Have you just been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes? You probably have been told that you must change your diet to reduce sugar intake along with weight reduction. There are many schools of thoughts out there how you should achieve your goals. Let’s take a closer look at some of the diets out there!
Extreme Caloric Reduction Diet
Intermittent Fasting
Both of the these two diets are promoted by healthcare professionals yet they come with their own side effects. They both promote an extreme change to ones diet which long term may not be sustainable.
So what should you do?
According to the American Diabetes Association the following lifestyle changes provide the most sustainability along with good results.
Diet Tips
Fill half your plate with non-startchy vegetables. (greens, summer squash,zuchini,green beans, broccoli etc.)
Fill one quarter of your plate with lean proteins (chicken, fish, nuts, eggs)
Fill one quarter of your plate with carbohydrates
Choose water or 0 calorie drinks
Stay away from sugar and refined carbs
Exercise Tips
Make a list of fun physical activities that you enjoy!
Ease into it
Ask a friend to join
Make it a habit
Strength train 2x a week
As always before making any changes to diet or starting a new exercise consult with your healthcare provider first!
Funnell, M. M., & American Diabetes Association (2003). Diabetes update: from the American Diabetes Association: preventing type 2 diabetes with weight loss and exercise. Nursing management, 34 Suppl Guide, 10. https://doi.org/10.1097/00152193-200306001-00004
Petroni, M. L., Brodosi, L., Marchignoli, F., Sasdelli, A. S., Caraceni, P., Marchesini, G., & Ravaioli, F. (2021). Nutrition in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Present Knowledge and Remaining Challenges. Nutrients, 13(8), 2748. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082748
Heart disease is a major health issue that affects people all over the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, and it affects around 1.5 billion people. The term “heart disease” refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Understanding the causes of heart disease and the risk factors associated with it is essential for protecting heart health and preventing heart disease.
One of the main causes of heart disease is atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to the buildup of plaque. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances, and it can accumulate in the arteries over time, reducing blood flow to the heart. This can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, or stroke. High blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension, is another significant risk factor for heart disease. When blood pressure is too high, it can cause damage to the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Risks
In addition to atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, there are several other behavioral risk factors for heart disease. These include smoking, obesity, diabetes, and a family history of heart disease. Smoking is particularly harmful to heart health because it can damage the arteries and increase the risk of blood clots (Manfrini & Bugiardini, 2022). Obesity and diabetes are also linked to heart disease because they can lead to atherosclerosis and other complications. A family history of heart disease can increase the risk of developing the condition, as some forms of heart disease are inherited. It’s important to note that heart disease can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. However, certain groups of people are more likely to develop heart disease than others. For example, men are generally at higher risk than women, and people of African American, Hispanic, or Native American descent are more likely to develop heart disease than people of other races or ethnicities. Age is also a significant risk factor for heart disease, with the risk increasing as people get older.
Funch and Whelton’s research shows that the most common causes of heart attacks are high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, and problems with the valves (2020). These risk factors are also linked to obesity, diabetes, and smoking, all of which are long-term illnesses. Heart disease can also be caused by bad choices in life, like eating a lot of saturated fats and not enough fruits and vegetables.
Heart Healthy
While there are many risk factors for heart disease, there are also many things that people can do to protect their heart health. One of the most important steps is to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking. A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while limiting saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars. Regular exercise is also essential for heart health, as it can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes, and improve cardiovascular function. In addition to these lifestyle changes, it’s also important to manage any existing health conditions that can increase the risk of heart disease. This may involve taking medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels, as well as getting regular check-ups with a doctor to monitor heart health. For people who have already been diagnosed with heart disease, there are many treatments available, including medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical procedures.
References
Funch, D., & Whelton, S. P. (2020). Risk factors for coronary heart disease. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
This comprehensive review article provides an in-depth overview of the risk factors associated with coronary heart disease, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and valvular illness.
Manfrini, O., & Bugiardini, R. (2022). Behavioral risk factors and prevention of coronary artery disease. Current Cardiology Reports, 24(2), 1-9.
This article explores the role of behavioral risk factors, such as poor diet and lack of exercise, in the development of coronary artery disease. The authors emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes in preventing heart disease.
World Health Organization. (2019). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
This WHO fact sheet provides an overview of the global impact of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease. It also highlights the importance of prevention through lifestyle changes and management of chronic conditions.
