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During a recent study, a team of researchers found that people with type 2 diabetes can effectively control it through diet and pharmacists are well-positioned to supervise the transition.

The research from the University of British Columbia and England's Teesside University, published in Nature Communications, was part of a 12-week study involving a specialized diet that was managed by local pharmacists.

Study participants, all living with type 2 diabetes, were given a meal plan of low calorie, low carbohydrate, higher protein foods and they checked in regularly with their pharmacist who could monitor their medications.

"However, we needed a strategy to help people implement these interventions while keeping an eye on their medication changes," added Dr Jonathan.

"Type 2 diabetes can be treated, and sometimes reversed, with dietary interventions"

Dr Jonathan Little, Study co-author

"Community pharmacists have expertise in medication management and can serve an important role in overall diabetes care," said Dr Jonathan, an associate professor in UBC Okanagan's School of Health and Exercise Sciences.

"When Type 2 diabetes patients follow a very low-carbohydrate or low-calorie diet, there is a need to reduce or eliminate glucose-lowering medications. Community pharmacists are ideally positioned to safely and effectively deliver interventions targeted at reducing diabetes medications while promoting Type 2 diabetes remission," added Dr Jonathan.

Half of the participants in the study followed the low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, higher-protein diet, checking regularly with their pharmacist. After 12 weeks, more than one-third of participants with Type 2 diabetes were off all diabetes medications, versus none in the control group. Dr Little also says the first group also noted substantial improvements to their glucose control, average body weight, systolic blood pressure and overall health.

Co-investigator Dr Alan Batterham, professor in the School of Health and Life Sciences at Teesside University, at Teesside University, says the key was a targeted nutritional approach, supervised by a community pharmacist who can monitor prescribed medications.

"The intervention was effective in reducing the need for glucose-lowering medications for many in our study," said Dr Batterham.

"This indicates that community pharmacists are a viable and innovative option for implementing short-term nutritional interventions for people with Type 2 diabetes, particularly when medication management is a safety concern," concluded Dr Batterham.

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Can diabetes be controlled through diet? Read this new study - Economic Times

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Oct 5th, 2021 | Filed under Diet Safely

(WKBN) The Trumbull County Combined Health District and Warren City Health District reported Monday that they continue to see an increase in daily COVID-19 case counts.

To minimize spread of COVID-19 from one community to the next, TCCHD and WCHD recommendall door-to-door Trick-or-Treating events take place Saturday October 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

They advise residents to exercise caution when deciding to participate in events that put them in contact with people outside their households.

To lower risk, TCCHD and WCHD recommend the following:

TCCHD and WCHD also suggest limiting parties to 10 or fewer people and to hold the event in an outdoor area in order to social distance. They recommend against large in-person Halloween parties.

They also say to avoid activities, such as bobbing for apples, that foster the spread of infection.

Face coverings for those 2 years old and older should also be worn while trick-or-treating, passing out treats or attending attractions or events.

TCCHD and WCHD suggest carrying hand sanitizer, using it often such as coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.

For parents, they recommend the following:

And for community members, they recommend:

TCCHD and WCHD added that vaccines are still the best defense against COVID-19.

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Trumbull County Combined Health District warn residents to stay safe during Halloween, trick-or-treating - WKBN.com

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Oct 5th, 2021 | Filed under Diet Safely

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Safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines have been available to the public for nearly a year now, yet so many people have refused to take them that were still very much in a deadly pandemic. With the holiday season right around the corner, its that time of yearagain: The CDC just released its official guidelines on how to celebrate the holidays safely. Sigh.

There are some silver linings this year: If you and your loved ones are vaccinated, you have alot more options for a safe holiday celebration than you did last year, when cases were surging and no vaccines had yet been approved. But the highly contagious delta variant is, of course, an important factor to consider, according to the CDC, who say the safest way to celebrate this year is still virtually, with people who live with you in your household, or outside and socially distanced.

For those who plan to celebrate the holidays in-person with people from outside their immediate household, heres what the CDC recommends for keeping gatherings as safe as possible:

Additionally, the CDC says unvaccinated Americansshould not travel for the holidays this year. If you are traveling with anyone unvaccinated in your party, including children under 12, the CDC recommends choosing safer travel options, like driving to your destination in your own car. Keep in mind that federal regulations say masks are still required on all public transportation, including buses, trains, airports, and planes regardless of whether youre vaccinated or not.

