Easily one of the fastest-growing dietary trends of recent times, the Keto diet has now taken a backflip. According toa new study, Ketogenic dietmay cause harm if followedfor long periods, youngsters tend to do. Published in an online journal called Nature Metabolism, the study by Vishwa Deep Dixit of Yale School of Medicine, US, was carried out on mice which were put on a Keto diet. At first, the mice showed a reduction in blood sugar levels and inflammation. After a week, they started becoming obese.

The research went on to highlight the interaction between metabolism and the immune system, how these coordinate and maintain the functioning of healthy tissues.It was found that a Keto diet expanded gamma-delta T-cells, which leads to weight loss. But if followed for long periods, the diet program increases protein, and subsequentlyfat. This is because protective gamma delta T-cells are lostin the fat and, therefore, metabolism suffers. According to experts, in a Keto diet body gets 99 percent calories from fats and one percent from carbs. In the absence of carbs, thebody's glucose level starts plummeting and the body begins burning fat to raise the energy level.

This process produces a chemical called ketone bodies, that work as an alternative source of fuel. In a Keto diet, the pathway of metabolism changes as a source of energy production and energy consumption of the body changes. It adopts alternate metabolic pathways and uses stored carbs and fats as energy sources and one starts reducing weight fast. But when people start consuming unhealthy processed fats instead of heathy ones like nuts, cheese, whole eggs, seeds and others, the body starts storing fat that leads to obesity, saysDr Priyanka Rohatgi,Chief Nutritionist, Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore.

According to recommendations of the Indian Council of Medical Research, one kg body weight requires one gram of protein. If someone is 50 kg then he/she needs 50 grams of protein daily.For growing children, we recommend one and a half grams. Similarly, for those who play sports we advice two grams. But in Keto diet, stones in the kidney can be formed if followed continuously and to absorb this access in protein, the kidney has to work very hard, thus harming the organ, says Dr Arvind Bagga, Paediatric Nephrologist, AIIMS, Delhi.

In addition to this, when fat starts burning in the body, too many ketones start getting stored. The condition is called ketoacidosis. Due to this, the blood becomes acidic and could lead to liver, kidney, and brain damage. Keto diet leads to a deficiency of minerals and vitamins in the body as a low-carb diet lacks key nutrients like magnesium, calcium, potassium among others. Deficiency of these leads to nausea, vomiting, and constipation. It also disturbs metabolism, says Dr Shreekant Sharma, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Moolchand Hospital, Delhi, adding, Carbs are also essential for maintaining a healthy gut. They are a good source of fibre that promotes clean gut but most of the fibre rich foods such as banana, grapes, savoury beans, crunchy peas and others are excluded from the diet.Keto is completely discouraged for the elderly, diabetics, those with static lifestyles or ones suffering from any kindof kidney ailments.

The picture is not completely bleak. Keto has advantages too such as being healthy for children suffering from an epileptic seizure. Its also observed to work well for certain types of cancer as it stresses cancer cells. People with acne and PCOD may benefit as it reduces the production of hunger hormones. The bottom line is to choose wisely. Think about your bodys requirements and practise balance.

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Keto diet leads to a deficiency of minerals and vitamins in the body as a low-carb diet lacks key nutrients like magnesium, calcium, potassium among others. Deficiency of these leads to nausea, vomiting, and constipation. It also disturbs metabolism. Keto is discouraged for the elderly, diabetics, those with static lifestyles or ones suffering from kidney ailments.

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Keto takes backflip after new study finds it may cause harm if followed for too long - The New Indian Express

Ad Age is kicking off a new series, Creative Under Quarantine, in which were asking agency execs to document their lives in isolation from the COVID-19 pandemicthe good, the bad, the frustrating, the funny and the mundane.

For the first edition, we have Gustavo Lauria, co-founder of agency We Believers, the shop behind the multiple Lion-winning "Edible Six-Pack Rings" and notable work for Burger King like the "Traffic Jam Whopper." Here, he tracks a week of his life in isolation across two continents, in which he went from his home in New York City (before the pandemic hit hard) to Buenos Aires, Argentina to be closer to his family. For his shop, working remotely is the norm. Headquartered in "the cloud," We Believers' 27 staffers are spread out across New York, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Miami and Houston. But being isolated during the crisis threw a new hitch into the process, at least for its founder.

If you have a quarantine story to tell, get in touch with Ad Ages Creativity Editor Ann-Christine Diaz at [emailprotected].

