Month: November 2019

With the holidays rapidly approaching, millions of Americans will soon be thinking about their New Year’s resolutions. For those interested in losing weight or eating better, the blood type diet may seem like an appealing and personalized option. The blood type diet was created and popularized by Dr. Peter D’Adamo, a naturopathic physician, in his 1996 best-selling book Eat Right For Your Type.  Dr. D’Adamo asserts that the food we eat has a chemical reaction to our blood type. Therefore, it is important to eat and exercise according to our blood type to maximize health and wellness and fight/prevent disease.

What Am I Supposed to Eat?

Type A: Does best on a plant-based diet that is high in grains, beans, soy, vegetables, and fruit. This blood type has poor digestion and a weak immune system.

Type B: Does best on a balanced diet consisting of meat (except chicken), dairy, grains, vegetables, and fruit. This blood type doesn’t have allergies.

Type AB: Does best with a diet that is a combination of type A and B. Diet should consist of seafood, dairy, grains, vegetables and fruit. Chicken, bananas, and corn should be avoided.

Type O:  Does best with a high protein diet high in meat, eggs, nuts, fish, fruit, and vegetables. Similar to paleo diet.

So What Does the Research Say?

Dr. Heber, the founding director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, sums it up well in this video. In a nutshell, he explains that one’s blood type has nothing to do with what we can or can’t eat. The only situation in which your blood type is of great importance is if you’re in need of a blood transfusion.

Research backs Dr. Heber’s assertion that the premise of the blood type diet is a myth. A 2013 study set out to conduct a thorough review of all the research completed on the blood type diet (Cusack, De Buck, Compernolle, and Vandekerckhove, 2013). The researchers were unable to find a great deal of research on the subject. However, the studies they were able to find consistently contradicted the claims made by Dr. D’Adamo and his supporters.

In a more recent study, Wang, Garcia-Bailo, Nielsen, Jenkins, and El-Sohemy’s (2018) conducted research on 973 overweight adults ranging in age from 18-82 years old. The researchers were interested to see if there was a definitive link between blood type and overall health. Wang, et al. found that participants following the blood type diet did indeed improve their overall health. However, this was independent of their actual blood type. Dr. D’Adamo’s food recommendations for all four blood types call for a decrease in processed food and an increase in vegetable and fruit intake. Any individual who increases fruit and vegetable intake and eliminates processed food will see an improvement in their health and weight. Wang, et al. (2018) point out that a majority of health agencies have similar guidelines, which are not related to blood type. In conclusion, this study found that any health benefits related to following the blood type diet were not linked to the participants’ blood type and were a result of an overall improved diet.

Another interesting piece of research was conducted by Laura Powers of the Biotype Research Corporation. Powers (2007) was interested to see if there was a link between blood type and food allergies. To accomplish this, she looked at immune responses in blood that are commonly used to diagnose allergies and intolerances. After analyzing close to 42,000 samples, it was determined that her findings directly contradicted Dr. D’Adamo’s claims. Furthermore, Power was able to back the link between blood type and food allergies with data. To date, Dr. D’Adamo has yet to publish research supporting his claims or the reasoning behind his food recommendations.

The Bottom Line

The blood type diet is a myth. The overall recommendations made by the blood type diet would benefit anyone looking to lose weight or become healthier. However, these results have nothing to do with one’s blood type, but rather are the result of healthier eating habits.

References

CTStyle. (2017, January 4). Eat right 4 your type: Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0JAUYv8L1Y

Cusack, L., De Buck, E., Compernolle, V., & Vandekerckhove, P. (2013). Blood type diets lack supporting evidence: a systematic review. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 98, 99-104. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.058693

Heber, D. [UCLA Health]. (2017, September 13]. Blood type diet: Does it work?/ UCLA Center for Human Nutrition [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogp12DESvgY

Power, L. (2007). Biotype diets system: Blood types and food allergies. Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, 16 (2), 125-135. doi: 10.1080/13590840701352807

The Whole Journey. (2012, November 17). How to eat for your blood type [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnk1p92ZlqM

Wang, J., Jamnik, J., Garcia-Bailo, B., Nielsen, D.E., Jenkins, D.J.A., & El-Sohemy, A. (2018). ABO genotype does not modify the association between the “blood type” diet and biomarkers of cardiometabolic disease in overweight adults. The Journal of Nutrition, 148 (4), 518-525. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxx074.

