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Obesity is becoming more socially accepted in America, even as poor diet has been established as culprit of almost half the deaths from heart disease, two new studies show.

Fewer overweight Americans have attempted to lose weight in recent years, according to researchers at Georgia Southern University,who have published a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study's lead author, Dr. Jian Zhang, said obesity is increasingly normalized or tolerated, therefore dissuading some from attempting to lose excess pounds.

"Socially accepted normal body weight is shifting toward heavier weight," Zhang said, according to AP. "As more people around us are getting heavier, we simply believe we are fine, and no need to do anything with it."

Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Zhang's research analyzed weight-loss trends between 1988 and 2014. The survey includes physical examinations and interviews with participants, including questions about weight loss in the past year. The study involved more than 27,000 adults between the ages of 20 and 59.

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Participants in the national survey were found to be increasingly overweight or obese, rising to 65 percent in 2014 from about half in 1988. The percentage of those overweight or obese individuals who reported that were trying to lose weight fell from 55 percent to 49 percent over the course of that time.

While fat acceptance can help people's confidence, it can harm their health, Zhang pointed out, calling his findings "a very serious concern."

Just more than 45 percent of cardiometabolic deaths or those related to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes in 2012 could be blamed on "excess sodium intake, insufficient intake of nuts/seeds, high intake of processed meats, and low intake of seafood omega-3 fats,"according to another study published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

In 2012, more than 700,000 Americans died from a cardiometabolic disease; of those, almost 320,000 could be linked to poor diet, said researchers at Tufts University led by Dr. Renata Micha.

Micha's team found about an equal balance between diet-linked deaths that were due to a lack of healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and deaths related to overeating generally unhealthy foods, such as processed meat, unprocessed red meat, sugary beverages and salt.

The largest number of deaths (66,500) in the total sample of more than 700,000 were associated with over-consumption of sodium. Not eating enough nuts and seeds was linked to 59,000 deaths, too much red meat was related to 58,000 deaths, too few omega-3 fats from seafood was associated with 55,000 deaths and too few vegetables was linked to 53,000 deaths, among other causes of mortality examined in the study.

Researchers found that men, younger people and people of color were more likely to die based on dietary factors as opposed to their female, older, or non-Hispanic white counterparts.

A recent study reported that black and Latino children are about 50 percent more likely to be exposed to junk food advertising than their white counterparts.

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Americans less eager to slim down even as poor diet claims more lives - RT

Photo: Stocksy/Nadine Greeff

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In the wellness world, the Mediterranean diet is as acclaimed as it gets, with research touting itscardiovascularand longevity-boosting benefits. The diets bursting with omega-3s and healthy fats (from fish, eggs, nuts, and olive oil), probiotics (hello, Greek yogurt), and lots of grains, legumes, fruits, and veggies.

But in recent years, the Mediterranean way of eating has been eclipsed by sexier nutrition trends, like the gluten-free craze and countless buzzy celebrity diets(hello, Adele). But the pendulum is swinging back to the sun-dappled side.

It pulls a lot of people in because there arent many parts of the diet that people are going to object to.

Why? Partly its because so many people are quitting sugar and getting wise to the idea that unsaturated fatsare a very a good thing, explainsLauren Slayton, MS, RD. Not to mention the fact thatthe eating regimenis so full of flavorits always going to find new fans. It pulls a lot of people in because there arent many parts of the diet that people are going to object to, Slayton says.

But the biggest proofthat whats old is new again just might be supermarket shelves. Beyond the piles of tomatoes and peppers in the produce aisle are an influx of products elevating some of the diets core foods (think olives, fennel, and theaforementionedyogurt).

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The number-oneitem that must (must!) be in every Mediterranean-inspired pantry? Olive oil, obviously. It has tremendous cardiovascular benefits and also helps with digestion, Slayton says. It does have a low smoke point, so you dont want to cook it at super-high heats, but its perfect for, say, drizzling on saladsand the more flavorful it is, the less you have to use. Inside each Gaea bottle is the juice from about 2,300 olives, all of which have been harvested by handwhich makes this fresh-pressed, extra virgin variety extra tasty.

