Like obesity, inflammation has been identified as a common contributing factor to many chronic diseases. But how are the two interconnected? Adipose tissue, or fat cells, are an active endocrine organ which modulates and synthesizes hormones and various metabolites. These processes are amplified when obesity is present (Lee et al 2013). Some of the metabolites
One of the most overlooked aspects of diet therapy is the correct use and the reasons for routinely using essential fatty acids (EFAs) as part of the diet program. EFAs are required in every diet to perform a number of functions in the body. Essential fatty acids are important nutrients. For patients following a low
Sweets just taste good! And, that preference gets reinforced by rewarding ourselves with sweet treats, which can make one crave even more. “Sweet is the first taste humans prefer from birth,” says Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, a Dietitian and American Dietetic Association (ADA). Two hundred years ago, the average American ate only 2 pounds of
You may have heard the term “thermogenic” before or that something has thermogenic properties, but what exactly is it? And more importantly, how can it help you in your weight loss journey? Thermogenics are natural ingredients that help your body use calories quicker and easier. And, when partnered with other efforts, can help to lead
It seems lately all the rage amongst consumers is the desire for “Clean Food Labels.” However, currently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no parameters or definitions as to what a clean label is. This leaves food companies at their own liberty to interpret what the consumer believes to be a clean label.
White color does not have a ‘harmful effect’ on Coronavirus, as claimed in a widely shared Facebook post; nor does the color of a handkerchief have any effect on the virus, according to Sri Lanka’s Health Promotion Bureau. Also, there is no evidence that asafoetida, a plant often used in traditional Indian medicine, is a
Many people are jumping on the “Gluten-Free Diet” band-wagon as they believe it is a healthier lifestyle; however, people with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity must follow a gluten-free diet for their condition! It is estimated that 3 million Americans are diagnosed with celiac disease and another 18 million have non-celiac gluten sensitivity
What are sugar alcohols and what is their purpose in the human diet? Are they friend or foe in obesity treatment? Sugar alcohols are carbohydrates and their chemical structure resembles both a sugar molecule and an alcohol molecule (not the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages). Many people do not realize that sugar alcohols are found
Obesity is one of the pressing global public health concerns. It is commonly associated with several co-morbidities and can be treated effectively with a high protein, low fat and low carbohydrate diet for successful body weight loss and maintenance. It is extremely important to ensure the quality of protein used in a calorically restricted diet
Asthma, lupus, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, glomerulonephritis, allergies as well as other chronic conditions are all characterized by inflammation. Inflammation is a normal bodily response to protect us from trauma, toxins, heat, or infection from foreign organisms such as bacteria and viruses. The damaged cells release various chemicals including bradykinin (causes blood vessel dilation),