The bottom line? If youre vaccinated, your holiday season can be enjoyed with a little less worry than last year. While breakthrough cases can happen in vaccinated people, the vast majority of those who have become severely ill with COVID-19 this year have been unvaccinated. To protect yourself and your loved ones, the best thing you can do is get vaccinated.

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The CDC Just Released Guidance For Another Pandemic Holiday Season - Scary Mommy

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Oct 5th, 2021 | Filed under Diet Safely

(WYTV) Recently, a report from the Wall Street Journal suggested Facebook knows the damage Instagram does to teens mental health especially girls.

Akron Childrens Hospital expert Jessica Castonguay talked about how social media affects body image and signs parents should be looking for.

In real life, kids are glued to their phones, theyre very interested in whats going on with other people and they compare what theyre seeing on the screen to their own life, Castonguay said.

Castonguay is the medical director of the eating disorder program at Akron Childrens Mahoning Valley campus. She said when what teens see on the screen doesnt match their daily life, those complicated emotions can take over.

Either Im not the right shape, or Im not the right size or my house isnt right or my car isnt right and it really leads to a lot of anxiety and depression and fear of not fitting in or finding friends who are like you, Castonguay said.

According to reports, Facebooks own internal research revealed Instagram can harm the mental health of millions of young users and the company has known about it for years.

Its hard to break the habit. Its hard to break away and these kids are fearful that theyre missing out on things in life when they dont have their phone, when in reality they are missing out on life in general, Castonguay said.

Some big red flags parents can look out for include a change in the childs mood, eating habits and even their ability to sleep.

Its just super important not to compare yourself to what you see on that screen because if you really think about what you post its only the best parts of your day, so youre only seeing the good, youre not seeing the real, Castonguay said.

Akron Childrens behavioral health department offers outpatient treatment for kids and teens dealing with depression and anxiety.

Castonguay said the goal is not to have kids completely disconnect but understand how deceiving social media can be.

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Keeping Kids Safe: Local expert warns of signs that social media is affecting kids mental health - WYTV

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Oct 5th, 2021 | Filed under Diet Safely

While ripe papaya has been deemed healthy for pregnant women, it is important to consult your ob-gyn before opting for this fruit to avoid any and every risk involved  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: Papayas or papita is indeed one of the most delicious and healthy fruits there are. Loaded with proteins, dietary fibre, carbohydrates and an extremely low fat content, it is a must-have for everyone who is on a weight loss spree. However, for a long time, papaya intake was a strict no no for mums-to-be. Pregnant women have often been warned against papaya intake by elders citing miscarriage risk.

Is papaya intake during pregnancy safe or not?

Elders often warn against papaya intake during pregnancy due to miscarriage risk. This effect is attributed to the enzymes found in latex the white milky fluid that comes out of a papaya. These enzymes trigger the release of postraglandin which can cause uterine contractions thereby increasing chances of miscarriage. However, do experts second this belief or is it a myth?

To learn more about this effect, Times Now Digital connected with gynecologists from Jaslok and Wockhardt Hospital.

While discussing this effect, Dr.Danny Laliwala, Consultant Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, explained the history associated with the same and revealed how a certain form of papaya may not be a risky choice.

Papaya, whether to eat when pregnant this is a topic of great concern with pregnant ladies. However, most of this belief is based on hearsay. In the earlier days, Egyptians used papaya seeds in camels to avoid pregnancy and to bring about abortions in camels. Since then, it has been carried forward to avoid papaya in pregnancy. There was an article in 2002, which said that eating ripe papaya by pregnant rats was safe, but eating unripe papaya can lead to abortions or preterm labour. This was because of the papain enzyme in unripe papayas. But till now, there have been no definite studies in humans which can approve or disapprove this. I advise my patients that they can eat papaya, but in moderation, Dr Laliwala explained.

Dr Gayatri Deshpande, Senior Consultant of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital also seconded this and stated that ripe papaya is in truth a healthy fruit for pregnant women.

Papaya, in its raw or ripe state, doesn't cause any changes in the menstrual cycle. It is a myth that it can alter or prepone periods. However a proteolytic enzyme known as papain, which is found in raw papaya, can cause uterine contraction and digestive complications in women in their first trimester. Thus we suggest women to completely avoid consumption of raw papaya. Ripe papaya is considered a healthy fruit for pregnant women, she said.