THURSDAY4 PM (NYC) The kid who lives in apartment 6H just asked if anyones told me I look like Tony Stark. Id heard the comparison before, but this time it rang truer than others. While Im clearly not the kind of guy who would risk his life just to save the universe, at this particular moment I feel Im tapping into a superpower. The power of keeping cool while staying home all day every day. Thats basically my routine since we founded We Believers. The whole company works remotely from home. Six times a week between waking up and going back to sleep, I write, bounce ideas around, videoconference with the team, do a little meditation, try to stretch out the pain in on my left side, watch comedies, eat ham andcheese, sometimes burgers, perhaps a little ice cream (always stracciatella) then drink a beer or two. Its a far cry from fighting Thanos, but if whats being asked of everyone is staying indoors, it wont freak me out in the least.5PM I have to run to JFK. My mom convinced me that New Yorks gearing up to be the next hotbed of coronavirus. Plus, she needs me in Buenos Aires and the Argentine government will be closing the countrys borders first thing tomorrow morning.8 PM I cant believe Im cleaning the row of my 27K seat with a 99.9% effective alcohol-based wipe. What if this COVID thing is part of the other 0.1%?9 PMBEER! Thats what I said three times to the flight attendant with no success. I wonder if its my accent or the facial mask Im wearing 9:15 PM I just realized Im hiding from a pandemic virus behind a paper mask that the super of my building forgot after painting my apartment.

10 PM Its a bumpy ride. So bumpy, I worry I might die before the virus has a chance to kill me. Meanwhile, theguy with a ponytail sitting in 26G is loudly sharing his pseudo-scientific theory that the planes AC is so cold that it will kill any virus.

Originally posted here:
Creative Under Quarantine: Gustavo Lauria on DIY haircuts, CBD and working remotely with BK and Corona - AdAge.com

Did you know that the popular Diet Coke and Mentos soda geyser experiment works better at higher altitudes? Or that the average size of the bubbles formed on the scotch mints is about 6m? Now you do, thanks to the wonders of science and those with a bubbling passion for it.

A chemistry professor and a high school teacher climbed mountains and hiked across deserts in America to find the perfect spot to spike bottles of Diet Coke with Mentos.

I decided to do these experiments because I not only love the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment, but I have been studying all about it for 15 years now, Tom Kuntzleman, a chemistry professor at Spring Arbor University, Michigan, told The Register this week.

This made me wonder if the decreased air pressure at higher elevation allowed the experiment to work better

A few years ago I did the Coke and Mentos experiment at a friends house who lived at 6,000-feet elevation in Colorado. I was surprised at how well it worked compared to my normal experience. I live in Michigan at about 1,000-feet elevation. This made me wonder if the decreased air pressure at higher elevation allowed the experiment to work better.

The chewy confectionery acts as a catalyst, accelerating the release of carbon dioxide dissolved in the fizzy drink as a gas in a process known as nucleation. This rapid production of CO2 gas bubbles, particularly after the candy has sunk to the bottom of the bottle, forces the liquid out of the coke bottle, and forms a Coca-Cola geyser. It's a physical rather than a chemical reaction.

Now, the aforementioned duo have gathered enough data to figure out the equation that measures the critical size of the bubbles that have to form on the piece of candy to create the frothy eruption. They have to be larger than 3m any smaller and they wont grow big enough to rise up and out of the bottle.

Fizzy drinks including Diet Coke are pumped with carbon dioxide and sealed under pressure. Cracking open a can of the stuff releases that pressure and some of the CO2 dissolved in the sweet liquid makes its way back out as gas, creating the hissing sound. Most of it stays inside the drink, creating the tingling foamy sensation when its consumed.

Adding a Mentos candy to the Diet Coke causes more carbon dioxide to escape. The rocky surface of the candy has countless little cavities to trap little bubbles of gas, giving them a space to accumulate until they become buoyant enough to float to the surface. After each bubble escapes, another forms in its wake; the process is repeated numerous times to create a powerful release of carbon dioxide gas. This is amusing to many internet users.

Kuntzleman and his school teacher colleague Ryan Johnson teamed up to see if higher altitudes did indeed produce more powerful soda geysers. Johnson trekked up Pikes Peak, part of the Rocky Mountain range in Colorado 14,108 feet above sea level, and recorded his results.

Meanwhile, Kuntzleman drove across the Death Valley desert, 43 feet below sea level, and up Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains, 6,638 feet above sea level to perform more experiments.

