful that sampling not done this year could be rescheduled to 2021. The work is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2021 with final publication of the results following that.

Glade has not analyzed all the numbers from every lake that was sampled in 2019 due to the study being ongoing, but he has taken a hard look at the data from Lake Miltona.

Most of the muskies that are sampled are captured through electrofishing at night. Researchers also looked at the diets of fish on Miltona by going along with crews from the Glenwood Area Fisheries department during netting surveys in 2019.

Kamden Glade watches as a muskie swims free on Lake Miltona after taking a diet sample from the fish in 2019. (Contributed photo)

Diet samples are taken from muskies by placing a small piece of clear tubing through the fishs mouth and into the back of its stomach. Water is then slowly pumped in before pressure builds enough to cause the fish to regurgitate any stomach contents. Some fish sampled had nothing in their stomachs due to not feeding recently.

Overall, we had a 67% full stomach rate on muskies throughout all seasons, which is actually quite a bit better than most of the other studies that Ive seen, Glade said.

From Miltona, 29 muskies were sampled with full stomachs in the spring, compared to two in the summer and 15 in the fall. The contents ranged from easily identifiable species that had just been eaten, down to matter that was nothing more than bones or a small piece of tissue.

Some of those you can identify the species based on the bone structure, Glade said. Beyond that, were working with Dr. Loren Miller from the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota DNR. Hes a geneticist. Hes able to take a little chunk of flesh from a diet and he can do genetic barcoding on that chunk of flesh and tell us what species it was.

The preliminary numbers on Lake Miltona showed that yellow perch made up the largest percentage of the muskies diet by numbers.

Largemouth bass were a fairly important diet item for them as well, Glade said. They had a decent amount of bullheads there, and also some crappie and bluegill. Then white suckers were also important for them.

Yellow perch came out to about 65% of the total diet items by number for Miltona muskies, but that is not the only thing researchers look at when assessing diet studies.

Percentage by mass, the total mass of one prey species divided by the total mass of all prey species present, is also an important factor. Yellow perch made up about 8% of the muskies diet by mass on Lake Miltona.

Thats because muskies will commonly feed on larger prey. One muskrat, one ring-billed gull, 11 northern leopard frogs and two northern pike were found in muskies on Miltona. A couple of bowfin, commonly known as dogfish, were also found.

Theyre not eating extremely frequently, but when they do eat theyre eating some fairly large diet items, Glade said. We had a couple muskies from Miltona that had white suckers in their stomach that were at or over 20 inches in length.

A total of three walleyes were found in muskies on Lake Miltona. That made up less than 1.5% of the muskies diet by number and less than 2% by mass.

Its definitely not like they were targeting walleyes, Glade said. We expected to see some. I was kind of surprised we didnt see more, just based on how often we saw muskies and walleyes in the same areas when we were sampling.

Kamden Glade holds up a Lake Miltona muskie. (Contributed photo)

Researchers for the study are using an overlap metric to analyze how the predator species are competing for limited resources within a lake. That overlap metric is accumulated by looking at each species diet as it relates to percentage by number and by mass.

It gives a number between zero and one. For muskies and walleye, that was about 0.23, so definitely low, Glade said. Anything below 0.4 is considered low overlap. So its definitely looking like at least on Miltona they are not competing for the same resources too much.

Yellow perch are an important prey species for all the game fish, but the low percentage by mass that perch accounted for in the muskies diet made for that low overlap with walleyes.

Northerns surveyed on Miltona had a diet of yellow perch that consisted of almost 70% by number and 40% by mass. Largemouth bass also had nearly 40% by mass of yellow perch, and walleyes relied on perch for their diet at 40% by number and about 60% by mass.

Walleyes, northern and bass exist in the lake at much higher densities. Miltona is managed as a trophy lake for muskies, and fingerlings are stocked at low numbers in order to create better opportunities for fish measuring 50-plus inches.

I havent really analyzed the numbers from a lot of the other lakes, but just from looking at Miltona, there was a lot higher chance of overlap between the other three species than muskies had on any of the other three species, Glade said. For instance, walleye had a relatively high overlap with both pike and largemouth bass. That was a little interesting to see, but not entirely unexpected. The muskies had relatively low overlap with all three of the other species.