Dr Indrani Salunkhe, Gynaecologist at Wockhardt Hospital, first shed light on the theory around papaya and its possible impact on health across the various trimesters of pregnancy.

The basic theory is that papaya or papaverine contains Carotin which can raise vascular pressure, which can lead to internal bleeding inside the placenta. Technically speaking papaya is abortifacient and that is the reason why we ask our pregnant patients to avoid papaya during pregnancy. During first 3 months, it can cause abortion and in the later months of pregnancy it can cause internal bleeding, said Dr Salunkhe.

She went on to talk about the impact of papaya on stimulating the menstrual cycles.

As far as the use of papaya in stimulating periods and getting menses is since papaya contains carotene which stimulates and regulates the estrogen hormone levels in the body, it does have some role to play in a menstrual cycle because estrogen and progesterone are required for menstruation. So, a small bowl of papaya basically stimulates estrogen synthesis and estrogen in turn contracts the uterus and induces periods, she concluded.

The bottom line

While ripe papaya has been deemed healthy for pregnant women, it is important to consult your ob-gyn before opting for this fruit to avoid any and every risk involved.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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Does papaya induce miscarriage? This and other myths debunked by experts - Times Now

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Oct 5th, 2021 | Filed under Diet Safely

When youre struggling to lose weight, it might be tempting to want to try every pill and potion on the internet that promises to blast, burn or melt the pounds away in a matter of weeks. The thing is, those concoctions could make things worse instead of better. So whats the skinny on herbal weight loss supplements? Obesity medicine physician Shweta Diwakar, MD, helps us understand how they work and why its better to stick with a supervised weight loss program.

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According to Dr. Diwakar, there is a lack of high-quality evidence to suggest how herbal weight loss supplements work.

Herbal supplements claim to cause weight loss through:

Most herbal supplements have limited or no consistent data to support long-term weight loss efficacy and safety. They also have the potential for adverse interactions between supplements and prescription medications. Unlike medications, supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure diseases. Therefore, claims such as reduces pain or treats heart disease arent substantiated. Claims like these can only legitimately be made for drugs that go through scientific rigor, a process thats not routinely followed for dietary supplements, says Dr. Diwakar.

One mistake that people make is thinking that herbal supplements are good for them because the ingredients arent synthetic. Dr. Diwakar points out that herbs are not always safe just because theyre natural. In fact, increased herbal and dietary supplement (HDS) use is directly proportional to increased HDS-induced liver injuries.

HDS-induced liver injuries account for about 20% of the cases of liver damage in the U.S. The major implicated ingredients for these cases include anabolic steroids and green tea extract. Many weight loss supplements that are considered unsafe can be found online. Its important to recognize that these products can come with associated risks.

If youre getting an herbal product from a retail chain, keep in mind that the salesperson might have limited knowledge about how the product works. They also might not be aware of reported problems or how the herbs might interact with medications that you may be taking. Many herbal manufacturers also make false claims about the health benefits of these products. For all of these reasons and the lack of proven health benefits, its best to avoid herbal weight loss supplements or to talk to your healthcare provider about other options.

Other things to keep in mind should you still decide to try an herbal weight loss supplement:

Here are some key points about common herbal weight loss products and some insights as to their effectiveness as weight loss agents.

Ephedrine: Ephedrine is a common ingredient in herbal dietary supplements used for weight loss. Its also an ingredient found in asthma medicine. In addition, ephedrine is used to make methamphetamine or speed.

Ephedrine can slightly decrease your appetite, but no studies have shown it to be effective in weight loss. Ephedrine can be dangerous. It can cause high blood pressure, changes in heart rate, trouble sleeping, nervousness, tremors, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and even death. Ephedrine can also interact with many prescription and over-the-counter medications. In the US, ephedra-containing dietary supplements are no longer available.

St. Johns wort: St. Johns wort, also called hypericum, is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders, nerve pain, malaria, insect bites, wounds, burns and other conditions. More recently, St. Johns wort has been studied to treat depression, but studies have shown that it was no more effective than a placebo.

