Category Archives: Diet And Food

SOCHI, Russia (AP) With his lung-bursting runs, shrewd vision on the ball and versatility linking up play, Leon Goretzkas reputation as Germanys midfield dynamo is growing by the game.

Thanks in no small part to a change in diet.

Once lethargic and injury prone, Goretzka eradicated dairy, pork and nuts from his menu and hes never looked back.

A debilitating bowel inflammation that used to slow his recovery from ailments has been soothed by the nutritional changes and the 22-year-old midfielder is now one of the in-demand players in Europe.

I have changed my diet in the extreme, Goretzka said Saturday at the Confederations Cup. Its been the case for a year now.

Having been denied a part in Germanys World Cup-winning campaign in Brazil in 2014 due to injury, Goretzka has been making a resounding case for inclusion in the squad for the title defense in Russia next year.

Goretzka has excelled as a midfielder fulcrum in an inexperienced squad brought to Russia this month for the Confederations Cup by coach Joachim Loew. After playing a role in all the goals in the opening 3-2 victory over Australia in Group B, Goretzka went one better by opening his international account to force a 1-1 draw with Chile on Thursday.

To perform at this level and do to well at this level requires more than a match, Goretzka said through a translator. I am certainly not the kind of player who always scores two goals in a single match. People should get used to that and not expect that of me.

Goretzka is trying to downplay the hype, shutting out the plaudits from pundits in the same way he tells younger players to ignore bad ratings in newspapers.

I am not someone who is impressed by media reports and the hype that is generated about how I play and what kind of player I am, he said ahead of Sundays game against Cameroon. I do know that my performance at the moment is high and is not influenced by what the newspapers write about me. I am certainly going to keep level-headed and keep my feet on the ground no matter what.

Loew has no qualms about talking up Goretzkas influence on the team as he prepares to make only his eighth international appearance.

He has delivered, Loew said. He has played very well in both matches. Given his youth he is already quite a personality in this team and it seems to be clear that he is carefully planning the next steps in his career.

That could involve a move from Schalke, with German champion Bayern Munich and FA Cup holder Arsenal linked with a move for Goretzka in the summer transfer window.

Loew has been offering guidance to a player who is already displaying maturity beyond his 22 years.

We had long conversations and talked about different possible scenarios because I wanted to know what he was thinking and what kind of opportunities he envisaged, Loew said through a translator in the Fisht Stadium. I certainly spoke my mind but it was a personal, intimate conversation. He said he wouldnt focus on his future on clubs right now but he is intelligent enough to come up with the right solution for his career.

Though Goretzka rails against the commercialization of soccer, his technique, pace and flexibility across midfield has made him a valuable commodity.

Peter Neururer, who coached Goretzka at boyhood club Bochum four years ago, has called his former pupil a once in a century talent.

There is no one comparable in Germany who is endowed with these qualities, Neururer told Germanys Sport1 television this week.

In 41 appearances last season, Goretzka scored eight goals and provided eight assists for Schalke. In a year, Goretzka could leave for free when his contract expires. The motivation for moving in this off-season could be to play in a European competition ahead of the World Cup, with Schalke missing out on a return to the Europa League after a disappointing 10th-place finish.

I wont talk on possible switches to a different club (during the Confederations Cup), Goretzka said. As soon as there are facts I will be providing them and publicizing them on what my decision is. But now there is no news in that respect.

___

Rob Harris is at http://www.twitter.com/RobHarris and http://www.facebook.com/RobHarrisReports

More AP Confederations Cup coverage: http://www.apnews.com/tag/ConfederationsCup

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Germany's Goretzka in demand after new diet-aided healing - The Seattle Times

The phrase "chewing the fat" has a literal meaning when you're on the keto diet. You are expected to chew the fat - and lots of it.

Although I haven't been living in a remote cave in the wilds, I'd never heard of the keto diet until a few weeks ago. Sure, I knew about low-carb diets, though I never paid much attention to them until I was diagnosed with diabetes in January 2015. And with several exceptions, Type 2 diabetes is largely of our own making, developed through years of poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.

That assertion, though accurate, will tick some folks off. Last month, Jimmy Kimmel gave a monologue in which he made a case for covering pre-existing conditions, which is son has. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., dubbed it the "Jimmy Kimmel test" in terms of evolving health care policy. President Trump's budget chief, Mick Mulvaney, was hoisted on a cross after he said: "That doesn't mean we should take care of the person who sits at home, eats poorly and gets diabetes. Is that the same thing as Jimmy Kimmel's kid? I don't think it is."