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Olive trees have been beloved for centuries for their medicinal benefits, and these teas tap into that time-honored tradition. The leaves have the compoundoleuropeinitsalso in the olives themselveswhich wards off infection, says Steep Echo founder Kimberly Branum. They have double the antioxidants as green tea, and also a good dose of vitamin C. Plus, the tea incorporates spices like rosemary (which has been linked to circulatory and nervoussystem benefits), making it a true Mediterranean powerhouse.

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Artichokes, a Mediterranean diet staple, are awesome sources of the antioxidants silymarin and cynarin, which are said tofight free radicals, aid in detoxification, and improve cardiovascular health. (If you havent caught on yet, the Med dietalways comes back to the heart.) The idea of gulping this new drink down may not sound all that appealing, but its surprisingly light and sweetand way easier than wrangling the real thing.

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Most people get their fix of Greek yogurt in the morning, maybe with a little healthy granola and a few berries sprinkled on top. But Chobani found a savory way (with just one gram of sugar per serving) for people to get their daily probiotics in, with a line of spicy Mez Dips released earlier this year. The flavors all contain live bacteria strains, the details of which are listed right on the label next to the other all-natural ingredientsyummy and transparent.

This new-to-the-marketline of water-soluble powder formulas (from Israeli supplement makerFrutarom Health) was specifically created to tap into the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, incorporating ingredients like olives, antioxidant-rich artichokes, and lemon balm (which is said to be calming and helps with digestion).

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Yep, you can even get your Mediterranean fix between meals with this gum made with fennel and fennel oil. Sure, the nutritional value isnt going to be as high as chowing down on fennel directly, but its still got vitamin Cmaking it a way-healthier breath freshener than a stick of Extra.

Beyond the Mediterranean diet, nutritionists wish everyone ate more of these 10 foods. And have you studied up onthe new fruit pyramid? Its key for cutting back on sugar.

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Why Mediterranean-based eating is trendyagain - Well+Good

Thai veterinarians remove close to 1,000 coins from 25-year-old marine reptile in emergency surgery. Tourists and locals throw coins for good fortune and longevity in Omsin's pond at the conservation centre in Sriracha, Thailand.

Photo by: Reuters

After a successful seven-hour surgery, Ms Piggy Bank the English meaning of Omsin needs six months to recover completely.

Omsin had been finding it hard to swim of late. The female green sea turtle's diet of "good luck" coins was not bringing her any joy.

Omsin Piggy Bank in Thai lives in a conservation centre inSriracha, east of Bangkok, Thailand. Locals and tourists would come and throw coins, hoping to be blessed with good fortune and longevity. Unaware of the hopes and dreams tossed in with the metal, Omsin had been quietly swallowing the coins tossed into her pond.

Veterinariansat the Faculty of Veterinary Science,ChulalongkornUniversity in Bangkok removeda nearly one thousand coins from her stomach on Monday. Their weight was causing the turtle's shell to crack, making it very difficult for her to swim.

The coins and other objects removed from the turtle weighed 5 kilogrammes (11 pounds). The turtle herselfweighed 59 kg (130 lb).

After theseven-hour-long operation, the turtle was free of the 915 coins and other objects stuck in her belly. She needs up to six months of physical therapy to recover.

The surgeons believed the seven-hour surgery might well be a first.

TRT World has more on Ms Piggy Bank's epic surgery.

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Diet of "good luck" coins becomes a curse for Omsin the sea turtle - TRT World

The most common vision problem in older adults is "presbyopia" which affects the eye's ability to focus on near objects, said Dr. Mark Sczepanski, an ophthalmologist at the North Dakota Eye Clinic in Grand Forks. This is because "the lens gets larger and less pliable."

Next comes the loss of "intermediate vision," such as the ability to see computer images clearly, he said.

The second most common problem is "dry eye," otherwise known as "tear film insufficiency, which affects people especially in this area and especially during the winter," Sczepanski said.

"We hear over and over from our older patients that at first when they're reading, everything's OK. But the longer they read, words get blurry and they have to stop."

Computers worsen the problem.

"If we're just sitting and chatting, we blink about 16 times a minute," he said, "but at a computer, we're staring at the screen and blink about four times a minute."

Another common complaint is seeing "floaters and flashes" in one's vision, caused by a vitreous membrane detaching from the retina in the back of the eye.

"It's more of a nuisance than anything," Sczepanski said. People with diabetes who experience this should maximize their blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol control.

Those with diabetes are at risk for serious eye diseases, including retinopathy, which can lead to poor vision and even blindness.

