Category Archives: Diet And Food

Fiber is known for keeping your digestive system healthy and lowering cholesterol levels. Now, study findings suggest it also may protect the brain from dementia.

The study involved approximately 3,700 healthy adults, ages 40 to 64, who completed routine dietary surveys for 16 years. Researchers then monitored the participants for two decades to see which ones developed dementia. The study revealed that people who consumed the most daily fiber had the lowest rates of dementia. The reverse also was true those who ate the least fiber had the highest rates. Specifically, the low-risk group consumed an average of 20 grams daily, while those with the highest risk averaged only 8 grams. (The USDA recommends that men over age 50 eat 30 grams of fiber daily.)

The researchers speculated that several mechanisms could be at play. For instance, fiber-rich diets help lower weight and blood pressure, changes that protect against vascular dementia (a decline in thinking skills caused by reduced blood flow to the brain). Fiber also increases good bacteria in the gut, which might reduce brain inflammation via a connection called the brain-gut axis. The study only showed an association and cannot prove that differences in dietary fiber were responsible for changes in the risk of dementia. But, it highlights another way diet might support brain health. The results were published online Feb. 6, 2022, by Nutritional Neuroscience.

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A high-fiber diet may reduce the risk of dementia - Harvard Health

In recent years, researchers have made significant advances toward understanding celiac disease, bringing "a surge of potential therapies to the drug development pipeline," Alice Callahan writes for the New York Times.

Key takeaways: Defining and assessing value for next-generation therapies

According to Alessio Fasano, director of the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital, until roughly 15 years ago, pharmaceutical companies did not show much interest in research and drug development for celiac disease.

"At the time, researchers knew that for those with the condition, consuming gluten a protein found in wheat, rye and barley caused damage to the small intestine," Callahan writes. "But they didn't understand how or why gluten had this effect."

Still, at the time, many believed the simplest way to manage celiac disease was to adopt a gluten-free diet, Fasano said.

Currently, a gluten-free diet is the only way the estimated1% of peoplewho have this autoimmune condition can avoid small intestine damage and the unpleasant symptoms of the disease, which can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, depression, fatigue, headache, a blistery skin rash, and iron-deficiency anemia.

Even a small amount of glutenjust a crumbcan trigger symptoms and cause intestinal damage. In addition, a strict gluten-free diet requires non-stop vigilance and makes everyday activities like eating out and traveling "risky and anxiety-provoking," Fasano said.

In asurvey published in 2014, 341 respondents with celiac disease said the burden of managing the condition was worse than the burden of managing chronic acid reflux or high blood pressureequating it to living with diabetes or kidney disease with dialysis.

According to Elena Verd, a professor of gastroenterology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, even when trying to avoid gluten, roughly 30% of people with celiac disease still experience symptoms.

Meanwhile, gluten-free foods can bemuch more expensivethan options that contain gluten. In addition, many people do not have access to a dietitian who can support them and help them plan a balanced, gluten-free diet, Verd said.

"As it's become clearer that maintaining a gluten-free diet is neither simple nor satisfactory for many celiac patients, researchers have also made recent strides in grasping how the disease works," Callahan notes.

Now, researchers understand "almost step-by-step the march, the progress from the moment in which you break down gluten to the point in which you destroy your intestine," Fasano said. "An entire world opens up in terms of new treatments."

While there is currently no treatment for celiac disease, there are 24 potential therapiesin various stages of development, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Notably, the therapies being tested are designed to target different parts of the disease pathway, Fasano said. For example, some therapies are enzymes meant to help with the digestion of gluten by breaking it down into smaller, less harmful fragments. Other approaches are designed to make the lining of the small intestine less porous, making it more difficult for partially digested gluten to enter the body. Still, other therapies are designed to target the immune system to prevent it from damaging the intestine, Fasano added.

If these potential therapies are proven safe and effective, they likely would not be cures for the disease or "a free ticket for high-gluten consumption," but they could help mitigate the effects of accidentally eating small amounts of gluten, Verd noted.

Still, these potential therapies are likely at least a few years away from receiving approval. "Drug design and approval isa really very lengthy path," said Verd.

Vaccine-like therapies for celiac disease, which would train the immune system to tolerate gluten, are also being investigated. According to Fasano, this approach is the "holy grail" because it could allow those with celiac disease to safely consume higher amounts of gluten.

Notably, a Phase 2 trial of a vaccine-like therapyfor celiac disease was discontinued in 2019because it did not appear to be effective. However, Fasano said researchers still "hold a lot of hope in this approach."

With so many potential therapies under development, Verd said she hopes to eventually see several medications on the market. (Callahan, New York Times, 6/1)

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Beyond gluten-free: The promising celiac treatments on the horizon - The Daily Briefing

Crohns disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that involves chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. It causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever. People with Crohns disease typically experience periods of remission, during which the disease is inactive, alternating with periods of relapse, when the symptoms return or worsen.

