Category Archives: Diet And Food

In the 42nd minute of a 2020 European Championship match in Copenhagen, 29-year-old Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen collapsed to the ground as he received a throw-in.

As the medical staff rushed to the field to administer defibrillation, teammates gathered around to shield Eriksen from the view of nearly 14,000 fans in attendance.

Prompt emergency medical attention likely saved Eriksens life. Studies consistently show that more than half the number of athletes who experience sudden cardiac arrest, often erroneously called a heart attack, die before they reach or are discharged from the hospital.

Sudden cardiac arrest isnt unique to soccer. Despite being rare, every year there are reports of amateur or professional athletes in sports like hockey, basketball, or football dying suddenly. In most cases, sudden cardiac death is linked to heart defects present from birth.

Read on as we explore why athletes develop cardiac arrest and what they can do to lower the risk.

Its rare for athletes to develop cardiac arrest. Congenital heart conditions, or heart conditions present from birth, are the most common cause in athletes under 35 years. In older athletes, most sudden cardiac deaths are due to coronary artery disease.

Researchers believe the most common congenital heart conditions that lead to cardiac arrest in athletes in the United States are:

Theres some debate whether HCM really is the most common cause.

A 2015 study looked at autopsies of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes who died of sudden cardiac arrest from 2003 to 2013. One in four athletes had structurally normal hearts, implying that arrhythmias or electrical disorders may have been the most common cause of death.

The researchers only found definitive evidence of HCM in 8 percent of cases compared to 30 to 40 percent in previous studies.

Other heart anomalies that can contribute to sudden cardiac death include:

Dilated cardiomyopathy and Brugada syndrome can also be acquired conditions.

Acquired conditions are those that develop through your life.

The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes over the age of 35 is atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the wall of your arteries. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include:

Other acquired conditions that can lead to cardiac arrest include:

Estimates on how often athletes experience sudden cardiac arrest vary based on the definition of athlete and whether studies include cardiac events away from sport. They range anywhere from 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 1 million.

A 2016 study estimates that the risk of sudden cardiac death among Division 1 NCAA athletes is 1 in 53,703 athletes per year. Some groups of people, such as Black athletes, basketball players, and males, seem to be at a heightened risk.

In a 2020 study, researchers looked at how common sudden cardiac arrest was in middle school to professional athletes using a national surveillance program in the United States.

They identified 74 cases of sudden cardiac arrest with survival, and 105 that resulted in death. More than 80 percent of people were male, and the average age was 16.6 years.

In a 2021 study, researchers looked at the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes ages 11 to 29 in the United States over 4 years. They identified 331 total cases.

How to best prevent sudden cardiac arrest in athletes is still a matter of considerable debate. Guidelines and laws vary between countries.

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (AHA) recommend screening by examining your medical history and performing a physical exam.

Researchers continue to debate the implementation of screening with an electrocardiogram (ECG), as is done in some countries. An ECG is a device that measures the activity of your heart.

Since 1982, Italian law has required pre-participation screening with an ECG for competitive sports practice. But this screening hasnt been uniformly accepted by the international scientific community.

In Italy, the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in athletes is arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Some researchers argue that ECG isnt necessary in the United States, where HCM may be the most common cause of sudden cardiac death.

Researchers are continuing to examine the potential usefulness of genetic tests.

Eating a balanced diet may help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, especially for older athletes. Foods that lower your risk of heart disease are also likely to support athletic performance and overall health.

Having a certified athletic trainer and defibrillator on-site is linked to a much higher chance of survival after sudden cardiac arrest.

In a 2019 study, researchers found overall survival among athletes who had sudden cardiac arrest was 48 percent. However, if a certified athletic trainer was present and involved in resuscitation, survival rose to 83 percent. It increased to 89 percent with the use of an on-site automated external defibrillator.

Careful evaluation from a medical professional is needed before you can return to sport. A study by the AHA found evidence that athletes with genetic heart disease can remain competitive with a reasonably low incidence of cardiac events.

In some cases, it might not be possible to safely return. Your team or institution may also disqualify you over liability concerns.

Eriksen returned to football 8 months after his sudden cardiac arrest. Doctors fitted him with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. However, Italian medical authorities banned him from playing in Italy with his club team Inter Milan, leading him to sign with Brentford in the United Kingdoms Premier League.

The most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes is congenital heart disease. In older athletes, its coronary artery disease.

Sudden cardiac death is rare in athletes, and theres still debate on how to best screen for risk factors.

If you have a known heart problem, you can talk with your doctor about whether its safe for you to participate in sports and whether you should undergo further testing.

Original post:
Heart Attacks in Soccer and Other Sports: Causes, Outlook, Prevention - Healthline

Ayurvedic medicine is about much more than providing treatment. Ayurveda is one of the worlds oldest medical systems. Originating in India 5,000 years ago, it relies on a natural and holistic approach to physical, mental and emotional health.

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But how does it work? Where do you begin? And how do you know if its right for you? Integrative medicine specialist Yufang Lin, MD, yoga therapist Paula Brown, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, and yoga therapist Renee Warren, C-IAYT, RYT 500, share what they know about the practice of Ayurveda.

