Category Archives: Diet And Food

It may only be the first week of December, but its never too early to think about that New Years resolution to get fit in 2020.

While a commitment to fitness is often one of the most popular resolutions, it can also be one of the easiest to let fall by the wayside as schedules get busy after the holidays.

While making the commitment to staying active and making healthier choices can be challenging, Veronica Garza, Manager of the Valley Baptist Health & Fitness Center, said there are steps we can all take over the course of the holiday season and beyond to give health-related New Years resolutions the greatest odds of success.

Its important to find something you like and something know youre going to stick with. If you start a class or an activity that you just dont enjoy, youre not going to want to continue to do it. That is unique to everyone, and you need to find something that works for you and do your best, Garza said. Start two to three times a week, especially now. Dont wait until after the holidays. If you want to lead a healthier lifestyle, start moving. There is so much sitting in our lives now, but there are so many things you can do at home to get ready for making that resolution a success.

Planning while keeping long-term goals in mind can be a major challenge when it comes to a successful healthy New Years resolution. All too often, Garza said she sees too many new clients trying to do too much, too soon.

People start so strong. They come in and they want to give 110 percent. We see it all the time, especially in January. They want to work hard and they want to make changes, so they come in seven days a week and theyre here for three hours, she said. They completely stop eating certain meals and thats where we see people not staying with their resolution. They want to make a change that is temporary and fast, but what we preach all the time is a lifestyle change. This is something youre doing for the rest of your life.

For those looking to join a gym as part of their New Years resolution to fitness, Garza said her staff of 30 employees at the Valley Baptist Health & Fitness Center the majority of which are fitness course instructors and personal trainers is committed to helping others reach their exercise goals.

The 38,000-square-foot fitness center includes mens and womens locker rooms, sauna, heated pool, multiple spacious exercise and weight machine and equipment rooms, and more, is located at 3100 N. Augusta National Drive in Harlingen. Fitness center hours are 4:45 a.m. 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Perhaps most important, Garza said, is the feeling of community and togetherness that is encouraged by the facilitys members and training staff.

A lot of people need the extra motivation of a group setting. We encourage people to come in and try a class, because its a whole group working together and encouraging each other. Its a team and we really work to build relationships, she said. We tell people, just make the commitment to come in the door. Once youre through those doors, weve got you. Were here to help you reach your goals. We build relationships with our clients we push them, we inspire and motivate them, and we love what we do here.

For more information on the services offered by the Valley Baptist Health & Fitness Center, contact Manager Veronica Garza at (956) 230-1245.

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Consistency, commitment key to fitness-related New Year's resolutions - Valley morning Star

National Coffee Day was a few months back, but if you check the numbers, Americans dont need a day designated to their favorite beverage. A recent survey from the National Coffee Association revealed that 63 percent of respondents had consumed coffee in the past 24 hours. We love it for the flavor, the caffeine boost, and in a big way, the culture that surrounds it.

The coffee scene varies across the country, though, and its no surprise that a recent WalletHub comparison of the 100 largest cities determined that Seattle ranks as the best coffee city, followed by New York and San Francisco. Houston checks in with the lowest average price for a pack of coffee, while Honolulu will put the biggest dent in your wallet for the same. Residents of Fremont, Calif., are willing to spend the most, with the highest average annual spending on coffee, while Clevelanders pay the least on average for their daily caffeine buzz.

Just as spending and pricing on coffee varies widely, so too does the thinking on whether or not its good for us. Headlines are all over the place, one day telling us to drink up, the next scaring us off with links to unhealthy caffeine addictions. It has been a confusing topic as research often shows different results, says Ginger Hultin, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and owner of Champagne Nutrition. A challenge in studying any one food or beverage is that humans consume a large variety of foods and beverages every day. Its hard to understand what one of them is doing in isolation.

Hultin says that many factors play into whether coffee is a healthy or unhealthy part of your day. Does a person smoke? Exercise? Do they sleep? she asks. What role do individual genetics play in caffeine metabolism and other aspects of coffee drinking?

Current guidelines on caffeine consumption, says Hultin, cap it at 400 mg per day. Thats about four cups of coffee, she says.