Sampling is completed on Lake Miltona, with more lakes left to look at across Minnesota over the next two years. The end result should be some modern research that can help guide management decisions on Minnesota waters.

If there is a significant shift in diets when were stocking muskies, maybe that is something we need to look at a little closer, Glade said. If theres not, that also gives managers important information theyre able to continue stocking or increase stocking and have scientific data to back that up instead of anecdotal observations.

See original here:
What are muskies eating in Miltona? Local lake part of Minnesota diet study on four major game fish - Echo Press

Consuming that extra scoop of ice cream or another handful of chips or cookies, however, can cause feelings of guilt -- and even more stress -- along with fatigue and irritability from sugar highs and lows.

Yet the opposite is also true: Consuming healthy mood-boosting foods can deliver important brain nutrients while positively impacting your well-being.

Below are some nutritious and delicious foods that can improve your frame of mind while helping you avoid the #quarantine15 and other related health issues.

"Those who consume ample amounts of the omega-3 fat DHA are less prone to depression, aggressiveness and hostility," according to registered dietitian Elizabeth Somer, author of "Food and Mood" and medical advisory board member for Persona Nutrition.

The healthy fat "helps form healthy membranes that easily transport nutrients into brain cells, lowers inflammation and raises serotonin levels," Somer added. Serotonin is one of the key neurotransmitters influencing our mood, so incorporating plenty of DHA in your diet can help you maintain a balanced outlook.

Somer recommends aiming for at least two servings of fatty fish per week, such as salmon, herring, mackerel or sardines, or looking for foods fortified with the omega-3 DHA. For a tasty way to enjoy omega-3 fats, check out my simple salmon recipe below.

Green veggies: spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts

These green veggies are a source of folate, a B vitamin that's essential for the body's production of serotonin, according to Somer.

In addition to increasing the risk for depression, poor intake of folate is also linked to fatigue and poor memory.

Somer recommends consuming at least 400 micrograms of folate per day, an amount found in 1 cups of sauted spinach. Beans, peas, lentils, avocado and strawberries are other good sources of folate.

Probiotics: yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi

One of the easiest ways to enjoy a daily dose of probotics is to consume a cup of low-fat yogurt with fresh fruit or a smoothie with yogurt as a snack.

Whole grains: oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread

Whole grains are rich in B vitamins that are important for energy and optimal brain health. Thanks to their fiber content, whole grains also help to keep blood sugar from spiking and crashing, which can help you avoid mood swings.

"If you're eating bread, reach for the whole wheat over the white, since it also stabilizes blood sugar levels," Somer said. "Refined grains found in white bread can send you on a blood sugar roller coaster, leaving you jittery, grumpy and hungry."

Carbohydrates including whole grains also boost levels of serotonin, the "feel-good brain chemical," according to Somer. Adding some protein, like chicken, legumes, fish or nut butter with whole grains can help, too, as protein triggers the release of norepinephrine, a brain chemical that provides an energy and mood lift.

A whole grain bagel with peanut butter, for example, can make for a nutritious mini-meal. Somer also likes whole grain crackers or bread sticks with low-fat cheese.

Vitamin D: Egg yolks, fatty fish; fortified milks

Our bodies synthesize vitamin D from the sun's ultraviolet light, so most of us can meet at least some of our D needs during sunnier months. Certain factors including darker skin and air pollution, however, can reduce the ability of the sun to produce vitamin D in human skin, according to Dr. Michael Holick, an expert on Vitamin D research from Boston University.

So in the wintertime, it's especially important to seek out vitamin D-rich foods, like fatty fish, eggs and fortified foods and beverages, or vitamin D supplements.

Yes, dark chocolate (in moderation)

To keep weight in check, limit portions to 1 ounce of dark chocolate daily, or about 150 calories.

