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What foods should a person with kidney disease and diabetes limit? – Medical News Today

Posted: June 26, 2022 at 2:01 am

Diabetes is a health condition that affects a persons blood sugar levels. One of the potential complications of diabetes is kidney disease. Diet can play an important role in controlling both of these conditions. Limiting certain foods and adding others can help an individual maintain a good overall health status.

A potential long-term complication of diabetes is diabetic nephropathy, which is a type of chronic kidney disease that occurs when high blood glucose levels damage kidney function. About 1 in 3 adults with diabetes in the United States also have chronic kidney disease.

A persons diet can influence both kidney disease and diabetes. Although it may not be possible to reverse kidney damage, people can prevent or delay kidney disease with lifestyle behaviors, such as changes to the diet. Similarly, a nutritious, well-balanced diet may help slow or prevent type 2 diabetes or control other types of diabetes.

In this article, we discuss the role of nutrition in managing kidney disease and diabetes.

A person with kidney disease and diabetes should aim to eat foods that help regulate their blood sugar levels and limit the amount of waste and fluid that their kidneys process.

The role of the kidneys is to remove excess water and waste from the body by turning it into urine. The kidneys help balance the bodys levels of potassium, acids, and salts. Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are not functioning fully and are unable to carry out these tasks as effectively as usual.

Through dietary changes, a person can limit the amount of minerals, salts, and fluid their kidneys must process. They can also choose foods that give them energy and are unlikely to lead to further health complications.

Diabetes is a health condition in which a person is unable to produce enough insulin or respond correctly to it. This hormone is responsible for allowing the body to use glucose from food as energy. When this process does not occur, a persons blood sugar levels can become too high, which is known as hyperglycemia. Conversely, a person may also experience low blood sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia.

When a persons blood sugar is not within a healthy range, they may begin to feel unwell. If a person is regularly unable to keep their blood glucose within these ranges, they can develop health complications. Along with other management strategies, such as medications and regular exercise, following a diabetes meal plan can help a person manage their blood sugar levels.

It may be advisable for people with kidney disease, diabetes, or both to try limiting certain foods. A dietitian will be able to advise a person on which foods may be unsuitable for them.

People with kidney disease may benefit from limiting their salt intake. Excess sodium, which is naturally present in many foods and is a major part of table salt, can cause swollen ankles, puffiness, increased blood pressure, shortness of breath, and fluid around the heart and lungs.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease suggests that people with kidney disease should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. As such, people may wish to restrict their intake of salty seasonings, certain sauces, salted snacks, cured foods, and processed foods.

A person with kidney disease should also consider eating only moderate portions of protein. Although this macronutrient is essential for building muscle and growing and repairing cells, the kidneys may struggle to remove all the waste from a high protein diet. Excess protein waste can build up in the blood and cause weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, and taste changes.

Doctors may also advise people with kidney disease to limit their consumption of potassium and phosphorus, as their kidneys may not be able to filter out excess amounts of these minerals.

High phosphorus levels can result in the body removing calcium from bones, making them weaker. This can also lead to dangerous calcium deposits that can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or even death.

High potassium levels might cause a person to experience weakness, numbness, and tingling. In some cases, they may also cause an irregular heartbeat or a heart attack.

Learn more about foods that people may wish to limit for kidney health.

An eating plan for diabetes is one that aims to help a person manage their blood sugar levels and body weight and prevent any further health complications. Many factors, including cultural background, personal preferences, comorbidities, and socioeconomic settings, can affect a persons eating pattern, so it is advisable to consult a dietitian.

A person with diabetes should be mindful of consuming foods high in sugar, such as chocolate bars and sugary drinks, as these can cause spikes in blood sugar. It is best for a person to reserve these foods for when they need to correct a hypoglycemic episode.

It is important to note that the labels of some snacks with added sugar may list honey, sucrose, glucose, or fructose as an ingredient, rather than sugar.

Similarly, a person may wish to watch their intake of carbohydrates and have a goal for the total amount they consume daily. Where possible, an individual can replace some options with complex carbs, which are less likely to cause blood glucose spikes. For example, a person may choose whole grain bread rather than white bread and eat whole fruit rather than drinking fruit juice.

As people living with diabetes have an increased risk of high blood pressure, they can also benefit from limiting their intake of salt, saturated fats, and trans fats.

Learn more about food and diabetes.

There is no one-size-fits-all eating plan for a person with diabetes and kidney disease. Much of what a person chooses to eat will depend on the stage of their conditions, their weight, and their personal preferences.

However, many processed foods contain added ingredients that may worsen diabetes and kidney disease. A person with these conditions may wish to prepare and cook meals themselves so that they are fully aware of the ingredients.

Although a person may feel as though having diabetes and kidney disease significantly limits their food choices, it is possible to include a wide range of food options in a balanced eating plan. In many cases, people can still enjoy similar meals and snacks, but with more nutritious alternatives or smaller portion sizes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following foods and beverages are suitable for individuals with both diabetes and kidney disease:

As high blood pressure and heart disease are known risk factors for both kidney disease and diabetes, a doctor or dietitian may suggest elements of a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. The DASH diet aims to reduce blood pressure, and it may also lower cholesterol and aid weight management.