Though Mulvaney's comment sounded callous, it has some merit - except people of faith who would deny care even for the most slothful diabetic aren't paying much attention to Scripture. Turns out we ARE our brothers' keepers. The Gospels don't specify such care should come from taxpayer funds, as Libertarians often point out. But in my opinion, the inherently selfish nature of many folks would preclude even the truly needy from getting that care without governmental assistance.

I don't want to become a burden on society myself, so I've renewed my efforts at keeping the carbs down. When I had a publisher who was a diabetic, if I even tried to consume so much as a banana, he would stand over my shoulder until I'd dropped it into the trash can. But in the ensuing two years without anyone to police me, I'd fallen off the wagon, and when another medical issue surfaced a few weeks ago, I decided enough was enough.

I can't remember who first mentioned the keto diet on a Facebook thread, but it evolved from Leon Briggs' comments about fasting. Leon is an artist who years ago worked for the Press, and later was editor of the weekly Times-Journal. It may have been David Rain or Lisa Pinnick - two other Press alums - who said something; both have had huge success with the keto diet. They say they're shedding pounds at breakneck speed, and they feel more energized and focused than they have in years.

The keto diet is extremely low-carb, but the idea is to achieve a perfect balance with carbohydrate, fat and protein consumption. If the body isn't able to get enough carbs to burn for energy, it will opt for stored fats (they call this state of being "in ketosis"), but evidently one must train the body to do this by adding a bit more fat to the diet initially. Proteins are important because without them, you'll lose muscle mass.

I've been doing this for almost two weeks now, and I can report two observations. First, I believe I've dispensed with that 8 pounds I've gained since late 2015, because I can get back into the one skirt the gain had precluded me from wearing. Second, though I haven't had the promised burst of energy, I'm not as famished as I normally am during the day. And it's long been the case that if I eat during the day, I feel sluggish afterward.

This diet is "husband-friendly," at least in my case. You have to pretty much give up all grains (bread, rice, corn tortillas, oatmeal, etc.), starches (potatoes), high-carb fruits (especially tropical, but limit yourself to berries), anything sugary (cookies, candy, doughnuts) and stick with veggies that mainly grow above ground (lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.). On the other hand, you can throw caution to the wind when it comes to meats and cheese, and other dairy - except, strangely, milk. When my husband realized eggs and bacon were still on the menu, he capitulated.

Now, my mission is finding substitute recipes for things I like. Mashed potatoes are now mashed cauliflower (which my son makes, anyway, and it's quite good). I've made an incredible pizza dough that contains no grain or yeast, and rolled out very thin, it turns into a passable tortilla chip substitute. I've designed a revamped recipe for my famous strawberries-and-cream pie and plan to try that this weekend, thanks to Teddye Snell's arrival at the office last week with a flat of Stilwell berries. Also on tap are strawberry cake, various casseroles, and a brown butter pecan ice cream that looks to be the work of the devil.

As I write this, I'm enjoying what the keto crowd calls a "bullet-proof coffee." It contains 20 ounces of the stout stuff, plus 2 tablespoons of cream and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and a few drops of liquid stevia. You're supposed to add a couple of tablespoons of melted butter, and while I tried it once and it's not half-bad, it's a tough sell - sort of like, for some people, pineapple on pizza.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

More:
Keto diet might just be the answer to your carbs - Tahlequah Daily Press

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Bacon. Its a meal, condiment, side dish, dessert and a topic of conversation. I am confident in saying there is no substitution for it.

This is an isolated scenario, however, as many other food swaps and substitutions exist that can help boost health, prevent disease, and what we all want to read help you lose weight. Here are ten of the easiest food swaps you can make.

Riced vegetables are trending right now and for a few good reasons. They not only provide a way to get more vegetables in our diets, but a creative way to reduce carbohydrates. Choosing riced cauliflower instead of rice in your bowls and burritos saves you calories (almost 200) and carbs, and increases the nutrient density of your meal. Think cauliflower rice is too plain? Try a fried rice version by sauteing the rice with green onions, a scrambled egg, soy sauce and some olive oil.

Watermelon gets a bad rap sometimes due to its high sugar content. Many of my patients comment they dont like the high glycemic index (the extent to which blood sugar rises with a particular food) of watermelon and so choose to avoid it. As it turns out, watermelon has a low glycemic load (less impact on blood sugar than bananas). It also has sky high water content, so having it as a snack is not the blood sugar and insulin disaster you might think.

A boost in whole-food ingredients (such as whole beans) and fiber make bean-based chips a game changer from the old standbys of potato chips and pretzels. For example, a popular black bean chip boasts 5 grams of protein, only 85 mg of sodium and only 10 digestible carbohydrates (carbohydrates minus fiber). Choose plain and baked versions. Try pairing with hummus or guacamole.