"If you only count Diet Coke, Mentos, and materials associated with running the experiments it probably cost around $150," Kuntzleman said. "If you start factoring in travel, payment for entrance to national and state parks, cost of gas Id rather not think about it."

The Diet Coke bottles were kept at 27 degrees Celsius (80.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Each one produced much more foam at higher elevations, likely due to lower air pressures that allow the bubbles to expand more easily, though that explanation is not confirmed.

The duo measuring the foam output at a low altitude, left, and high altitude. Credit: Kuntzleman and Johnson

The study has been published in the Journal of Chemical Education. While it may not be Nobel Prize worthy research, Kuntzleman said the experiment is still a neat way of demonstrating fundamental processes like the ideal gas law.

Because Im a chemistry teacher, I find the results to be very useful in my classroom. For example, the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment is strongly related to how CO2 gas pressure affects the amount of CO2 that dissolves in water," he told us.

"Therefore, discussing the results of my Coke and Mentos experiments provides a great platform to introduce students to various impacts such as ocean acidification associated with increased CO2 in the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels.

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Where's the best place to add Mentos to Diet Coke for the most foam? How big are the individual bubbles? Has science gone too far? - The Register

What does your trainer always tell you at the end of the workout?

In your exercise routine, do that last squat if you want to achieve your goals. But you skip the final reps because youre afraid youll later feel pain. Well, inflammation is part of muscle training because as you exercise you generate small tears and cause muscle damage. The consequence is that the tissues grow back stronger and with higher intensity, but the repair process is quite painful, especially when you hit the gym hard. Gym enthusiasts often state that no pain, no gain. But should you suffer to get that 6-pack ab? You should no longer skip the last exercise because finishing a good workout brings you a sense of empowerment and triumph.

Pain is a part of building muscle mass. And where do you count that nowadays you can use many methods to relieve side-effects? CBD is one of them. Lets find more about it.

Why are you sore after working out?

No matter how long youre working out, it can be a month or 10 years, you still feel sore after workouts. Some sessions leave you sore for days. The NHS states that according to how extensive the damage to muscle fibres is, the intensity and longevity of pain can vary. After exercising the muscles, they become inflamed and trigger your body to respond and repair. The entire process generates stiffness and soreness.

How CBD promotes muscle recovery after exercise

CBD has many documented health benefits, and one of the most known ones is that it helps to alleviate post-exercise inflammation. In 2018, specialists published Frontiers in Neurology, and they revealed that CBD is effective in improving overall health and reducing inflammation related to exercising.

Specialists still explore the benefit of CBD oil for exercise-induced inflammation, but research shows promising results, so it makes sense to use products containing CBD to lower inflammation and speed muscle recovery.

Does it influence pain perception?

Sports enthusiasts have many reasons to think CBD can speed muscle recovery in people who train regularly. CBD Oil is effective in reducing exercise-induced inflammation and supporting muscle recovery.

CBD oil also can help promote a sense of calm which can help with sleep patterns. And everyone knows that sleep helps support overall wellness in athletes who are looking to promote muscle recovery.

CBD encourages restorative sleep

If you work out regularly, you know its important to rest after a strenuous session. Your body integrates the aspects of the exercises you perform while you catch a wink, and a lack of sleep can undermine all your efforts. When you sleep properly, you offer your body and mind time to recover, boost energy levels, and restore muscle fibers. But sometimes, a herculean workout stops you from falling asleep. CBD can help you when sleep is a challenge.

Incorporating CBD oil in your post-workout recovery routine can help your body relax and will even support your healthy sleep cycles. You can also use it an hour before bedtime or try a gummy with CBD and melatonin if youre looking for additional support. Sports enthusiasts often drink a sleep cocktail that contains tart cherry juice, grape juice, and CBD oil.

You can also combine CBD with any tea you like to drink. Its recommended to try mint tea because its a natural relaxer, and a warm drink helps your body unwind.

Sleep is crucial for muscle recovery because during workouts you use them extensively and only sleep can help them heal.

Can athletes use CBD?

Athletes should always check with their doctor if they can include CBD products in their diet. They need to consider their tolerance and body size because CBD comes in many forms, from oil to balms, tinctures and creams.

Athletes often drink a post-workout smoothie to improve their energy levels after exercising. But they should know that a healthy diet balanced in carbs and protein is the key to building strength and restoring muscles. Adding the recommended serving size of CBD oil in their smoothie can give their body a boost after an exhausting workout.

A great post-workout smoothie recipe includes 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder, a cup of Greek yoghurt, 1 T of natural peanut butter, 1 oz milk, 5 ice cubes and CBD oil.