People can take steps to maintain their kidney health and control their blood sugars. These steps include:

Many people live with both diabetes and kidney disease. Following an eating plan that helps regulate blood sugar and minimizes stress on the kidneys can help a person manage these conditions and lower their risk of complications.

Although it is important for these individuals to limit their intake of certain foods, this approach can sometimes feel challenging. However, many foods are available that can form part of a varied and nutritious eating plan that suits individual preferences. For additional help, people can consider consulting a dietitian.

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What foods should a person with kidney disease and diabetes limit? - Medical News Today

This what Bollywood divas eat to lose weight quickly for their movies – Times of India

Posted: June 26, 2022 at 2:00 am

This beautiful diva and her drastic weight loss left B-town and fans amazed. The actress shared in one of her interviews "I used to be 86 kilos; I used to wear size 38. Right now, fitting into a size 30 is a big achievement.

Parineeti Chopra followed a strict diet and learnt Kalaripayattu which is a martial arts form from Kerala. She replaced all foods with brown and organic substitutes and followed a detox programme. Her breakfast included a glass of milk, brown bread with butter, two eggs- white portion only, juice followed by lunch which was a simple desi meal along with brown rice, green salad and green leafy vegetables. Lastly, her dinner will leave you surprised as she often had chocolate shakes or low calorie meals to lose weight.

Disclaimer: All these details have been extracted from social media and celebrity intervoews.

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This what Bollywood divas eat to lose weight quickly for their movies - Times of India

Weight loss advice from GPs really can help people slim down and stay that way new research – News24

Posted: June 26, 2022 at 2:00 am

For people looking to lose weight, it can be hard to know where to start. Not only are there scores of commercial weight loss programmes to choose from, theres also plenty of confusing and contradictory weight loss advice to be found online or in magazines.

But the best person to help you lose weight may actually be your family doctor, as our recent review showed. We found that weight loss programmes delivered by general practitioners (GPs) and their teams can help people lose weight and reduce their waist size.

We also found that people were able to maintain their weight loss even after two years.

To conduct our review, we looked at 27 studies with data from 8 000 people. There was a lot of variation in the weight loss programmes offered by GPs. Some studies involved participants who only had one short advice session with a doctor, while others involved multiple visits with their GP.

The length of the programmes also varied from three months to three years.

Most sessions were conducted in person, while some were done over the phone or online. In some studies, nurses, dietitians and health coaches also gave weight loss advice to participants.

The advice GPs gave to participants usually included education about increasing physical activity and reducing calorie intake through self-monitoring. Sometimes weigh-ins and feedback was also included to motivate patients.

Some studies also had GPs give patients specific diets or structured workout plans.

We found that, after a year, people who received help from their doctor lost an average of 3.7kg 2.3kg more than people who did not receive help from their GP. While this difference in weight loss may seem small, even losing 2%-5% of body weight can have a range of health benefits, such as improved blood sugar levels.

We also showed that people who lost weight with help from their GP kept around 80% of it off when followed up two years later.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, we found that the more contact a person had with their GP the better. Patients who saw their GP at least 12 times during the programme lost the greatest amount of weight.

We also found that the two programmes that had the greatest weight loss in a 12-month period were those that used a total diet replacement plan. Total diet replacements involve replacing foods with a number of formula products such as shakes and provide between 800-1200 calories per day.

These are mostly used in people with high sugar levels to try and reverse type 2 diabetes. However anyone with obesity may use them to lose weight quickly.

The third best programme involved weekly sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for 18 months thereafter. For the first month, participants were given prepackaged foods and meal replacement shakes. Replacement of foods may be easier to stick to at first as participants dont need to decide what foods to make.

Our findings indicate that having the right kind of help and advice can make it easier for people to stick with a weight loss programme and keep this weight off long term. We know from other research that having a weight loss plan can help people lose weight better than those who follow self-guided programmes.

We know from other research that commercial weight loss programmes (such as Weight Watchers or Slimming World) can also help participants lose between 0.8kg and 2.7kg on average in a year compared to those who didnt attend such a programme.

While these programmes may be moderately successful in helping people lose weight, the downside is that theyre often conducted in a group setting, may only be offered in more populated communities, and be costly, all of which could be off putting for some people.

But almost everyone has access to a GP, which may be another reason why weight loss advice given by them can be helpful for people looking to lose weight. Research also shows that having a trusting relationship with your GP may also make treatments such as weight loss programmes more successful.

In the future we are going to look at whether these programmes are effective for different ethnic groups, genders and people that live in deprivation. Many studies dont report some of these characteristics so we must make sure we are reducing inequalities by offering these programmes.

An important consideration in all of this is that doctors are already overworked - and often dont have the time to deliver weight loss programmes. But our study also showed that advice given by a member of the GP team - such as a nurse or health coach worked just as well.

If youre someone looking to lose weight, the best weight loss programme is the one youre likely to stick with. But speaking with your GP may helpful, especially if you dont know where to get started.