The word Ayurveda is derived from Sanskrit and means science of life. In Ayurveda, theres an underlying belief that everything in life is connected. Because of this, general health and wellness rely on achieving balance and harmony.

When a person is imbalanced or stressed, theyre likely to develop disease. Ayurveda focuses on implementing lifestyle interventions and natural treatments, therapies and remedies to provide balance among your physical body, mind, spirit and the world around you.

Some ancient healing traditions, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, suggest all individuals have energy, says Dr. Lin. Chinese medicine calls this energy system chi; Ayurveda calls this prana. Just like blood has to flow smoothly and in balance, Ayurveda suggests the energy system in the body also has to flow well and be in balance for us to be healthy.

Balance is achieved with the help of a healthy diet, restful sleep, regular exercise and stress management. If needed, botanicals, exercise, activities that promote mindfulness and other resources may offer additional support.

Every individual is unique, and Ayurveda defines a persons specific constitution, or prakriti. According to Ayurveda, these prakriti determine your physical, psychological, behavioral and immunological traits. Different constitutions respond to different treatments, so what works for you might not work for someone else.

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, each persons constitution is made up of three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha. You can think of doshas as energy types: each of these doshas is believed to dictate your emotional strengths and weaknesses, the foods your body needs and wants, the exercises that might work the best for you and more. Ayurvedic practitioners seek to help you find a balance among all three doshas. When the doshas are out of balance, illness occurs. The Ayurvedic practitioner uses nutrition, stress management, exercise and sometimes herbs to help a person regain health and balance.

Like increases like, so if you have trouble getting up and getting moving, you probably dont want to do a restorative yoga practice in the morning if you need to build energy and get going, says Warren. Instead, you might want to do some sun salutations where youre not holding postures for very long.

Heres what you need to know about each dosha.

According to Ayurveda philosophy, vata controls the flow of movement in your body and mind. Vata determines your flexibility, the movement of your muscles and joints, your blood flow and the way you breathe.

If youre dominant in vata, youre creative, flexible and quick to action. As youre snappy, you also have the downside of worrying or feeling anxious when you have too much vata. For someone with excessive vata, an Ayurvedic practitioner may suggest grounding techniques like sticking to a regular sleep-eat schedule, meditation, rest and relaxation. A walking meditation is a lovely meditation for someone that feels like they cant sit still, especially if its in the morning as the sun is coming up, says Warren.

Pitta is loosely translated as fire, so think of this energy type as something that consumes other things. Pitta, in Ayurvedic theory, is responsible for controlling digestion, hormones and metabolism.

If youre dominant in pitta, you tend to be dominant in leadership, competitive, strong-willed, confident and focused. In Ayurveda, when your pitta is off balance, you might be quick to anger or excitement, make rash decisions or participate in self-destructive behavior. Pitta imbalance also presents itself in inflammation, rashes, skin conditions like eczema or acne, and digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and more. To balance pitta, Ayurvedic practitioners might suggest participating in cool, calming activities. Eating cooler foods or a Mediterranean diet that helps with inflammation are also possible suggestions.

Kapha is the element that holds everything together, from your cells to your muscles, bones and ligaments. The densest of the three doshas, kapha is known for endurance and lubrication.

If youre dominant in kapha, you may be comfortable sticking to a routine. Emotionally, you like to set expectations and hold to them. Kapha-dominant individuals are loyal, nurturing and dependent on others. But when imbalanced, kapha can cause excessive fatigue, weight gain, swelling, disinterest in new activities and inability to let things go. To combat an imbalance of kapha, essential oils may be helpful. Individuals are steered away from comfort foods to lighter fare like fruits and vegetables in smaller portions throughout the day. Increasing physical activity to get blood flowing is also a good practice.

In India, Ayurveda is considered a formal medical care system equivalent to conventional Western medicine. Its estimated that 80% of Indias population of 1.2 billion people use some form of traditional Ayurvedic medicine. In India, there are many government and private Ayurvedic medical schools, clinics and hospitals.And Ayurvedic medicine is an important aspect of traditional Indian culture. Proponents of Ayurveda feel strongly in its effectiveness, citing its history of use over millennia.

However, very few rigorous studies that meet Western standards of scientific validity have been conducted. Even fewer have demonstrated effectiveness.

Of particular concern is that approximately 20% of Ayurvedic medicines fall into a class called Rasashastra. This category intentionally combines and processes minerals, metals and gems for therapeutic purposes. The resulting Bhasmas, depending upon their raw ingredients, may or may not be safe. Some Bhasmas are intentionally made with lead and mercury. These have been associated with hundreds of reported cases of lead poisoning. Some Ayurvedic proponents state these are safe based on their preparation, and those that cause toxicity werent prepared properly. However, there isnt any published scientific evidence to support these claims.

Studies by Cleveland Clinics Chair of Wellness & Preventive Medicine Robert Saper, MD, MPH, have shown approximately 20% of Ayurvedic medicines available in the marketplace and online contain potentially harmful levels of lead, mercury and arsenic. Because of this, Dr. Saper suggests avoiding any products that contain Bhasmas in their ingredients.

The source of heavy metals in Ayurvedic medicines can come from intentional addition, contamination from the environment and contamination during the manufacturing process, says Dr. Saper. Regardless of the cause, lead is toxic and there are no safe levels to consume it.