Coffee and tea

"When we consume caffeine, it has positive effects on mood and alertness, and people like these beneficial effects," said Mary M. Sweeney, an instructor who researches caffeine's effects on individuals in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Just keep in mind that people vary in their tolerance to caffeine. "Many people consume caffeine without negative consequences, but for some individuals, either regularly consuming too much caffeine or consuming too much at once can cause distress," Sweeney said.

For a healthy boost, check out my matcha (green tea) latte below.

Mood-boosting recipes

Total time: 45 minutes

Nonstick cooking spray

1 pound green beans, trimmed

2 shallots, sliced

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

12 teaspoon kosher salt

12 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 6-ounce wild salmon fillets

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons honey

Preheat the oven to 425F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the green beans, and boil for 3--5 minutes or until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and run under cold water until cool.

Drain well; toss with the shallots, oil, salt, and 14 teaspoon of the pepper; and place on one half of the baking sheet. Place the salmon fillets, skin side down, on the other half of the baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the mustard and honey and spread evenly on the salmon fillets.

Season with the remaining 14 teaspoon pepper and roast in the oven until the salmon is just cooked through and the beans are lightly browned, 12--14 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings (6 ounces salmon and 4 ounces green beans each)

Total time: 10 minutes

2 cups 1% milk fat vitamin D-fortified milk

1 12 teaspoons matcha powder

1 tablespoon hot water (boiling is ideal)

1 12 tablespoons maple syrup

In a blender, blend milk for about 30 minutes, until frothy. In a small bowl, dissolve matcha powder in hot water. Add milk, dissolved matcha, and maple syrup to a small pot and heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until hot but NOT boiling. The mixture should be very frothy but if it reaches boiling, the froth will start to disappear. Serve warm.

Yields: 2 servings

Lisa Drayer is a nutritionist, an author and a CNN health and nutrition contributor.

Read more from the original source:
Foods to boost your mood, now that you really need it - CNN

Pickles add a tangy, juicy crunch to your meal and are common on sandwiches and burgers.

Theyre made by submerging cucumbers in a saltwater brine, and some are fermented by Lactobacillus bacteria.

The brine makes pickles high in sodium, but they offer some vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Whats more, fermented pickles may support gut health by boosting the number of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system (1).

Still, you may wonder whether pickles fit the ketogenic diet, which replaces most of your carbs with fat.

This article explains whether pickles are keto-friendly.

The keto diet severely limits your intake of fruits and certain vegetables that are high in carbs.

Notably, raw cucumbers are very low in carbs. In fact, 3/4 cup (100 grams) of sliced cucumbers contains only 2 grams of carbs. With 1 gram of fiber, this amount provides about 1 gram of net carbs (2).

Net carbs refer to the number of carbs in a serving of food that your body absorbs. Its calculated by subtracting a foods grams of fiber and sugar alcohols from its total carbs.

However, depending on the type of pickle and the brand, the pickling process can significantly increase the number of carbs in the end product particularly if sugar is added to the brine.

For example, dill and sour pickles arent usually made with sugar. A 2/3-cup (100-gram) portion of either usually contains 22.5 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fiber or a minuscule 11.5 grams of net carbs (3, 4).

On the other hand, sweet pickles, such as candied or bread and butter varieties, are made with sugar. Thus, they tend to be higher in carbs.

A 2/3-cup (100-gram) serving of various types of sliced pickles provides the following amounts of net carbs (3, 4, 5, 6, 7):

Pickles are made from cucumbers, which are naturally low in carbs. However, some varieties include large amounts of added sugar, which increases their carb content.

Whether pickles fit the keto diet depends largely on how theyre made and many youre eating.

Keto generally allows for 2050 grams of carbs per day. As 2/3 cup (100 grams) of sliced, sweetened pickles packs 2032 grams of net carbs, these types may meet or exceed your daily carb allowance with just one portion (8).

Alternatively, those without added sugar contribute far fewer carbs to your daily allotment.

In general, try to limit yourself to pickle products with fewer than 15 grams of carbs per 2/3 cup (100 grams).

This means that youll have to read food labels carefully to choose lightly sweetened varieties or forego sweetened types altogether and only eat dill and sour pickles.

If you feel you cant do without candied or bread and butter pickles, limit yourself to a small slice or two to ensure you dont exceed your carb allotment.