Claire Madigan, Senior Research Associate, Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour, Loughborough Universityand Liz Sturgiss, Senior Research Fellow, Monash University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Weight loss advice from GPs really can help people slim down and stay that way new research - News24

Why Am I Losing Weight In The Face: The Real Reason Behind It – Flux Magazine

Posted: June 26, 2022 at 2:00 am

words Al Woods

Spontaneous weight loss in the face is a problem for many people. The truth is, we cannot lose weight only in the face, and there are several factors that cause this to happen.

Its not unusual for someone with extra pounds to lose weight unevenly through the body some say it tends to start first in the face where they are looking very tired or even sick.

If youre wondering why this happens, dont worry. There are numerous reasons for this to happen and some may seem really surprising for you, so keep reading.

Usually weight loss is a positive change in your life, though there are some exceptions.

Here are some potential causes of fat loss in the face:

Aging is a very common reason for facial fat loss. We lose muscle mass and skin tone when we get older. The face is also particularly susceptible because it contains more fat th

an other parts of the body.

This loss of muscle mass in combination with decreased bone density can cause sagging skin and wrinkles, giving an aged appearance, so it is common to lose weight in the face.

Changes in hormone secretion can cause us to gain or lose weight, but its most common for women to experience this type of weight loss. This is because they are susceptible to hormonal changes caused by birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause.

Stress is a common cause of weight loss in the face. Once you experience a stressful time, cortisol levels can increase and cause us to lose weight. This type of weight loss is the most difficult to combat because it is psychological as well as physical. However, every problem has some ways out, so you may try to find a solution for this situation.

When you eat improperly, the body does not receive all nutrients. That is why you should be aware of the foods you consume. If you are eating more than 2000 kcal per day and do not get enough protein in your diet, then it will be difficult for your face to retain its shape.

Another cause of facial weight loss is sun exposure. The UV rays found in sunlight can damage the skin cells, causing them to die more quickly, which then causes dehydration and sagging. That is why you should always use sunscreen for both your face and body.

In addition to weight loss, too much cardio can cause your face to look sunken and gaunt because you lose a lot of muscle. This is why the exercise plans provided by BetterMe have a healthy balance of cardio, weight lifting, and proper nutrition so you can achieve the best possible results.

Smoking can also cause you to lose weight in the face. The chemicals found in cigarettes and tobacco affect collagen production, which reduces fat storage, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. If youve been thinking about quitting smoking but havent been able to do so, this might be a good reason for you to finally kick those cigarettes to the curb.

Certain medical conditions can cause weight loss in the face. These include diabetes, hypothyroidism, and Cushings syndrome. Always talk to your doctor if you feel that you have a weight problem or any symptoms, which may indicate a medical condition. Do not try to treat your condition by yourself because it may lead to severe consequences and cost you even more health damage.

Read our tips for maintaining a young and healthy face:

Protein is essential to the production of collagen and will help your face retain its elasticity. When we dont get enough protein, our bodies break down muscle mass and use it for other functions, one of which is fueling metabolism.

A high protein diet comprises meats, seafood, legumes, and dairy in moderation.

Collagen supplements can help with collagen production and the regeneration of skin tissue. You may also use cosmetics with these ingredients that boost collagen production:

If you are eating less than 2000 calories per day, your body will go into starvation mode, which means it starts to break down muscle for energy instead of fat, causing weight loss in the face.

A lack of sleep has been shown to weigh down the face with dark circles and wrinkles. Get 7-9 hours of sleep every night and you will see positive changes.

UV rays are very damaging to the skin. Use sunscreen when youre outside and keep your face covered with a hat or scarf when you know youll be exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.

These tips will help you maintain a healthy weight on your face. If youre not getting results from them, then you should see a doctor because the cause could be something more serious than improper nutrition or lack of sleep.

DISCLAIMER:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. A licensed physician should be consulted for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

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Why Am I Losing Weight In The Face: The Real Reason Behind It - Flux Magazine

Health Insight: Is intermittent fasting actually good for weight loss? Here’s what the evidence says – Sight Magazine

Posted: June 26, 2022 at 1:59 am

23 June 2022 DAVID CLAYTON

If youre someone whos thought about losing weight or has wanted to get healthier in the past few years, youve probably come across these two words: intermittent fasting. From celebrities to fitness enthusiasts, intermittent fasting has many thousands of loyal advocates online, claiming this way of eating has helped them lose weight better than other diet methods have.

Its easy to see the appeal of intermittent fasting as a weight loss method. Not only is it simple, its also flexible, can be adapted easily to every person, and doesnt require you to eliminate foods or count calories. But despite its popularity, intermittent fasting may not actually be better than other diet methods when it comes to weight loss.

PICTURE: nehopelon/iStockphoto

To date, numerous studies have shown intermittent fasting is as good as counting calories when it comes to weight loss including a recent study, which tracked participants for more than a year.

This has even been shown with many different types of intermittent fasting, including alternate-day fasting (where you fast or restrict calories every other day), 5:2 dieting (eating normally five days a week, then fasting or restricting calories for two days) and time-restricted eating (where you eat all of your days calories within a set time window, such as only eating during an eight hour window, then fasting for 16 hours). But no studies have yet shown intermittent fasting to be any better than conventional diets.