I often teach my patients there are no healthy sugars. However, many of them think agave is a healthy option. Theres not a lot of evidence to support this concept. Agave is a big carrier of fructose, a sugar that may be linked in some ways to an increase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Honey has a little less fructose. Its also a more natural source (made by bees). While both sugar sources contribute calories and could lead to weight gain and increases in disease risk, honey may be a better choice when youre craving something sweet.

Beans rule yet again. Bean-based options have taken over the pasta aisles. Theyre creating competition for other healthy options like 100 percent whole-wheat versions. However, the numbers significantly favor the bean options. In addition to being gluten-free, bean-based pastas, on average, contain about 20 grams more protein and 8 or more grams of fiber.

As an added bonus, they might fill you up quicker than the traditional whole-wheat options and are a great source of plant-based protein. Look for versions that have the least amount of ingredients.

The benefits of swapping ground poultry over beef equate to less saturated fat. Thats important if you want to maintain your waistline. A 2017 study found too many saturated fats in the diet could lead to more fat gain in the middle. Choose breast meat to eat the least amount of saturated fat. Add soaked chia seeds (which swell in liquid and cause added moisture) to avoid dryness.

Full disclosure: Its much easier to go to the store and buy cheese than it is to make cashew cheese, but should that matter? Sometimes an extra step may make all the difference. In this case, the difference is extremely significant. I make cashew cheese all the time. This option is especially beneficial for individuals looking to either cut or eliminate dairy without having to rely on more processed alternative cheese options.

Salads are a wonderful way to consume low-calorie nutrients. There are numerous ways to ruin a salad, though. Adding refined grains, like croutons, is one of them.

Instead, opt for roasted chick peas that you can either make or buy. The addition will help add fiber, which increases your satiety, as well as some healthy fats to help metabolize all the glorious fat soluble vitamins youll be consuming in your colorful bowl. Just dont blow it by adding on a sugar-laden, fat-free dressing.

In the world of food allergens, there are specific foods that are more prevalent than others. Many of my patients avoid soy, gluten, dairy nuts, eggs or corn. For these individuals, it can be difficult to find wraps or breads to meet their needs. Plantain wraps may be the next best thing to make at home, or may even be available at your local store. They will also help add in another vegetable into your day!

Sweet potatoes are flowing with antioxidants. Vitamin A and C, potassium and fiber are staples of this orange delight, and swapping this veggie for bread can go a long way towards reducing grains in your diet and helping you lose weight. Cut a raw sweet potato in thin slices (keep that delicious and fiber-rich skin on), toast until brown and then top as you would toast (think avocado, banana and nut butter, eggs, fruit).

Making some simple swaps can make all the difference in helping you to stay full, satisfied, and happy, without sacrificing taste. Sorry about the bacon.

Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, R.D., is the manager of wellness nutrition services at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, and the author of "Skinny Liver." Follow her on Twitter @KristinKirkpat. For more diet and fitness advice, sign up for our One Small Thing newsletter.

Read more here:
10 food swaps to add taste and nutrients to your diet - Today.com

Have you ever wanted to have a body like a Kardashian sister? Whether or not youd actually admit it, you probably have. They have curves for days! And if youve ever wondered how they got that way, theyll tell you its through diet and exercise (though most suspect that plastic surgery plays a significant role).

So, when Khlo Kardashians nutritionist Dr. Philip Goglia detailed her diet in an interview with Healthista earlier this month, I decided to give it a whirl and see just how these ladies live. Honestly, reading through it, it didnt seem that insane.

After losing 40 pounds last year and then sort of falling off the weight-loss wagon, I figured eating like Khlo could be a decent way to jumpstart my healthy eating habits once again. I mean, what could go wrong?! Sure, eating a cup of celery and 12 almonds for a meal is downright sad, but when you think of it as a snack, its fine or so I thought.

Before my diet even officially started, I ran into some speed bumps. It probably goes without saying, but eating like a Kardashian is insanely expensive. I followed Khlos diet plan and stocked up on fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and almonds. It cost me about $90 for five days worth of groceries, and I didnt even shop organic. Normally, I try to do my grocery shopping on a tight budget, like $50 a week for me and my husband. It may surprise you, but an online journalist doesnt make nearly as much as a socialite/Instagram advertiser/occasional TV host. (Seriously, what does Khlos business card say?)

Also, Khlo has a chef who will prep her meals for her, but once again, I dont have her money, so it was up to me to cook. Working full-time and coming home to cook is a goal I always have, but like many New Yorkers, its one I rarely achieve.