There arent too many studies that examine the use of St. Johns wort as a weight-loss agent. However, keep in mind that it shouldnt be combined with anything that contains tyramine aged cheeses, cured or processed meats, wine, pickled or fermented vegetables and citrus or tropical fruit to name a few.

It also shouldnt be combined with:

Overall, using St. Johns wort for weight loss isnt a good idea because its potentially very dangerous.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is found in some over-the-counter weight loss formulas. This extract from a West African plant seed contains an ingredient that is linked to a rare and potentially deadly blood disorder. It has not been proven to be an effective weight-loss agent. Until more is known, 5-HTP products should be avoided.

Chitosan: This dietary supplement is made from chitin, a starch found in the skeleton of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. Chitosan binds with fat in fatty food, moves it through the digestive tract and then, the fat is passed out of the body in bowel movements. Some research suggests that combining chitosan with a calorie-restricted diet might result in a small amount of weight loss. But taking chitosan without reducing caloric intake doesnt appear to cause weight loss. People with shellfish allergies might be allergic to chitosan as well.

Pyruvate: Pyruvate is formed when the body digests carbohydrates and proteins. Some research suggests that it may promote slight weight loss. Found in the form of pyruvic acid, pyruvate is in many different types of foods, including red apples, cheese, and red wine. Pyruvate appears to be safe, but its claims of boosting metabolism, decreasing appetite and aiding in weight loss need further study.

Aloe: Aloe, or aloe vera, is a plant that is related to cacti. Oral forms of aloe are added to herbal weight-loss products. Oral aloe causes bowel movements and many aloe weight-loss products are marketed as internal cleansers. Aloe supplements have not been proven to promote permanent weight loss. Taking oral aloe can lead to side effects such as abdominal cramping, diarrhea, electrolyte disturbances, and decreases in potassium. Therefore, taking oral aloe is likely unsafe, especially at high doses.

Cascara: Cascara is only marketed as a dietary supplement. It is a common ingredient in weight loss products and is mostly used as a laxative for constipation. Misuse of this herb can cause disturbances in electrolytes (such as potassium and sodium). Electrolytes help your body maintain normal functioning. Do not take if you are pregnant or lactating (can be passed into breast milk). Cascara may interact with medications such as digoxin and diuretics.

Dandelion: Dandelion is a natural diuretic (a substance that makes you urinate more often). This is how it causes weight loss. Dandelion has been known to cause allergic reactions. People who are allergic to ragweed and related plants (daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds) are likely to be allergic to dandelion.

Glucomannan: Glucomannan is a sugar made from the root of the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac). It is available in powder, capsules, and tablet forms. Glucomannan might work in the stomach and intestines by absorbing water to form a bulky fiber that treats constipation. It may also slow the absorption of sugar and cholesterol from the gut. Glucomannan tablets are not considered safe as they can sometimes cause blockages of the throat or intestines. Glucomannan may interfere with blood sugar control. Blood sugar should be closely monitored if you have diabetes and use glucomannan.

Guarana: Made from the seeds of a plant native to Brazil, guarana is an effective central nervous system stimulant. It is used as a weight loss product due to its stimulant and diuretic effects. Guarana contains caffeine and may cause high blood pressure. Some of the extracts have been known to interact with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin [Coumadin]) and lengthen the bleeding time in the event of a health emergency. Many advertisements state that guarana is free from side effects; however, this statement is not true. Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, and anxiety.

Yerba mate: Also known as Paraguay tea, yerba mate is a strong central nervous system stimulant (the doses typically used mimic that of 100 to 200 milligrams of caffeine). The main reported side effects excessive central nervous system stimulation (speeding up the bodys mental and physical activity) and high blood pressure. Yerba mate has not been proven as a weight-loss aid. A few cases of poisoning, which led to hospitalization, have been reported with the use of this product. When taken in large amounts or for long periods, yerba mate increases the risk of mouth, esophageal, laryngeal, kidney, bladder and lung cancers. This risk is especially high for people who smoke or drink alcohol.

Guar gum: Also known as guar, guar flour, and jaguar gum, guar gum is a dietary fiber obtained from the Indian cluster bean. Guar gum is often used as a thickening agent for foods and drugs. It has been studied for decreasing cholesterol, managing diabetes and weight loss. As a weight-loss product, it helps move foods through the digestive tract and firms up stool. It can decrease appetite by providing a feeling of fullness. However, like glucomannan, guar gum and guar gum preparations have been linked to causing blockages in the esophagus. The water-retaining ability of the gum permits it to swell to 10- to 20-fold and has led to gastrointestinal blockages. Guar gum can also cause large swings in blood glucose (sugar) levels. Diabetic patients should avoid this ingredient.