Many people experience periods of fear and worry, but those who have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are in a constant state of fear. Being able to maneuver through life without the continuous feeling of dread is considered a paradise for a person who has anxiety. We are going to take a looking into the symptoms, treatments, myths and facts of anxiety.
You Are Not Alone
According to National Health Statistics Report approximately 6.8 million adults have anxiety, yet less than 50% of those people are receiving treatment. The questions then become, what is anxiety, why do so many have it and how can it be treated.
SYMPTOMS
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), some of the signs that a person has anxiety are:
Feeling restless, wound-up or on the edge.
Having difficulty concentrating.
Being irritable.
Having unexplained pains i.e. muscle aches or frequent headaches.
Difficulty controlling feelings of worry.
Can’t fall or staying asleep.
Myths vs. Facts
There is a lot of misinformation about mental health disorders. As a result many people go untreated because they may believe that the myths are true and they are afraid of what other people may think. We’re going to take a close look at the myths and facts about anxiety disorder and what we can do to stay calm, cool, and collected.
Myth # 1
Is Anxiety Real?
One of the major misconceptions about anxiety is that it is not a true health condition.
Fact #1
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) the most common form of anxiety is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Men, women and children can have anxiety but it is more common in women. People who have GAD tend to have extreme worry although there may not be reason to worry. The National Institute of Mental Health also state that the cause of GAD can be hereditary and some parts of the brain play key role in the anxiety.There are several different types of anxiety. In a study done by Mah et al., (2016) it is said that people who have anxiety disorders have their wires a little crossed in their brain resulting in exaggerated responses to perceived threats.
Myth #2
Are you able to take care of yourself?
A significant myth for those who suffer with anxiety is that they are unable to obtain/maintain employment and be productive members of society due to their disorder.
Fact #2
According to a study conducted by Redekkopp and Huston, a person who has a mental disorder such as anxiety it is important to their health and wellbeing to maintain employment. The experts believe that the environment the person is in plays a vital part in there ability to be successful at work. Having a positive work environment and flexible schedule can improve a persons mental health thus allowing them to be productive members of society.
Myth #3
All you need to do is a little yoga.
Many believe that man made medications do not help treat anxiety and the only type of treatment required is just yoga.
Fact#3
According to a study conducted by Lemay et al., yoga, meditation, and prescribed medications are treatments that can help a person who is experiencing symptoms of anxiety. The results of the study showed that people who participated in yoga and meditation session a minimum three times weekly had reduce periods of heightened periods of anxiety (Lemay et al., 2019). Additionally, a study conducted by Bledsoe & Baskin suggest that along with yoga and meditation, prayer, self talk and maintaining a mental checklist where positive skills that will help with managing periods of anxiety. Examples of how the mental checklist can be implemented can be found in a book titled Taking control of anxiety: small steps for getting the best of worry ,stress and fear. In this book one of the mental checklist tools use was the what if method also known as the if…. then… method. The what if method consist of writing down your fear followed by a series of questions (Moore, 2014). This tool allows you to use self awareness and realize that the fear my be blown out of proportion.
Treatments for Anxiety
Therapy
Meditation, yoga and checklist many not work for everyone who has anxiety. Medications and therapy can also help with managing the disorder. There are several different types of therapy that have proven to be very affective in treating anxiety. One type of therapy is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The benefit of ACT is that it teaches skills on how to use tasks that are important to you in order to function in your daily life (Lawrence et al.,2019). According to the national institute of mental health another effective type of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy teaches you how to view things in a different way in order to manage your symptoms better. CBT is also used together with exposure therapy which requires you to confront the underlying cause of the anxiety disorder.
Medications
In the event therapy and yoga don’t improve your symptoms there are medications that can help. The medications typically prescribed for a person who is having severe symptoms of anxiety are antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications such as sedatives and herbal medicines. Taking this medications must be under the guidance of a licensed physician to ensure proper dosage and reduces the chances of misuse.
Support Groups
For some people who feel that medications and therapy just aren’t working joining a support group may be the way to go. This will allow you to you to share your problems and successes with others who are having the same difficulties. If your looking to join a support group contact the Peer Support Line at 844-444-0152.
Conclusion
Information about healthcare is forever changing as a result misinformation will continue to be present. Having reliable resources to fact check a myths is vital for some who is anxious and needs to know the reason for everything that is happening in their daily lives. Without reliable resources to debunk medical myths people will continue to have symptoms that may go untreated. It is essential to remember when you have a doubt about any medical misinformation use reliable resources to determine whether it is a myth or fact.