Torey Jones Armul, RD, sports dietetics specialist, says that coffee has real health benefits. Research has shown correlation to reduced risk of depression, lowered oxidative stress and potentially reduced risk of diseases like Parkinsons, Alzheimers, and some types of cancer, she says. It is not proven to prevent these conditions, but when combined with a healthy lifestyle, it may help.

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That said, if youre not a coffee drinker, dont feel compelled to run out to the nearest Starbucks. If you dont like it, thats fine, says Armul. Simple healthy behaviors still trump the singular act of drinking coffee.

Hutlin adds that coffee has a surprising potential benefit as well: Though it could act as a mild diuretic, coffee is still mostly water, so you are taking in additional fluids and it does count toward your daily needs, she says.

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How to tap into the health benefits of coffee - NBC News

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If there's one thing Molly-Mae Hague is good at, it's bouncing back from trolls. Recently she came under fire for her make-up routine, after revealing she used a particular shade of foundation, and now she's clapping back at those commenting on her weight. The Love Island star has shared that she's gained a stone and a half, has stopped being so fixated on her diet - and that she feels healthier for it. Here, here Molly-Mae! We stan positive choices.

Discussing the criticism she received after snaps of her in a white bikini were posted online, Molly-Mae said, I was reading through comments on a bikini photo of me and they were so mean. Someone commented that they have a better body and they have six kids. I got so upset."

Talking to OK! magazine, the influencer then explained that her changing body shape is actually the result of her making healthier decisions when it comes to food, because she previously adopted a very strict and restrictive diet.

I was a stone and a half lighter a year ago but thats because I was at the gym twice a day, and was obsessed with my diet," she said. "I was extremely underweight for my height. I was a size four. I might not be as confident in my body as I was before, but I am healthier.

On the topic of trolls, Molly-Mae said she still has her moments of getting down over online jibes, but that boyfriend Tommy Fury is a great support.

Im strong so I can take the nasty comments. Im glad its happening to me over other people," she said. "If I get upset, then Tommy says, If I think you look amazing then why do you care about them?

MWEGetty Images

We think Molly-Mae looks incredible, whatever size she is.

If you're worried that you (or a friend) are struggling with disordered eating, including following a calorie restricted diet, visit Beat, the UK's leading eating disorder charity, for support and information.

Follow Jennifer on Instagram and Twitter

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Molly-Mae opens up about her weight gain and slams trolls - cosmopolitan.com

This week's guest is STL Veg Girl.

If you live in the St. Louis area, youre bound to know or have heard of Caryn Dugan, A.K.A. STL Veg Girl.

Caryn lost her Dad to cancer in 2008 and 10 weeks after his passing, she was diagnosed with cancer. She decided to take matters into her own hands and research immune boosting diets and cancer prevention tips. All searches led to a plant-based diet. Fast forward, those searches lead to Caryn opening up the Nations first ever Center for Plant-based Living!

In this weeks episode, Jill Devine and Caryn talked about the journey from cancer scare to entrepreneur. They also discussed how Caryn doesnt have children and she often felt left out among her Mommy friends, but now she understands her Mommy friends a little bit more because her child is in the form of a brick and mortar.

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She's Making History In The Plant-Based Diet World - Talk Radio 1210 WPHT

A pilot study in California is trying to prove that you are, indeed, what you eat. It's providing meals that are medically tailored for 1,000 people with congestive heart failure to keep them healthy and out of the hospital and to save health care dollars.

Congestive heart failure made Diane Henry feel like she was drowning.

"There was a time I thought this was it. I didn't have any plans. It's just I thought it was over for me," she said.

Then, eight months ago, she got into California's pilot study to see if diets tailored to patients with heart failure would keep them out of hospitals. That means very little salt.

"We provide them with meals that are perfectly balanced, and the entire days' worth of meals total 2 grams of salt," Project Angel Food Executive Director Richard Ayoub said.

Project Angel Food has made and delivered medically tailored meals to patients with chronic illnesses for 30 years.

"We are, indeed, seeing dramatic results," Ayoub said. "We're bringing down the numbers of readmissions into the hospital."

In fact, Project Angel Food says only 10% of clients in the pilot are readmitted to hospitals within 30 days, compared to 32% of all Medicaid patients with congestive heart failure.

"If it's made for you and delivered to your home and you're not having to go out to the grocery store or to a fast food place where you might buy something high in salt, this makes it easy to eat a healthier diet," Dr. Richard Seidman said.