Although Ayurveda doesnt have a nationally recognized licensure program in the United States, some institutions offer Ayurvedic certifications. The National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) has also pushed for raising awareness about the Ayurvedic profession in the United States and an increase in scientific research to validate its existence.

If youre interested in pursuing Ayurveda, you should speak with your healthcare provider to ensure any herbal medicines have been tested by an independent laboratory such as Consumerlab.com for heavy metals and other contaminants. By working with an integrative medicine physician, you can receive a holistic evaluation that will help you bridge both traditional and complementary medicine techniques safely and effectively.

We evaluate the person holistically through mind, body and spirit perspective, says Dr. Lin. We dive into your lifestyle, how youre eating, how youre taking care of yourself, your thinking process, your spiritual beliefs, your stress management, your exercises and your environment. We take all these factors into consideration to understand what may have contributed to your imbalance, then make a plan to help you restore balance.

From there, you can work with your healthcare provider to find small lifestyle changes you can make each day that can benefit you and provide balance. Some lifestyle changes may include adjusting your bedtime, carving out a space for self-care and reflection, or even just increasing your physical activity.

There are all sorts of things you can do to create this routine to establish greater balance according to Ayurvedic principles, says Warren.

In Ayurveda, food is medicine, notes Dr. Lin. What you eat matters. You can change your diet to support your health.

Working with a specialist, you may incorporate specific safe herbs like ashwagandha, turmeric and ginger to help with stress, anxiety and inflammation.

But Dr. Lin warns that not all supplements available in the U.S., including Ayurvedic supplements, have gone through the rigorous safety, effectiveness and quality criteria used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in drug testing.

I would caution people to be wary of supplements because some of the Ayurvedic medicines are contaminated with heavy metals, so safety can be an issue, she adds.

Speak with your healthcare provider before beginning any supplements to ensure theyre safe.

Many of these ancient healing traditions, such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, are whole medical systems with much history and wisdom behind them, says Dr. Lin. Integrative medicine is about integrating those concepts with mainstream medicine in a safe and effective way by applying current modern scientific principles. Its not about one or the other.

Ayurvedic medicine has been around for thousands of years. But theres still a lot of research needed for Ayurveda to be considered for true integration into Western medical systems.

If you are interested in integrating Ayurveda into your lifestyle, you should see an integrative medicine specialist, advises Dr. Lin. An easy way to start would be exploring Ayurvedic recipes and cooking with Ayurvedic herbs and spices.

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What Is Ayurveda and Does It Work? - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Heart disease is a very general term that describes just about any problem with the structure or function of the heart.

In children and teens, structural changes that form before or just after birth are the most common cause of heart problems. In rare cases, these heart problems may be so severe that they cause serious consequences, or even a heart attack.

Less than 10 percent of all heart attacks occur in people under the age of 40. But the number of younger people having heart attacks is on the rise by about 1.7 percent more each year. This is mostly due to lifestyle factors such as substance abuse, dietary choices, and lack of exercise.

This article will review how heart disease can develop in teens. Well look at risk factors for a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest, and how to help adolescents improve their heart health.

Heart attacks in teenagers are extremely rare. Sudden cardiac arrest in teens is more common but still rare. Although people often use these two terms interchangeably, they dont mean the same thing.

Heart attacks occur when blood to the heart is suddenly stopped, usually due to coronary artery disease. Your arteries become blocked, so not enough blood can make it to your heart.

Sudden cardiac arrest is when your heart stops pumping blood effectively. Blood cant get to important organs in your body, like your brain and lungs.

Teens can experience a heart attack or cardiac arrest for many of the same reasons as adults.

But lifestyle factors tend to be a lesser cause just because they havent had as much time to cause damage in teens. In adults, things like smoking, a lack of exercise, high cholesterol, and other factors build up over decades to reduce heart function.

In teens and young adults, congenital, electrical, or structural problems are more often the cause. Examples of these issues include things like:

Other conditions or factors associated with heart attacks or heart disease in adolescence can include things like:

The primary risk factors for heart disease and heart attack in teens include things like:

Genetics and family history may also play a part.

Blacks are more likely to have heart attacks or heart failure than other groups, and are more likely to die from heart disease, according to a 2015 study. They have higher rates of risk factors for these conditions. Disparities in healthcare access may contribute to these risk factors not being properly treated.

Asian Indians tend to develop coronary artery disease, a risk factor for heart attacks, at an earlier age than other ethnic groups, according to a 2018 study. This may be due to common dietary decisions, such as the overuse of dairy and underuse of fruits and vegetables, according to the study.

Besides heart attacks, cardiac arrest, or heart disease, many things can cause chest pain in teens. These include:

A 2021 study found that less than 10 percent of chest pain causes in children ages 13 to 18 were due to cardiac issues.

If you experience chest pain associated with a heart attack, it usually develops in the center of the chest and may come and go. Rather than a sharp pain, chest pain is usually described as a pressure or squeezing feeling.

A panic attack can sometimes seem like a heart attack. The two events share some symptoms, like sweating and shortness of breath. But there are key differences.

If your pain starts when youre feeling anxious, youre more likely having a panic attack. If your pain starts after some physical exertion, it could be a heart attack.