Intermittent fasting reduces the amount you eat, but it may have a downside. It both reduces the amount of physical activity we do, and reduces how hard we push during exercise.

This is true regardless of the type of intermittent fasting you do. This suggests that when calorie intake is substantially reduced even for a short period of time the body adapts by reducing the number of calories used during exercise. Researchers arent entirely sure why this happens, however.

While this may not necessarily affect weight loss, lower physical activity levels can have other negative effects on health. For example, a recent alternate-day fasting study found that even just three weeks of this diet reduced physical activity levels and led to a greater loss of muscle mass than a daily calorie restriction diet. The fasting diet was also less effective than daily calorie restriction for fat loss.

Muscle mass is crucial for many reasons, including regulating blood sugar levels and staying physically able as we get older. So diets that cause muscle loss are best avoided. However, combining intermittent fasting with exercise programmes such as resistance training may help people better maintain lean muscle mass while encouraging fat loss.

Are there other benefits to fasting?While intermittent fasting might not be a miracle solution when it comes to weight loss, that doesnt mean it might not still have other health benefits.

A recent review on intermittent fasting found that it improved blood pressure, insulin sensitivity (how effectively the body regulates blood sugar) and lowered cholesterol levels to a similar extent as daily calorie restriction.

It is likely this effect is due to weight loss. But since few studies have followed participants for longer than a year, its hard to know whether the these effects persist.

Some research also suggests how you fast may also be key. A number of studies have shown promising results from early time-restricted eating, which involves eating all your days calories in the early part of the day and fasting in the evening, usually from 4pm onwards. Eating early in the day aligns food intake with our natural circadian rhythms, which means nutrients are processed more efficiently.

Early time-restricted eating has also been shown to improve several markers of health, such as insulin sensitivity, which is a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes. These improvements were even seen without weight loss.

Theres also evidence that outcomes from the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet can be improved by positioning the two very-low or no calorie diet days consecutively. This may lead to improvements in insulin sensitivity greater than what would be seen when practising daily calorie restriction.

This might be due to spending more time in a fasted-state, which increases the amount of body fat you burn. Interestingly, exercising while fasting may also help you burn more fat and improve insulin sensitivity.

So while intermittent fasting might not be better than other diets for weight loss, making changes to how you do it such as fasting in the evening may help you see other health benefits.

For people who struggle to stick with calorie restriction diets, intermittent fasting is safe and may still be effective. Its also worth noting that its best to combine intermittent fasting with exercise to experience the best results.

David Claytonis a senior lecturer in nutrition and exercise physiology atNottingham Trent University.This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Health Insight: Is intermittent fasting actually good for weight loss? Here's what the evidence says - Sight Magazine

ITV’s Lorraine Kelly shares incredible weight loss that’s left her feeling ‘happier and healthier’ – Lancs Live

Posted: June 26, 2022 at 1:59 am

ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly has shared the secret to her weight loss after dropping two dress sizes.

Lorraine, who has her own self-titled breakfast show every weekday, has shared her one and half stone weightloss with fans, saying that she feels "happier and healthier" for it. She decided to lose weight after putting on the pounds during the Covid lockdown. The 62-year-old told how she started comfort eating during the pandemic and it saw her go from a size 10 to a 14 slowly over two years, reports WalesOnline.

She told how the weight gain made her lose confidence and she ended up missing events. Speaking to The Mirror earlier this year, she said: ""During the pandemic, I started comfort eating and that was my downfall comfort eating and not being able to go to my fitness classes. When those classes stopped I started eating far too much it was things that I would probably never bother with.

READ MORE: We tried cheaper Kellog's Corn Flakes from supermarkets - and a 50p box won

"Like I wanted muffins, I wanted croissants, I wanted doughnuts. All of these things that you know you shouldnt be having and you think its making you feel better at the time and it doesnt. And so slowly, slowly, slowly over the past couple of years, Ive gone from a size 10 to a size 14"

She added: "Ive definitely not got as much energy, as the more you do the more energy youve got and the classes really gave me that."

Lorraine decided to sign up to WW, formerly known as Weight Watchers, to help her along her journey. She told fans on Instagram that she has now reached her goal weight and couldn't be happier. She told her 494k followers: "GOAL REACHED! Lost one and a half stone!Feel healthier and happier Thank you @ww.uk and @wwsuzystirfry."

Celebrity Ambassador Coach Suzy Stirlin was among those to congratulate Lorraine, telling her thousands of followers: "oweeee! What a day! Please join me in congratulating @lorrainekellysmith for getting to Goal and reaching WW GOLD STATUS!!! "Lorraine has dropped 21lb resulting in two dress sizes from a size 14 to a comfortable 10. I think youll all agree with me that she looks amazing.