The keto diet tends to increase fluid loss, so some people assume that increasing their sodium intake from foods like pickles may help retain fluid (8).

However, high sodium intake is linked to negative health effects. In fact, one U.S. study tied it to a 9.5% higher risk of death from heart disease (8).

Furthermore, eating too many salty foods on the keto diet may displace various healthy foods, such as nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Some people also argue that pickles arent keto-friendly due to their lectin content.

Lectins are plant proteins that many people avoid on keto due to claims that they hamper weight loss. However, these claims arent backed by scientific evidence.

Even so, if you choose to eat pickles on this diet, you should do so in moderation.

Making pickles at home is another great option if you want to closely monitor your sodium and carb intake.

Pickles can be keto-friendly as long as they dont contain added sugar. In general, you should select dill or sour pickles but avoid sweet, candied, and bread and butter ones.

If youre concerned about the carb content of commercial pickles, you can make your own at home.

Heres a recipe for keto-friendly dill pickles that are ready overnight.

You can adjust the seasonings for this recipe as you wish. For instance, if you like spicy pickles, you can add jalapeos or red pepper flakes to the pickling brine.

Homemade dill pickles make for an easy, low carb snack on the keto diet. This version is ready after sitting overnight in your fridge.

Pickles are a popular condiment or side dish due to their juicy, tangy crunch.

While varieties like sour and dill are suitable for the keto diet, types with added sugar such as sweet, candied, and bread and butter arent.

To be on the safe side, you can check the ingredient list to see if yours contain sugar. You can also make your own keto-friendly pickles at home.

Excerpt from:
Can You Eat Pickles on the Keto Diet? - Healthline

Diet Water Market Forecast 2020-2026

The Global Diet Water Market research report provides and in-depth analysis on industry- and economy-wide database for business management that could potentially offer development and profitability for players in this market. This is a latest report, covering the current COVID-19 impact on the market. The pandemic of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected every aspect of life globally. This has brought along several changes in market conditions. The rapidly changing market scenario and initial and future assessment of the impact is covered in the report. It offers critical information pertaining to the current and future growth of the market. It focuses on technologies, volume, and materials in, and in-depth analysis of the market. The study has a section dedicated for profiling key companies in the market along with the market shares they hold.

The report consists of trends that are anticipated to impact the growth of the Diet Water Market during the forecast period between 2020 and 2026. Evaluation of these trends is included in the report, along with their product innovations.

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Important Facts about Diet Water Market Report:

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About DataIntelo:DATAINTELO has set its benchmark in the market research industry by providing syndicated and customized research report to the clients. The database of the company is updated on a daily basis to prompt the clients with the latest trends and in-depth analysis of the industry. Our pool of database contains various industry verticals that include: IT & Telecom, Food Beverage, Automotive, Healthcare, Chemicals and Energy, Consumer foods, Food and beverages, and many more. Each and every report goes through the proper research methodology, validated from the professionals and analysts to ensure the eminent quality reports.

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Continued here:
Diet Water Market Detailed Analysis Of Current Industry Figures With Forecasts Growth By 2026 - Curious Desk

Read on to know how you can protect your liver from damage by including some healthy foods in your diet.

The largest internal organ of the body, liver processes and breaks down what passes through the body. It filters the blood coming from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body. In simple words, it is well equipped to fight toxins and detoxify the body. It produces essential proteins and cholesterol, stores minerals, iron and vitamin E and destroys old red blood cells. In short, it is an important organ that performs a wide range of functions, which is why to keep it healthy.

Liver problems can be caused by a variety of factors, such as alcohol use, obesity and viruses. Conditions that lead to liver damage can lead to serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver failure, which can be lethal. Common signs of liver damage include poor appetite, fatigue, irregular digestion, heartburns, skin discolouration, malnutrition, and acid reflux. Unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle contributes and makes things worse. So, here is a list of healthy habits that you should incorporate in your life for a healthy liver.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is loaded with antioxidants which protect the liver from damage by reducing inflammation and improving its protective mechanisms.

