To answer this question simply, Yes. According to Lindsay Adams a registered dietitian with victoriaadvocate.com what you eat has an enormous effect on how your body processes the foods and sends it out. The symptoms of Irrital Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as all of the 58 Million people who suffer from it know, are very painful. These Symptoms can include flatulence, runny stool alternating with constipation along with abdominal cramps.
Archive for March, 2012
Can what goes in effect what comes out?
Thursday, March 22nd, 2012March is National Nutrition Month®!!
Monday, March 19th, 2012By Larissa T Brophy, MS, RD, LD
What is all the hype this month? National Nutrition Month is an informational campaign to educate individuals about good nutrition. Yes, the messaging sounds familiar but the research continues to support the basics. So Get Your Plate in Shape!
Unfortunately, there are STILL many untruths and pure fallacies circulating out there! Although Dr. Oz has some interesting tips, which I often like, he sensationalizes nutrition and advocates for supplements when whole foods are generally better for you. For instance, adults need 3 ½ to 6 ½ cups (based on age, gender, and activity) of fruits and vegetables per day (vary colors), which provides vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals for optimal health and even cancer prevention.
Here are select misconceptions that I would like to clarify:
- NO, carbohydrates are not bad for you!
- YES, the majority (45 to 65%) of your calories should come from carbohydrates.
- YES, “added” sugar should be limited in your diet (i.e., regular soda).
- NO, you should not avoid natural sugars (i.e., low-fat dairy and fruits).
- YES, you need fat in your diet but focus on healthier fats.
- NO, excess protein will not help you build more muscle or adequately replace carbohydrates in your diet.
I went into nutrition for various reasons, starting with my love for science. But more importantly, I wanted to know why I needed to eat, how much I needed to eat, and what I needed to eat in order to be healthy.
I think the key messages for NNM are still applicable and I would like to reiterate:
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables! Most Americans, including myself, do not eat enough on a daily basis.
- Make at least half your grains whole. Whole grains provide fiber and will help fill you up while regulating your bowels. Look for the word “whole” on the food ingredient list as a descriptor for a grain. When increasing fiber, do so gradually and do not forget to increase your water intake too.
- Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk. After the age of 2 years, you do not need the extra fat in dairy. Most individuals can tolerate and accept 1% milk without sacrificing taste. You may have to train your palate a bit.
- Vary your protein choices. Focus on lean meats, seafood, beans, nuts, poultry without the skin, and egg whites (limit egg yolks).
- Cut back on sodium, solid fats (saturated), and “added” sugars.
- Be physically active your way! Adults should aim for a minimum of 2 ½ hours of moderate-intensity physical activity per week (i.e., brisk walking).
If you need additional and/or specific nutritional guidance, consider making an appointment with your local registered dietitian. Don’t rely on nutrition information from anyone but the EXPERTS!
Take a Bite Out of Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Mellitus
Monday, March 12th, 2012Anne L. Hague, PhD, MS, RD, LD, RDH, CLT
Did you know that diabetes mellitus (DM) increases a person’s risk for periodontal disease (i.e. periodontitis) and that those with DM and periodontitis can find it difficult to control their blood glucose levels? Did you know that controlling periodontitis can result in a decreased HbA1c and less medication for the treatment of DM? Researchers believe that much of the relationship between DM and periodontal disease is related to the impairment in cell-mediated immunity and vascular disease.
Although the initial association between DM and periodontal disease was first recognized more than 20 years ago, more people seem to be aware of other complications associated with DM such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, blindness, kidney disease, neuropathy, and amputation. Even though I have been practicing dental hygiene for more than 25 years, I have yet to hear of, or receive, a referral for periodontal therapy to help improve a patient’s metabolic control.
Unfortunately, periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Tooth loss often results in impaired chewing function with a subsequent increase in the consumption of soft foods. This type of diet can lead to malnutrition, altered blood glucose levels, as well as further progression of periodontal disease and tooth loss.
Below are some practical tips to help reduce the risk of periodontitis and other complications associated with DM:
What can you do to improve your periodontal health if you have DM?
- Brush your teeth after each eating period using a soft manual or quality electric toothbrush for two minutes.
- Maintain regular preventative dental care appointments. Three to four dental cleanings per year is often recommended. Your dentist and dental hygienist should determine the frequency of your cleanings.
- Maintain a healthy blood glucose level to reduce the severity of periodontal disease and improve the outcome of your periodontal therapy.
What can you do to improve your blood glucose values if you have DM?
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
- Follow your medical and dietary treatment plan as prescribed.
What can health professionals do to improve patient care?
- Educate patients about the bi-directional relationship between DM and periodontal health. Stress the importance of maintaining regular preventative care appointments with the patient’s dentist and dental hygienist.
- Encourage patients to actively participate as a member of their interdisciplinary team.
- Maintain a continued dialogue between colleagues (e.g. the patient’s physician, dentist, and dental hygienist).