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ITV's Lorraine Kelly shares incredible weight loss that's left her feeling 'happier and healthier' - Lancs Live

5 Truths About the Fast-Food Industry That Will Make You Lose Your Appetite Eat This Not That – Eat This, Not That

Posted: June 26, 2022 at 1:59 am

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but there are plenty of cheap lunches. Fast food is everywhere. Whether you're in the heart of a city or driving along a remote lonely highway, one thing remains the same: The golden arches are always nearby.

For better or worse, fast food is an undeniable component of Western cultureand diets. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 36% of U.S. adults ate fast food on any given day between 2013 and 2016. Fast forward a few years, and fast food actually became even more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. A drive-thru window is that much more enticing when indoor dining is a potential health risk.

The pandemic effect shows no signs of slowing either. If anything, the demand for fast food in the U.S. continues to grow. The first quarter of 2021 saw fast-food restaurants enjoy a 33.06% increase in customer traffic.

It's easy to explain why fast food is so popular. It's convenient, affordable, and in most cases, tasty too. It also largely transcends income brackets. A study published in the journal of Economics & Human Biology, which analyzed eating habits among 8,000 Americans of various income levels, found negligible differences in fast food consumption. Across all income levels, 79% of subjects ate fast food at least once per week.

Of course, there's also a dark side to fast food. The detrimental health effects of eating this highly processed stuff on a regular basis are well-documented. Taste and convenience today set the stage for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease tomorrow.

Besides the obvious nutritional concerns, fast food has also been linked to a number of surprising and unexpected negative side effects. For example, a study published in Psychological Science reports a connection between exposure to fast food and impatience. Another research project published in Public Health Nutrition found that people who eat fast food are 51% more likely to feel depressed.

Fast food may even drain your brain. One study released in Clinical Pediatrics found that eating more fast food was associated with lower academic grades in middle school.

Starting to rethink today's lunch plans? We're just scratching the surface. Keep reading to learn five unappetizing truths about the fast-food industry.

Research released this spring by Consumer Reports discovered high levels of chemicals called PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the wrappers and packaging used by several national fast-food chains.

PFAs are also known as "forever chemicals," because they don't break down in the environment, instead persisting for thousands of years. These chemicals are known to build up in animals, the environment, and even people.

"We know that these substances migrate into food you eat," Justin Boucher, an environmental engineer at the Food Packaging Forum, a nonprofit research organization based in Switzerland, told Consumer Reports. "It's clear, direct exposure."

The health effects of PFA exposure still aren't totally clear, but the CDC already calls PFAs a "public health concern." Various research projects have linked PFAs to fertility problems, developmental issues in children, increased cancer risk, and weakened immune responses.

In the fast-food world, PFAs are used to stop grease and water from soaking through wrappers and packaging. After testing 118 food packaging products sold in the New York tri-state area in 2021, researchers report some of the top PFA offenders were Nathan's Famous bag for sides, McDonald's fry bag, Chick-fil-A's sandwich wrapper, Taco Bell's chip bag, and Arby's cookie bag.

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Over the years, various fast-food chains have introduced healthier menu options like salads and fruits. One might assume that means fast-food menus are healthier today than decades ago, but that doesn't appear to be the case. As time goes on, fast food is becoming more and more unhealthy.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Scientists at Boston University analyzed the menus of ten popular fast food chains in 1986, 1991, and 2016. They discovered that most fast-food entres, sides, and desserts contain far more calories and sodium nowadays than they did in the 1980s or 1990s. Portion sizes have increased as well. There may be more menu options, but overall nutritional quality of fast food continues to decline.

"Our study offers some insights on how fast food may be helping to fuel the continuing problem of obesity and related chronic conditions in the United States. Despite the vast number of choices offered at fast-food restaurants, some of which are healthier than others, the calories, portion sizes, and sodium content overall have worsened (increased) over time and remain high," says lead investigator Megan A. McCrory.

PFAs aren't the only chemicals you should worry about when it comes to fast food. We've already covered "forever chemicals," now let's move on to "everywhere chemicals."

Phthalates are a group of man-made chemicals used to make plastics more durable. They're called "everywhere chemicals" because they're found in a wide array of products such as shampoos, soaps, vinyl flooring, and toys. Importantly, phthalates are also used in food packaging and food processing equipment.

Similar to PFAs, they've been linked to a number of health issues such as autism, cancer, and neurodevelopmental problems.

What does this have to do with fast food? Research conducted at George Washington University in 2021 and published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology found that phthalates and other plasticizers are widespread in fast-food dishes.

Some phthalates have already been banned in certain products, so manufacturers use "replacement plasticizers" instead. The only problem with that is these replacement chemicals are woefully understudied. We don't know what effect (if any) they're having on people upon exposure.

"We found phthalates and other plasticizers are widespread in prepared foods available at U.S. fast-food chains, a finding that means many consumers are getting a side of potentially unhealthy chemicals along with their meal," said lead study author Lariah Edwards. "Stronger regulations are needed to help keep these harmful chemicals out of the food supply."

The study authors analyzed 64 menu items (fries, pizza, burritos, etc.) from six different fast-food restaurants. The specific names of the brands weren't included, but researchers note their work included common burger chains, pizza chains, and Tex-Mex chains. All in all, 81% of examined fast-food samples contained a phthalate called DnBP, while another 70% contained the phthalate DEHP. Meanwhile, 86% of studied foods contained the replacement plasticizer called DEHT.