This is a test.

Alzheimer’s Disease, (AD) has been a complex and confusing, to say the least, topic. Many people find the diagnosis of a family member or themselves scary, like any other diagnosis. But when it comes to AD, what do you really know? Many people use the term, ‘dementia” as another term for AD, which is not true. The term dementia, is used as an umbrella term for symptoms and manifestations of the disease such as memory loss and abnormal behavior. The cause of Alzheimer’s Disease is unknown. incurable and of course, progressive. Many scientists believe that a combination of lifestyle, environment and genetic factors affect the brain. “Here is a difference in the opinions among the scientists with regard to the categorization of Alzheimer’s disease. Some of them consider it to be a factor that causes dementia, while others define the condition as a type of dementia. The latter opinion puts Alzheimer’s alongside other types of dementia, including:

• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
• Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
• Vascular dementia
• Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD)
• Young-onset dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
• HIV-related cognitive impairment (Patel, 2019)

The initial stages of Alzheimer’s Disease begins as mild forgetfulness that may progress into complete memory loss. This also includes having difficulty with decision making and daily routine, accompanied by changes in personality and other symptoms such as mood swings, depression, aggression and social withdrawal.

Mild Alzheimer’s includes the beginning of cognitive impairments. This stage of AD may limit/challenge IADL’s. For example, paying bills, and difficulty with remembering work tasks. At this stage, the person experiencing AD is still “functional” but does experience a tremendous amount of difficulty.

Moderate Alzheimer’s is more intense. At this point, there is a significant amount if neuronal damage. This is where the person  becomes a bit more dependent on others, the confusion is more apparent due to memory loss and are not able to perform daily tasks which has been effected by sensory processing skills.

Severe Alzheimer’s includes the start of dying brain cells resulting in shrinkage of the brain tissue and sadly, many people have lost communication skills.

Early Onset Alzheimer’s is typically commonly found in older adults (65 years old) but can be diagnosed as young as 30, 40 and 50 years of age. People experiencing Early Onset Alzheimer’s have a type of the disease called, “familial Alzheimer’s Disease” meaning, they’re likely to have a parent or grandparent who has also developed Alzheimer’s Disease at a young age. This also includes, memory deficits, behavioral changes, and effects thinking. Similarly, there is no cure but there are measurements that can be taken to slow down the process such as avoiding alcohol and other substances, and by staying healthy with a good diet and exercise.

There are three genes that are linked to this- the APP, PSEN 1 and PSEN 2- that differ from the APOE gene that can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s in general (Radford, MD)”. Genetic testing for these mutations are available, but is recommended to pursue genetic counseling before hand.

Below includes examples of ‘Normal changes’ provided by authors, Lawrence Robinson and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D (Last updated: August 2019) 

There are several organizations that provide information and resources for people who are experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease and for caretakers of people experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease. This is especially important because many people involved and who are around someone with AD, it can be very overwhelming and consume the caregivers life. Because this disease is so complex, it is also crucial to be an effective team member for the person experiencing AD. Alzheimer’s Support Groups and utilizing facilities that offer respite programs among others, help with support of all parties who can be managing stress or just need a break. Director, Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry of John Hopkin’s University states,  “Care givers almost always feel guilty in some way…The disease itself (AD) and the care that people need that engenders or causes that guilt in caregivers (Rabins, 2021)”. Where this sounds well put, this same video also stated, “it’s okay to get annoyed because they forget”. While we are all human and deal with grief differently and where this is also older research, there can be many steps taken to prevent outbursts and enforce understanding. 

Many adaptations and remedial tools can be used such as, sticky notes as reminders, whiteboards, alarms, using microwaves instead of stove top cooking and more.