How should you use CBD for recovery?

Most fitness enthusiasts use CBD oil because they can easily add it to their smoothies and take it after a workout. But beyond this form, its also sold in capsules, creams, hemp infused balms and edibles. So you need to determine what form is the most helpful for you. But before using any CBD product determine how much CBD you can take according to your weight and age. Check the providers suggested serving size guidelines and get in touch with your doctor to find out if you can use it. It reacts differently in different bodies, so take a small amount first and then gradually build up to the recommended daily serving size.

CBD is crafted in nature and perfected by science and every fitness passionate recommends choosing the path with the fewest risks when training. You need something to speed muscle recovery and reduce inflammation post-exercise, so try something natural first. Even if theres still much to be discovered about CBD products, they have beneficial effects for the body.

CBD for exercise-induced inflammation is an interesting subject, and more and more scientists have focused on it lately because they want to find out how it influences inflammatory biomarkers.

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Do that last squat CBD can help reduce exercise-induced inflammation - SF Weekly

Claudia TotirGetty Images

If you're into the gym in a big way, specifically bodybuilding, you may already be familiar with a new eating plan that's gaining traction, known as 'The Vertical Diet'. We asked registered nutritionist and dietician, Susie Bond, from Health First, to explain whether or not the diet is safe, who typically does it and what foods are included.

The Vertical Diet was designed as a muscle-building, performance-based diet for bodybuilders. However, it's recently been marketed as a weight-loss diet for casual gym-goers. "For background, the diet was developed by pro powerlifter/body builder Stan Efferding to help build muscle and fuel athletic performance," says Susie. "To do this, the diet consists of nutrient-dense foods that meet the body's need for vitamins and minerals and easily digested carbohydrates for energy."

The Vertical Diet is named as such because it's pictured graphically as an upside-down T. "Imagine that the base of the T is represented by foods rich in vitamins and minerals, and the vertical portion of the T is made up of red meat and white rice," notes Susie. Essentially, the basis of the diet is that it allows people to consume larger amounts of food without getting full, resulting in higher calorie consumption and more energy. It's also very heavily focussed on meat, so isn't suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

"To follow the diet as written, a person would consume small amounts of a limited selection of foods daily, with the primary source of calories coming from red meat and white rice," explains Susie.

Foods you can eat on the Vertical Diet:

Foods to avoid on the Vertical Diet:

Fans of the eating plan say one major benefit is that it allows athletes to consume high amounts of calories and nutrients to increase energy, muscle growth and strength, without causing digestion issues. "However, the diet is extremely restrictive and doesn't allow room for all the necessary nutrients your body needs," adds Susie. "Many of which are essential for digestive health."

The cons include:

"The Vertical Diet is more of a short-term, performance-focused diet, not necessarily a lifestyle change," says Susie. "It's important to note that the main reason people follow it is to support muscle growth and digestion in bodybuilders." Bodybuilders, weightlifters, and athletes see the diet as a way to increase calorie consumption, but maintain gut health, on a temporary basis.

"Generally speaking, the Vertical Diet is highly restrictive and doesn't allow for enough of the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy," says Susie. "The diet places a focus on red meat as the primary source of your protein, but high red meat consumption is linked to heart disease, some cancers, kidney problems and digestive issues." Overall, a more balanced and nutrient-rich diet is a healthier option for the average gym-goer.

"Depending on the individual's nutritional needs, the Vertical Diet can be helpful for bodybuilders, competitive weightlifters and athletes that need to support muscle growth," notes Susie. "It could be useful to people looking to lose weight but there are healthier diets that can help someone lose weight that don't cut out so many beneficial nutrients."

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The Vertical Diet: a nutritionist explains all you need to know - cosmopolitan.com

What did that first step look like?

I tried a few, but I found a meal prep company that I will use for the rest of my life: Nutrition Solutions. That changed everything. I started eating their meals, stuck to them religiously, and then I started seeing the changes. It also caused me to put in work at the gym, because my body was feeling better. I was seeing the transition, seeing the change. You know, I was 250 pounds. Suddenly, I found myself at 220.

And this is all before you even had the idea of making a return to the ring?

It was. I just wanted to get healthy. And as I started to get healthy, it really started dawning on me. Like, Hold on a second. I feel great! Im doing these fight scenes on Vikings [Ed: a show on the History channel, Edge plays a character named Kjetill Flatnose] and feeling fine. Im wiping out on my mountain bike and feeling fine. I can look fine, but feeling fine is a different thing. I realized wrestling might actually be possible again. But it all started with the diet.