Its never too early to pay attention to your heart health. Adolescents can take steps early on to prevent cardiovascular disease by knowing their family history and risk factors.

Children and young adults should also be encouraged to establish heart-healthy habits early in life to prevent heart disease. Examples of heart-healthy habits include:

Heart attacks in the teen years are rare. Heart disease in teens usually develops because of a congenital or genetic issue.

Its not often that lifestyle choices cause heart disease to develop in adolescence. If heart disease does develop, its often due to factors like obesity or drug use.

Teens can take steps early to prevent heart disease and heart attacks by getting regular exercise, making balanced diet and lifestyle choices, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening all children, not just athletes, for risk of cardiac arrest starting when they enter middle school or junior high.

Read more from the original source:
Can a 17-year-Old Have a Heart Attack? - Healthline

The Nordic diet incorporates foods commonly eaten by people in the Nordic countries.

Several studies show that this way of eating may cause weight loss and improve health markers at least in the short term (1, 2).

This article reviews the Nordic diet, including foods to eat and avoid, as well as potential health benefits.

BOTTOM LINE: The Nordic diet replaces processed foods with whole, single-ingredient ones. It may support weight loss and help combat high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, inflammatory markers.

The Nordic diet is a way of eating that focuses on locally sourced foods in the Nordic countries Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.

It was created in 2004 by a group of nutritionists, scientists, and chefs to address growing obesity rates and unsustainable farming practices in the Nordic countries.

It may be a good choice from an environmental perspective, as it emphasizes foods that are locally sourced and sustainably farmed.

Compared to an average Western diet, it contains less sugar and fat but twice the fiber and seafood (3).

The Nordic diet emphasizes traditional, sustainable, and locally sourced foods, with a heavy focus on those considered healthy.

The Nordic diet is very similar to the Mediterranean diet. The biggest difference is that it emphasizes canola oil instead of extra virgin olive oil.

As critics correctly point out, some of the foods on the Nordic diet didnt exist in the Nordic countries centuries ago.

These include low-fat dairy and canola oil, which are modern foods. Most fruits also dont grow well in the north except for apples and several types of berries.

Still, the Nordic diet wasnt designed to reflect the diet of Nordic people hundreds of years ago. Instead, it emphasizes healthy foods that are sourced locally in modern-day Scandinavia.

The Nordic diet emphasizes the foods of the Nordic countries. Its similar to the Mediterranean diet and heavily emphasizes plant foods and seafoods.

Several studies have assessed the weight loss effects of the Nordic diet.

In one study in 147 obese people instructed not to restrict calories, those on a Nordic diet lost 10.4 pounds (4.7 kg), while those eating a typical Danish diet lost only 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg) (1).

However, in a follow-up study a year later, the Nordic-diet participants had gained most of the weight back (4).

These results are very typical for long-term studies on weight loss. People lose weight in the beginning but then gradually gain it back over 12 years.

Another 6-week study supports the weight-reducing effects of the Nordic diet, as the Nordic diet group lost 4% of their body weight significantly more than those on a standard diet (5).

The Nordic diet appears to be effective for short-term weight loss even without restricting calories. Still as with many weight loss diets you may regain lost weight over time.

Healthy eating goes beyond weight loss.

It can also lead to significant improvements in metabolic health and lower your risk of many chronic diseases.

Several studies have examined the effects of the Nordic diet on health markers.

In a 6-month study in obese people, the Nordic diet reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 5.1 and 3.2 mmHg, respectively compared to a control diet (1).

Another 12-week study found a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number of a reading) in participants with metabolic syndrome (6).

Even though the Nordic diet is high in many heart-healthy foods, its effects on cholesterol and triglycerides are inconsistent.

Some but not all studies find a reduction in triglycerides, but the effects on LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol are statistically insignificant (1, 2).

Still, one study observed a mild reduction in non-HDL cholesterol, as well as the LDL-c/HDL-c and Apo B/Apo A1 ratios all of which are strong risk factors for heart disease (2).

The Nordic diet does not appear to be very effective at lowering blood sugar levels, though one study noted a small reduction in fasting blood sugar (1, 2).

Chronic inflammation is a major driver of many serious diseases.

Studies on the Nordic diet and inflammation give mixed results. One study found a reduction in the inflammatory marker CRP, while others observed no statistically significant effects (1, 2).

Another study showed that the Nordic diet reduced the expression of genes related to inflammation in your bodys fat tissues (7).

The Nordic diet appears to be effective at lowering blood pressure. The effects on cholesterol, blood triglycerides, blood sugar levels, and inflammatory markers are weak and inconsistent.

The Nordic diet is healthy because it replaces processed foods with whole, single-ingredient foods.

It may cause short-term weight loss and some reduction in blood pressure and inflammatory markers. However, the evidence is weak and inconsistent.

Generally, any diet that emphasizes whole foods instead of standard Western junk food is likely to lead to some weight loss and health improvements.

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Healthline: Medical information and health advice you can trust.