Interestingly enough, this next podcast posted by the Mayo Clinic, describes the “redefined” diagnoses of AD. As mentioned previously, “dementia” is classified typically as an umbrella term. However, this podcast stated that ‘dementia’ and “Alzheimer’s Disease” is no longer going to be used interchangeably, which is great because it should not be described as such. Additionally, this research has been provided by Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging. Alzheimer’s Disease will not be diagnosed via symptoms but by neuropathology (the disease or abnormality of the brain). It’s stated in the New Research Framework, “symptoms are consequences of the disease and not the definition of the disease.”(Alzheimer’s Dement 2018 Apr;14(4):535-562) Just as the previous videos have mentioned how tangles and plaques effect the brain, Mayo Clinic radiologist and Alzheimer’s researcher, Dr. Clifford Jack speaks in detail regarding neuropathology. “The diagnosis can be made biologically…(rather than clinically based) and there are two ways to get to a biologically based diagnosis, one is neuropathology… The second way is through bio-markers- regarding tangles and plaques (Jack, 2018)”. Furthermore, Jack also explains the incorrect terms and processes, and other neuropathologies, either alone or in combination, that have been used by in the past years. After the use of clinical trials, researchers began to “modify the underlying course of the disease” (AD)(Jack, 2018) . It was found that, “about 30% don’t have Alzheimer’s Disease (Jack, 2018)”. 

Many other videos and sites have had similar suggestions however, there is not yet clear or concrete evidence confirming or denying the causes of AD. The Alzheimer’s Association states this is, “due to the need for more large-scale studies in diverse populations”. What is suggested is maintaining a healthy diet, avoid head injuries, staying social and participating in intellectual activity.

References:

(2018, April 23). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeDEUlcb0D0

Causes and Risk Factors. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors.

How Alzheimer's Changes the Brain. (2017, August 23). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GXv3mHs9AU&feature=youtu.be.

What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer's Disease? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease.

Patel, H. H. (2019, September 9). Types of Alzheimer's Disease. Retrieved from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Types-of-Alzheimers-Disease.aspx.

Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/alzheimers-disease/earlyonset-alzheimer-disease.

Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (n.d.). Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/alzheimers-disease/earlyonset-alzheimer-disease.

Alzheimer’s Dement 2018 Apr;14(4):535-562. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.02.018

Redefining Alzheimer's Disease: Mayo Clinic Radio. (2018, May 28). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fACGPjiJ7Y.

Rabins, P. V. (2012, October 17). Caregiver Guilt- Memory and Alzheimer's Disease. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5-s68-hngk.

Enjoy 🙂

By: Lisa Marie Patenaude

All work and no play…

Students today take an average of 112 mandated standardized tests beginning in pre-k up to 12^th grade! With the academic standards and expectations set so high for children, unfortunately recess is being reduced or even eliminated completely. School districts are in fear of having the lowest scores within the community and are continuing to find ways to increase classroom/educational time.

Why have schools cut recess time?

However, is more classroom time helpful or a recipe for increased behaviors and inattentiveness? The article, “Recess Physical Activity Packs in Elementary Schools: A Qualitative Investigation,” written by Steven Elliott, Sue Combs, and Robert Boyce, discussed how recess plays an important role in learning, social development, and health- which all must be considered when administrators decide whether to schedule recess during the school day.

Is recess a waste of time?
Here’s what current research has to say!

Let’s take step back and put things into perspective…during a typical 8-hour workday how often do you get up from your desk to move, give your brain/eyes a rest from staring at a computer screen, stretch out your legs, look out the window, go for lunch, or even just get some fresh air? It would be a safe bet to say most of you reading this blog do not sit for 8 hours straight at work!

Now it’s time to discuss the benefits of recess. Is it more than just kids running and screaming on the play ground? Absolutely!

Recent studies have indicated many benefits for including
set recess times throughout the day. The article, “Perceptions of the Effect of
Recess on Kindergartners,” written by Hannah Martin, Antomia Farrell, James
Gray, and Teresa Clark interviewed kindergarten teachers in Kentucky and
Tennessee, parents of preschoolers/kindergarten teachers in Texas, Kentucky,
and Tennessee, as well as college students from the area pertaining to their
views on the benefits of recess.

This particular study named many benefits of recess:

• Teachers have noticed better behavior once they returned back into the classroom.
• Improved mood / positive attitude
• Re-energized, re-freshed, and ready to learn!
• Increased ability to sit and attend.
• Children are able to learn conflict-resolution skills, problem solving skills, and sharing at recess.
• Increased eye contact
• The opportunity to PLAY and develop healthy habits and routines.

Camahlan and Ipock (2015) stated exercise increases attention to various cognitive tasks and can help academic performance. The study they completed indicated improved math scores pre/post test and the classroom environment was calmer after movement breaks. Camahlan and Ipock (2015) also noted improved attention as well as the ability for children to sit quietly and listen rather than fidgeting in their chairs.