Day 1:

Meal 1: Ive never been a breakfast person. Even as a kid, getting me to eat a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch was a daily struggle for my dad. And Cinnamon Toast Crunch is delicious! So Im not looking forward to having to get up early and make myself something for breakfast especially something in which one of the main ingredients is ice. But I persist and make my smoothie. Because Ive already totally busted my grocery budget and because I hate the taste and texture, I forgo the protein powder so I have a shake of strawberries, almond butter, and ice. My husband thinks the sound of the blender in the morning is reminiscent of farts, and the taste of this shake is only slightly better than that.

Meal 2: An apple isnt typically thought of as an entre. But, for Khlo, it is a complete meal. My pomme of choice is a Golden Delicious. Granted, it is fairly delicious. But Im hungry. Eating in the morning is supposed to help fuel your day, but this just makes me ravenous.

Meal 2.5: You know what Khlo doesnt necessarily drink? Coffee. That is a big no-no in my book. I work an office job, and even the idea of forgoing coffee is exhausting. I do some journalistic research (i.e., Google it), and find that, in a former diet plan, Khlo did indulge in a cup of black coffee every morning. I think this means I didnt even make it five hours on the #KhloeDiet, but Im allowing myself this small indulgence.

I never said I was a role model.

Meal 3: I heard that Khlo will eat a Chinese chicken salad for lunch, and lucky for me, thats one of my favorite lunches too! I find a low-calorie ginger sesame salad dressing at the store and pour it on top of my salad. It tastes surprisingly good! The texture of raw spinach always makes my teeth feel weird, but its a small price to pay for a #revengebody.

Meal 4: Now I face the true test: the infamous cup of celery and 12 almonds. Its so depressing, and I am so excited to eat it because it is awful. The celery is fine, but it tastes weirdly bitter in a way that makes me think I dont know how to properly wash my vegetables. The almonds, on the other hand, are the first things that have made me feel mildly satiated all day.

Meal 5: More fresh vegetables. Since I was chopping up a bell pepper for my salad the night before, I cut some extra slices for my fifth meal. I am not going to stomach raw tomatoes. Raw tomatoes are gross, and bell peppers have tons of vitamins, too, so it balances out (in my mind). Im also a little sad because I forgot to shock my hard-boiled eggs when I made them, so theyre a little gray. I swear I know how to make perfect hard-boiled eggs. Im only human, though, and I messed up.

Meal 6: I arrive home from work tired and hungry. Normally, I would order some takeout pizza on a long Monday like this one, but I channel the strength of Khlo after her divorce from Lamar and cook a meal. Despite the blistering NYC heat, I bake a salmon steak in the oven and saut asparagus. I deviate a bit from Kardashians dairy-free lifestyle and use some butter in my dinner. (Im counting only about 900 calories for the day, which is dangerously low. I have to pad it with some lovely fats, so I go with a classic.) I pair it with another Asian salad.

Meal 7: Dinner keeps me full for like 45 minutes, but then I am famished again. Its 9 p.m. and I cut up a mango as my final meal. Its the fruit of my choice! It tastes alright, but doesnt do nearly enough to cut my hunger. Im tired, and its easiest to just go to bed at this point.

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I Followed Khlo Kardashian's Diet for a Week and This Is What Happened - The Daily Meal

Are you confused by all the weight loss diets out there?

It can be hard to know what works and whats healthy. Everyone wants a diet that promises to take weight off quickly. But the best kind of weight loss is slow and steadyabout 1/2 to 2 pounds a week. Youll want to find an eating plan you can live with for the long-term and that keeps the pounds off permanently.

This resource is about three diets that have been proven to work:

Are you ready to lose weight?

The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating thats common in Greece, Spain, southern Italy, and southern France. Traditional foods in those areas include fish, vegetables, fruits, beans, breads high in fiber, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil or canola oil. Nuts are part of the diet as well.

The Mediterranean diet is low in red meat, cheese, and sweets. Many of the meals are vegetarian. A moderate amount of wine can be included daily. This type of diet can help lower your risk for heart disease, prevent type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and lower cholesterol. Some researchers also claim that this diet can prevent depression, dementia, and Parkinsons disease.

Sample Dinner Menu

A Moderately Low-Carbohydrate Diet

This diet, similar to the South Beach diet, promotes the use of lean protein foods and high-fiber, nutrient-rich carbohydrates, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. The diet also includes some types of fat (healthy unsaturated fats) and low-fat dairy products. It excludes white flour products and most starchy carbohydrates like potatoes, rice, and pasta. In general, this type of diet is healthy and can result in weight loss. You dont need to count calories or do other complicated calculations to follow this diet. Nor do you need to deny yourself regular meals. Cooking for this diet is fairly easy. You can also modify the food choices if you are vegetarian or vegan.