Why is fast food covered in phthalates? Researchers explain the chemicals often make their way from food-handling gloves, conveyor belts, and tubing into fast foods.

Fast-food commercials make burgers, wraps, and sides look absolutely mouth-watering. No fast-food burger on TV is soggy or sloppedly put together. The reality of fast food, however, is often disappointing.

In fact, the more you peel back the curtain on the world of fast food, it becomes clearer and clearer that things are rarely as they seem. For instance, did you know that Ireland ruled Subway's bread can't legally be called "bread" due to excessive sugar levels? It sounds like a fake headline, but it's true. The overall sugar content of Subway's bread is 10% of the weight of the flour.

Another example: The vast majority of "grill marks" seen on fast-food burgers and sandwiches are fakes, burnt on by a rotary brander, not an actual grill.

That being said, let's give credit where credit is due. Burger King is one of the few fast-food brands that isn't lying when they say they flame-grill their beef (but it may be lying about the size of its Whoppers). Chick-fil-A menu items also feature real grill marks.

A recent poll from the University of Michigan reports one in five U.S. parents admit their kids are eating more fast food these days in comparison to the pre-pandemic days. But children had been begging mom and dad to stop at the drive-thru long before 2020.

Historically, the fast-food industry has always targeted children via the use of toys, colorful advertisements, and collaborations with popular media properties. And that's not even mentioning the children's play areas built into fast-food locations. It isn't a stretch to say the entire industry is catered toward kids.

One study published in PLOS ONE concludes fast-food ads aimed at children emphasize prizes and movie tie-ins far more than food.

Another report, also published in PLOS ONE, even found that children's fast-food advertising often contradicts its own self-regulatory guidelines laid out by the Better Business Bureau. Food marketing geared to kids is supposed to emphasize healthy options, but after watching a few McDonald's and Burger King commercials intended for kids, a group of children could barely remember anything about the ads except the toys. The young participants only recalled healthy foods shown in the ads, such as fruit and milk, less than 10% of the time.

Recent research published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health also reveals that McDonald's appears to be purposely targeting and focusing on children living in low-income countries. Scientists found that the chain's Instagram advertising campaigns in lower-income nations feature more child-friendly posts, giveaways, and price promotions. Conversely, lower-income countries also get fewer Instagram marketing posts depicting healthy habits.

"As social media use grows, fast food companies' social media ads may have unprecedented effects on dietary options, especially in lower-income countries," the study concludes. "By targeting certain subsets through child-targeted ads and price promotions, McDonald's social media ads may exacerbate healthcare issues in the most vulnerable countries in the world."

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5 Truths About the Fast-Food Industry That Will Make You Lose Your Appetite Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Breast cancer and plant-based diets: Unhealthy foods linked to 20% higher risk – Medical News Today

Posted: June 26, 2022 at 1:58 am

The food we eat, what we drink, and our lifestyle influence our cancer risk. According to Cancer Research U.K., certain foods are directly linked to the risk of developing cancer but overall diet is more important, helping maintain a healthy weight.

However, there is strong evidence that eating more whole grains and fiber reduces the risks of cancer, and that processed meat is carcinogenic to humans.

Vegan and vegetarian diets may, in particular, have health benefits as they have been associated with better health outcomes for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

New research at Paris-Saclay University has studied the association between a plant-based diet and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women.

The work was presented at the American Society for Nutrition, Nutrition 2022 live online meeting held from June 14-16. Led by doctoral candidate Sanam Sha, the study investigated how the quality of plant foodshealthy and unhealthymay be linked with different outcomes.

Researchers collected data from over 65 000 women from the Etude Epidmiologique auprs de femmes de la Mutuelle Gnrale de lEducation Nationale study (E3N) for over two decades.

The researchers identified and classified the cases of breast cancer using receptor and histological subtypes. The patients self-reported their diets and the researchers scored them as healthful and unhealthful plant-based diets.

The researchers recorded nearly 4,000 cases of breast cancer during the study. The risk of breast cancer among the participants was reduced the more they adhered to a healthy plant-based diet, the results showed.

The researchers found that the women who regularly ate a healthy plant-based dieteven if it included animal-based foodswere 14% less likely to develop breast cancer. The results were applicable to all breast cancer subtypes.

This was compared to women who ate a more unhealthy plant-based diet, which included foods such as fruit juices, potatoes, and dessert. This group had a 20% higher risk of breast cancer, in comparison.

Plant-based diets are often used interchangeably with vegetarian or vegan diets, said Sha.

However, a healthy plant-based diet comprises higher intakes of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, tea, and coffee. In contrast, the unhealthy plant-based diet comprises higher intakes of primarily processed/refined products of plant origin such as refined grains, fruit juices, sweets/desserts, and potatoes. In both instances, the diet still includes some animal-based foods, she detailed to Medical News Today.

Speaking to MNT about the study findings, Sha explained:

Eating more healthy plant foods while not cutting out meat/animal foods entirely has health benefits and could prevent breast cancer.