Can keto diet help overweight women increase their fertility? A fertility expert explains here -

Written by Editorial Team | Updated : June 8, 2022 10:57 AM IST

The ketogenic diet is currently all the rage among individuals trying to lose a significant amount of weight rapidly. Given the fact being overweight or obese might diminish your chances of becoming pregnant or staying pregnant. Keto diet has become very popular within less period of time, thanks to social media and viralism. Many overweight women who wish to have a family have shown interest in knowing whether a keto diet can help them lose weight and also increase their fertility. A resounding "maybe" is the response.

A ketogenic diet, which is rich in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbs, induces ketosis, a normal metabolic condition. Your body is forced to become extremely effective at burning fat for energy as a result of drastically lowering your carbohydrate consumption. According to preliminary studies, this adjustment can aid with weight reduction and systemic inflammation, which is essential since inflammation can affect overall fertility. Furthermore, a ketogenic diet followed correctly can help lower insulin levels and perhaps improve the regulation of other reproductive hormones such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (FSH).

Women who do not ovulate or produce an egg on a regular basis, such as those with polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS], might benefit greatly from following a ketogenic diet to lose weight. They may restart ovulating if they reduce 5 to 10 per cent of their body weight.

Some studies show that, in addition to helping women with PCOS lose weight, the ketogenic diet may also help them adjust their hormones and, in some circumstances, even assist women who have previously struggled with infertility become pregnant on their own.

Men's fertility can also be harmed by excess weight and an irregular diet. Poor sperm health has been linked to a normal diet high in processed carbs and sugar, which affects sperm motility, morphology, and shape count. Diets high in healthful fats, such as nuts, seeds, and omega-fatty-acid-rich seafood, on the other hand, have been demonstrated to boost sperm health.

While a ketogenic diet can help a woman lose weight rapidly before attempting to conceive, it's ideal to utilize it to kick-start a new health habit and reduce weight before trying to conceive. It's also crucial to consume enough nutrient-dense whole meals rather than restricting calories for a healthy conception and pregnancy.

Following the keto diet in a healthy way can be difficult, since many individuals eat items high in saturated fat, such as butter and bacon, in order to stay in ketosis. Saturated fat can raise total cholesterol, the heart. Moreover, licensed dietitians believe that one of the health hazards of keto is the development of dietary shortages.

Carbohydrates can provide comfort and help to alleviate morning sickness and other pregnancy symptoms.

There's always a concern around following a restrictive diet like the ketogenic diet indicating that it may increase a woman's stress during reproductive treatments or negatively damage her connection with food. Women typically turn to carbs, such as plain crackers or pretzels, to help them cope with nausea during pregnancy. Even if a woman has quit following the ketogenic diet by the time she becomes pregnant, she may have a residual feeling that such foods aren't good for her and feel guilty about consuming them.

It is important to find the right balance in your body while on a Ketogenic diet. The couple should consult the reproductive endocrinologist or an expert nutritionist before switching over to keto diet.

The article is contributed by Dr Gunjan Sabherwal, Fertility Expert, Nova Southend IVF and Fertility, Gurgaon.

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Keto Diet And Its Impact On Fertility | TheHealthSite.com - TheHealthSite

While there's no magic potion to eliminate all diseases, there is plenty we can do to help lower the risk of obtaining them. A lot of what you eat is taken into consideration, as you need to watch what you're putting in your body. There are lots of foods you can eat, but also ones to stay away from to ensure your body, physically and mentally, is at its peak. One eating habit, in particular, can help lower multiple risks.

According to research posted in the Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, dietary diversity is the best eating habit to attribute to diet quality and helps lower the risk and severity of chronic diseases.

The article mentions defining dietary diversity as several food groups consumed over a certain period. It is the idea of increasing the variety of foods and food groups in your diet to help ensure a substantial intake of essential nutrients. Dietary diversity also encourages biodiversity and sustainability, allows for nutritional fairness, and minimizes unfavorable results of food on health.

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A community-based cross-sectional study took place between December 2016 and January 2017. The research studied 216 adults who took a dietary diversity questionnaire.

The results showed that an average of nearly 45.4% of participants had sufficient dietary diversity scores, meaning that more than half of the population does not achieve their dietary diversity goals. It was also found that age, residency, type of family, and occupation also have a significant impact on adequate dietary diversity.

Along with this conclusion, it was also discovered that increasing the variety of foods and food groups in the diet is essential from the very early stages of life for proper growth and development.

According to the article, several more studies have shown that the overall nutritional quality of the diet is improved with a diverse diet. A diet without diversity can have negative consequences on your health, well-being, and development. It does this by reducing physical capacities, resistance to infection, and impairing cognitive development, reproductive, and even social capacities.

Furthermore, the authors of the Sustainable Diet Series state that approximately 60% of all American adults live with at least one preventable chronic disease. These include cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. Different foods contain different vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and phytochemicals. You get all of the nutrients needed to support your health and lower the risk of disease with a diverse diet.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

The World Health Organization suggests that at least 20 to 30 biologically different types of foods should be consumed each week for a healthy diet. They also suggest a diverse range of nutrient-dense and locally available foods help prevent chronic malnutrition.

According to the Series, there are several ways of measuring dietary diversity. A more common way is by determining the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS). For 24 hours, you record your food consumption. The HDDS score is calculated by placing your reported foods into food groups. The food groups are split up in the following ways:

You can also keep a food journal to jot down what you've eaten in the day. Other ways include trying out a new recipe and eating the rainbow- foods that are naturally different colors. These foods tend to have different nutrients and phytochemicals.