Henry believes this is making her better.

"I feel like I'm getting the old Diane," she said. "She's coming back, but back with a vengeance, and a healthier Diane."

The state of California put up $6 million for the study, which will last three years.

Getting rid of salt may be harder than you think. You might be buying products with more salt than you realize. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has found that 60% of raw meat and poultry items are injected with or soaked in salty solutions.

To avoid the meat products with added salt, stay away from the ones with labels such as marinated or enhanced.

RESEARCH SUMMARYANGELS IN THE KITCHEN REPORT #2695

BACKGROUND: Research shows that dietary habits influence disease risk. While certain foods trigger chronic health conditions, others offer strong medicinal and protective qualities. However, diet alone should not replace medicine in most circumstances. Many illnesses can be prevented, treated, or even cured by dietary and lifestyle changes, many others cannot. Eating whole, nutritious foods is important because their unique substances work together to create an effect that can't be replicated by taking a supplement. Although your body only needs small amounts of vitamins and minerals, they're vital for your health. Insufficient intakes of vitamin C, vitamin D, and folate may harm your heart, cause immune dysfunction, and increase your risk of certain cancers. Nutritious foods, including vegetables, fruits, beans, and grains, boast numerous beneficial compounds, such as antioxidants which protect cells from damage that may otherwise lead to disease. Fiber is also an essential part of a healthy diet. It not only promotes proper digestion and elimination but also feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. (Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/food-as-medicine#nourishment)

HEART-HEALTHY FOODS: "You can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease by eating certain foods every day," says preventive cardiology dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD. "There is a great variety of fruits and vegetables that are good for your heart." She recommends eating foods that are in their natural form, coming from the ground, as in a whole-foods diet. That includes foods such as nuts, fish, whole grains, olive oil, vegetables and fruits. Zumpano says don't be afraid to treat yourself occasionally to a glass of red wine or a piece of dark chocolate. She suggests using this list as a guide to create meals and snacks with a healthy focus which could make a big difference in cardiovascular health. Some foods to consider are salmon, tuna, herring or trout; nuts such as almonds or walnuts; blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are full of phytonutrients and soluble fiber. Flaxseed and chia seeds provide omega 3, fiber and protein. Oats can top off yogurt or salads. Beans like garbanzo, pinto, kidney or black beans, are high in fiber, B-vitamins and minerals. Veggies bright in color like carrots, sweet potatoes, red peppers and tomatoes are packed with carotenoids and vitamins. Fruits such as oranges, cantaloupes and papaya are rich in beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium and fiber. (Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/12-heart-healthy-foods-to-work-into-your-diet/)

FOOD AS MEDICINE'S NEXT BIG THING: Joanna Hunter, RDN, owner of Vita Nutrition Services in New Jersey believes nutrigenomics, "you are what you eat", is the next big thing. We're in exciting times in terms of technological and healthcare advancements and as scientists and researchers learn more about genetic make-up and how food effects our DNA, advancements have been made in the relatively new field of nutrigenomics. Researchers believe there is a possibility we will be able to "eat for our genes". Breakthroughs in this field would allow dietitians to cater their meal plans to specific individual genetic expressions. This could possibly impact not only the everyday health of an individual, but also help ward off disease linked to family history like certain cancers, diabetes and obesity. Instead of healthcare professionals giving more recommendations like eat more vegetables, they would be able to say exactly what types of foods each person would need to eat to thrive. (Source: https://www.thediabetescouncil.com/nutritional-breakthroughs/)

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Angels in the kitchen: Medically tailored food for congestive heart failure - WNDU-TV

GREENSBORO, N.C. After indulging on turkey, rolls, stuffing, casseroles, pies -- you name it -- this Thanksgiving, perhaps you are considering a somewhat healthier meal plan going forward.

VERIFY QUESTION

Good Morning Show viewer Judy Knighten asked, "Can you VERIFY the KETO diet?"

Specifically, she asked whether it is healthy and if it works.

VERIFY SOURCES

VERIFY PROCESS

Both Mayo Clinic and registered dietitian Melissa Leonard agree the Keto diet is safe...for only a very select group of people.

The Keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet, which restricts grain intake and sets limits on fruits and some vegetables. It is called the Keto diet, because the body burns and gets energy from fat, instead of carbs, causing the person to enter a state of ketosis. Leonard said it is enticing to people, because it can cause quick initial weight loss and gives a strict set of rules to follow.

That said, Leonard noted the Keto diet is high in saturated fat, meaning it can increase the risk for heart disease. And, it is difficult to maintain long-term, which can mean a re-gaining of the weight lost. It also is so restrictive, it can put people at an increased risk of developing an eating disorder.

Leonard and Mayo Clinic note the positive benefits of Keto for people with the seizure disorder epilepsy. The Mayo Clinic cited research, saying Ketosis has brain-protecting benefits. As many as half of young people with epilepsy had fewer seizures after following the diet.

Leonard said, "Because of the restrictive nature of this diet and lack of long-term research for use in individuals for conditions apart from seizure disorders, I would not recommend this diet otherwise."

VERIFY CONCLUSION

Is the Keto diet healthy? Generally, only for people with seizure disorders. Does it work? Usually, yes, for initial weight loss but not long-term.

Do you have a VERIFY inquiry? Submit a post, screen shot or selfie video to Meghann Mollerus via:

Facebook:Meghann Mollerus News

E-mail: Mmollerus@wfmy.com

Twitter: @MeghannMollerus

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VERIFY: Keto Might Not Be The Safest Diet - WFMYNews2.com

What's not to love about fruit? The phrase "nature's candy" didn't come from nowhere.It's refreshing, delicious, filling, and packed with nutrients. We all have our favorites, too (I'm partial to tropical variations like mango and pineapple).

If you can't go a day without a bowl of fruit, you might have thought you're its biggest fan, but we're here to tell you that there are some people who will give you a run for your money.

Those people follow (or have followed) what's known as a "fruitarian diet"and you might recognize some of them. Apparently Leonardo da Vinci, Mahatma Gandhi, Steve Jobs, and Ashton Kutcher have followed the diet once in their lives. (Kutcher did it whenhe was preparing to play Jobs in a movie, and he ended up in the hospital because of it.)

So what exactly is the fruitarian diet, and what are the pros and cons? We did the homework for you.

There are a lot of interpretations of the fruitarian diet, but for the most part, it is known as a form of raw veganism, in which people eat mostly raw fruit. Some do it exclusively; others consume 75% fruits and 25% nuts and seeds; some have a diet that is mostly fruitarian but with some traditional vegan choices; and other people only eat fruit that has fallen on the ground (if you've seen Notting Hill this might sound familiar to you). It's one of the more restrictive diets out there.

Prime Fresh Strawberries ($3)

It's pretty well-known that fruit is good for you. Fruits arepacked with nutrients like potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate.Adding fruit to your diet can help reduce your risk of certain diseases and cancers. Many followers of the diet have said it makes them feel better mentally, physically, and emotionally. And because you're restricting your intake to primarily fruits, you could lose some weight.

It's a very restrictive diet, so you might not be getting enough essential nutrients. This is why a lot of medical and nutrition experts caution against it. According to Laura Jeffers, MEd, RD, LD, of The Cleveland Clinic, you'll put yourself at risk for nutritional deficiencies: "Fruitarians frequently have low levels of vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can lead to anemia, tiredness, lethargy, and immune system dysfunction. Low calcium can also cause osteoporosis."

Because fruit has a lot of natural sugars, it can put you at risk for diabetes, tooth decay, and weight gain. The Clinic also says the diet can be dangerous for people who already have diabetes and those who have pancreatic and kidney disorders.

Prime Fresh Mandarin Oranges ($6)

Additionally, since the diet has a lot of restrictions, it might not be as easy to follow in the long-term for some people, like many other restrictive eating plans such as Whole30 or keto. Not to mention, it might be hard on the wallet, too, since certain fruit isn't exactly cheap.

If you're interested in trying it out, we recommend discussing with your doctor first, especially if you have existing health issues or concerns. The diet is very extreme, soit's important to cover your bases.

If you're worried about the cons, you can stillget inspiration from the diet by simply adding more fruit to your meals. Add some bananas and strawberries to your oatmeal, cereal, or toast. Have an apple for a snack instead of your usual bag of chips or crackers. Or eat a bowl of your favorite fruit as a dessert. Just remember to be cautious of serving sizes and sugar intake.