Sample Dinner Menu

A Vegetarian or Vegan Diet

A vegetarian diet generally excludes animal products. But some vegetarians do eat small amounts of animal products; for example, some vegetarians eat milk and eggs along with fruits, vegetables, and grains. Other vegetarians might include fish but no meat. A vegan diet is a diet that excludes all animal products. People who follow a vegan diet need to take vitamin B12 supplements and include protein, such as nut butters, beans, and nuts, to make sure they get all the nutrients they need. Most vegetarians eat fewer calories than non-vegetarians. A vegetarian diet can help fight heart disease and high blood pressure.

Sample Dinner Menu

Vegetarian

Vegan

What should I do to get started with weight loss?

First, answer the questions above. Think about what works for your family or the people you live with. Then, meet with a registered dietitian for personalized advice. Seeing a dietitian will help you reach your weight-loss goals. If you have a medical condition, be sure to check with your doctor before starting any kind of diet or exercise program.

How can I keep the weight off?

Once youve lost weight, try these quick tips to keep the weight off:

Questions to ask your doctor

Read more:
Diets that Work | Hormone Health Network

MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) After 75 years of enjoying all that life has to offer, including food, Howie Blau realized he needed to make a few changes.

Whats made me want to come to see Kristen is the same thing thats made me want to lose weight for the last 20 years, but I needed somebody who was really special to help me do it, Blau said.

That special person is Kristen Haight, ShopRite of Milfords registered dietitian.

My dietitian services here at ShopRite are free, Haight explained. People can come meet with me for one-on-one consults for diabetes, weight loss, any kind of issue that you need to see a dietitian for.

When Blau first met Haight six months ago, he was struggling to control his high blood pressure and cholesterol with medication.

Usually about 10 percent of weight loss is all some people need to get off of some medications, Haight said.

But on his own, the weight loss didnt come easy for Blau.

He was frustrated because in the past he tried diet after diet and nothing was really working so that was kind of the first step when he came in here I said I dont believe in diets, Haight recalled. I just believe in kind of tweaking how youre eating right now and your lifestyle.

We worked out a plan where I ate in moderation but I never felt deprived, and I would report in every week, Blau said.

Haight also took Blau through the store to talk nutrition.

We went up and down all the shelves stuff to eat between meals, stuff to thwart off hunger that would be a nice little snack between meals but wouldnt be so full of calories, Blau said.

We would look at nutrition labels together and just make sure he was choosing the healthier option of things, making sure hes looking at fiber and protein and especially the calories in the items hes choosing, Haight said.

After six months, Blaus hard work paid off. Hes lost 35 pounds and is now off all of his meds.

I feel Im healthier now than Ive been in the last 20 years and I owe it to Kristen, Blau said.

Proving its never too late to turn your health around.

When working with ShopRites dietitian, you can also work with their pharmacist to talk about medications, check your blood pressure and more. For more information, visit ShopRite.com.

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ShopRite of Milford Offers Free Registered Dietitian Services - WTNH Connecticut News (press release)

Your yoga teacher drinks it and youve seen every color and flavor of it under the sun at Whole Foods yep, were talking about kombucha. If youve ever picked up a bottle of the stuff, you might be mystified by its appearance. What is this cloudy, mystical beverage all the health nuts cant stop raving about? Is it glorified sparkling water with a $5 price tag? Luckily, were here to guide you through fact and fiction so you can decide whether to add some booch to your diet.

Kombucha is a type of fermented tea not exactly what youll be drinking from a bottle of Lipton. WebMD explains its made by adding bacteria to green or black tea. From here, the concoction ferments into a tart and vinegary mixture, and juice is then added in for flavor. This process makes the beverage highly acidic, but the additional flavorings and sugar can actually make it quite delicious. Many are divided on the taste, though it has a very love-it-or-hate-it quality thats has been as highly debated as the flavor of IPAs and cilantro.

So, now that you know what everyones putting into their bodies, its time to figure out if its actually worth the hype. Heres what we know so far.

We all could use more probiotics in our diet. These good bacteria, Mayo Clinic explains, are similar to whats already in your body, and youre probably not getting enough of them naturally. By taking a supplement or eating probiotic-rich foods like kefir, kimchi, or yogurt, you can repopulate your gut with the good bacteria necessary for proper digestion and a healthy immune system.

Many types of commercially-available kombucha claim theyre chock-full of probiotics. But heres the thing not all probiotics are the same, and only some really provide any benefits. Everyday Health explains, for this beverage to have probiotics that actually help you, they need to be of a particular strain and able to survive past a certain shelf life. Otherwise, despite what the kombucha company may say, the drink doesnt offer any benefits from the bacteria.