"The longer the time you've had diabetes and the older you are, the higher the chance that you're going to have diabetic retinopathy," he said.

'Big three'

Other vision troubles that require medical intervention by an ophthalmologist are cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration conditions Sczepanski calls "the big three."

Cataracts cloud the lens in the eye, causing blurry or dim vision, he said.

"Cataracts are like gray hair and wrinkles; they're inevitable. Chances are you will get them the longer you live."

Treatment involves replacing the lens with an artificial lens.

Unlike cataracts, glaucoma is far less common, he said. "About 2 percent of people over 55 years old will develop true glaucoma."

With glaucoma, pressure on the optic nerve in the eye causes loss of peripheral vision or even blindness.

"It happens so slowly that you don't realize it," he said. "Most people are treated with eye drops." Age-related macular degeneration is often detected in an eye exam, before symptoms are noticeable, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

"Prevention is key," Sczepanski said of this disease.

"Wear sunglasses, don't smoke, control your blood pressure and take a vitamin supplement (as recommended by your doctor) that slows progression by 25 percent."

Sunglasses protect the eyes from damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays, he said. "Wear them 100 percent of the time."

Regular exams

The American College of Ophthalmology recommends getting an eye exam at age 40, Sczepanski said. "If the exam shows your vision is good, then, after that, get an exam every two to four years.

"Starting in your mid-fifties, you should get an exam every one to three years. When you hit 65, get an exam every year or two."

Such increased surveillance is needed because the older you get, the higher your risk is for problems to develop, he said.

Diet plays a role in eye health, too. Green leafy vegetables and foods that contain vitamins C and E are good choices, he recommends.

The old adage that carrots are good for eyesight "is true to some degree, especially for macular degeneration," Sczepanski said.

"We know that (Americans) don't get enough omega 3 fatty acids. There's not enough fish in our diets.

"A daily multivitamin, like Centrum Silver, is probably all most people need," he said.

Symptoms that should send you to an eye doctor include blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, and intermittent eye pain.

African-Americans are at four times greater risk for developing glaucoma than the general population, he said. Hispanics have a one to two percent higher risk.

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Regular eye exams, diet and other lifestyle changes can help protect and preserve eye health - INFORUM

When you mention the Dalai Lama's name in the street in America, "you can see how widely he's revered," John Oliver said on Sunday's Last Week Tonight. But when you press Americans, nobody seems sure what the Dalai Lama does, or even what religion he represents. The Chinese government knows, but "instead of vaguely loving the Dalai Lama, they specifically hate him," Oliver said. That's because of Tibet, a Chinese-controlled territory that's probably much larger than you think, and also "a gross human rights violation."

"China is unlikely to loosen its grip on the region Tibet has incredibly rich resources," Oliver said. And so the Dalai Lama is a thorn in its side. Traditionally, the Dalai Lama is both political and spiritual leader of Tibet, though this Dalai Lama ceded control of the Tibetan government-in-exile in 2011. "Here is where this story gets absolutely amazing," Oliver said. "Broadly speaking, when the Dalai Lama dies, he reincarnates as a child somewhere on Earth. And traditionally, a key person in the process of finding him is someone called the Panchen Lama. And when the Panchen Lama dies, the Dalai Lama plays a similar role in finding him," a process Oliver likened to "a Buddhist version of hide-and-seek."

But China kidnapped the 6-year-old Panchen Lama the Dalai Lama found 20 years ago, and nobody has seen him since. And while Beijing swears the real Panchen Lama is doing just fine and doesn't want to be disturbed, "they had another trick up their sleeve," too, Oliver said: "They made their own Panchen Lama they basically counterfeited a religious leader like a knockoff handbag." The Chinese goal is obvious control who is named the next Dalai Lama but the Dalai Lama isn't playing along, saying he either won't reincarnate or will do so outside Chinese-controlled territory.

"That means that when he dies, we could plausibly wind up with two rival Dalai Lamas, and the already fraught situation in Tibet could spiral out of control," Oliver said. "There is really only one person who can fill you in on what is happening inside the Dalai Lama's head, but he lives in India, and that is a 14-hour flight away and the reason I know that is I went to speak with the Dalai Lama in India." Watch the interview, and cringe at Oliver's parting gift, in the occasionally NSFW video below. Peter Weber

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Study: Eating a Mediterranean diet may cut risk of contracting form of breast cancer - The Week Magazine

By Kathleen Doheny

HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, March 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- A poor diet while young may do more than just make it tough to fit into a pair of jeans: New research suggests it might also raise a younger woman's risk for breast cancer.