Can you give some examples of meals that are part of your new diet?

In the mornings leading up to the Royal Rumble, Id have six hard-boiled eggsjust the whites. Then I would do Nutrition Solutions protein pancakes and a Daves English muffin. That was my breakfast, and three hours later, I would have my first proper meal. Throughout the day, Id usually have two or three more proper meals. Lots of rice and chicken, and my last meal would typically be meat and a vegetablelike five ounces of sirloin and asparagus.

Was it tough for you to get used to eating some of the same types of meals fairly regularly?

Im a creature of habit. I could truly eat the same thing every day. Im okay with that. But Ive also found products that really help keep me sane. Like Bolthouse Farms. They make these yogurt-based salad dressings that have very little fat and very little carbs. You put a little bit on your rice and it does so much to add some flavor in there without any huge macro imprint.

And then, if Im watching TV at 9 or 10 oclock at night and feeling like I just need a snackyou know when you just want that crunch? I found this company called the Cereal School, and they have a peanut butter cereal that has three grams of fat, one gram of carbs, and 16 grams of protein. Thats not going to store as fat overnight and I get that crunch that I need late at night.

Those three or four meals throughout the rest of the day, are those smaller meals? Or are we talking full-portion servings?

One thing Ive found while traveling for my career is that portion control is normal in a lot of the world. Then you come back to the U.S. and you understand how out of whack our portion control is. We dont really need to eat all of that. Living in Ireland off and on for two-and-a-half years is when that really dawned on me. I was eating normal portions over there. Nutrition Solutions has helped with my portions back in the U.S.you know the macros youre taking in. Then, for WrestleMania, we jumped it up accordingly and made the necessary tweaks to come in looking the way I want to look. And that just meant eating a little bit more. Not portion-wise, but just more often. Throwing in a shake here, or some overnight oats there, or rice cakes with peanut butter to get good fats in.

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Edge: The Real-Life Diet of the Wrestler Whos Returning to the WWE at 46 Years Old - GQ

As cases of coronavirus continue to rise, taking daily precautions such as washing your hands, social distancing, exercising and getting enough sleep is key to lowering risk of infection.

But maintaining a healthy diet to help boost your immune system may also give you an edge. It's important to note that no research has been done on foods that help fight against COVID-19 specifically.

However, previous studies have found that eating certain foods can improve your health and strengthen your body's ability to fight other invasive viruses.

Here are nine expert-approved foods to stock up on during your next grocery store trip, along with creative ideas on how to add them to your diet:

Broccoli is also rich in vitamin C. Just half a cup contains 43% of your daily value of vitamin C, according to the NIH.

"Broccoli is packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants that support our immune system," says Sarin. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help fight off bacteria and viruses.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, vitamin C is one nutrient Americans aren't getting enough of in their diet, so finding simple ways to add it in is crucial.

"To get the most out of this powerhouse vegetable, eat it raw or just slightly cooked," says Sarin. "I love sauteing broccoli with garlic and Parmesan, or stir-frying with bell peppers, ginger, garlic and mushrooms."

Chickpeas contain a lot of protein, an essential nutrient made of amino acids that help grow and repair the body's tissues. It's also involved in synthesizing and maintaining enzymes to keep our systems functioning properly,according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

"Chickpeas are also packed with zinc, which helps the immune system control and regulate immune responses,"Emily Wunder, a dietitian and founder of the nutritious recipes siteHealthier Taste, tells CNBC Make It.

Roasted chickpeas are great as a quick great snack or salad topper. Make sure they're completely dry before roasting. Then add a few tablespoons of oil (vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil all work well) and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, stirring halfway through until they're crispy.

For a nice kick, Wunder suggests adding some salt and paprika.If you're using canned chickpeas, she says you'll want to rinse them thoroughly to cut down on sodium content.

Wunder enjoys half a cup of strawberries to get 50% of her vitamin C needs for the day.

"Vitamin C is great for strengthening your immune system," she says, because it can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals that we're often exposed to in the environment.

Wunder recommends adding chopped strawberries to yogurt, oatmeal or on top of whole wheat toast with peanut butter. "Of course, they go well with smoothies, too," she says.

"Not only is garlic full of flavor, but it's packed with health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and reducing risk of heart disease," according to Sarin. "Garlic's immunity-boosting abilities come from its heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, which can help fight off some infections."