Berries

Blueberries and cranberries are high in antioxidants that help control liver damage. It may even improve the livers immune response.

Nuts

The antioxidants and vitamin E in nuts are beneficial for the heart as well as the liver.

Fatty Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids present in fatty fish lower the risk of developing a liver condition. It also helps prevent fat from building up, keeping enzyme levels and checking and improving insulin resistance.

Beetroot Juice

The antioxidants in beetroot juice safeguard the liver from oxidative damage and inflammation by increasing its natural detoxifying enzymes.

Coffee

Drinking coffee in moderation can help promote liver health by preventing the buildup of fat and collagen.

ALSO READ:5 Foods you should avoid if you want to lose belly fat

ALSO READ:6 Early warning signs of high blood sugar you should be aware of

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Healthy Liver: 6 healthy foods to include in your diet for the organ - PINKVILLA

Keeping a positive attitude can be the last thing to really possibly have during COVID19 lockdown. Our generation had only heard of stories of World War II and epidemics like plague. We werent prepared for a pandemic of this calibre because we never saw this coming. Here are three small things that can help you in contributing towards flatting the COVID-19 +ve curve for our country and allow you to be invincible even during a pandemic of this volume.1) Eat like a caveman Eating simple meals that we ate as cavemen/ancestors will be your first contribution. More naturally available home-grown ingredients should be consumed. Living a simpler life with more exercise, fewer processed foods to avoid mood swings and COVID-19 related obesity and chronic illnesses will keep your emotions and anxieties under control. Lesser intake of beverages, alcohol and more wholesome meals will be the key factor for you keeping fit, building your immunity and not coming in contact with the virus. Keeping yourself and your family safe without having to visit any doctors will be a huge contribution from your end towards flattening the curve.2) Invest time in reanalysing your career - If you dont have one and were anyways looking at starting something, this is the most ideal time for doing some research and making a blueprint of how you want to get started and what will you be doing? Make use of this unprecedented period of time as a great opportunity to upskill or simply just begin your career as an entrepreneur or later seek a job opportunity. This mind-set can help you stay ahead of the game and away from negative news coming from multiple sources. This positive vision can boost your immune responses and keep you fit and release happy hormones which can help you and your family stay away from the virus and help flatten the curve.3) Being Generous, Contributing and Educating - Be kind and indulge in fund raising for the front-line workers and COVID-19 patients. This activity can really help the needy. Please educate the less privileged section of the society about the basic norms that needs to be followed whilst being under a pandemic. Educating people about how maintaining social distance is of prime importance will serve to be a source of empowerment. Donate masks, sanitisers and gloves to the needy. Adopt a few strays and take care of their meals. Many kids have raised funds, made homemade masks and inspired adults and grandparents to put their skills to use. Staying home has little to do with being horizontal and immerse yourself in front of the T.V. There is so much you can do, teach students online, make healthy recipes at home and teach, stitch masks with T-shirts and hand them over to cops or anyone on the road who doesnt have one, your watchman or your own helpers. This endeavour can really help flatten the curve, imagine 100 masks per family would be able to help so many others and help flatten the curve skilfully. Do your bit and curb this global pandemic!Inputs by Payal Kothari, Integrative Nutritionist and Gut Health Coach

Read this article:
How your diet and positive attitude can flatten the curve of COVID19 - Times of India

Osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA) are increasingly prevalent conditions that can lead to significant healthcare costs and disability. Osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million women worldwide, while osteoarthritis affects over 32.5 million U.S. adults, with symptomatic knee OA occurring in 10% men and 13% in women aged 60 years or older.(1,2)

The increase in the aging population and chronic disease rates serve as a precursor to loss of bone and joint degradation, increasing the risk of frailty. This loss of tissue integrity is not relegated to the elderly, as the preceding bone loss witnesses in osteopenia can begin to appear in the late 40s and early 50s, and the wear-and-tear of OA also occurring in middle age.

Osteoporosis is characterized by loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and deterioration of bone microarchitecture. This progressive deterioration increases susceptibility to fractures, with the most common occurring in the hip, wrist, or spine. Smoking, alcohol use, poor nutrition, hormones, and a sedentary lifestyle may all contribute to the development of OP.