Experts do not know exactly what causes Crohns disease, but they believe that it results from an abnormal immune response to gut bacteria in people with a genetic predisposition to the condition. Researchers are studying a variety of strategies to promote healthy gut bacteria in people with Crohns disease.

Although were still in the early stages, its really exciting that the first microbiome therapeutics are starting to make their way into real life, Dr. Arun Swaminath, the chief of gastroenterology at Northwell Healths Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, told Medical News Today.

Here, we explore the role that bacteria may play in the development and treatment of Crohns disease.

Trillions of bacteria and other microbes live in the human digestive tract. Collectively, these microbes and the substances they produce make up the microbiome.

Although some bacteria cause disease, many play important roles in human health. So-called friendly bacteria help digest foods, synthesize nutrients, and regulate the immune system.

Dysbiosis is the term for an abnormal balance of microbes in the body, and it may contribute to certain health conditions, including Crohns disease and other types of IBD.

In general, the gut bacteria in people with Crohns disease are less diverse, and there are changes in the abundance of specific species, Dr. Kerri Glassner, a gastroenterology specialist at Houston Methodist in Texas, told MNT.

Research suggests that people with active IBD tend to have lower levels of friendly intestinal bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Studies have also shown that these individuals have low levels of certain protective metabolites. Friendly bacteria produce these compounds when they break down food.

People with IBD also tend to have more potentially pathogenic bacteria in their gut than people without IBD. These include a type of bacteria known as adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC).

According to a 2021 study in Cell Host & Microbe, AIEC produces a metabolite that triggers inflammation when it interacts with immune cells in the lining of the intestine. A 2022 study found that inflammation creates an environment conducive to the growth of AIEC.

If dysbiosis plays a role in Crohns disease, changing the composition of the microbiome might help treat the condition. Scientists are studying a variety of treatments to reduce disease-causing microbes and promote the growth of friendly bacteria in people with Crohns disease.

These treatments include:

Some of these treatments are widely available. Others are only available in clinical trials.

Antibiotics are a class of medication that kills bacteria.

Doctors often prescribe antibiotics to people who undergo surgery for Crohns disease and those who develop infections or certain complications, such as abscesses.

Some studies have also examined the use of antibiotics to induce remission in Crohns disease. When researchers reviewed the evidence, they found that the benefits of antibiotics for treating active Crohns disease are likely modest. The authors conclude that more research on this treatment approach is necessary.

Exposure to antibiotics can cause some bacteria to become resistant to this treatment.

Antibiotics can also kill friendly bacteria along with harmful bacteria, which may contribute to dysbiosis. They can wipe out all different types of bacteria, so youre not just getting rid of the bad ones, said Dr. Swaminath.

Probiotics are live bacteria and other microorganisms that provide health benefits. They are present in certain foods and available as dietary supplements. Companies sometimes sell probiotics in combination with prebiotics, which are types of fiber upon which bacteria feed.

A 2020 Cochrane review reports on a small randomized controlled trial that compared probiotics with a placebo for inducing remission in Crohns disease. It found that probiotics were no more effective than a placebo for inducing remission.

A 2020 review from the American Gastroenterological Association also found a lack of evidence to support the benefits of probiotics for inducing or maintaining remission in Crohns disease.

Efforts to develop and identify effective probiotic treatments for Crohns disease continue.

For example, scientists have specifically designed two proprietary blends of bacterial strains called GUT-103 and GUT-108 to treat dysbiosis in IBD. In a 2021 animal study, mice with inflammation of the colon had more friendly bacteria, fewer disease-causing bacteria, and reduced inflammation after receiving these probiotic products. Researchers must conduct clinical trials to learn how these products affect the microbiome in humans.

It is possible that some people with Crohns disease may benefit more than others from certain probiotics or other treatments. In the future, I think we will see more studies evaluating the specific microbiome changes in each individual patient with IBD, allowing us to better personalize therapy, said Dr. Glassner.

Probiotic supplements are subject to less strict regulations than pharmaceutical drugs in the United States. A company may describe a product as probiotic even if it has no proven health benefits. Companies do not always label the specific microbial strains that probiotic supplements contain.

In FMT, doctors collect stool from a number of healthy donors. Healthcare professionals then pool these specimens together and transplant them into other peoples digestive systems.

In its 2021 guidelines, the American College of Gastroenterology recommends FMT as a treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection that does not resolve with antibiotic treatment. C. difficile infection can cause severe diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

A 2021 study in Gut Microbes reports that people with IBD have an increased risk of C. difficile infection. After trialing the use of FMT in 18 participants, the researchers found that it was safe and effective for treating recurrent C. difficile in people with IBD.

Some research suggests that FMT may also have benefits for treating IBD itself. When the researchers combined the results of six controlled trials, they found that 37% of participants experienced remission from IBD following FMT. Roughly 29% of people who received FMT experienced adverse events, which were mostly mild. These resolved within 24 hours of the transplant and included diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence, and fever.