Herbal diuretics: Many herbal diuretics are commonly found in over-the-counter (OTC) weight-loss products and herbal weight-loss products. Most of the diuretics used OTC come from xanthine alkaloids (like caffeine or theobromine). Avoid anything that contains juniper seeds (capable of causing renal damage), equistine (neurotoxic and can cause brain damage) and horsetail/shave grass (contain several dangerous ingredients that can lead to convulsions or hyperactivity).

Herbal diuretics can interact with certain drugs like lithium, digoxin, or conventional diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide. They also do not provide enough water loss to be considered effective weight loss aids.

While many products out there suggest that they can help you lose weight fast, they can also come with a slew of health concerns. If you need help with starting your weight loss journey, talk to your provider. They can steer you in the right direction and help you find a program that is safe and effective.

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Is It Safe To Use Herbal Weight Loss Supplements? - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

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Aug 28th, 2021 | Filed under Diet Safely

As the highly infectious Delta variant continues to spread and make a devastating impact on Americans' lives, it's even more vital now to provide your immune system with the tools it needs to keep your body safe.

While getting the COVID-19 vaccination is the absolute best way to prevent yourself from enduring severe symptoms of the Delta variant, eating a diet rich in foods that support your immune system is just one extra step you can take (in addition to the vaccine) to help you combat the disease.

RELATED:Here's Exactly How a Plant-Based Diet Can Protect You From Disease, According to Experts

A recent study published in theBMJ found that those who follow a plant-based diet and/or a pescatarian diet have lower odds of experiencing moderate-to-severe COVID-19 symptoms. The study looked at healthcare workers, who had substantial exposure to COVID-19, from six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Participants were asked to complete an online survey from July 17 to July 25, 2020, that covered demographic characteristics, dietary information, and COVID-19 outcomes.

"Compared to participants who reported following plant-based diets, those who reported following 'low carbohydrate, high protein diets' had greater odds of moderate-to-severe COVID-19," Hyunju Kim, Ph.D., assistant scientist at Johns Hopkins, and the first author of the study tells Eat This, Not That!

However, one major limitation of this study is that the majority of participants were male physicians, so the findings would also have to be replicated in female healthcare workers to be more conclusive. Still, eating a plant-based diet has been shown to provide a host of benefits to both your immune system and overall health.

"This study tells us that diet does indeed play a role in COVID-19 infections, including the severity of symptoms and duration of illness," says Sharon Palmer, M.S., R.D.N, also known as The Plant-Powered Dietitian. "While no studies have previously looked at this, we do know that research has shown a strong link between nutrition and immunity, which includes not only the quality of diet people consume, but also if they have health factors related to poor diet, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease."

RELATED:Dangerous Side Effects of Having High Blood Pressure

More specifically, the study identified that those who followed a plant-based diet had a 73% lower chance of suffering from moderate-to-severe COVID-19 compared to those who didn't eat a plant-based diet. The findings didn't surprise Palmer, adding that we already know certain nutrients including vitamins A, C, and E as well as phytochemicals and fiber, may be significant for supporting immune health.

"These nutrients are rich in whole plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts, and seeds. In addition, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may be protective, and they are rich in pescatarian diets," she says. "In contrast, Western-style eating patternshigh in red meat, processed meat, and refined grainsare linked with [being] pro-inflammatory and [have] other negative effects."

Kim says she and her colleagues also found that supplementation of specific nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and E decreased the risk of respiratory infections, such as the common cold, and even shortened the duration of these types of ailments. Keep in mind, there's more research that needs to be done.

"Our results need to be confirmed in prospective studies, studies with a larger sample size of individuals with COVID-19, studies with detailed macronutrient and micronutrient intake data, and objective markers, [or] biomarkers such as plasma micronutrient levels," says Kim.

In the interim, why not test out some more plant-based recipes to help support your immune system and overall well-being?