Heres the thing about brewing your own kombucha many people do it safely and successfully, but there is a chance your homemade concoction can make you seriously ill. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us of two women in who were drinking kombucha they made from the same base for two months straight in 1995. One of these women fell seriously ill, and the other died. Though its not totally clear if the tea was completely to blame here, let this serve as a cautionary tale.

Lifehacker explainsthe fermentation process used in making kombucha that allows the good bacteria to grow can also be a haven for nasty microbes. The good news is your highly acidic end product makes it hard for the bad bacteria to live. Still, there have been multiple reports of illnesses, so you might want to stick to the store-bought stuff.

If youre a soda drinker looking for a healthy alternative to your everyday indulgence, kombucha may have caught your attention. Theres even a company that offers root beer- and cola-flavored products to make you feel like youre not missing out on your favorite fizzy drink. But you might not realize some brands contain quite a few grams of sugar. Most flavors ofKombucha Wonder Drink, for example, contain up to 24 grams of sugar per bottle thanks to the addition of cane and fruit juices. Thats a little less than the amount of sugar found in six Oreos.

There are a lot of brands that do contain 5 grams of sugar or less per bottle, like GTs Organic Kombucha drinks. Just make sure you read the labels before buying.

You probably have that one friend who guzzles kombucha like water but you dont want to follow in their footsteps. While drinking the fermented tea from time to time isnt likely to give you any issues, WebMD warns you can experience an upset stomach if you drink too much of it thanks to its high acidity.

Its also worth noting there are traces of alcohol in kombucha. While it wont give you any type of buzz, you should certainly avoid the drink if youre sensitive or allergic to alcohol.

Its true a lot of people report feeling amazing after their glass of kombucha. Reporter Allison Young from Rodales Organic Life drank it every day for a week and said her cravings for Diet Coke were gone and her digestion improved. And the drink was particularly popular in the 90s among HIV-positive folks looking for an immune system boost. Most of its just hype, though. Andrea Giancoli, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told NPR, Theres really very little evidence to support any kind of claims about kombucha tea.

Heres the upshot: Even if its not a magical elixir, it is a pretty tasty and refreshing low-calorie beverage that could possibly have benefits we just dont know about yet. And thats worth something.

Many people can drink kombucha without an issue, but there are certain circumstances that warrant opting for another beverage. WebMD suggests those who are breastfeeding or pregnant should stay away from it due to the bacterial content. And diabetics might also want to be careful, as kombucha can affect blood sugar levels.

While a lot of people drink kombucha in hopes for better digestion, you should also be careful with this idea. Those with IBS may experience discomfort due to the teas caffeine content, and drinking it when you have any kind of upset stomach certainly wont make you feel any better.

Read more here:
Is Kombucha Really Good for You? Here's What You Need to Know - The Cheat Sheet

Take a shot of bourbon.

Likely, youll feel an immediate burn in your mouth and throat. Give it a few seconds. Your body temperature starts to rise. Your cheeks flush.

If you take another drink, there might be some dizziness, too.

There are effects of drinking alcohol that you can feel pretty much immediately. But theres an entire field of study that takes a harder look at the effects of alcohol under the surface specifically when it comes to the bacteria in our guts.

And you should care what happens to your gut bacteria because disturbing it could lead to short- and long-term health problems,from digestive issuesto tissue damage.

Thats where Louisville doctor Craig McClain comes in. His NIH-designated Alcohol Research Center at the University of Louisvilleis one of only 20 in the country. There, he conducts research assessing how food and drink can impact our intestinal microbiome, or gut bacteria.

And his work, he and others hope, could lead to new treatments for liver disease associated with alcohol consumption.

So, I am a gastroenterologist, and normally we think of the gut as having a bunch of different functions, McClain says. The stomach starts to break down food, has a lot of acid in it and the small intestine does mainly absorptive functions, so thats where most of your nutrients are absorbed. And then the colon kind of regulates water absorption.

But something McClain says many people dont realize is that this entire tract is lined with bacteria. Lots and lots of bacteria.

There are more bacteria in our GI tract than we have cells in our body, he says. There are more genes in the bacteria a hundred times more than we have genes in our body. So in a way, we are just kind of a receptacle for our gut bacteria.

You might hear the term bacteria and think of something dirty or sickness but McClain says our gut bacteria are totally natural, and theyre even helpful. They play an important role in the immune system, make critical nutrients like vitamin K, maintain gut barrier functions.

Now, when the bacteria gets altered inappropriately, called dysbiosis, then you can have big problems, he says. Nutrients play a critical role in happy bacteria, and our whole focus is looking at kind of alcohol-nutrition interactions with a focus on the GI tract.

While alcohol has calories bourbon has about 145 per serving McClain says alcohol has no critical nutrients in it, but that doesnt mean it cant affect our gut bacteria.