What theyve shown is there are some people who do respond to stool transplants, and its worth figuring out why those people got better, said Dr. Swaminath. Its not clear whether theres something about the donor stool that went to those patients that was maybe better. Were only starting to understand it.

More research is necessary to identify the ideal traits of stool donors.

FMT remains an experimental treatment for Crohns disease, and it is not widely available outside of clinical trials. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that without proper testing of donor stool, FMT can cause potentially life threatening infections.

Diet plays a key role in shaping the gut microbiome. Certain dietary changes may help promote the growth of friendly bacteria. More research is necessary to learn how specific diets affect the microbiome and disease activity in people with Crohns disease.

A lot of people feel like if they can improve their gut health by improving their diets, theyll be better off. I think on a macro level, thats probably true. But its hard to show that in patients whove already got Crohns disease, said Dr. Swaminath.

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is a liquid formula-based diet that can help induce and maintain remission in children with Crohns disease. According to a 2019 review in European Medical Journal: Gastroenterology, anti-inflammatory effects and changes in intestinal microbes might help account for the benefits of EEN.

A 2021 study of children with Crohns disease found that both EEN and a Crohns disease exclusion diet (CDED) may help induce remission. By the third week, 85% of children on EEN and 82% of children on CDED had a rapid response or achieved remission from Crohns disease. The CDED involves avoiding certain foods, such as dairy, gluten, and emulsifiers.

Some research has also linked the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) and the autoimmune diet to reduced disease activity in Crohns disease. However, the authors note that there was insufficient evidence to recommend either diet. They add that the SCD is so restrictive that it is difficult to follow.

A 2021 study found that the Mediterranean diet provided similar benefits as the SCD for reducing the symptoms of Crohns disease.

These three diets differ in the foods they restrict, but they are all low in processed foods. As the Mediterranean diet is less restrictive, it may be easier to stick to in the long term.

Based on the data we have, patients with Crohns disease benefit from a Mediterranean-type diet, low in processed foods and sugar, said Dr. Glassner.

Before adjusting their diet to manage Crohns disease, people should speak with a doctor or dietitian who can help them learn how to meet their nutritional needs safely.

Research on microbiome-targeted treatments for Crohns disease is ongoing. Some experimental treatments are only available in the context of clinical trials.

Scientists use clinical trials to research medical interventions in humans. Taking part in clinical trials gives people the opportunity to receive experimental treatments, which may have benefits. However, these treatments may also pose risks that scientists do not yet clearly understand.

Before signing up for a clinical trial, people should speak with a doctor about the potential benefits and risks. They can also speak with the researchers running the trial to learn more about it.

To find clinical trials that are recruiting participants with Crohns disease, a person can search for the condition in the ClinicalTrials.gov database.

Ongoing research may lead to the development and approval of new treatments that effectively alter the microbiome in people with Crohns disease. In the meantime, various treatments are already available to treat Crohns disease.

A doctor may prescribe one or more of the following medications to reduce inflammation in people with Crohns disease:

A doctor may also prescribe other treatments to help manage the symptoms or complications of Crohns disease. These include medication and surgery.

Although scientists do not know the exact cause of Crohns disease, they believe that gut bacteria play a role.

It is possible that promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria in people with Crohns disease may reduce inflammation and symptoms of the condition. Research on probiotic supplements, FMT, exclusion diets, and other treatments that target the microbiome is ongoing.

A person can speak with a doctor to learn more about the role of the microbiome in Crohns disease and the potential benefits and risks of different treatment approaches. A doctor may prescribe medication, surgery, or other treatments to manage Crohns disease. In some cases, they might advise a person to take part in a clinical trial.

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Good bacteria in the treatment of Crohn's disease - Medical News Today

New Delhi: When eating a fruit or vegetable, people often get rid of the peel for food safety and hygiene purposes. However, in some cases, eliminating the skin might strip away some potential nutritional value of the food. While it's true that peels of certain fruits might not taste great, it's also true that they might be loaded with nutrition and by not peeling them, you'll probably save some time. Taking about not-so-delicious, yet healthy peels, did you know that banana peels are a rich source of fibre and can be consumed safely?

Healthy peels

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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Don't throw away the peel! Skins of fruits and vegetables that are safe to eat - Times Now

From charcoal toothpaste to lemon water, the internet is awash with advice on how best to keep your pearly whites looking their best - but if you follow some of this guidance you could end up damaging them instead

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We all know social media loves peddling health and wellness advice but some dental guidance out there is so worryingly wide of the mark that following it could do more harm than good.

Thankfully, one expert is keen to debunk such unhelpful internet myths, advising people to steer well clear of them if they want to keep their teeth healthy.

Dr Khaled Kasem, chief orthodontist at orthodontic chain Impress, said it can be difficult separating fantasy from fiction when so many suspicious theories are often presented as fact.

Here are his top five worst bits of advice he has recently seen on the web:

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Youve probably seen charcoal toothpaste heralded as the ultimate tooth-whitener, but dont be fooled, Dr Kasem told The Sun.