Garlic has been shown in the past to help ward off the common cold. In a 2001 study published in Advances in Therapy, participants who took garlic supplements were less likely to catch a cold. And those who did get infected recovered faster than participants in the placebo group.

It's an easy vegetable to work into your diet, says Sarin. You can add to it anything from pasta sauce and salad dressings to soups and stir-fry dishes. She suggests aiming to consume two to three cloves per day.

"While sun exposure is the best source of vitamin D, it can also be provided by some foods, including mushrooms," says Wunder.

A 2018 review of mushrooms as a vitamin D source found that the "sunshine vitamin" can help enhance the absorption of calcium, which is good for bone health, and may also protect against some cancers and respiratory diseases.

Mushrooms are great as a side dish or appetizer. Wunder recommends roasting them at about 350 degrees Fahrenheit, using one to two tablespoons of oil, minced garlic and a dash of salt and pepper. For something more flavorful, bake button mushrooms stuffed with cheese, onion andartichokehearts.

"Spinach is rich in vitamin C and full of antioxidants that help shield our immune cells from environmental damage," says Sarin. "Plus, it has beta carotene, which is the main dietary source of vitamin A an essential component of proper immune function."

Like broccoli, it's best to consume spinach raw or slightly cooked. To incorporate more spinach into your diet, Sarin suggests blending it in a smoothie, cooking it with your morning eggs or, as an easy side dish, lightly sauteing with garlic.

"Yogurt is a great source of probiotics, which are good bacteria that can help promote a healthy gut and immune system," says Sarin.Recent studies have also found probiotics to be effective for fighting the common cold and influenza-like respiratory infections.

Sarin recommends choosing plain yogurt rather than anything too flavored or sweetened and topping it with fruit and honey. "Or, you can add it to your favorite post-workout smoothie," she says.

Those on a dairy-free diet can still benefit from almond-milk and coconut-milk yogurt options.

"Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E, which works as an antioxidant and helps boosts the immune system," says Wunder.

Small but mighty, just one ounce of dry-roasted sunflower seeds can give you 49% of your daily value of vitamin E, according to the NIH.

Line a baking pan with parchment paper and roast unshelled sunflower seeds at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until they're lightly browned. Then add the seeds to your salad or toss them with roasted vegetables. You can also use raw seeds in place of pine nuts for some homemade pesto.

Brittany Anas is a health and nutrition reporter. She has written forHealthDay, Women's Health and The Denver Post. Follow her on Twitter @BrittanyAnas.

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Stock up on these 9 healthy foods to boost your immune system during coronavirus, says doctor and dietitian - CNBC

As consumers, moving to a plant-based diet will help ensure the long-term survival of the planet

Climate change is still a fundamental crisis facing our world today. It may not seem as immediately urgent as COVID-19, but it is every bit as dangerous, with irreversible effects. Wildfire seasons are months longer, massive storm surge chances have increased by 200% and Greenland lost an estimated 600 billion tons of ice in 2019 alone. But one of the main ways consumers can course correct the devastating effects of climate change is to change lifestyle and diet.

Agriculture is having a field day when it comes to methane and greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change in our atmosphere. The Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) recorded contribution of emissions from agriculture around 9% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are far lower than the number estimated by the U.N.

Agriculture is also one of the few things that consumers have control over. What foods we eat is something we can control for cheap. Controlling the efficiency of our energy, however, is much harder and more expensive take solar panels, for example. Yes, we can carpool and take public transportation, but to really make a significant and lasting change we need to consistently reduce our carbon footprints.

Since 1988, just 100 companies make up 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Carbon Majors Report. These actors should be responsible for most of the heavy lifting to combat climate change, but it doesnt mean we should just sit back and expect them to. We, the consumers, are the ones who buy products from these companies. Sure, these companies lobby and fill the pockets of politicians to get tax breaks and lax environmental regulations, but at the end of the day, we buy their products all the same.

In the past, our choices may have been limited to just their products, but we now have more options than ever to vote with our wallets and buy elsewhere. Money is the only thing that talks in our current system. If these companies feel obligated to maximize their profit in the short term, then we have to make fossil fuels and damaging practices to the environment seemingly impossible. We need to apply every pressure we can on these companies.

The responsibility of the future of our planet depends on us. This problem may not be entirely our fault, but it is too late for us to use that as an excuse to do nothing. If we want to ensure the long-term survival of the planet and ourselves, we need to change the way we live right now. If we all do something, no matter how big or small, we can reverse course.