References
Bledsoe, S., Baskin, J. J., & Berry, F. (2018). Fear not! How students cope with the fears and anxieties of college life. College Teaching, 66(3), 158-165. https://doi.org/10.1080/87567555.2018.1472064
Lawerence, V., Kimona, K., Howard, R. J., Serfaty, M. A., Wetherell, J. L., Livingston, G., Wilkinson, P., Walters, K., Jones, R., Wuthrich, V. M., & Gould, R. L. (2019). Optimising the acceptability and feasibility of acceptance and commitment therapy for treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder in older adults. Age and Ageing, 48(5), 741-750. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afz082
Lemay, V., Hoolahan, J., & Buchanam, A. (2019, June 8). Impact of a Yoga and Meditation Intervention on Students’ Stress and Anxiety Levels. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31333265/
Zablotsky, B., Weeks, J., Terlizzi, E., Madans, J., & Blumberg, S. (2022, July 11). NationalHealth Statistics Report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr172.pdf
The world is filled with many misconceptions of individuals with mental illnesses. The media, health care settings and even in movies, they all portray individuals with mental illness with misunderstandings and biases. They do this to make sense of things that they do not understand, have full knowledge about and use this to cope with fear of the unknown.
Most Common Mental Illnesses that Face Stigma
The World Health Organization (WHO) identified barriers to mental health care that place these individuals with mental illness at greatest risk. The mental illnesses include:
·Schizophrenia
·Bi-polar
·Anxiety and Depression
·Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
·Anorexia
Barriers of Mental Health
·Stigma
·Lack of awareness
·Lack of mental health care (shortage of mental health staff, access to appointments, and long wait times)
·Financial
·Lack of trust with the healthcare system
Promoting Awareness
News & Social media- Educate with correct knowledge and understanding before Broadcasting
Behaviors of others- Chose correct language (not the words crazy, nuts, cuck coo, or whack job), and be compassionate
Support- Educate family, friends and neighbors with accurate mental health signs and symptoms
Theatre- Contact-based interventions (Individuals expressing their stories living with mental illness)
Campaigns – Marketing anti-discrimination and anti-stigma (speak out)
Myth: Many people believe information on Social Media News is accurate. A posting on YouTube featuring a mass shooting in Florida in 2018, by a man with a past history of mental illness, our U.S. House of Representatives Speaker, Paul Ryan, stated “Mental Health is often a big problem underlying these tragedies”.
Fact: According to a transcript by Psychiatrist, Dr. Eric Bender, he stated, “Not everyone with a Mental Illness becomes violent”. Dr. Eric Bender’s transcript was on mental health scenes from movies and TV.
Myth: Many individuals with mental illness do not want to seek help.
Fact: An article titled, Mental Illness, help seeking, and public health programs, many individuals with mental ill avoid treatment. The avoidance is likely due to lack of knowledge to identify mental illness, not knowing how to access treatment, insufficient mental illness health care and prejudice, discrimination and stigma placed on individuals with mental illness.
Myth: Health care professionals and medical students facilitate medical care equally to individuals across the healthcare spectrum.
Fact: Due to the lack of mental health education in the school curriculum, individuals with mental illness often are stigmatized by health care professionals and medical students. According to the CDC one out of every 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness.
Negative Effects of Mental Health Stigmatism
The effects of misinformation on individuals with mental illnesses makes it extremely difficult for these individuals to want to seek help. For those individuals who do not seek mental health treatment have a reduction in life expectancy by 15-20 years.
Conclusion
Despite efforts to raise awareness, mental illness stigma remains high. The beliefs are these individuals have tendencies to become violent which leads to fear. The inaccuracy and lack of mental health information affects many individual attitudes in all aspects of society including the healthcare industry towards these individuals with mentally illness. It causes stereotyping, stigma and discrimination. Millions of individuals with mental illness deserve safe and non-judgement environments. Many of us depend on media technology for information. The goal should be to eliminate barriers so those with mental illness can receive mental health services and live a life worth living.