Next up:What You Need to Know About Going Vegan

This article originally appeared on The Thirty

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This Is What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Nothing But Fruit - Yahoo Lifestyle

Are supplements necessary on a vegan diet? We explore this topic in this weeks video featuring Mic the Vegan.

Mic the Vegans Channel is here.

A whole foods plant-based diet is full of vitamins and minerals. However, over the years, there has been a decline in the nutrient-quality of our soil. The best way to get required nutrients is through food, but if you are interested in supplementing, here are 11 to consider.

Summary

Title

Do You REALLY Need Vitamins On A Vegan Diet?

Description

Are supplements necessary on a vegan diet? We explore this topic in this week's video featuring Mic the Vegan. A whole foods plant-based diet is full of vitamins and minerals. However, over the years, there has been a decline in the nutrient-quality of our soil. The best way to get required nutrients is through food, but if you are interested in supplementing, here are 11 to consider.

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Do You REALLY Need Vitamins On A Vegan Diet? - LIVEKINDLY

In a world where "meat-free meat" sits next to the beef sausages in the supermarket and ordering an almond milk latte brings nary a flicker to a barista's eye, the once-fringe vegan movement seems to have gone mainstream.

For the uninitiated, followers of a vegan diet eschew all animal products, including dairy, eggs, honey and, of course, meat.

So for an eating pattern that cuts out so many foods traditionally considered essential, is it possible for a vegan diet to meet all your nutritional needs?

Yes, says Clare Collins, professor of nutrition at the University of Newcastle but it requires you to understand food better than the average omnivore, or even vegetarian.

Here are four main nutrients to look out for.

Let's start with this one, because vitamin B12 is something we humans can really only get via animal foods such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs or in the form of supplements.

It's an important vitamin too, essential for making DNA, fatty acids, red blood cells and chemicals called neurotransmitters which help to pass signals around the brain.

"That's the really big one. You don't want to end up with a B12 deficiency," Professor Collins said.

B12 deficiency manifests at first as vague but unpleasant symptoms like heart palpitations, light-headedness, tiredness and bowel or bladder changes, so it's important to keep on top of it.

In severe cases, it can progress to mood changes like depression and paranoia, and nerve problems like numbness, pain and loss of taste and smell.

While trace amounts of B12 have been found in some plant foods such as mushrooms, fermented soybeans and things that have been contaminated by soil or insects, if you're following a vegan diet you should be looking to supplements or fortified foods to ensure you're getting enough.

It's often added to non-dairy milks, but not all, so check the label.

Most people know about the importance of calcium for your bones, but it also plays a role in other parts of your body, including your heart, muscles and nerves.

What's more, your bones actually act as a calcium bank, so if you're not getting enough from your diet, your body will make withdrawals from that bank, which can affect your bone health.

Almonds are a dairy-free source of calcium.

(Unsplash: Juan Jose Valencia Anta)

Almonds are a dairy-free source of calcium.

Unsplash: Juan Jose Valencia Anta

Dairy is often touted as being an important source of calcium, but it's by no means the only source. Plenty of plant-based foods contain it, including some tofu and some nuts, legumes and seeds.

But interestingly, vegans and vegetarians often need even more calcium than omnivores, because some plant foods have chemicals that make it harder for your body to access it.

For example, spinach and beans contain oxalic acid, and some grains, nuts and legumes contain phytic acid, which both interfere with calcium absorption.

You can bolster your calcium intake with fortified plant milks and fortified breakfast cereals again, check the label to make sure the product you are choosing is actually fortified, because not all are.

Iron is used inside your red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body, so a deficiency can leave you feeling lethargic and tired, as well as lowering your immunity.

While omnivores usually get their iron delivered ready-to-use, via red meat, plant-based sources of iron require your body to do a bit more work.

You can help your body absorb your plant-based iron, found in foods like legumes and beans, by eating it at the same time as vitamin C.

That can be as simple as putting veggies like red capsicum and broccoli next to the lentils on your dinner plate.

"The other thing you can do is not have any cups of tea straight after meals because the tannins and the phytates in the tea actually interfere with the absorption of the iron," Professor Collins said.

Combining plant-based iron sources like chickpeas with vitamin C-containing veggies like capsicum helps your body better absorb the iron.