Critical compounds that constitute bone and connective tissue decrease as disease progression occurs. Calcium, phosphorus, collagenous, and non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) in the extracellular matrix all play a pivotal role in bone integrity. Their loss through pathophysiological processes, as well as suboptimal nutritional intake, may exacerbate dysfunction in joints and bones.

Osteoarthritis initiates from mechanical stress on the joints that can cause progressive deterioration of cartilaginous structures. Ligaments and tendons can become inflamed while articular cartilage can break down, causing more irritation around joints. The catabolic processes that ensue can lead to pain and loss of mobility. Aging, overuse, and obesity are all factors that increase the potential for OA development.

Dietary Interventions

Joints and bones require an array of nutrients for healthy function. These foundational dietary components appear to provide benefits in the context of joint and bone disease as well. Dietary-derived sources of protein, collagen peptides, calcium, vitamin D, and anti-inflammatory compounds (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids) have shown promise as interventions in the context of OA and OP. Of these, collagen peptides are of interest to explore as consumer demand has increased in recent years, and clinical research demonstrates the efficacy of collagen in both OA and OP.

For example, a systematic review covering 20 years of literature investigated the therapeutic potential of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint pathologies. In the studies examined, hydrolyzed collagen had a positive therapeutic effect on osteoporosis and osteoarthritis displaying a potential increase in bone mineral density, a protective effect on articular cartilage, and especially in the symptomatic relief of pain. (3)

In another randomized, placebo-controlled double-blinded investigation, researchers studied the role of specific collagen peptides (SCP) in postmenopausal women with a primary, age-related reduction of BMD. Supplementation with specific collagen peptides increased BMD in the cohort, and was associated with a favorable shift in bone markers, indicating increased bone formation and reduced bone degradation. (4)

Collagen peptides also show promise and clinical utility in OA. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted at Penn State University showed statistically significant changes with the dietary supplement collagen hydrolysate (CH) compared with placebo in joint pain, mobility, and inflammation. (5)

Collagen peptides are not only a building block of connective tissues but possess anabolic signaling properties, essential for remediation of joint and bone loss. Examples such asWhole Body Collagenfrom Designs for Health, which offers three collagen peptides with specific molecular weights including one of the forms from the above mentioned Penn State study (as well as constituents studied at Harvard and Tufts), are viable solutions for practitioners seeking evidence-supported collagen.

In light of the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in the population, theres an increasing need and value in reliable joint and bone-related dietary interventions. Research points to collagen as a viable, cost-effective option that boasts benefits in addressing underlying mechanisms in both conditions, resulting in a viable candidate in patient plans.

Note: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and contributor(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher and editors of WholeFoods Magazine.

References

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Dietary Interventions for Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis - WholeFoods Magazine

President Trump said the U.S. would reopen one careful step at a time, and told governors they would call the shots about when to lift restrictions in their states.

Twenty-two million American workers have filed new unemployment claims in the four weeks since pandemic-prompted shutdowns took hold.

The federal loan program intended to help keep small businesses afloat has run out of money.

Read the latest updates: World | U.S. | New York | Business

No matter how well we all practice social distancing, Covid-19 is unlikely to completely disappear. So to safely return to something like normalcy, society needs to be able to spot and swiftly contain new cases that pop up.

Rapid, widespread testing, once it becomes available, is the key to the spotting part. But since people can spread the virus before they know they have it, effective containment depends both on isolating those who test positive and on checking everyone theyve come in contact with recently.

Thats why public health officials say robust contact tracing is a must for reopening the economy, which President Trump hopes will start happening by May 1. But it will be a huge, expensive job.

Mr. Trump is expected to announce as soon as Thursday evening that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hire hundreds of workers to perform contact tracing, and that the federal government will help states pay for their own expanded efforts.

Contact tracing has already helped in Asian countries like South Korea and Singapore, but their systems rely heavily on digital surveillance, using location data from smartphones and other digital footprints to automatically alert contacts a privacy intrusion that many Americans wouldnt accept.