Too much alcohol can disrupt your normal bacterial homeostasis, so you get overgrowth of bacteria and not enough good bacteria, he says. And the tight junctions in the GI tract that keep bad stuff out get leaky, and junk goes across.

According to McClain, this leaking might explain some basic things like some hangover symptoms. But learning more about how the bacteria respond to alcohol can have bigger health effectsas well.

In a paperhe co-wrote in 2015, McClain found that liver diseases resulting from chronic alcohol consumption and excess fat in the diet are also associated with changes in the intestinal microbiome.

For example, alcoholism seems to change the composition of the intestinal microbiome to include bacterial species that produce more alcohol, plus other toxic compounds, that can cause inflammation and tissue damage.

This is a new area of study that may lead to new treatments for liver damage that results from alcoholism and excessive dietary fat.

We actually have a study looking at people with alcoholic liver disease where theyre randomized to either get a placebo or probiotic, good bacteria for the GI tract, McClain says. And so were part of an NIH trial looking at that right now.

For now, the study is still underway. In the meantime, McClain saysaccording to current research, moderate drinking has no real effect on the microbiome, so you can safely raise an occasional glass to gut health.

Excerpt from:
This Is Your Gut Bacteria. And This Is Your Gut Bacteria On Bourbon - 89.3 WFPL

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Linder

Deborah Linder, DVM, MS, DACVN Research assistant professor Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Tufts University and Associate director of the Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: In our experience with our own therapy animal program, Tufts Paws for People, we have seen facilities and organizations put animals and people at risk by not following rigorous health and safety policies, and this certainly was confirmed by the results of our study. Lax health and safety policies typically arent intentional but occur as a result of enthusiasm for therapy animal programs without being aware of potential risks and what questions to ask. Also, its not just obvious problems that can occur, such as bites or allergies. It also can be an animal spreading infections due to diet or inadequate grooming, or unwanted stress on the animal.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: To us, the most important findings are that while most facilities allowed therapy animals to visit, they didnt always have strong policies in place to ensure programs that were safe and effective for both the people and the animals. Many facilities assume that a friendly animal or any therapy animal organization will have liability insurance, strong training and testing programs, and rigorous health and grooming requirements. But this study shows that this is not always so. Since there are no national requirements for therapy animal organizations or programs, its incumbent on facilities to carefully think through policies for animal visitation!

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report? Response: Ask questions! You cannot assume that any program is safe without asking about the health and safety policies, insurance coverage, and rigorous training and evaluation of therapy animals. We recommend people be aware and follow the expert guidelines that are out there. Some therapy animal organizations have standards that can address the important issues, but this study shows that you cant assume that all organizations do. We register our therapy animal teams through the national organization Pet Partners because they currently have the most rigorous guidelines and policies for therapy animals (www.petpartners.org).

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: There are many benefits of animals and we certainly dont want to discourage facilities from developing animal visitation programs. However, the most important thing that a facility can do is ask questions and create policies that safeguard themselves, their residents, and the animals participating. There are two guidelines available and weve created a free manual that walks facilities through developing a program including what questions to ask: http://hai.tufts.edu/paws/download-the-manual/. I think the next step for research would be to assess outcomes of animal-assisted interventions, particularly cost-effectiveness studies to determine the optimal role of human-animal interaction in healthcare settings when done safely.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Response: We were very surprised about a relatively new pet food trend of feeding raw meat-based diets that is without any documented health benefits and can have serious health risks to animals and to people. This includes the risk of bacterial infection since up to 48% of raw meat based diets can be contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella. This is a serious risk in the general population, but especially in healthcare facilities where residents can be immunocompromised. Unfortunately, our study showed that 70% of therapy animal organizations allowed animals eating raw meat-based diets to visit facilities. Most facilities dont think to ask about the diet of animals visiting their facilities.

(Disclosures: Deborah Linder, Megan Mueller, Lisa Freeman and Debra Gibbs are registered animal handlers of Pet Partners [whoever is doing interview], and Lisa Freeman is a member of the Human-Animal Bond Advisory Board for Pet Partners.)

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Linder, D., Siebens, H., Mueller, M., Gibbs, D., Freeman, L. Animal-Assisted Interventions: A National Survey of Health and Safety Policies in Hospitals, Eldercare Facilities, and Therapy Animal Organizations. American Journal of Infection Control, 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.04.287

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Originally posted here:
Animal Visitation Programs Can Raise Infection Risks In Health Care Facilities - MedicalResearch.com (blog)

Replacing foods high in saturated fats with those that have unsaturated fats can reduce a person's chance of developing heart disease as much as cholesterol lowering drugs known as statins, according to new advice from the American Heart Association.

This would mean, for instance, swapping that steak for a healthier avocado, using canola oil instead of butter, and not eating carb-filled junk food.