(Unsplash: Edgar Castrejon)

Combining plant-based iron sources like chickpeas with vitamin C-containing veggies like capsicum helps your body better absorb the iron.

Unsplash: Edgar Castrejon

Iodine helps your thyroid to function that little gland in your neck that controls your metabolism, among other things.

Seafood is a source of iodine, and it's also found in some dairy products in Australia, but the main source of iodine for people who avoid animal products is via iodised salt, which is used in commercial breads and some breakfast cereals.

As for some of the other essential nutrients, the symptoms of deficiency can be vague but hint at something serious, Professor Collins said.

"How do you know if you're iodine deficient? It's things like tiredness, weakness, lethargy, and then other things like constipation, heartbeat [changes], facial puffiness and so on."

Iodine deficiency is a particularly big deal for women of childbearing age, as it can affect the brain development of babies during pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.

Pregnant women have other specific nutritional needs beyond the four mentioned here, and so do children. So talk to your doctor if your kids are on a vegan diet or you're planning to become pregnant.

And for people who follow vegan diets for a very long time, there are other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, that can become an issue.

If you're following a vegan diet, its worth mentioning it to your doctor so they can check for deficiencies.

Meals based around plant-based whole foods aren't just for vegans.

(Unsplash: Maddi Bazzocco)

Meals based around plant-based whole foods aren't just for vegans.

While most people who choose vegan diets do so because they want to minimise harm to animals or cut down on their environmental impact, others talk about the potential health benefits of being entirely plant-based.

The recent documentary The Game Changers promotes a diet free of animal products as performance-enhancing and implies it might even be the optimal diet for humans.

So ... could a vegan diet be even better for you than a healthy omnivorous one?

It's not as simple as that, Professor Collins explained.

There are plenty of animal-free products that are highly processed, high in salt and fat and low in other essential nutrients.

"People are getting a message that, hey, you're supposed to be a little bit vegan now, and they're just buying these products that are appearing without thinking through what it has really taken to manufacture those things.

"The lazy way to be a vegan is to just leave the meat out and leave the dairy products out and make no effort to bring back in the foods that you need to replace the nutrients that you're missing out on."

So while it's certainly possible to have a healthy, complete vegan diet, it's not the only healthy way to eat, Professor Collins said.

If you're looking for a guide, she recommends the Australian Government's Eat For Health website.

"I know it's boring but it actually does outline how many serves of the five food groups you need, based on age and sex, to meet your nutrient requirements.

"You do not have to be a vegan to eat healthy.

"You can have a normal, healthy vegetarian pattern and unhealthy vegan eating pattern and you can have an unhealthy omnivore eating pattern."

There are definitely things that most of us could learn from veganism though, especially when it comes to plant-based "whole foods".

Many vegan protein sources, such as pulses and nuts, do double time by also being rich sources of fibre and healthy fats.

Do you have a burning health question?

(ABC South West WA: Anthony Pancia)

Do you have a burning question about health or sustainable living you have always wanted to know the answer to? Get in touch via burningquestion@abc.net.au and we can take your question to the experts.

"One of the movements that I think can benefit everyone is what's called flexitarian, which is like being a part-time vegetarian or even a part-time vegan," Professor Collins said.

"So a few days a week, you are consciously trying to boost your intake of vegetable sources of nutrients."

Swapping out a few meals a week with whole-food vegan protein sources is not going to do you harm and will probably do you good.

"It's really about stepping back and saying, hey, what are the things I'm eating? Am I eating nutrient rich foods? And am I not going overboard on ultra-processed junk food?"

Plus, if your impact on animals and the environment is important to you goals that motivate many people to go vegan in the first place then going some of the way is arguably better than going none of the way.

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For a vegan diet to be healthy and complete, you really need to understand your food - ABC News

THE CONVERSATION The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced a preliminary finding that implicates a vitamin E additiveas the potential cause of lung injury from THC vaping.

The agency examined fluid samples from the lungs of 29 patients with vaping-related illness and found vitamin E acetate in all 29 samples. This is a major development in the search for answers, and it was of great interest to me generally as apublic health researcher.

Even more, it was of special interest to me because I previously researched vitamin Es role in lung health and development. For three years, as a post-doctoral research fellow, I studied the role of vitamin Es typical role in lung health, lung development and the epidemiology of childhood lung diseases when it is absorbed from our diet.