So Massachusetts, the first U.S. state to invest in an ambitious new contact-tracing program for Covid-19, is doing it the manual way.

The state is spending $44 million and hiring 1,000 workers to reach out by phone to everyone who has had recent contact with a confirmed case. The workers explain the situation, ask about symptoms, go over quarantine requirements and arrange help if the person needs it.

This is where the human element of public health comes in, one of the states new contact tracers, David Novak, told our New England correspondent Ellen Barry. You can use technology to make the humans more efficient, but if you take the humans out of it, how do you ask questions?

Other places with the same idea: San Francisco is assembling and training 150 volunteers to augment its public health department. Ireland is deploying 1,000 furloughed government workers to do contact tracing.

The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter like all of our newsletters is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.

More than 5.2 million workers filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week, bringing the four-week total to a staggering 22 million. Thats roughly the net number of jobs created in the decade since the last recession.

But that decade of economic growth was always somewhat misleading: While some people high on the income ladder became very rich, other Americans did not fare as well, and are now less able to weather the current storm. We spoke to Patricia Cohen, who covers the economy for The New York Times, about how workers are struggling in the coronavirus crisis.

How has the pandemic exposed hidden weaknesses in the U.S. economy?

Patricia: I think of it like an X-ray that is revealing all these stress fractures, which we couldnt see from the outside. On the one hand, weve had this record-setting economy, with the lowest jobless rate in 50 years. But the work available is often unsteady, insecure and low-paying. Minimum wage is not enough to support a family and cover the most basic necessities of food, rent and health care. And we have a just in time economy: Peoples hours fluctuate erratically. It helps businesses make money, but the worker loses that income.

Now that system is being tested in a way it hasnt before.

Exactly. Many people were already living on a precipice, and any shock can push them over the edge. So what youre seeing now is incredible hardship: Because they have no savings, they have nothing to fall back on.

What will the recovery look like for workers?

The economy is likely to slowly ramp up, in fits and starts, but a lot of businesses will not come back, and a lot of people will not be rehired. Most analysts think that at this point, well have an 8 or 9 percent unemployment rate into next year, which is where it was in the teeth of the recession.

Emerging research into severe coronavirus cases has found some surprises: Obesity appears to pose a much greater risk than expected, while asthma does the opposite.

People with obesity often have other medical problems as well, but new studies point to obesity itself as the second most significant complicating factor in severe coronavirus cases, after age. Young adults with obesity appear to be at particular risk, even if they have no other health issues.

Its not yet known why, though doctors note that abdominal obesity can compress the diaphragm, lungs and chest capacity.

Asthma, on the other hand, has turned up in an unexpectedly low percentage of severe cases just 5 percent in New York, officials said and European researchers called the scarcity striking.

Doctors stressed that people with asthma were still at risk, and said it was important that they continue taking medications that keep their symptoms in check.

Like all viruses, the novel coronavirus is mutating as it replicates in the body and passes from person to person which can make it harder to develop an effective vaccine.

An essay from our Opinion pages examines the two ways mutations can play out. With some diseases, like measles, a vaccine corners the virus for good, but with others, like influenza, scientists must continually develop new versions of the vaccine to keep up with new strains of the virus.

Singapore announced a record jump in coronavirus cases, with most of the 447 new cases arising in crowded dormitories for migrant laborers.

In India, which has reported more than 12,000 infections and 414 deaths, health officials have been attacked while attempting to conduct health screenings.

Japan declared a national emergency and said it would provide individuals with cash payments of 100,000 yen, or nearly $1,000.

The official death count in Spain is closing in on 20,000, but there are signs that the true toll may be far higher. The country is recounting to include any deaths that may have been missed.

Regulate your diet. If the coronavirus has busted your diet and youve busted out the fat pants here are some tips to get back on track.

Send your condolences. In these times, emailed condolences are fine, but avoid texting; consider your tone, and be direct.

Single, or a single parent? Plan ahead so that friends, neighbors and relatives can help if you fall ill. Stock up on medicines, prepare a go-bag for a hospital stay, and get a medical bracelet if you have special medical conditions.