Henderson, C., Evans-Lacko, S., & Thornicroft, G. (2013). Mental Illness Stigma, Help Seeking, and Public Health Programs. American Journal of Public Health, 103(5), 777–780. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.2102/AJPH.2012.301056
Kosyluk, K., Marshall, J., Conner, K., Macias, D. R., Macias, S., Michelle Beekman, B., & Her, J. (2021). Challenging the Stigma of Mental Illness Through Creative Storytelling: A Randomized Controlled Trial of This Is My Brave. Community Mental Health Journal, 57(1), 144–152. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1007/s10597-020-00625-4
Riffel, T., & Chen, S.-P. (2020). Stigma in Healthcare? Exploring the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavioural Responses of Healthcare Professionals and Students toward Individuals with Mental Illnesses. Psychiatric Quarterly, 91(4), 1103–1119. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1007/s11126-020-09809-3
YouTube. (2021, February 16). Psychiatrist breaks down mental health scenes from Movies & TV | GQ. YouTube. Retrieved February 2, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbp_EeBk-As
What is a Grand Mal Seizure?
A grand mal seizure is what most people typically think of when hearing the word “seizure”. Grand mal seizures are caused by abnormal electrical signals that fire throughout the brain. There are several different causes, including epilepsy, stroke, low blood sugar, infections, and drug and alcohol withdrawal.
What Happens During a Grand Mal Seizure?
During a grand mal seizure, a person loses consciousness and typically falls to the ground. Their muscles will contract and will eventually alternate between flexing and relaxing, which causes convulsions. Other symptoms may occur either during the seizure or right after, like screaming, loss of bowel and bladder control, unresponsiveness, confusion, fatigue, and headaches.
How to Perform Seizure First Aid: During the Seizure
Before you call 911, you need to make sure the person is safe during the seizure. This can be done by:
placing the person on their side (also called the “recovery position”)
place a soft object underneath their head (pillows, jackets, etc.)
loosen restrictive clothing from around their neck
removing objects from around the person that may cause injury
At this point, call 911 for assistance and time the seizure to see how long it lasts.
How to Perform Seizure First Aid: After the Seizure
Once the person stops convulsing, it is important to tell them what happened in simple language, reorient them to their situation, and reassure them. For example, you can tell the person “You just had a seizure. An ambulance is on its way. You are safe”.
DO NOT LEAVE THE PERSON UNTIL EMERGENCY SERVICES ARRIVE. It is critical to continue to monitor the person and watch for:
difficulty breathing
a seizure lasting over 5 minutes
having another seizure soon after the first
A seizure lasting over 5 minutes or having another seizure soon after is called Status Epilepticus and is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
What NOT to do During a Grand Mal Seizure: Common Misconceptions vs Facts
When caring for someone who is seizing, do NOT restrain or restrict the person’s movements or place anything in the person’s mouth. This can cause injury to the seizing person. Many bystanders first reaction may be to restrain the victim, place something in their mouth, or a combination of the two. This is because these misconceptions are depicted through television shows, movies, and urban legends. Television shows such as General Hospital and movies like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest depict seizure activity with a medical professional performing at least one of these actions. Urban legends have also spread about people swallowing their tongues while having grand mal seizures, so placing an object in their mouth prevents this from occurring. It is impossible for a human to swallow their tongue as it is firmly attached to the mouth through soft tissues. Placing an object in a seizing person’s mouth would only block their airway and possibly injure their teeth and jaw.
Rossi, K. C., Baumgartner, A. J., Goldenholz, S. R., & Goldenholz, D. M. (2020). Recognizing and refuting the myth of tongue swallowing during a seizure. Seizure, 83, 32-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2020.09.023
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Your body breaks down the food you eat into sugar (glucose) and it gets released into your bloodstream. As your blood sugar increases, your pancreas is responsible for releasing insulin. With diabetes, the body is producing little to no insulin.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction that occurs in the body. This reaction causes the pancreas to stop making insulin.
Usually diagnosed during childhood or young adulthood. People who have type 1 diabetes have to inject themselves with insulin before eating meals. The amount of insulin they need to inject is based on how many carbohydrates they will be consuming.
It is important to check blood glucose levels to monitor when they are high and low. Insulin should be injected and adjusted based on diet and exercise. There is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes.
Insulin Therapy
Type 1 diabetics are required to inject insulin into their bodies before consuming meals. They need to inject insulin based on how many carbohydrates they will be eating. Some recommendations for insulin therapy include:
Do not expose insulin to temperatures that are greater than 32 degrees Celsius.
Do not transport insulin below zero degrees Celsius.
If insulin is stored in the home for longer than two months it should be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius.