The vast majority of meat we eat in the U.S. has been raised and killed under cruelty and suffering that is nothing less than speciesism, which assumes human superiority over other species. Many factory farms provide the exact conditions under which a zoonotic pathogen like COVID-19 can originate and spread to humans. And we are doing all this at a scope and rate that is larger and quicker than ever before.

Why do we want to kill and milk animals is it because it tastes good? Maybe that argument is defensible on a personal level, but doing so at a scale that damages the long-term survival of our species isnt worth the taste of meat.

The average American eats 218 pounds of meat every year. If we cut that number down by adhering to a global diet, then we could put a dent in global emissions faster than we think. Researchers have found that a worldwide shift to a plant-based diet is necessary to keep climate change under the expected 2 degrees Celsius increase over the next 12 years. Consumers in the U.S. need to cut their beef consumption by 90% and their milk consumption by 60% to accomplish this.

Yes, I know vegans can be obnoxious sometimes. But the energy wasted on poking fun at vegans undermines the gravity of the reasoning behind why many vegans choose that diet.

Im sorry, but Ive tasted some pretty great Impossible and Beyond meat that rivals the best burger your craving for meat is overblown. Condescension shouldnt be tolerated anywhere, to be clear, but the objective of veganism and plant-based diets should be the most recognizable aspect of such lifestyles. Trying to preserve our planet and limit the damages being done to it by harmful industries should not be treated as a joke.

If we were all part-time meat and dairy consumers, the world would be a much better place. If we all reduced the amount that our consumption damages the environment we would be far better off for it. Plant-based diets are the diets of the future that is,if we want a future that is survivable.

I never thought I could give up cheese or chicken before transitioning to a vegan diet, but it was far easier than I anticipated. Im not asking anyone to completely remove meat from their diet, but I am asking that we all inform ourselves as to how what we consume affects us (and those around us) in the long term. Information is power, and we, as consumers, can weild it. Cutting back on meat and contributions to fossil fuel industries will ensure a survivable future for us all.

Written by: Calvin Coffee cscoffee@ucdavis.edu

Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie

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Save your diet, save the world - The Aggie

Among the most commonly diagnosed blood diseases, anemia tops the chart. Especially, among women and children, the count is alarming. During pregnancy, a woman requires additional iron to supply the expanding blood volume and to support the needs of the growing fetus and placenta. It is critical to spearhead the strategies to address iron deficiency early in the lifecycle; especially in the highest risk categories pregnant women, infants, and young children. It can be best managed by making conscious dietary changes. Food rich in iron and other vitamins, which is vital for rapid production of red blood cells and haemoglobin, are highly recommended to be included in the diet plan of an anemic person, and also others. The diet plan must also include foods that will help your body absorb iron better.

Talking of iron rich food, there are two types- Heme and Non-Heme. While Heme is found in non-vegetarian food, like meat, poultry, and seafood; Non-Heme is basically vegetarian iron, found in plant based food, and foods that are fortified with iron. However, eggs can be categorized as both Heme and Non-Heme iron. Jaggery (cane) is another good source of iron with 11.4 mg/100g. Interestingly, human bodies tend to absorb Heme iron more easily.

In order to get a significant iron boost to fight iron deficiency anemia, we need to include a number of food items in our daily diet, which include:

1.Leafy vegetables

Vegetables are sources of Non-Heme iron. Among vegetables, the leafy ones are the best sources for iron. Along with iron, some leafy vegetables, such as Swiss chard and collard greens are known for folate presence. Fenugreek leaves (Methi leaves) are a rich source of iron with 33.5 mg/100g. So, it is always a good idea to eat these greens to fight both iron deficiency anemia and folate deficiency anemia at the same time.

2.Meat and poultry

Meat and poultry are the ultimate source of Heme iron. The best examples are red meat, lamb, and venison. Poultry and chicken contains comparatively lower amounts. Eating meat or poultry with Non-Heme iron foods, such as leafy greens, can increase iron absorption. Also, a lot of people, while cooking meat, discards the organ parts, like liver. However, liver is one of the most popular organ that contains huge amount of iron as well as folate. Along with liver, heart and kidney are also highly rich in iron. Majority of fish like canned sardines, canned or fresh tuna, fresh salmon, etc. contain iron. In addition to these fish, some seafood like oysters, clams and shrimp are also rich in Heme iron.