RELATED: Doing This One Simple Thing Will Motivate You to Eat More Fruits and Veggies, Says Study

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The #1 Eating Habit to Significantly Lower Risk of Disease, Says Science Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

According to a recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a cleaner diet may help treat symptoms of major depression.

A twelve-week, randomized control trial conducted by the University of Technology Sydney enrolled a group of 72 males ages 18 to 25 who reported maintaining a poor daily diet. Half of the participants were prescribed the Mediterranean diet, which lead researcher Jessica Bayes chose due to its exclusion of fast food, processed sugar, refined starches, and processed meat, according to Science Daily. The Mediterranean diet is also known to include a variety of fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats.

The other half of participants in the trial were prescribed befriending therapy, a type of emotional intervention that focuses on social support. Results of the study show participants randomized to the Mediterranean diet group scored significantly higher on the Beck Depression Inventory Scale, according to WebMD.

In addition to assessments that measure symptoms of depression administered at the beginning, half-way point, and conclusion of the trial, participants who switched to the Mediterranean diet also reported intending to continue the diet after the study had concluded.

A DEEPER DIVE INTO STUDY RESULTS

Bayes feels results of the study should allow a referral to a dietician to become the standard of care for patients being treated for depression.

According to Science Daily, Roughly 30 percent of depressed patients fail to adequately respond to standard treatments for major depressive disorder such as cognitive [behavior] therapy and antidepressant medications, which supports a growing field of nutrition science known as nutritional psychiatry.

Bayes told WebMD, around 90% of serotonin, a chemical that helps us feel happy, is made in our gut by our gut microbes. There is emerging evidence that these microbes can communicate to the brain via the vagus nerve, in what is called the gut-brain axis. To have beneficial microbes, we need to feed them [fiber], which is found in legumes, fruits and vegetables.

EXPLAINING THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS

The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional pathways of communication that exist between the nervous system of the brain and the nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract. The vagus nerve, one of the biggest nerves in your body, connects your gut and brain by sending signals in both directions, as reported by Healthline.

Naturopathic Doctor Laura Stix told The Food Institute: At one end, thoughts and emotions can affect digestion, and at the other end, gut microbes can impact the nervous system, as well as hormones and the immune system.

The gut-brain axis allows the community of bacteria which constitute the gut, known as microbiota, to directly impact mood, cognition, and mental health through the regulation and production of feel good hormones and neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

Nutrition plays a huge role in dictating what kind of gut microbial community we have, so it must always be considered when looking to address depression or any mental health condition. A diverse range of phytonutrients, fiber, vitamins and minerals are critical components to a balanced gut, Stix said.

Gut microbiota also dictates what is allowed to pass into the body by permeating the intestinal walls, and what gets excreted, as reported by Healthline. An unbalanced gut results in too much of the wrong things passing into the body through the intestinal walls, which results in build-up of an inflammatory toxin called lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS has been associated with systemic inflammation and conditions such as depression, dementia, and schizophrenia.

FOOD BRANDS REACT

Many food brands have already begun shifting their focus to products that include a variety of plant ingredients and minimal additives such as herb and spice blends, fermented foods, and fiber-rich foods.

Registered Dietitian Amanda Sauceda told The Food Institute: Brands can align themselves with the gut-brain axis data by focusing on products that make the gut happy. The good news is that the products dont have to be fancy, with hard-to-find ingredients.

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Examining the Link Between Diet and Depression - Food Institute Blog

There is a new danger lurking at the gym, and it's not the possibility of getting injured by lifting toomuchweight. Certain unregulated sports supplements have been linked to the ability of pre-cancerous pancreatic cells to"turn on" and become full-blown pancreatic cancer, a new study has found. The study warns against takingcertain fat-burningsports supplements.

The other finding of the study was that a high-fat diet, usually full of meat and dairy, is also dangerous and linked to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. The common element in both, the sports supplement and the high-fat diet are ligands, which are essentially messengers that tell cells how to act.There are naturally occurring ligands in the body, and synthetic ones, in supplements. When exposed to excessive amounts of ligands, the pre-cancerous pancreatic cells in mice turned into full-blown pancreatic cancer.

The research, which came out of the University of Michigan, caused the authors to want to sound the alarm against using these unregulated fat-burning sports enhancers, of which Cardarine is one example. In a quick search of Cardarine online, one finds supplements that promise "fat-scorching" and market themselves as metabolism boosters. The ads don't mention that these same supplements carry an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

When these synthetic ligands first were found to reduce fatigue and boost fat-burning and metabolism in mice, the media caught wind of it and promoted them as miracle fat-burning supplements, but now this new study shows that they have a "dark side" and are tied to cancer, the study's lead author said.

"It's shocking to me," said the study's lead author,Imad Shureiqi, M.D.explains. "Initially, researchers found that these synthetic ligands reduced fatigue in mice. This news made its way to major media outlets, which nicknamedCardarine "exercise in a pill." "Unfortunately, what the media didn't address was the dark side of[these compounds]."