Insulin should never be immersed under water, it can cause contamination if the vial has been pierced.
Intramuscular injections should be avoided due to a risk for developing hypoglycemia, if long-acting insulins are being used.
Needles should not be used more than 5 times.
Type 2 Diabetes
Those who have type 2 diabetes have a hard time keeping their blood sugars at a normal level. Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes can both be caused by genetics but both can also be prevented.
With pre-diabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than usual, but they are not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Having pre-diabetes puts the body at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease or having a stroke.
Some tips to prevent pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes include eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising.
Living with Diabetes
It is still possible to live a long, healthy life with diabetes. The key is to adjust your lifestyle. Here are a few tips:
Attend regular appointments with your care provider
Maintain a healthy blood glucose level, blood glucose levels can be checked by poking your fingertip and using a blood glucose meter.
Eat a variety of foods: vegetables, fruits, nonfat dairy products, whole grains, lean meats, poultry and fish.
Monitor carbohydrate intake.
Engage in 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily to help maintain a lower blood glucose level.
Get 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
References
Bahendeka S, Kaushik R, Swai AB, Otieno F, Bajaj S, Kalra S, Bavuma CM, Karigire C. EADSG Guidelines: Insulin Storage and Optimisation of Injection Technique in Diabetes Management. Diabetes Ther. 2019 Apr;10(2):341-366. doi: 10.1007/s13300-019-0574-x. Epub 2019 Feb 27. PMID: 30815830; PMCID: PMC6437255.
Carnethon MR, De Chavez PJ, Biggs ML, Lewis CE, Pankow JS, Bertoni AG, Golden SH, Liu K, Mukamal KJ, Campbell-Jenkins B, Dyer AR. Association of weight status with mortality in adults with incident diabetes. JAMA. 2012 Aug 8;308(6):581-90. doi: 10.1001/jama.2012.9282. Erratum in: JAMA. 2012 Nov 28;308(20):2085. PMID: 22871870; PMCID: PMC3467944.
Gavin III, J. R. (2008). a healthier you learning the facts and figures about diabetes. Ebony, 63(5), 129.
Tracy, E. L., Berg, C. A., Kent de Grey, R. G., Allen, N. A., Litchman, M. L., Butner, J., & Helgeson, V. S. (2020). The benefits of daily exercise on blood glucose levels and affect among adults with type 1 diabetes. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 43(6), 1056–1061. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1007/s10865-020-00158-x
Caffeine is all the rage these days. From our deliciously sweet coffee at our local coffee joint, our energy drinks before the gym or even a shot of caffeine that can last up to 5 hours! Caffeine is the latest trend and youth are becoming addicted. We all remember our parents telling us “you cant drink my coffee, it’ll stunt your growth!” But now the question is.. does it really stunt your growth?
Thankfully, scientists have busted this myth time and time again! Researchers at Harvard Medical discuss that in previous research, it was thought that caffeine may play a role in osteoporosis (decreased bone mass), causing decreased height, however, that information was “debunked” with further research. The video below discusses how the myth began in the first place.
Caffeine: The Pro’s and Con’s and What You Should Know
Caffeine is considered a stimulant which speeds up messages from your brain to your body. This can cause your body to feel more awake, alert and energized. Caffeine can be found in a variety of foods such as coffee beans, chocolate, soft drinks, tea and more. Caffeine is known to have both positive and negative effects on your body, but it is up to you decide which outweighs the other.
The Positive Effects of Caffeine Decreasedrisk of: – Stroke – Heart Disease – Alzheimer’s Disease – Kidney Disease
Caffeine may also: – Improve mood – Promote weight loss – Enhanced physical performance
The Negative Effects of Caffeine Caffeine also has a negative impact on the body, including: – Heartburn – Decreased appetite – Increased anxiety – Increased heart rate – Sleeplessness – Dehydration – Moodiness and agitation – Stomach issues
The Bottom Line: Whether you decide caffeine is worth the risks or worth the benefits, the important fact to remember is that “Caffeine can stunt your growth” has determined to be an “old wives tale”. Should you have further questions or concerns, its always important to remember to talk to your doctor first before making any decisions involving your health.
References
Department of Health & Human Services. (2000, June 14). Caffeine. Better Health Channel. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/caffeine
Harvard Health Publishers. (2020, January 7). Can coffee really stunt your growth? HarvardHealth. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/can-coffee-really-stunt-your-growth
Kaputk. (2022, May 9). Does coffee stunt your growth? Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-coffee-stunt-growth/Does coffee really stunt your growth? We found out. www.youtube.com. Accessed February 22, 2023.