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This One Diet Can Protect Your Immune System, New Study Says | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

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Aug 28th, 2021 | Filed under Diet Safely

India has a sizeable portion of people who suffer from various nutritional deficiencies. According to studies by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency ranged from 40 per cent to 99 per cent, while that of vitamin B12 deficiency was at least 47 per cent in the Indian population. Deficiencies of important nutrients like iron, folic acid and macro nutrients like protein are also very common in India. Speaking on this, Mihir Gadani, Co-Founder, OZiva, says, Nutritional deficiencies are due to the absence of right nutrition in daily diet or other physiological conditions. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to various health conditions and can affect the overall functioning of the body. Hence it is imperative to supplement your diet with the right kind of vitamins and minerals.

Nutritionists and experts across the world suggest that picking the right supplements is the key to fighting nutritional deficiencies. That being said, there is a cloud of contention regarding the usefulness and overall impact of dietary supplements. Gadani acknowledges that overconsuming a particular supplement for a sustained period can put the individual at risk of suffering from a condition known as vitamin overdose. While water-soluble vitamins like B and C are flushed out of the body, synthetic vitamins A, D, E and K will be stored in the body as they are fat soluble. Such storage usually happens in the fatty tissues and liver, leading to various health hazards like nutritional imbalance and the same can also upset the equation of the body with other nutrients and minerals, he adds.

Addressing Nutritional DeficienciesSo, what can one do to address nutritional deficiencies that might be developing in the body? Well, start with eating the right kind of food that can lend you the essential nutrition and energy necessary for everyday function. If you stick to eating a well-balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, you are likely to meet your necessary vitamin intake. However, a substantial percentage of people who manage to eat good food still suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, consuming some kind of supplement to fulfill the required nutritional quota is also important. Global experts recommend choosing clean and plant-based nutritional supplements like natural vitamins and minerals over synthetic supplements.

Keep In Mind: Choose supplements according to your health needs Read labels, go for plant-based supplements free of chemicals, added sugars, etc Buy supplements from a trusted source or brand Know the recommended daily amount (RDA) for all vitamins and minerals and avoid ingesting more than whats required; take expert advice for the same and stick to the dosage Never substitute dietary supplements for wholesome food Take fat soluble vitamins with high-fat meals to facilitate better absorption; ingest water soluble supplements first thing in the morning or half an hour before meals Taking probiotics like yoghurt with supplements can aid digestion and increase nutrient absorption Reduce caffeine consumption if youre taking calcium supplements, avoid taking zinc and copper, and iron and calcium supplements together Pair certain nutrients to increase absorption vitamins D and K2 boost calcium absorption, while vitamin C helps increase iron absorption

Read more: Herbs And Spices To Boost Your Kids Immunity During The Pandemic

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Understanding The Role Of Dietary Supplements And How To Use Them Safely - Femina

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Aug 28th, 2021 | Filed under Diet Safely

VALLEY CENTER, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 10: General view of the atmosphere at Bates Nut Farm on October 10, 2020 in Valley Center, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

Its officially the arrival of pumpkin spice season thanks to Starbucks, but we already know that this seasonal spice mix is not dog friendly. But what about actual pumpkin? Is that a dog safe treat?

As Fetch by WebMD explains, pumpkin is actually a doggy superfood. Not only does it help to soothe an upset stomach (in moderation), but it also helps to remove excess water in a dogs digestive tract. Dog owners can even use this product to help their pups when they have diarrhea.

Basically, pumpkin is magic when it comes to dogs and we love that. The thing about pumpkin, is that it can be added to your dogs regular meal as needed or it can be used as an ingredient in pet friendly dog treats. The fact that it is actually a pretty versatile product for our dogs is a great reason to keep in on hand.

Just because pumpkin is good and safe for your dog to eat, that doesnt mean that there are not some things to pay attention to as well. In fact, while this is good for our dogs, it can still cause problems if we give them too much.

This is a high calorie ingredient, which means it should never be more than 10 percent of your dogs diet. Its also important to remember that too much fiber can also be a bad thing, so we should always try to be careful when incorporating this into your pups meals or treats.

All this to say that it looks like our pups can join us in our Fall foodie extravaganzas. Or at the very least, they can get into the Autumnal spirit with their own pumpkin treats.

Yes, pumpkin is dog safe and also good for your dog. But just like anything, it is important to remember moderation is key. Just like with us, too much of a good thing can easily become a bad thing.