"Charcoal toothpaste does lift a light surface of staining, giving your teeth a temporary glow, however it can be abrasive and damage the enamel on your teeth.

"If the particles become embedded in the cracks of your enamel, it can cause your teeth to crack and may result in an expensive trip to the dentist not ideal when youre searching for that Hollywood smile."

As a simple alternative, he recommended treating your gnashers to a standard whitening toothpaste.

"If youre hoping to achieve a permanently brighter, white smile, its best to consult a dental professional as not only will it be much more effective, but it will also be safer, too," he said.

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Who hasnt seen those TikTok videos extolling the virtues of drinking humble lemon water?

Yes it can indeed help to hydrate, is a good source of vitamin C and aid digestion and support skin health but at what cost?

Dr Kasem said that drinking too much could actually damage your teeth.

"Lemon juice is very acidic and can erode enamel, making your teeth susceptible to gum disease and decay over time, he said.

"Therefore, if it is one of your daily rituals, its best to drink it through a straw to help protect your teeth. If youre showing any signs of mouth sores, steer clear of it all together, as the acidity can cause irritation and inflammation," he added.

Some influencers are forever perpetuating that apple cider vinegar is great for detoxing and weight-loss, but consuming a lot of it can upset your stomach and throat, not to mention wrecking your teeth, says Dr Kasem.

Just like lemon water, the high acidity can erode tooth enamel.

"Without this protective layer, your teeth are open to the dangers of decay and permanent staining.

"Before trying apple cider vinegar, consider whether its worth jeopardising the colour, and overall health, of your teeth," he added.

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Many of us have taken to eating smaller meals more often, but have we ever considered this could be unkind to our teeth?

Dr Kasem says these smaller gaps between eating gives your mouth less time to break down the foods youve just eaten.

This then paves the way for bacteria and acid to build-up on your teeth and gums.

"Wed always recommend eating three meals a day where possible, brushing once after breakfast and once after your evening meal, because eating little and often without a substantial break and clean, increases your chances of developing tooth decay and even gum disease," he added.

'Eating clean' is something of a buzz phrase at the moment, with juice cleanses a diet that involves consuming only juices from vegetables and fruits - often touted as being highly beneficial to us.

While Dr Kasem says such a regime is, of course, helpful to getting your five-a-day, it could also be harming your mouth.

"Drinking juice directly allows sugar to build up and get stuck in the crevices of your teeth.

"Overexposure to juicing can lead to complications such as cavities, crumbling molars, and even tooth decay, so if youre wanting to try juicing, make sure to do it as part of a balanced diet between solids and liquids," he said.

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Five 'dental health tips' that could actually ruin your teeth, says top dentist - The Mirror

As a parent, you want to make sure your children are healthy, safe and supported when you send them off to school in the morning. You also expect your kids will come home safely at the end of the day. Unfortunately, the increase in school violence over the last 20 years may bring up anxiety and concern over your childrens safety and youre not alone.

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The U.S. federal government doesnt track school shootings. But according to The Washington Post, since the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, 311,000 students have experienced gun violence at school. And in 2021, there were 42 shootings on K-12 campuses more than any other year since 1999.

When these traumatic events happen, its understandable why your anxiety might be high regarding your kids safety. How can you ensure theyll be safe? How should you address questions from your kids about these events? And how can you make sure youre strong enough to support them through these difficult moments?

Psychiatrist Molly Wimbiscus, MD, shares what you can do when youre concerned for your childs safety and how to approach the conversation with your kids about school violence.

Talking to your kids about traumatic events can be challenging. Where do you even begin? And how protective should you be about providing information? According to Dr. Wimbiscus, its all about making sure your child continues to feel safe.

You want to set the framework so your kids feel safe when they go to school, says Dr. Wimbiscus.

Heres how you can help steer the conversation.

Its easy to feel overwhelmed by the outpouring of news surrounding school shootings. Research suggests schools are actually much safer than they appear especially when interventions like school safety plans are put in place and followed. But more importantly, for your childs continued development and emotional and mental health, its important they continue to feel safe at school.

Its important to have them understand their school is a safe place because maintaining normalcy and maintaining your routine is so critical for stability, says Dr. Wimbiscus. When our routines change abruptly, our anxiety only grows and then we have a much harder time resetting and getting back into our routine.

Maintain strong relationships with your school educators and community members by getting involved with school activities and attending town halls and safety meetings. Then, reinforce that there are teams of adults in place who will do absolutely anything to protect your child should a tragic event happen.

Set the framework that they are surrounded by loving teachers and staff members within their schools who are educated and trained and who will do anything in their power to make sure they are safe, says Dr. Wimbiscus.

Avoiding any conversation about whats happened can be harmful. Your child may have questions of their own. They may also be experiencing feelings of fear, anxiousness or doubt that can be confusing and hard to process.