What if both parents get sick? Identify someone now who could step in, work out a plan for the caretaker, and if youre not hospitalized, balance your own recovery with child care.

The World Health Organization has drawn criticism, but a closer look shows that it responded to the epidemic more forcefully and faster than many national governments.

Chinas success in taming the coronavirus has given rise to an increasingly strident blend of patriotism, nationalism and xenophobia.

Heres how one small rural hospital with a single doctor on duty caring for inpatients handled a Covid-19 surge.

Delivering special education services online is exceedingly difficult. This is what it looks like in New York City, whose public schools serve roughly 200,000 students with disabilities.

Britain bought $20 million worth of coronavirus tests from China. They didnt work.

Colombia is trying gender-based social distancing: Men can leave the house to seek out essentials on odd-numbered days, women on even-numbered days.

They may be at the epicenter, but they still have their pride: Stuck-at-home New Yorkers compete to see who has the best New York accent.

I am a senior and my boyfriend is 81. He is very nervous about contracting the coronavirus. On Easter, we drove separately to a Thai restaurant and ordered our meals by phone. We picked up the prepared food at the door and ate it in separate cars with the windows rolled down, trying to talk car to car! After lunch, we took a walk and tried to stay six feet apart. Such is life now as a dating senior!

Marilyn Matteson, Beaverton, Ore.

Let us know how youre dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.

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Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write todays newsletter.

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We are currently living in a situation of extreme uncertainty, and if you are like me, you may have noticed yourself feeling extra anxious lately. Maybe you feel a constant ache it in your shoulders and neck. Maybe you are compulsively checking your phone, unable to tear your eyes away from Twitter and Facebook, or maybe you're extra irritable. According to medical professionals, these are very normal responses to the coronavirus pandemic.

Luckily there are lots of things you can do on your own to help ease the stress. Here are a few that work for me personally (note: I am not a medical professional). Not all of these will work for everyone, so don't beat yourself up if you try something to lessen your anxiety and it doesn't do much. Each of us is unique in our experiences and reactions to stressors!

Create something: Make something with your hands. You can cook or bake, put together a puzzle, color or draw, work in your garden or yard (if you have one), or even clean out your car. Whatever you choose, try to really focus on what you are doing instead of letting your mind wander. Don't worry about making something perfect just enjoy the process!

Go outside or get moving inside: Unless you are currently under lockdown, and assuming you stay at least 6 feet from others, it is safe to go outside. Exercise can help you redirect nervous energy. It also gets your feel-good neurotransmitters flowing. By the way, dancing in your living room counts as exercise!

Step away from your phone: Put the phone down. Leave it in another room while go about your other activities. It will feel weird, but I promise you that logging off Twitter and other social media for half an hour will not harm you. To be clear, your phone isn't the root cause of your anxiety, but a constant barrage of COVID-19 related news isn't helpful, either.

Give yourself a break: If you are really feeling anxious and it is keeping you from your daily activities, try just letting yourself be. A lot of times the pressure we put on ourselves to stay productive, keep working, clean the house, and so on keeps us paralyzed. Banish the word "should" from your vocabulary for now, and just do the best you can. Sometimes just giving yourself permission to slack off is enough to get your motivation and focus back.

Try mindfulness: Mindfulness seems like the hip, hot thing to do lately, but there's a reason for that it works. There are tons of online resources and apps for learning mindfulness. I am most familiar with Headspace, and the thing I like most about it is that students (including grad students!) can get access to the full app for $10/year (usually $70). There is a lot of material in the app, and in my opinion it's worth it.

If full-on mindfulness isn't for you, but you need a way to stay calm when it feels like the world is falling apart around you, the 54321 method of grounding yourself is a good place to start. Take a deep breath, then look around you for five things that stick out to you in the moment, and say them out loud. Then repeat that with four things you can feel, three sounds you hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Then take another deep breath.

We're all in this together. While you may have to stay physically distant from people right now, don't forget to connect socially in any way you can. And if you are feeling totally overwhelmed or depressed, please reach out to a mental health professional.

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Simple science communication helps ease fears and spread good information during the COVID-19 pandemic - Massive Science