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Aug 28th, 2021 | Filed under Diet Safely

Protein powder is one of the top nutrition supplements on the market.

Some people use it to support muscle growth, and others use it because they want to consume more protein than theyre getting from food alone. Protein powder can be part of a balanced diet.

However, you may wonder if consuming a lot of protein powder can be harmful. The short answer is no, but it may have minor side effects.

This article discusses whether consuming too much protein powder is dangerous, reviews the research on its side effects, and examines some misconceptions about protein powder.

Protein powders are concentrated forms of protein from animal or plant sources. You can buy them at many health food stores and online, and theres a wide range of brands, types, and flavors to choose from.

Animal-based protein powders are usually made of two milk proteins called whey and casein, with whey being more popular. While less common, protein powders containing beef or chicken protein are also available.

Whey protein powder is isolated from whey, a liquid byproduct of cheese making that manufacturers spray-dry into a powder (1, 2).

Plant protein powders can be made from various plant-based proteins, such as brown rice, pea, soy, and hemp. Typically, plant-based protein powders contain a blend of plant proteins (3).

Both types of protein powder will generally provide 2030 grams of protein per scoop, so they are a great way to get additional protein in your diet. They also commonly contain added vitamins, flavors, and sweeteners.

People often use protein powder after workouts to support muscle growth. Your muscles need enough protein to rebuild muscle tissue after a strength training workout (4, 5, 6, 7).

You might use it if you have difficulty meeting your daily protein needs through food alone for example, if you arent eating large amounts of food or youre following a vegan diet (8, 9, 10).

That said, if youre getting enough protein through food, its unlikely that youll see much benefit from taking protein powder.

The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) for protein is 0.36 grams of protein per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of your body weight per day.

However, if youre aiming to build muscle, this can go up to 0.60.9 grams per pound (1.42.0 grams per kg) per day. A good general rule is to try to get 2040 grams of protein per meal (4, 5, 11, 12).

Protein powder is a concentrated form of protein from plant or animal sources. Available types include whey, casein, pea, soy, and rice.

Simply put, protein powder is not bad for you.

Its a convenient source of protein that helps many people meet their daily protein needs.

Of course, if you have allergies to a certain type of protein or other ingredients in a protein powder, then it will cause you to have an allergic reaction. In that case, you should avoid that type of protein powder.

The ingredients in protein powders vary significantly among brands and products.

While the Food and Drug Administration regulates dietary supplements such as protein powder, manufacturers are responsible for evaluating the safety, effectiveness, and labeling of their products (13, 14).

This means that the labels on protein powders and other dietary supplements could provide misleading ingredient or product information. In fact, one study found that numerous protein powders actually contained lower-cost proteins such as chicken, rice, and soy (15).

Though this is rare, protein powders may sometimes contain harmful ingredients or substances that have been banned in sports. Fortunately, many reputable protein powder brands use third-party testing to demonstrate their products safety and transparency (16).

Try to select a protein powder from a reputable company with third-party testing. And make an effort to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein-rich whole foods, such as lean meats, poultry, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds.

Protein powder is not bad for you. Some protein powders may contain unwanted or harmful ingredients, but this is rare. Be sure to buy powders that have been through third-party testing they will say this on the label.

You might be worried about taking too much protein powder because youve heard that it affects your liver, kidneys, or bones. But research has shown that these claims are false.

Heres a look at these misconceptions in detail.

One major concern some people raise about taking protein powder is that it affects the kidneys and liver.

Experts once thought that too much protein could damage the kidneys and liver in healthy people, but many recent studies have disproven this (17, 18, 19, 20).

In one study, 48 men and women consumed a high protein diet from both food and whey-beef protein powder during an 8-week heavy resistance training program. Those who took the protein powder didnt have any difference in kidney function (21).

However, those with kidney disease or decreased kidney function have more difficulty excreting protein waste products in their urine and will need to monitor their protein intake.

Decreased kidney function is defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 90 (22, 23).

Therefore, unless you have chronic kidney disease or decreased kidney function, consuming protein powder and other high protein foods is likely safe.

People once thought a high protein diet was harmful for bone health. This myth was rooted in the idea that proteins high acid content stripped bones of their calcium, leading to high calcium levels in the urine and weaker bones (24).

However, current research suggests that a high protein diet may actually boost bone health.