3.Fortified foods

Due to unavailability of fresh resources in the market, a lot of people are deprived of a proper nutritious diet. However, food fortification comes as a saviour in such situations. In this process, foods are fortified with the necessary nutrition to fulfil a persons daily requirement of iron intake. Foods fortified with iron, such as fortified orange juice, fortified white rice, and the likes are easily available in the market, for those struggling to fulfil the iron deficiency in the body.

4.BeansBeans are the most inexpensive and common source of iron for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. They are also available in so many varieties, like red kidney beans, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, soybeans, black beans, etc. which also adds to its versatility.

5.Nuts and seeds

There are a lot of nuts and seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, cashews, almonds, pistachios, hemp seeds, and the likes can be delicious sources of iron. These nuts and seeds taste great on their own, and can also be sprinkled on salads and other dishes.

6.Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is another resort for people suffering from iron deficiency anemia. The ones that contain a lot of cocoa solids are generally considered the best source of iron.

Eating a healthy diet filled with iron goes a long way in managing anemia more efficiently. However, just eating food rich in iron is not enough to cure anemia. Treatment of anemia is usually individualized that differs from case to case. In case you feel like you are suffering from iron deficiency, the best thing you can do is to consult an expert. Do not self-diagnose, at any cost, as it can lead to undesirable consequences.

(The author is Business Director, DSM Nutritional Products, India)

Excerpt from:
Diet Tips To Battle Anemia - Outlook India

Gut and Psychology Syndrome, known as GAPS, refers to the idea that the health of your digestive system is directly connected to how your brain functions. So, the GAPS diet is designed as a way to help treat people with stomach ailments and a wide range of psychological issues.

Proponents of the GAPS diet claim that it cures a long list of ailments, none of which are backed by scientific research. Here's what you need to know about the GAPS diet and why many experts do not consider it a legitimate medical treatment.

The concept of GAPS and the GAPS diet were created by Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD, a physician who spent her career working as a neurologist and later a nutritionist in her own clinic.

According to Campbell-McBride's theory, large growths of bad bacteria in the gut give off toxic substances like acetaldehyde and clostridial neurotoxins when digesting food. Her theory, which is unproven, is that these toxins then enter the bloodstream where they can harm your immune system, organs, and cause psychiatric and neurological problems.

The GAPS diet claims to prevent this by promoting "good" bacterial growth in the gut and eliminating high-fiber, inflammatory foods.

The GAPS diet is a type of elimination diet that consists of three phases:

The introduction phase of the GAPS diet is made up of six sub-stages, which start with extreme restriction, then gradually add in more foods. This phase can last anywhere from 4 to 6 months, depending on how digestive symptoms like diarrhea evolve. Here's what to start eating and what to add as you progress through the introduction phase:

Once you have passed through all six stages and added all the allowed foods, you have reached the full GAPS phase. This phase of the diet continues for around 1.5 to 2 years before other foods like potatoes and fermented grains can be gradually reintroduced.

Tamara Duker Freuman, a New York-based registered dietitian and author of "The Bloated Belly Whisperer," is critical of the GAPS diet's extravagant claims, saying that diet alone may not be enough to cure many serious diseases.

While diets can help lower your risk of disease or treat symptoms, Freuman says, "Anyone who claims their diet cures anything and certainly such a laundry list of diseases is making claims that are not supported by scientific evidence."

In fact, scientific evidence may go against the claims of the GAPS diet. To encourage a healthy gut biome, Freuman says, the current research says that a diverse diet with plenty of fiber is the best option which directly contradicts the low-fiber requirements of the GAPS diet. Moreover, severely restricted diets can actually have a negative effect on the gut microbiome, Freuman says.

Lastly, the GAPS diet relies heavily on probiotics as a source of healing for the gut. However, researchers are still learning how exactly probiotics affect the human microbiome and there's limited research as to how effective they truly are especially when it comes to treating serious inflammatory conditions like Crohn's disease. And for some conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), probiotics may even cause harm. Learn more about how to relieve SIBO symptoms in our article about the SIBO diet.

"I would never recommend the GAPS diet to anyone under any circumstances," Freuman says especially children and adults who are underweight because it can potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies.

For people experiencing digestive problems, the right elimination diet should stabilize your symptoms within a week or two, Freuman says. But you should not continue that similar diet for months or years, as suggested by the GAPS diet.

Instead, if you're suffering from get issues, Freuman recommends other diets like the low-FODMAP diet or Mediterranean diet, depending on the individual's symptoms and condition. After all, there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

Continued here:
What is the GAPS diet and why one expert says she wouldn't recommend it under any circumstances - Insider - INSIDER