"A diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and red and processed meat makes it more likely that you may experience early onset breast cancer," said study senior author Karin Michels. She is chair of epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, in Los Angeles.

An unhealthy diet appeared to increase that risk by more than one-third, but the findings can't prove cause-and-effect, Michels said. "We are talking about a link or association," she noted.

The study tracked data from more than 45,000 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study II. All of the women completed food frequency questionnaires about their teen and early adult diets, and were followed up for 22 years.

The researchers assigned the diets an inflammatory score, based on a method that links diet with established inflammatory markers in the blood. Eating a high-sugar, refined carbohydrate diet has been linked to higher levels of inflammatory markers in the blood, Michels explained.

Compared to the women with diets with a low inflammatory score, those in the highest of five groups during their teen years had a 35 percent higher risk of breast cancer before menopause, Michels and colleagues found.

And those in the highest inflammatory group during their early adult years had a 41 percent higher risk.

However, the inflammatory score was not linked with overall breast cancer incidence or with breast cancer occurring after menopause, the researchers found.

During the follow-up period, 870 of the women who finished the high school diet questionnaire were diagnosed with premenopausal breast cancer, and 490 were diagnosed with postmenopausal breast cancer.

The researchers can't explain why inflammation may drive up the risk. And while the main components of the inflammatory diet were foods that aren't surprising (such as white bread, hamburgers and pasta), the list also included lesser amounts of certain vegetables, such as celery, green pepper, mushrooms, eggplant and fish.

That finding deserves future study, Michels said.

The study also has limitations, the authors said, including the possibility of error in remembering a high school diet when the women were in their 30s and older.

Leslie Bernstein is a professor in the division of biomarkers for early detection and prevention at the Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, Calif. She was not involved in the study but reviewed the new findings and said, "It's a modest increase in risk."

Bernstein agreed that the mechanism for why inflammation may drive up risk is not fully understood by experts.

What advice would she offer women?

"Same thing I would tell them before this was written," Bernstein said. "Eat a diet that is healthy -- more chicken and fish than red meat, complex carbohydrates, eat a lot of vegetables, eat fruit and don't drink sugary drinks.''

The study was published March 1 in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

WebMD News from HealthDay

SOURCES: Karin Michels, Sc.D., Ph.D., professor and chair, epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles; Leslie Bernstein, Ph.D., professor, division of biomarkers for early detection and prevention, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, Calif.; March 1, 2017, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention

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Bad Diet in Youth May Up Early Breast Cancer Risk - WebMD

Could eating a plant-based diet be the key to lower blood pressure, lower weight and a longer life?

It couldnt hurt, local experts say.

That was the prescription handed down at a recent lecture at Island Health And Fitness Club by Dr. Donna Sandidge, the Medical Director for the Cayuga Center for Healthy Living, and Natalie Pape, a registered dietician at the center. The topic, following a plant-based diet to better health, discussed not only the science behind the benefits of weaning off of a standard American diet, but the feasibility of it as well, slowly working toward a vegan diet or, at the least, one de-emphasizing consumption of meat and dairy products.

The main benefit, said Sandidge, was simply stated: a plant-based diet can help you live longer and in better health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the leading cause of death in the United States is still heart disease and cancer, of which colon cancer, which accounts for close to 50,000 deaths per year, pancreatic, prostate and breast cancer are all partly related to diet and/or obesity. Risk factors related to heart disease and some cancers can be addressed with a whole food, plant-based diet.

This knowledge could have a big impact. According to the CDC, 68 percent of diabetics over 65 years of age die from heart disease. Among those with Type 2 Diabetes, where obesity is a contributing factor, risk of death could be lowered 50-75 percent if they switched to a plant-based diet.

In regard to heart disease, the famed cardiologist and vegan Kim A. Williams said in a 2014 article in The New York Times that a vegan diet can not only lower bad cholesterol the type that causes heart disease but it also avoids the type of foods that can be considered the culprit for other unsavory conditions.