Current research has indicated many benefits for recess, but
will school administrations continue to compromise it for the potential of
higher test scores? Only time will tell.

References:
Camahalan, F. M. G., & Ipock, A. R. (2015). Physical Activity Breaks and Student Learning: A Teacher-Research Project. Education, 135(3), 291–298. Retrieved from http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1095394&site=ehost-live

Elliott, S., Combs, S., & Boyce, R. (2011). Recess Physical Activity Packs in Elementary Schools: A Qualitative Investigation. Physical Educator, 68(3), 150–162. Retrieved from http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tfh&AN=67018187&site=ehost-live

Martin, H., Farrell, A., Gray, J., & Clark, T. B. (2018). Perceptions of the Effect of Recess on Kindergartners. Physical Educator, 75(2), 245. https://doi.org/10.18666/TPE-2018-V75-I2-7740

The ketogenic (Keto) diet has gained mainstream popularity, it is touted as a healthy weight loss strategy that has additional health benefits. However, the keto diet is not without controversy. Some medical professionals point out the dangers of the high-fat diet and the lack of research to support its long-term use. While others support the keto diet as a healthy weight loss method with added health benefits. Depending on who you ask or what google hit you click on you could be left confused when deciding, To Keto or Not to Keto? Below I will help you decipher the gauntlet of keto information to help you make your decision based on fact, not fiction.

What is the Keto diet?

The keto diet is a high-fat low carb diet. When followed correctly, it puts the body into a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic switch of fuel where the body converts fats to ketones, instead of using carbohydrates to make glucose. A long story short, your body will use fat for fuel instead of glucose from carbohydrates. What does a keto diet look like? On the Keto diet, your daily calorie intake will consist of 5% carbohydrates, 25% protein, and 70% fats. It’s important to note that you want to eat lean proteins and healthy fats. Healthy fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that include Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. See the examples below.

Is it Safe?

The long term effects of the keto diet are not well known due to limited research. Studies have identified the following short term effects which typically subside in 1 – 2 weeks :

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Decreased Energy
• Constipation

Individuals with certain medical conditions should NEVER initiate a keto diet without first consulting with a medical doctor. These conditions include but are not limited to:

• Diabetes
• Pancreatitis
• Liver failure
• Disorders of fat metabolism
• Primary carnitine deficiency
• Carnitine palmitoyltransferase deficiency
• Carnitine translocase deficiency, porphyrias
• Pyruvate kinase deficiency

What does Medical Research Say?

According to a recent peer-reviewed study, “A recent systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the long-term effects (greater than 1 year) of dietary interventions on weight loss showed no sound evidence for recommending low-fat diets. In fact, low-carbohydrate diets led to significantly greater weight loss compared to low-fat interventions.” Regular check-ups are recommended while on a keto diet to monitor liver function.

Review the study here:/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499830/

To Keto or Not to Keto?

Unfortunately, there is very limited research on the long-term effects of the keto diet. Any diet that involves extreme shifts in macronutrient intakes can be potentially harmful. Everyone has their own unique composition and what’s harmful to one may be healthy for another. For this reason, before starting the Keto diet you should consult your doctor to see how the Keto diet could potentially affect YOU! The decision to Keto or not to Keto is not black and white. After considering the potential health risk or benefits there is the sustainability of the keto diet. Can you commit to this change long term? Weight loss experienced as a result of following a keto diet can return when the diet is not sustained. Before making any decision that affects your health you should consult with your doctor, get the facts from reliable sources and consider its sustainability.

Conclusion

If your doctor gives you the green light, you understand the facts and you’re confident in your ability to sustain the keto diet then the question is answered, to keto! Watch the video below to learn more about the Keto diet and its associated health benefits.

References

Campos. (2019, July 30). Ketogenic diet: Is the ultimate low-carb diet good for you? Retrieved November 02, 2019, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ketogenic-diet-is-the-ultimate-low-carb-diet-good-for-you-2017072712089

Dashti, H., Mathew, T., Hussein, T., Asfar, S., Behbahani, A., Khoursheed, M., . . . Al-Zaid, N. (2004). Long-term effects of a ketogenic diet in obese patients. Retrieved November 02, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2716748/

Shilpa, & Mohan, V. (2018, September). Ketogenic diets: Boon or bane? Retrieved November 02, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6251269/