[] our results suggest that not all plant-based diets are equally healthy, which may be surprising as diets excluding meat generally have a positive health image. Sanam Sha, lead author

When asked if these findings may also be relevant to pre-menopausal breast cancer, Sha said that due to the differences in the development of breast cancer, they could not conclude that the same results might apply to young women.

She said the same applied to male breast cancer.

A gender difference in cancer susceptibility has been found. Hence, we need more studies to assess the link between plant-based diets and cancer risk in men, she added.

This study emphasizes the importance of not only diet but diet quality on health and possibly breast cancer risk.

According to Sha, the research [..] highlights that increasing the consumption of healthy plant foods and decreasing the consumption of less healthy plant foods might help prevent all types of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Calling it a novel area of research, Sha said their findings suggest that eating a diet based on healthy plant foods could benefit postmenopausal women with a poor diet.

However, the mechanisms behind any link are not yet known. When speaking about the next steps for the work, Sha elaborated that they needed more studies on diverse populations in different countries to better assess this risk and possible underlying mechanisms.

The remaining key questions include assessing the underlying mechanisms of the associations observed between the healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets and breast cancer risk, such as the mediating role of the circulating levels of some metabolites or gut microbiome studies, she added.

Moreover, previous studies have suggested that a healthy plant-based diet may lower the risk of other diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Therefore, it is probable that it is never too late to embark on a healthy plant-based diet. Sanam Sha

The study did not adjust its findings for any other factors, which means that it cant be ruled out that other external factors, such as socioeconomic status, have had an effect on the results.

Fiona Osgun, senior health information manager at Cancer Research U.K., who was not involved in the study told MNT that although[a]vailable research does not support a link between types of diet and breast cancer[] a healthy balanced diet lowers your risk of getting cancer overall, mainly by helping to keep a healthy weight.

You dont have to be vegetarian or vegan to be healthy, just try to eat more vegetables, fruit, wholegrain foods, and healthy sources of protein like beans or fresh chicken, she added.

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Breast cancer and plant-based diets: Unhealthy foods linked to 20% higher risk - Medical News Today

Why You Gain Weight After Losing It, and How to Kick This Habit for Good – CNET

Posted: June 26, 2022 at 1:58 am

Let's see if this sounds familiar: You worked your tail off in the gym and maintained a nutritious diet for months to finally lose the weight you've wanted to... only to gain it all back once you've stopped dieting. If this has happened to you, it can be a discouraging cycle that feels like it will have no end. The goods news is you're certainly not alone in your frustrations, and you've lost the weight once, so you know you can do it again.

This habit is called weight cycling -- or yo-yo dieting -- and it's marked by a cycle of losing weightthen gaining it back only to start dieting all over again. With the sometimes severe highs and lows, yo-yo dieting keeps you from achieving your goals. Not to mention the lasting effects it can have on your body.

Thankfully, you can break the cycle, burn any allegiance to fad dieting and get back on track with your wellness goals. Here's how.

Read more: How Many Calories Should You Burn Each Day to Lose Weight?

Yo-yo dieting is not something you're intentionally doing. There's a physiological reason your body responds to unrealistic dieting. The hormone leptin decreases as you lose weight. Leptin's job in our body is to tell us when we have enough energy (in the form of fat) stored up in the body. When leptin levels decrease enough, we start experiencing hunger.

In response to restrictive diets that limit what we eat, our bodies slow our metabolism to hang onto those nutrients for as long as they can. This means your weight loss will stall, and you're at greater risk of gaining it back when you stop that restrictive diet.

Every time you turn around, it feels like there's a new diet to try. With the rise and fall of fad dieting, yo-yo dieting is more common than you may think, especially with restrictive diets. A March 2019 study from the Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that 70% of female participants experienced at least one instance of weight cycling. The study included a diverse group of 485 women aged 20 to 76.

Weight fluctuation is entirely normal. The average adult's daily weight tends to fluctuate within a 3- to 4-pound range, depending on what you eat, drink and eliminate that day. Weight cycling doesn't always have to be drastic. However, it is outside of normal ranges of weight loss and weight gain for the body and generally follows an unsustainable diet.

When you diet and lose weight quickly, you're losing muscle along with fat. Then, when you are in the phase of yo-yo dieting where you are gaining weight, you will gain fat first, not muscle. In the long run, this can impact your ability to walk, lift things or climb stairs. However, this can be offset with exercise, like weight training to ensure you're building muscle.

Studies have also found that weight cycling can increase body fat percentage. A review of published research found that 11 out of 19 studies connected the history of yo-yo dieting to higher body fat. Half of the reviewed studies also found that weight cycling is linked to future weight gain.

Weight gain increases your risk of developing heart disease. The same is true for the cycle of gaining and losing weight. A recent study published by the New England Journal of Medicine found that the risk of heart disease is correlated to the change in weight -- the greater the swing in weight, the higher the risk.