The new guidance from the heart association is not a leap from past direction, but the group sought a fresh look at the evidence in light of some newer, less scientific studies and dietary fads that officials feared were confusing the public.

How the message about diet is received by patients will largely depend on their doctors' delivery.

While most physicians would agree that heart health depends on a good diet, some suggest there is a bit more wiggle room than the heart association advisory suggests. Other doctors and health care providers believe the advice does not go far enough in explaining what foods can truly protect their patients from heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death.

"This tries to put it all in perspective the view from 10,000 feet but sometimes food can still be controversial," said Dr. Michael Miller, director of the University of Maryland Medical Center's Center for Preventive Cardiology. He served on the heart association panel that made the recommendations published this month in the journal Circulation.

It's long been known that consuming less saturated fat lowers people's LDL, or so-called bad cholesterol, which clogs arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes. But the heart association finds that this is only the case when saturated fat is replaced with unsaturated fat and not refined carbohydrates that contain sugar but no fiber. Both unsaturated fat and fiber have been found to help lower cholesterol.

The group says some newer studies mucking up the healthy heart message didn't consider these dietary replacements.

The guidance should be useful to doctors in advising patients, said Miller, who is also a professor of cardiovascular medicine, epidemiology and public health in Maryland's School of Medicine. But he's not a stickler on eliminating all saturated fat. He advises moderation instead.

That means a small, fist-size steak once in a while, two egg whites for every one yoke and even a bit of coconut oil, a culinary darling of late that is mostly saturated fat.

"If you're good most of the time, allow yourself one unhealthy breakfast, lunch and dinner a week," he said. "But don't go nuts and eat a 24-ounce steak."

He also emphasizes making lifestyle changes such as adding regular exercise and reducing stress. He wrote a whole book on the subject called "Heal Your Heart."

Anne Butta credits a good diet, low in calories, salt and fat for the good health of her father, John Henry "Hank" Butta, who visited with Miller recently.

Butta, the former CEO of C&P Telephone of Maryland, now part of Verizon, and the great-great grandfather of four, is trim and quick witted at 89 years old.

The Highlandtown native said he grew up eating big Italian dinners and evolved into a "meat and potatoes" guy. He worked a lot and also spent time serving on advisory commissions for former Gov. William Donald Schaefer, as well as refereeing football games and playing golf.

In 2010, he needed triple bypass surgery. This led him to a diet low in calories, salt and fat, although, he still has the occasional treat at home or restaurant.

"One time a month," he said about how often he now eats a steak. A decade ago, it was "every other meal."

Miller approved of that schedule. He summed up the heart association advice this way:

Replacing 10 percent of calories from saturated fats (red meat, butter, palm oil) with polyunsaturated fats (safflower and corn oils, walnuts and salmon) reduces risk of heart disease by 50 percent.

Replacing 10 percent of calories from saturated fats with monounsaturated fats (canola and olive oil, almonds and avocados) reduces risk of heart disease by 30 percent.

Replacing 10 percent of calories from saturated fats with complex carbohydrates (whole grains, beans and vegetables) reduces risk of heart disease by 18 percent.

Replacing 10 percent of calories from saturated fats with simple carbohydrates (sugary foods and soft drinks) does not reduce the risk of heart disease.

Still, not all doctors think this is the right message.

Dr. Dana Simpler, an internal medicine doctor at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, said the consequences of a poor diet can be so dire that she believes the heart association report was a missed opportunity to warn people about how much all their food matters.

She joins other doctors who advocate for a whole-food, plant-based diet, for which she said there is evidence of reducing the chance of a first or recurrent heart attack close to zero.

That means eating foods that are not processed and have little to no sugar, salt or added oil.

"It continues to surprise me that the AHA makes such modest diet recommendations for preventing our number one killer heart disease," she wrote in an email. "Simply substituting saturated fats (bacon, red meat, butter) with unsaturated fats (vegetable oils) reduces heart attacks by 30 percent, but, what about the other 70 percent that still have life threatening heart disease?"

She conceded that a plant-based diet is not easy to follow, "and many people may decide it is too hard for them, but at least let the American public know that there is a diet that will prevent and reverse heart disease almost 100 percent."

Dr. Seth Martin, co-director of the John Hopkins Hospital's Advanced Lipid Disorders Center, said he'd like all his patients to eat so well but said "perfection" is tough to achieve. He encourages them to do what they can, from starting with one change or adopting the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, which both center on low-fat, whole-grain and plant-based foods.

The new heart association advice will help him steer patients to food they can substitute for what they should give up.

See the rest here:
Heart healthy diet as effective as statins, American Heart Association says - Baltimore Sun