YouTube. (2018). YouTube. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEbiY90l38I.
The “Keto Diet” has received great attention in recent years. Ketogenic diet typically follows a high fat, moderate protein, and low carb regimen. Though this diet has gained recent attention, the use of low-carb diets is nothing new in healthcare. Low-carb diets have been used for decades to manage other illnesses such as better management of seizures in epilepsy patients.
Low carb diet VS normal healthy diet
Low Carb Diet = 5-10% of calories from carbs and 75% of calories from fats
Normal healthy diet = 45-65% of calories from carbs and 20-35% of calories from fats
Pros and Cons of Keto Diets
Pros
Quick weight loss
Improvement with insulin resistance
More appealing meal choices
Cons
No long-term sustainability.
Increased risk of hypoglycemia
Nutritional deficits
Longterm affects to kidneys and heart
Keto-flu
What are the studies showing?
A study conducted by Sudhakaran et al (2020) studied the relationship between long QT syndrome (LQTS) triggered by ketogenic diet.
43-year-old women with congenital LQTS and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) has been asymptomatic of shocks for the past six years leading to the discontinuation of all antiarrhythmic interventions.
Upon the start of the ketogenic diet, she received four shocks for recurrent TdP within three weeks’ time. Her shocks were assessed, and they were noted to occur under situations of stress.
She was hospitalized, put back on antiarrhythmics until she stabilized. Once discharged, she was educated to stop the ketogenic diet and to be reassessed the following month.
Upon assessment of ICD device, no shocks were noted. She continued to remain shock free for the following six months.
Choi, Young, and Chartier media journalist at the University of Toronto studied the uncommon correlation between ketogenic diet and pancreatitis.
This study followed a 35-year-old male who follow ketogenic diet and was hospitalized for weekly occurrences of abdominal pain.
Throughout the hospital admission, it was noted he experienced relief during the weekends. Upon further assessment it was noted that the weekends were also days that the patient considered “cheat days” and didn’t follow the ketogenic diet.
Upon discharge, he terminated the ketogenic diet and remained free of episodes for the following six months.
After further evaluation, six other studies followed seven cases where acute pancreatitis was present with ketogenic diet, but all occurred with normal or near-normal triglyceride levels.
Conclusion
So, the big question is – how safe is the ketogenic diet? Ultimately the answer to this is not a simply yes or no. Media today is quick to push the benefits of the newest fad diet by boasting about the “rapid weight loss” but any individual contemplating the diet should hear the good and the bad and then make the best choice for themselves.
Whether to choose a ketogenic diet or not is an individualized decision. This diet choice is not a great option for everyone. Will you lose weight quicky? Yes. Is this sustainable long term? No ideally. Are there risks to this diet? Yes. So ultimately, do your research and always talk to your healthcare provider when considering different diet choices!
Jain et al. (2020) studied younger adults’ perception and knowledge the ketogenic diet. The study surveyed 240 students between the ages of 18-25. Results showed 64.9% weren’t aware of the ketogenic diet but believed it was beneficial for bodybuilding and weight loss while 51.2% weren’t aware of any potential benefits. The main purpose of the study was to raise awareness of the need for individuals to be fully aware of what the diet is, its risks and benefits. According to Jain et al. (2020), “The findings of the survey also point to the same problem as many respondents said that they know about the ketogenic diet but very few could actually answer correctly about its effects on our body” (p. 171). Diets and their processes and impact on the body need to be fully understood before they are implemented.
References
Choi, J., Young, T. L., & Chartier, L. B. (2021). Recurrent acute pancreatitis during a ketogenic diet—a case report and literature review. International Journal of Emergency Medicine, 14(1), 1–5. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1186/s12245-021-00374-5
Jain, M., Singhla, J., Kapoor, H., Panda, H., Kumar, M., & Goyal, A. (2020). Exploring the perception about Ketogenic Diet among young adults. Indian Journal of Health & Wellbeing, 11(4–6), 168–172.