Its not uncommon for a child to say, Im scared, for a few weeks after a tragedy. Its a normal reaction and it normally lessens with time and distance from the event, notes Dr. Wimbiscus.

But having a conversation early on about whats happened and how theyre feeling could help simplify that process. Knowledge, after all, is power.

For older children in middle school or high school, youll want to ask them what they understand about the situation. Give them the space to explain how theyre processing the event and talk about how theyre feeling. If they have any specific questions, its good to let them know youre there to answer them and provide whatever they need.

Many kids are living in communities with violence and theyre quite aware of the traumas associated with gun violence and other types of violence. So, its important for them to be able to discuss that, says Dr. Wimbiscus.

For younger children in elementary school or preschool, its important to be direct. You may want to spare the details and try to avoid any images of the event of TV coverage. Instead, explain that something bad may have happened and reinforce the idea that youre there to protect them. If they have questions, make sure youre able to answer them the best you can while maintaining a positive attitude.

The best outcome for a child is to have at least one supportive adult they trust who will help filter the information of whats happening and provide reassurance, says Dr. Wimbiscus.

In this day and age, information travels fast. Kids will talk to each other about whats happening, and theres an excess of information online and on social media. For this reason, you should have the conversation about whats happened as early as possible to avoid disinformation and the buildup of fear and anxiety.

Setting the stage is so important, says Dr. Wimbiscus. Its far better for your child to hear from you that theyre safe and loved and that adults will do the very best to take care of them.

When you see something terrible happening in the news, its easy to want to pull your child out of school or check in with them immediately to make sure theyre safe.

Theres risk in over checking. Its a hard place to be as a parent because your anxiety is also normal. Its OK to respect your needs as an adult, to have that fear and that sense of urgency to make sure your child is safe, says Dr. Wimbiscus. The challenge is making sure it doesnt become a burden for your child by agitating or increasing your childs anxiety.

If you feel your school isnt being communicative enough about student events and its safety plans, you should connect with your principal or guidance office about ways to improve that communication.

When it comes to checking in with your child, maintain the normal relationship youve already established. Some parents drop their kids off at school and refrain from further communication until they pick them up at the end of the day. Other parents may text their children during the day and have them check in during lunch or study hall. As long as your child is respecting the schools use of electronics and youre maintaining that sense of normalcy youve established with them, youre doing the right thing.

Calling or removing the child from school and keeping them out for a while may not be in the best interest of your child, cautions Dr. Wimbiscus. Instead, you want to try to maintain the typical and normal communication style you already have.

Having a cellphone at school couldnt hurt, but you may want to consider a few guidelines before establishing that connection. The important thing is that your child follows school rules regarding using electronics while in class.

The other thing to consider (and something that may put you at ease) is that many kids have access to email while at school. These emails can sometimes be used in case of emergencies and they are often monitored by school officials for inappropriate behavior and high-risk assessment.

There are systems in place that will immediately alert school staff to assess the situation, says Dr. Wimbiscus.

All schools have safety plans in place in case of emergencies. These safety plans are followed during natural disasters, when a staff member or community member experiences a death or accident on a school campus, or when a tragic event involving school violence occurs. Often, a school district will have a service director or safety director in place to oversee the operations of a safety plan. School faculty and staff are then trained to follow the guidelines put in place in case of a crisis.

Kids are trained to respond differently to crisis situations in different districts, explains Dr. Wimbiscus. A really important part of training the kids is not increasing anxiety and trauma associated with the training.

If you want to know more about your schools safety plans, some important questions to ask your principal or guidance counselor might include:

If your child has experienced a crisis at school, there are a few things you can do to help them (and yourself) on a path to recovery.

When a crisis happens, its normal to experience heightened anxiety, nightmares, lack of sleep, feelings of illness and lack of appetite.

These are all normal biological responses to trauma, assures Dr. Wimbiscus. But if these go on for too long, you should talk to your doctor and make sure youre doing everything you can to maintain your natural biological rhythms.

Focusing on taking care of the simple, day-to-day needs of diet, sleep, exercise and social activities are important because it helps get you back to normal, healthy activities. Stay close to family and friends who love you. Try to keep up with healthy meals throughout the day. Or get involved with trauma-informed practices like yoga. Whatever you do, your basic health and the health of your child should be front and center.

If youve been in the midst of a crisis, theres typically a trauma response team that will come to the school and support students, staff and families, says Dr. Wimbiscus. These professionals will come in and are available for debriefing and for brief trauma-focused therapy. If someone is identified who needs more ongoing care, there are different trauma therapists who can be available.

A healthcare provider can help address ongoing PTSD and help manage your childs anxiety. You may also want to seek further medical attention if your child exhibits prolonged, extensive changes in their behavior such as:

Our greatest risk for our youth is not violence from others; its the risk of self-harm or suicide, stresses Dr. Wimbiscus.

According to a 2018 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 24-year-olds.

One fact we do know is that asking your child about suicide does not increase their risk for suicide, says Dr. Wimbiscus. Its OK to say, Are you having any thoughts of not wanting to be alive? Are you having any thoughts of hurting yourself?