Free radical fighter

Vitamin E comes from oily foods in our diet. It has also long been known to be important for child development, especially in the womb, where it contributes to healthy lung and nervous system growth, among other things. Vitamin E has eight different isoforms, or types, and each may do slightly different things in our bodies. The kind of vitamin E you get from your diet can therefore vary widely based upon the types of oily foods that you eat.

When we eat vitamin E, it is absorbed by our gastrointestinal tract along with fats. It then travels throughout our bloodstream in the fatty molecules called cholesterol. Finally, it is taken up into our bodys fatty tissues and cellular membranes.

Once incorporated into the body, vitamin E serves as an antioxidant, protecting us from some of the harmful effects of our metabolism and respiration. Antioxidants stabilize what are calledfree radicals, unstable and highly chemically reactive compounds with extra electrons generated by our metabolism. Free radicals, when left unchecked, can destabilize other molecules around them and cause cellular damage.

When vitamin E comes into contact with certain kinds of free radicals, ittransfers that instability onto itself and neutralizesthose free radicals.

So, in the aftermath of the vaping illnesses and deaths, an important question emerges: What happens if, instead of eating vitamin E in your diet, you inhale vitamin E, along with a vaporized solution of THC?

I have no idea.

There are only a tiny handful of studies in which someone tried to nebulize, or vaporize, vitamin E in experiments related to lung health. All were animal studies with a small sample size, and none were combined with a THC vaping fluid.

Its also not clear in this case why vitamin E acetate was added to the vaping fluid, butreports suggest it is usedas a cutting agent to make the THC oils less thick. Perhaps someone thought it was safe to do this in an inhaled product because vitamin E was a natural vitamin. Importantly, however, many substances that are helpful when taken orally can be harmful when inhaled.

No place for oily molecules

The fact that vitamin E typically has to travel in fat-solublelipidsmay perhaps provide a clue as to the harms vitamin E acetate can cause when vaped. Physicians have long known thatinhaling oils and other lipidscan lead to the deposition of oily droplets in the lungs. They also know that this deposition can in turn canlead to inflammationand the potential for permanent lung scarring, respiratory failure or death. Its not a good idea to consistently inhale particles like small solids or oily liquid drops into your very delicate lungs.

We all know what it feels like to choke on something large enough to block our windpipe. But a small, inhaled particle can go past the large airways and lodge in the tiniest airways and thealveolithat transfer oxygen into our bloodstream, causing damage to these fragile structures.

We may not notice right away that we are being harmed. Only tiny segments of the lung are affected, and our lungs are designed to have some reserve capacity.

But over time, as these small injuries add up, more and more lung tissue becomes involved, and symptoms develop. Such injuries can become fatal. For example, think of the diseases caused by asbestos, silica from sand blasting, coal dust and tobacco smoke.

So, perhaps a vitamin E additive could cause damage in a similar way in this context.

A bigger issue

In addition, I believe this is actually a symptom of a broader problem, brought about in part by the1994 lawthat allows dietary supplements and some devices to go to market without meetingstringent safety and efficacy standards. Supplement makers dont have to provide evidence that their products work, and the FDA allows them to monitor the safety features themselves.

Its a good business for the manufacturers; dietary supplements sales are estimated to be worth aboutUS$120 billion by 2020. But it may not be good for the American public. By taking untested products, or by using products that are safe in one context but not studied in another, consumers end up participating in millions of uncontrolled experiments in which safety data are frequently absent. There is minimal quality control, minimal oversight and minimal knowledge of what might happen.

Any type of minimally regulated product that we inhale into our lungs on a regular basis clearly deserves a special level of scrutiny before use. I would argue that any inhaled product should have to demonstrate significant safety data prior to being allowed on the consumer market. Do these products even work? How do they work? If they do work, whats the right dose so that its safe, but still effective? How long can you safely use it? Without that knowledge, we are sailing in dangerous waters with no map.

So, until the day that our poorly regulated, uncontrolled market of self experimentation in lung health comes to an end, I will share a motto that experiments and experience have equally proven to be true. If you want your lungs to outlast your hair, please dont inhale anything but air.

Link:
Vitamin E and vaping injuries: What's safe in your diet is rarely safe in your lungs - Press Herald