Killion, MS RDN, CDCES, H. (n.d.). Keto Diet Pros and Cons: A Registered Dietitian’s Perspective. Diabetes from the Group Up, LLC. Retrieved July 5, 2021, from https://diabetesfromthegroundup.com/keto-diet-pros-and-cons/
Sudhakaran, S., Yazdani, L., Wheelan, K. R., & Rao, P. K. (2020). The ketogenic diet and the QT interval. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, 33(1), 77–79. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1080/08998280.2019.1664220
Misinformation on obesity refers to inaccurate or misleading information about the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. Obesity is a complex medical condition that results from a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, and it can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation and myths surrounding obesity, which can make it difficult for individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Some common examples of misinformation on obesity include claims that certain diets or supplements can cure obesity, that obesity is solely the result of poor lifestyle choices, and that weight loss is simply a matter of willpower. It is important to seek out accurate and evidence-based information from reputable sources when it comes to managing obesity and making informed decisions about your health.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that the media often portrays obesity in a way that reinforces harmful stereotypes and fatphobia. This is especially apparent on social media platforms, where individuals with obesity are frequently subjected to ridicule and harassment. Unfortunately, this negative representation can also manifest in the medical field, where patients with obesity may be dismissed or blamed for their symptoms due to their weight.
Social media platforms can contribute to the spread of misinformation on obesity, but individuals can combat this issue by critically evaluating information found on social media, seeking information from reputable sources, and consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support. By raising awareness of the potential risks associated with misinformation on obesity and taking steps to promote accurate and helpful information, we can work towards a better understanding of this complex condition and support those who are affected by it.
It is also important to debunk common myths surrounding obesity. For example, readiness does not predict weight loss or improve results among those seeking weight loss treatment, physical education classes do not seem to counteract obesity among children, there is no evidence to support that breastfeeding prevents obesity, and sexual activity does not burn a significant amount of calories.
Obesity is a medical state marked by an excessive buildup of body fat that may negatively impact health. It is commonly identified by having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, which is determined by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. Obesity is considered a chronic disease and can lead to numerous health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders. It can also hurt mental health and quality of life.
Obesity can result from a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. It is often caused by a combination of a high-calorie diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetic factors that affect metabolism and appetite control. Obesity can be managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, and medical interventions, such as medications and weight-loss surgery.
Data by age: National vs. Rhode Island
Preventing obesity involves making healthy lifestyle choices, including maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting sedentary behaviors, getting enough quality sleep, managing stress, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and seeking medical advice and support for any underlying health conditions. By adopting healthy habits and making lifestyle changes, individuals can reduce their risk of developing obesity and its associated health problems.
Myths vs Facts
Myth 1: Weight loss only occurs when you feel “ready” for it. Healthcare professionals should assess a patient’s diet readiness.
Fact: Research shows that readiness does not predict weight loss or improve results among those seeking weight loss treatment.
Myth 2: Current physical education classes effectively prevent childhood obesity.
Fact: Physical education classes do not seem to counteract obesity among children.
Myth 3: Breastfeeding can prevent future obesity in breastfed babies.
Fact: Although breastfeeding has benefits for both mother and child, there is no evidence to support that it prevents obesity.
Myth 4: Sexual activity burns up to 300 calories per person.
Fact: On average, sexual activity burns only about 1/20 of that amount and is not significantly different from resting on the couch.
In conclusion, social media platforms can contribute to the spread of misinformation on obesity, which can lead to confusion, stigma, and harm to individuals affected by this condition. The promotion of fad diets and supplements, the spread of false or sensationalized information, the echo chamber effect, and the perpetuation of stigma and discrimination are some of how social media can contribute to the problem. However, individuals can combat this issue by critically evaluating information found on social media, seeking information from reputable sources, and consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support. By raising awareness of the potential risks associated with misinformation on obesity and taking steps to promote accurate and helpful information, we can work towards a better understanding of this complex condition and support those who are affected by it.
Reference
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, May 17). Childhood obesity facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). DNPAO data, trends and maps: Explore by topic. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://nccd.cdc.gov/dnpao_dtm/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=DNPAO_DTM.ExploreByTopic&islClass=OWS&islTopic=&go=GO
MediLexicon International. (n.d.). 7 myths about obesity: Separating fact and fiction. Medical News Today. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/255718
Myths, presumptions, and facts about obesity | Nejm. (n.d.). Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa1208051
Www.facebook.com/gistwheel. (2021, January 23). 29 instances of doctors being fatphobic that should enrage you. GISTWHEEL. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://gistwheel.com/2021/01/23/29-instances-of-doctors-being-fatphobic-that-should-enrage-you/
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