If youre concerned about your childs ability to self-harm or if theyre having suicidal thoughts, you should have them assessed by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

You can do this by limiting access to news coverage or social media related to the traumatic event that happened. When doing this, its important to maintain open forms of communication with your child. But its important to note: Not everyone can talk about what happened.

Some people cant talk about it because its too traumatic and retriggering, says Dr. Wimbiscus. You cant force a conversation about trauma. You cant force an intervention for trauma response. But theres research that suggests the sooner interventions are put in place for someone whos had serious trauma, the more theyll experience improved long-term outcomes.

If your child wants to talk about what happened, enter into that conversation with compassion and reassure them that theyre safe and protected. But if your child isnt ready, thats OK. You can do a simple check-in by saying something as simple as:

I know something really scary happened. I just want you to know I love you and Im here for you. Sometimes, people dont want to talk about scary things and you dont have to talk about it. Im going to take care of you and Im here to answer any questions you have.

If you need additional support, Dr. Wimbiscus suggests the following resources:

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What To Do if Youre Worried About Your Childs Safety at School or Youve Experienced a Crisis - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

A GAME-changing drug helps tubby adults shed up to 52lbs, according to a major study.

The highest-dose of the weekly injection, known as tirzepatide, saw obese adults drop more than a fifth of their bodyweight in little over a year.

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Such results are similar to those normally seen from stomach-stapling surgery.

Experts claim the drug could help revolutionise obesity treatment and reverse the type 2 diabetes epidemic.

But there are fears that the pills only work while you are taking it and that once you stop the regular doses and slip back into bad habits the pounds could pile back on.

Originally developed to tackle diabetes, it works by targeting hormones that regulate appetite, slashing hunger and calorie intake.

However, side-effects include vomiting and diarrhoea, according to the study in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Two in three Brit adults are too fat and the World Health Organisation has warned the UK will be the fat man of Europe in a decade.

Speaking at the 82nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, lead researcher Professor Ania Jastreboff, from Yale University said: Notably, about nine out of ten individuals with obesity lost weight while taking tirzepatide.

Obesity should be treated like any other chronic diseasewith effective and safe approaches that target underlying disease mechanisms...

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"These results underscore that tirzepatide may be doing just that."

The study involved 2,539 tubby adults, although none had diabetes.

Volunteers given the highest dosage of tirzepatide lost 52lbs after 16 months - or 22.5 per cent of their weight - while those given weaker shots dropped between 35 and 49lbs.

The UK drugs watchdog approved a similar fat-busting therapy in February for use on the NHS for up to 1.3 million adults.

In trials, tubby adults given semaglutide weekly shed nearly 2.5 stone in just 15 months six times as much as those told to just exercise and diet.

Commenting on the latest study, Professor Sir Stephen ORahilly, Director of the Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit at Cambridge University, said: The results of this trial are very impressive.

Treatment of people with obesity with a weekly injection of tirzepatide produced weight loss similar to that seen with weight loss surgery.

Side effects were mild to moderate and generally related to some nausea and vomiting.

"Blood tests showed improvements in all the markers of metabolic and cardiovascular health.

This study, and recent similar reports of a related agent semaglutide, provide secure evidence that people with obesity can be effectively and safely treated using a medication that is based on the modification of naturally occurring hormones.

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Game-changing drug can help tubby Brits shed up to 52lbs, experts say... - The Sun

Research Presented at the ADA's Scientific Sessions Highlights Need to Address Health Equity to Improve Diabetes Management and Outcomes

NEW ORLEANS, June 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, two studies provide evidence that social determinants of health account for disparities in health outcomes related to diabetes. Both studies were released as poster presentations at the 82nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in New Orleans, LA.

This research comes at a time when individuals with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to develop diabetes, experience more complications, and die sooner than those with a higher socioeconomic status.

National Institutes of Health (NIH): Impact of Food Insecurity and Diet Quality on Diabetes

The ADA recommends that people with diabetes consume a high-quality diet to achieve diabetes treatment goals. Further, current research shows that Americans that have greater access to nutritious foods experience lower diabetes rates on average. However, new research from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the NIH, reveals that among a national sample of U.S. adults with diabetes, more than 30% are food insecure and more than one in every six were both food insecure and had low diet quality. Food insecurity refers to a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Diet quality refers to how well an individual's diet aligns with federal dietary guidelines.

The researchers conducted a study of food insecurity, diet quality, and health indicators that are important for diabetes management including A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol control using the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey data from 20132018.

Among U.S. adults with diagnosed diabetes in this nationally representative sample, 15.3% were living below the poverty threshold, 19.3% were experiencing food insecurity, and 50.7% had low diet quality. Both food insecurity and low diet quality were independently associated with suboptimal glycemic (A1C) and lipids (low HDL and high triglycerides) management. Food insecurity had a stronger association with the components of diabetes management than diet quality.