Syntheticligands also "help cancer cells get more energy from fats as a fuel source," he said. "Animal models repeatedly show the strong relationship between [synthetic ligands], and cancer promotion in the case of colorectal cancer and stomach cancer. Now we're gaining more information about how it affects pancreatic cancer."

The other risk factor, the study found, is a diet high in fat. Most people know by nowthat a diet high in fat is unhealthy, having been linked in studies to heart disease and risk of stroke. Butthisnew studyalso found correlations between a diet high in fat and pancreatic cancer.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, found that a cell nuclear receptor in the pancreas and ducts can be activated by high-fat diets as well as by synthetic fat-burning substances which may free up the body fat to be used as fuel, but that same mechanism appears to promote cancer cell growth in the pancreas.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a highly lethal form of cancer with a rising occurrence, according to the authors, andany way to either prevent or treat the diseaseisconsidered the highest priority within the medical community. Most cases of pancreatic cancer arise from pre-cancerous lesions called pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, the authors note. What's even more shockingis as many as 55 to 80 percent of adults over 40 are estimated to have these low-grade pre-cancerous silent pancreatic lesions.

The study, published inNature Communications, and led by Dr. Shureiqi, who started his research at the MD Anderson Center, shows that pre-cancerous pancreatic lesions in mice, which act strikingly similar to those in humans, contain higher levels ofa receptor that influences lipid metabolism and cancer formation. These pre-cancerous cells appear to get "turned on" through a mechanismrelated to dietary fat or synthetic fat burners.

The cancer cells can be activated when exposed to certain ligands, both natural and synthetic. That's where the link to exercise supplements comes in: Some of these ligands are found in exercise supplements, such as Cardarine, a fat-burning supplement. Cardarine is marketed as a "fat scorcher" and is often used by bodybuilders to shed body fat effectively.

Synthetic ligands such as those in Cardarine were found in previous studies to reduce fatigue in mice.When that study was picked up and touted by media outlets,theynicknamed the ligands "exercise in a pill." "Unfortunately, what the media didn't address was the dark side of PPAR.," explains Dr. Shureiqi. "PPAR ligands also help cancer cells get more energy from fats as a fuel source," he adds.

Other synthetic forms of ligands, like Cardarine,now found in exercise supplements, were originally designed by pharmaceutical companies to encourage the body to use more fat and treat noncancerous conditions like obesity and hyperlipemia.

Pharmaceutical development of Cardarine for medical usewas discontinuedwhen studies uncovered their potential side effects which include promoting cancer cell growth in the body. Studieslinking these synthetic ligands tocolorectal cancer first surfaced in 1999, which prompted most medical usage to stop. But now, supplement companies and unregulatedsports enhancers are still selling substances like Cardarine and targeting young gym-goers, bodybuilders, and others who want to build muscle and burn fat.

The study, funded by the National Cancer, Institute, suggests that other than avoiding high-fat diets, such as those focused on meat and dairy, people should avoid fat-burning supplements such as the ones mentioned.

Conversely, avoiding meat and dairy and adopting a diet high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and protein from legumes and soy products is a way to be healthy. Replacing meat and dairy with a low-fat diet includes loading up on fiber, which slows the absorption of food, and allows the body to burn calories rather than store them as fat.

The ligands in a high-fat diet and those in certain unregulated exercise supplements could cause pancreatic pre-cancerous cells to turn into full-blown cancer. To be healthy, avoid saturated fat in meat and dairy and focus on a high-fiber diet of plant-based foods instead.

For more expert advice, visit The Beet's Health & Nutrition articles.

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Sports Supplements, High-Fat Diet Tied to Pancreatic Cancer - The Beet

Researchers discovered that supplementing a diet with the sea organisms Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some of the main signs of aging in an animal model.

Supplementing your diet with the sea organisms Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some of the main signs of aging, according to a new study using an animal model.

While the Fountain of Youth, the mythical spring that restores youth to anyone who bathes in it or drinks its waters, is clearly fantasy, scientists are hard at work looking for ways to combat aging. Some of these scientists just had a breakthrough: they discovered that supplementing a diet with sea squirts, reverses some of the main signs of aging.

While more research is needed to verify the effect in humans, as the study was conducted using mice, the findings are very promising.

If youve ever glanced in the mirror and seen greying hair and wrinkles, or if youve forgotten the name of a close friend, you may desire a medication that might halt or even reverse the effects of aging.

According to a new study, this may not be such a silly idea. Researchers from Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Stanford University, Shanghai Jiao tong University, and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences discovered that supplementing a diet with the sea organism Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some of the main signs of aging in an animal model.

Sea squirts can be eaten raw and are found in dishes from Korea (where it is known as meongge, or ) and Japan (hoya, or ). Credit: Jpatokal

Sea squirts may be eaten raw and can be found in recipes from Korea (where it is known as meongge, or ) and Japan (hoya, or ). These aquatic critters contain plasmalogens, which are essential to human body processes. Plasmalogens are naturally found throughout our bodies, notably in the heart, brain, and immune cells, but the quantity in our bodies declines as we age. This loss is also a characteristic of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimers and Parkinsons.

The researchers evaluated the effects of adding plasmalogens to the food of elderly mice to see whether increasing plasmalogen levels may prevent the effects of aging. They discovered that the supplements had a significant impact on the mices learning abilities and physical symptoms.