Some studies have also investigated the relationship between weight cycling and increased blood pressure. Past studies suggest that with enough time between weight cycling, the effects on your blood pressure fade. Not all studies agree on this point, however. A more recent study has suggested that your body mass index will determine if a history of weight cycling contributes to higher blood pressure or not. More research is needed to get the full picture.

Various positive mental health benefits are associated with weight loss -- greater confidence, a sense of achievement and increased self-esteem. Unfortunately, there can be negative effects as well, especially with yo-yo dieting. Repeated weight shifts are discouraging and can even contribute to anxiety and depression.

A 2020 study showed that a history of weight cycling is a significant predictor of depressive symptoms, with internalized weight stigma as a mediator. When controlled for gender, there was no significant difference, meaning that the effects are similar across men and women. Like the other risk factors on the list, not everyone will experience this.

Dieting is hard, and it's easier than it should be to fall into a pattern of weight cycling. We don't want to paint the picture that breaking the cycle of yo-yo dieting is easy. It's not. And remember, losing weight isn't necessary to be healthy. However, if weight loss is your goal, these tips may help you regain control.

A great way to reach your health goals is to establish a realistic diet and exercise plan.

Reevaluate the diet you're on.Yo-yo dieting starts with unsustainable diets. You'll want to avoid any diets that rule out entire food groups. We're people, and sometimes we need a cookie or a soda or bowl of pasta. Most importantly, we need the space to decide what we eat and what we don't.

Think about what you're eating.In general, it's a good rule of thumb to try and avoid high amounts of sugar and sodium. But don't make foods off-limits for yourself. That's one of the main pitfalls of yo-yo dieting. Instead, try to find your balance and make the best choices for you.

Exercise.One of the main ways to combat yo-yo dieting is to exercise. Staying active will ensure you maintain a healthy weight during your long-term weight loss plan. Exercise will also help you avoid losing muscle mass over time. Just make sure to take breaks and don't over-exert yourself.

Check in with yourself.Don't forget to check in on yourself on your journey. How are you sleeping? How are you feeling? Has your relationship with food changed? Checking in on yourself now and then will help you make sure you're healthy in every sense.

Find help.Yo-yo dieting can be linked to binge eating disorder or other forms of disordered eating. Even if you don't have an eating disorder, if meals and weight are stressful topics for you, you can still get help and work through your relationship with food. You can reach out to your doctor, a counselor or the National Eating Disorders Association helpline.

Yo-yo dieting is the dark side of weight loss. And unfortunately, it happens to a lot of people. Remember, weight loss isn't synonymous with being healthy. Yo-yo weight cycling comes from unrealistic and sometimes unhealthy diets that we couldn't possibly maintain. Even if you've been stuck in the vicious cycle of weight loss and weight gain, it doesn't mean you can't get out of it.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Why You Gain Weight After Losing It, and How to Kick This Habit for Good - CNET

Diet disasters: 4 in 5 fall back into their old food habits after trying to eat healthier – Study Finds

Posted: June 26, 2022 at 1:58 am

NEW YORK Almost three in five U.S. adults have attempted a traditional diet in their lifetime (58%).A survey of 2,000 adults reveals that those who have dieted in the past have tried an average of five different approaches. Yet 79 percent of those respondents say theyre likely to revert to their old eating habits after completing or giving up on a diet.

The survey also finds that many seek diets to help them feel good physically (50%), lose weight (48%), boost their energy and immune systems (47%), or feel good mentally (47%).

The survey, commissioned by Medifast, the global company behind the OPTAVIA health and wellness community, reveals that half of adults find it hard to prioritize their health. Not having enough time and lack of positive influences tied as the most common challenges.

Lack of support and difficulty breaking unhealthy habits were also cited as barriers to prioritizing health. Yet, survey-takers may have a way to go, with two in three (66%) still believing that changing eating behaviors alone is enough to help improve long-term health.

Many survey respondents admit they havent considered other factors that contribute to a healthier lifestyle, like sleep (56%), mental health (57%), and hydration (57%). The majority of respondents who have dieted said it was not a lasting change, which perhaps is why 41 percent would opt to start on a smaller scale and focus on creating healthy habits.

While 30 percent think adopting healthier habits would come easier for them, more respondents believe it would be a challenge theyd have to work toward (32%).In fact, 67 percent of respondents agree they would be more successful in reaching their health goals if they had more support. More specifically, two-thirds (66%) agree having support from others on the same journey is valuable when making lifestyle changes.

These findings confirm what has been our guiding light: Consumers are seeking a solution that meets the demands of our modern lives, says chairman and CEO of Medifast Dan Chard in a statement. A holistic approach with a built-in support system can help those who have failed on traditional diets alone. Building long-term healthy habits is easier when surrounded by a community of people who get it because theyve been on a similar journey.

In addition to highlighting a cycle of failed diets among the respondents, the majority (61%) agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed how they prioritize their health.

Seventy percent of U.S adults now consider their health to be one of the top priorities in their life, more commonly chosen over other responsibilities like taking care of family (56%) and career (57%).

The poll was conducted by OnePoll.

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Diet disasters: 4 in 5 fall back into their old food habits after trying to eat healthier - Study Finds


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