"Food insecurity has a strong impact on people with diabetes, particularly for people from racial and ethnic groups already experiencing health disparities," said NIDDK Program Director and Author Jean M. Lawrence, ScD, MPH, MSSA. "We hope these results encourage health care providers to include a food insecurity assessment as part of their overall diabetes treatment and move toward treating the whole person including social determinants of health, which is essential for advancing health equity."

Dr. Lawrence also notes that future research on food insecurity among adults with diabetes might focus on how interventions to reduce food insecurity affects metabolic outcomes and address the multiple pathways that may contribute to these outcomes.

Racial Residential Segregation & Black Youth with Type 1 Diabetes

In the U.S., marginalized communities are disproportionately exposed to neighborhood environmentsthat are associated with diabetes risk, highlighting the impact of residential location for individuals with diabetes. New research out of Chicago, Illinois and Detroit, Michigan shows that Black adolescents with type 1 diabetes living in more racially segregated areas were found to have worse diabetes health.

The study evaluated racial residential segregation (RRS)a form of structural racism that includes limited access to resources and increased exposure to stressand the association with diabetes management and glycemic control in Black youth with type 1 diabetes. The study enrolled a sample of 144 patients from seven pediatric clinics with a mean age of 13.3. Diabetes management was assessed by youth self-report using the Diabetes Management Scale. RRS was calculated at the census block group level based on U.S. census data using location quotients (LQs). The mean LQ for patients was 3.04 (SD=1.49), indicating their residence is in highly segregated neighborhoods.

Results suggest that RRS was predictive of the diabetes health of Black youth with type 1 diabetes even after controlling for effects of family income and neighborhood adversity. Black youth with type 1 diabetes who resided in more racially segregated neighborhoods had higher A1C.

"Our findings indicate that persistent residential segregation is contributing to health inequity for U.S. children with diabetes," said Deborah Ellis, PhD, professor of family medicine and public health sciences, Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. "This reinforces the need for health care providers to screen for and address social determinants of health in order to effectively address children's care needs as we work to reduce the burden of type 1 diabetes nationwide."

The authors note that advocacy and policy-making is needed to address inequities and improve diabetes population health overall.

Research presentation details:

For more information or to request an interview, please contact the ADA Scientific Sessions media team at [emailprotected].

About the ADA's Scientific SessionsThe ADA's 82nd Scientific Sessions, the world's largest scientific meeting focused on diabetes research, prevention, and care, will be a hybrid event held June 37, 2022 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA. Leading physicians, scientists, and health care professionals from around the world will unveil cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances toward a cure for diabetes. We are eager to get back to safely participating in person and networking with colleagues while hearing the latest scientific advances and groundbreaking research presentations. Learn more and register atscientificsessions.diabetes.organd join the Scientific Sessions conversation on social media using #ADA2022.

About the American Diabetes AssociationThe American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. For 81 years, the ADA has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy, program development, and education we aim to improve the quality of life for the over 133 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will make us Connected for Life. To learn more or to get involved, visit us atdiabetes.orgor call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociacin Americana de la Diabetes),LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn), andInstagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).

Contact: Daisy Diaz, 504-670-4902 [emailprotected]

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SOURCE American Diabetes Association

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Studies Uncover Stark Impact Social Determinants of Health Have on Youth and Adult Populations with Diabetes - StreetInsider.com

Being an athlete does not come with an age constraint. That's the mentality that Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathon runner, has to this day. Born in April 1911 in Punjab, India, Singh has since then moved to England where he took part in many races throughout his lifetime. But running was not originally in the cards for him.

Singh's legs were so weak that he could not walk until the age of 5. Eventually, he grew stronger, and at the age of 89, he ran his first marathon in London. For a man who could barely walk in his adolescent years, how did he grow to become a strong, inspiring marathon runner? According to Religion News, Fauja Singh says the key to a long, balanced life is nutritious eating.

To coincide with his advice, Singh has become an advocate for health and wellness. He has encouraged people of all ages to exercise and eat healthy, all while treating the world and all creation with respect. The article also states that Singh has supported People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in campaigns to support vegetarian diets.

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Study authors from the University of Glasgow helped to show that the vegetarian diet has some great benefits that could lead to a healthy, longer lifestyle. The authors examined the self-reported diet habits of healthy adults in the United Kingdom, ranging from 37 to 73 years old. The group of 166,516 people was split into vegetarians and meat-eaters.

The research showed that despite common risk factors of age, sex, education, ethnicity, obesity, smoking, and alcohol intake, vegetarians showed "significantly lower" levels of 13 biomarkers. These included total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and proteins linked to cardiovascular disease. Some of the biomarkers are also connected to a lower risk of liver function, kidney function, and cancer cells.

RELATED:The Eating Habit the World's Oldest Couple Followed Every Day

It is also important to stress that although supporting vegetarianism, the world's oldest runner followed a healthy, nutritious diet. That entails not eating ultra-processed foods, which can increase the risk of mortality.