Professor Lei Fu, the corresponding author of the study, says: Our research suggests that plasmalogens may not just stop cognitive decline, but may reverse cognitive impairments in the aging brain. Additionally, aged mice fed with the plasmalogens grow new black hair that is thicker and glossier than aged mice not fed the supplement.

This study is the first to show, in detail, how plasmalogens affect the aging brain.

The sea organisms Ascidiacea, also called sea squirts, contain substances called plasmalogens, which are vital to our body processes. Credit: Prilfish

The effects of the plasmalogen supplement on learning and memory were evaluated by training mice to navigate a Morris water maze, which consists of a pool of water with a platform that acts as a resting place. Mice typicallydislike swimming, so after five days of training, they remember where the platform is and swim directly to it as soon as they enter the pool. Older mice, on the other hand, take longer to locate the platform following the same amount of training.

Astonishingly, when fed with plasmalogens, aged mice perform more like young mice, finding the platform much quicker than the control group of aged mice that have not been given the supplement.

To find the reason for the improvement shown by plasmalogen-fed mice, the researchers took a closer look at changes happening within the brain. They found that mice that were fed the plasmalogen supplement had a higher number and quality of synapses the connections between neurons than the aged mice not given the supplements.

Aged mice showed improved learning and memory when fed with plasmalogen supplements from Ascidiacea also known as sea squirts. In this study, mice were trained to find a hidden platform in a pool of water (Morris water maze), and the image shows the paths they took to reach the platform. After five days of training, young mice were able to remember the platforms location, whereas aged mice took longer and swam further to reach the platform as they forgot its location. However, when fed a plasmalogen supplement, the aged mice took a shorter, quicker route to the platform than those not given the supplement suggesting improved cognitive function. Credit: Lei Fu

Synapses are a fundamental part of our neural networks and, therefore, crucial for learning and memory. Our synapses tend to be very plastic as children, but they decrease in number and deteriorate with age and in neurogenerative diseases, resulting in cognitive impairments.

Accordingly, in this study, the aged mice fed with plasmalogen supplements showed greater potential for learning new skills and creating new neural networks than the aged mice whose diet was not supplemented. This suggests that dietary plasmalogens can halt the age-related deterioration of synapses.

A further characteristic of getting older, and thought to be a significant factor in neurodegeneration, is inflammation in the brain. Too much inflammation can have a negative effect on cognitive ability, as the brains immune system becomes overactive and turns on itself, attacking neurons and preventing synapses from functioning correctly.

In this study, the inflammation in aged mice was greatly decreased in those given plasmalogen supplements compared to those on a normal diet, providing some insight as to why they performed better in learning and memory tasks.

There are many varieties of sea squirts (Ascidiae). Some are shown in Ernst Haeckels Kunstformen der Natur (1904). Credit: Ernst Haeckel

Although it is still unclear how dietary plasmalogen supplements seem to cause such significant changes in learning and memory, Professor Fu speculates on possible pathways of action.

We found that plasmalogens significantly increase the number of molecules that aid the growth and development of neurons and synapses in the brain. This suggests that plasmalogens can promote neuroregeneration.

There is also an increasing body of evidence that plasmalogens directly affect the structural properties of synapses. Plasmalogens may increase the fluidity and flexibility of synaptic membranes, affecting the transmission of impulses between neurons.

Additionally, Professor Fu explains that plasmalogens may also have indirect effects on our brains.

Some studies have shown that dietary plasmalogens affect the microorganisms in the gut. It has been widely reported that the connection between the organisms in our gut and our brain influences neurodegeneration. It may be the plasmalogens effect on this connection that causes the improvements in learning and memory are seen in this study.

Professor Fu is so convinced by the results of this study that he takes a plasmalogen supplement each day.

For the first time, we show that plasmalogen supplements might be a potential intervention strategy for halting neurodegeneration and promoting neuroregeneration.

The oral intake of plasmalogens could be a feasible therapeutic strategy to improve cognitive function in older people.

So, it could be that a pill to keep you young may not be such an unrealistic proposition after all as long as it contains sea squirts.

Reference: Plasmalogens Eliminate Aging-Associated Synaptic Defects and Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation in Mice by Jinxin Gu, Lixue Chen, Ran Sun, Jie-Li Wang, Juntao Wang, Yingjun Lin, Shuwen Lei, Yang Zhang, Dan Lv, Faqin Jiang, Yuru Deng, James P. Collman and Lei Fu, 23 February 2022, Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences.DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.815320

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Stanford Scientists Discover That Adding a Particular Seafood to Your Diet Can Reverse Signs of Aging - SciTechDaily

New Delhi: Trying out new things is always an enthralling experience, especially when it comes to food. Amidst the mysterious world of flora, discovering exotic fruits and vegetables can help you achieve this thrill. While it's true that social media platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram have brought a bunch of these fruits into light, there are a bunch of exotic fruit varieties waiting to be discovered by the masses.

Today we'll look at some exotic fruits that you may or may not have heard about. Well, we can't promise that you'll like them, but we'd surely recommend you to try them for fun.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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5 exotic fruits that you must add to your diet - Times Now