Researchers believe it does this by promoting calcium absorption, supporting the growth of skeletal muscle mass, and preserving bone mass during weight loss (24, 25, 26, 27).

In an 18-month high quality study, 280 older men and women consumed 45 grams of whey protein or a placebo each day. Results showed no differences in bone composition between the groups (28).

Interestingly, the whey protein group preserved significantly more muscle mass, suggesting that protein may help reduce age-related muscle loss. This may benefit bone health by allowing aging people to stay active longer (28).

To date, there is no evidence that consuming protein powder or high protein foods is harmful to bone, liver, or kidney health. If you have kidney issues, speak with a doctor before taking protein powder to make sure its safe for you.

Protein powders are generally recognized as safe, although you may experience digestive side effects if you consume large amounts of protein powder.

If youre lactose intolerant or otherwise sensitive to lactose, dairy-based protein powder may lead to stomach upset, bloating, and gas. Instead, opt for a plant-based protein powder or try whey protein isolate, which is much lower in lactose than other dairy protein powders (29).

If you want to use plant-based protein powder, read the ingredient label carefully to identify any potential food allergens or sensitivities. For example, soy and gluten are common allergens found in plant-based protein powders (30).

Furthermore, those who have irritable bowel syndrome or are sensitive to FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols) may experience bloating and cramping from pea protein powder or powders with added sugar alcohols (31).

Companies may add sugar alcohols as low calorie sweeteners.

Trial and error will help you determine the best protein powder for you.

The main side effects of consuming a lot of protein powder are digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and cramping. If you have any food sensitivities, be sure to read the label first.

Most peoples bodies can process excess protein from food and supplements and can safely tolerate 1.141.5 grams per pound (2.53.3 grams per kg) of protein per day (4, 32).

However, more research is needed to investigate an upper limit for protein powder consumption.

Until then, if you want to use protein powder, stick to 12 servings per day and get the rest of your protein through food.

Theres no known safety limit for protein powder. Most research shows healthy people can tolerate up to 1.5 grams of protein per pound (3.3 grams per kg) of body weight per day from both food and protein supplements with no side effects.

Protein is important for growth and development during childhood and adolescence. Most experts agree that children and teens should get their protein from food sources such as (33, 34, 35):

In some cases, a healthcare professional might recommend that a child take a protein supplement, such as PediaSure, if the child is malnourished, is a picky eater, or has strict dietary restrictions.

While there is no data to suggest that protein powder is harmful to children and teens, relying on protein powder and supplements may displace nutritious, whole foods in the diet. Therefore, protein-rich whole foods should come first (36).

If youre concerned that your child or teen isnt getting enough protein, speak with a registered dietitian, a qualified nutritionist, or your childs doctor.

Children and teens should aim to get their protein from food first to ensure theyre getting enough calories and nutrients. A healthcare professional may recommend a protein supplement for picky eaters or those with malnutrition.

Protein powder can be a great addition to a balanced diet. However, here are a few important considerations.

It might feel overwhelming to choose a protein powder from the many available options online or at the health food store. Here are a few things you can do to make it easier:

Though protein powder can be a great addition to your diet, you dont need to consume it to be healthy.

Whole, protein-rich foods contain vitamins and minerals that are important for health. Whats more, they take longer to digest than protein powder, so they may make you feel full longer.

On the other hand, protein powder is considered predigested and will leave your stomach more quickly after you consume it than whole foods do (37).

Instead, use protein powder to supplement your balanced diet at times when you may not be able to meet your protein needs.

When shopping for a protein powder, look at the label to ensure the product has been third-party tested and doesnt contain any unwanted ingredients. Ideally, use protein powder in addition to a nutritious diet, not as a replacement for one.

If youve ever wondered whether protein powder is safe to use, you can rest assured that it is.

Due to protein powders popularity, many research studies have investigated its safety and effectiveness. Theyve found that its safe and does not pose a risk to bone, liver, or kidney health, even if you take it in large amounts.

Still, its best to get most of your protein from whole, minimally processed foods and use protein powder only to address any unmet protein needs.

The best protein powders will be third-party tested, contain 2030 grams of protein per scoop, and contain ingredients you can personally tolerate.

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Is Protein Powder Bad for You? Downsides and More - Healthline

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Aug 28th, 2021 | Filed under Diet Safely
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