Although no longer actively competing and participating in marathons, Singh ran until he reached his 100s. He has held many age-related world records, including the 100-meter run and the marathon for men over 100. Today, Singh continues to remain active by walking about five miles a day around the London neighborhoods. He still prefers to walk around as his mode of transportation, but he does have a passion for racing motorcycles.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Throughout his growing fame, Singh was a spokesperson and influence. He highlighted issues like classism, racism, literacy bias, ableism, and ageism. He also has refused to make personal gain from the money obtained through his sponsorships. Instead, he insisted that all sponsorship money be donated to charity.

RELATED: The Foods the World's Oldest Athlete Ate To Live Until 106

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The #1 Eating Habit the World's Oldest Male Athlete Follows To Run at 111 Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Sonnie Yousefzadeh-Bindra knew that he was due for a lifestyle change when his normal morning commute of standing on the subway became a taxing endeavor. The 31-year-old London man had a brief spat of weight training in his 20s, but besides that, he never had much experience in the gym.

"I was very unfit, did not exercise at all and had become very lazy," he says. "Maybe I had a bit of 'size' to fill my clothes, but that was all body fat as I came to realize."

Before he started his transformation, his daily meals consisted of a latte and a pastry for breakfast, some sort of high- calorie and carb delivery food for lunchand to top it off, either McDonalds, Shake Shack, or something similar for dinner.

Plus, when the world shifted into lockdown in 2020, Yousefzadeh-Bindra's busy lifestyle compounded into poor diet habits that made him gain even more weight, and he couldn't stand how it made him feel.

"I had an unhealthy relationship with food," he says. "I think like many others, lockdown made it worse being in so inactive and idle. I had placed so much emphasis on my work that I forgot how important it is to look after number one."

So, when it all became too much to bear, he signed up for a transformation with an Ultimate Performance gym in London that helped him get started on the road to better choices and the body he'd always wanted.

Sonnie Yousefzadeh-Bindra

"During my transformation, I had 3 personal training sessions a week," he says. "Each were full-body workouts described best as German Body Conditioning. The idea was to lose fat and build muscle as efficiently as possible. I supplemented the full body workouts with 30 minute cycling machine or 30 minute stepping machines in the week."

Towards the end of his weight-loss transformation, Yousefzadeh-Bindra often found himself integrating HIIT workouts into his routine to help shred his arms and abs even more. Like many others who are just getting back into working out, he quickly found himself enjoying the process.

"At first, coming to the gym was a chore, but then, it became a lifestyle," he says.

He also began to find enjoyment in doing additional exercises throughout the day whenever he could find the time in his busy scheduleand even began to count his steps.

But as you probably know, real body transformations require a strict diet to get the best possible results. With the help of his trainer at UP, Yousefzadeh-Bindra was able to make drastically improve his diet by eliminating high- calorie and carb foods like takeout and delivery.

"I stopped having takeaways and cancelled my subscriptionsvery key," he says. "I started on meal prep services that helped ensure I was having the right amount of calories and macronutrients. I began to become aware of the food I was eating from a calorie point of view and make better choices."

Having food prepared with the right quantities and nutrition helped him maintain his diet even though his schedule was as busy as ever. For people who don't have the time to prepare food themselves, meal prep services can be a great option to ensure healthy eating.

During his transformation, he substituted all of the bad foods that made up his old diet with high-protein, low calorie foods that helped fuel his body's essential functions. For breakfast, he would often drink a protein shake and a homemade latteturning away from the high-carb pastries. Then, for lunch and dinner, he'd dig into one of his prepared meals that contained just the right mixture of protein, fats and carbs.

Yousefzadeh-Bindra's trainer at UP, Chris, was instrumental in holding him accountable and making sure he didn't fall of the diet wagon.

"I also learnt how important it is to have a good trainer who will provide accountability," he said. "I cant stress how important constant communication is key in achieving these results. Diet plays such a key role in your body composition and you need someone who can monitor that constantly."

Having a trainer also helped Yousefzadeh-Bindra tackle some of the psychological challenges of consistently working out hard. One of his favorite pieces of advice from Chris: connecting the mind to the exercise.

Sonnie Yousefzadeh Bindra

"When you can connect your mind to the exercise rather than just push aimlessly at the weight, you will achieve better form and likely lift more," he says. "Form and time under tension are also so key. Its much better to have a lower weight and do it properly as you will see better gainslose the ego!"

Yousefzadeh-Bindra has his diet and his workout aligned just how he wants it, and he's seeing the results too. He's down nearly 30 pounds in just over 3 months, and things are look up on all fronts.

"Now that my diet is better, and Im more fit, I have so much more energy," he says. "I have better concentration and work more efficiently. Arguably, the work I do is getting better and better, and outside of work, I have more energy and will happily walk to more places. I feel fresher and younger."

This interview has been edited for clarity.

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This Man Dropped Nearly 30 Pounds in Three Months By Following Two Simple Plans - Men's Health