I recommend a plant-based diet because I know its going to lower their blood pressure, improve their insulin sensitivity and decrease their cholesterol, Williams told The New York Times. And so I recommend it in all those conditions. Some patients are able to do it and some are not.

Coronary artery disease develops when low-density lipoproteins, or LDL often referred to as bad cholesterol build up in the wall of the artery causing a narrowing or plaque that can block blood flow to the heart muscle. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot develops over one of these plaques. The dietary connection comes from the consumption of saturated fats, which is correlated directly with an increase in LDL cholesterol and risk for cardiovascular disease. A plant-based diet is naturally low in saturated fat, which is found primarily in meat, poultry and dairy.

According to a 1990 study by Dr. Dean Ornish (who has famously served as medical consultant to the Clintons since 1993) published by the prestigious medical journal Lancet, consumption of a plant-based diet as part of an overall lifestyle improvement approach was actually shown to reduce these risk factors tangibly greater than traditional medical methods. According to the study, patients with known coronary artery disease eating low-fat, plant-based diets who limited vices like smoking, took stress management courses and participated in moderate exercise had a nearly 3 percent improvement in narrowing present in their coronary arteries after five years. This improvement was in comparison to a control group following usual treatment, which saw a decline of narrowing by 11.77 percent over the same time.

But the evidence didnt stop there. In another example, Sandidge cited something called the Adventist Health Studies, which examined the lifestyle, diet, disease and mortality of Seventh Day Adventists over time. In the study, conducted over the course of several decades in California, the researchers examined the churchs population versus a matched control group of non-Adventists and found that, because of a plant-based, meatless diet, the group lived 10 years longer on average with a significantly lower risk of colon cancer than the rest of California. Specifically, death rates from all cancers were 40 percent lower for Adventist men and 24 percent lower for Adventist women, among other ailments including colorectal cancer, coronary heart disease and breast cancer. In other Adventist studies, those following a plant-based, meatless diet had much lower rates of diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

The primary difference between the two groups? Their diets.

Going Vegan

Where Sandidge covered the science of a plant-based diet, Pape herself a vegan for several years discussed the logistics of actually making the jump to a diet light on meats, dairy and processed sugars and fats, if they are consumed at all.

While the diet she suggested was technically a vegan diet, she said she didnt want people to get caught up in the V word: Pape told the audience to eat the rainbow, and eat a diet that could be delicious and filled with a number of naturally sweet and savory foods that are not only effective for fighting disease but improving ones likelihood to be and stay healthy.

Pape said that the more colorful foods were filled with immune system-boosting phytonutrients, a blanket term for the thousands of naturally occurring chemicals in plants that can interact with your body chemistry in positive ways. She also talked about a concept called nutrient density versus calorie density, where lower-calorie foods can be consumed in greater quantities than a similar caloric amount of something like oils, cheese or meat. Foods that contain 300 calories per pound or less, theoretically, could be eaten freely without guilt or worry of weight loss while a pound of food totaling more than 800 calories should be consumed with portions controlled.

So how do you adapt to something like this? Pape had a four-part series of steps to makeover your recipes, substituting the meat in a meat sauce for beans or tofu instead of eggs. You could replace your soups with vegetable stocks and broths, skip the cheese on sandwiches and pizza and swap to almond or (this writers preference) cashew milk. Its also an easy fix to reduce your use of salts or oils, letting vinegar, lemon juice, or herbs and spices to boost the flavor. And for those worried about losing protein in their diet from lack of meat, never fear, Pape said: in fact, legumes like beans have a) more protein per calorie than meat and b) the average American already consumes, on average, twice as much protein as they actually need. You could either go cold Tofurkey, she said, or to implement small changes in your meals or diet each week until, after a month, youve grown accustomed to eating a mostly plant-based diet. It takes three weeks to make or break a habit, she said, and this was a way to make that happen most feasibly. There are even websites out there to help kick start your new vegan lifestyle.

Your options are truly endless, Pape said. This is a diet of variety and plenty, not one of deprivation As long as you follow the rules, there are so many delicious options you can try.

To close, she emphasized this doesnt have to be an all or nothing approach: you could always just try to eat more plants.

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Following a plant-based diet to better health - ithaca.com

Many people claim to have cured their ulcerative colitis with diet or supplements.

Unfortunately, there is no diet or pill that can cure the disease.

However, certain diet changes have shown promise in reducing symptoms and easing discomfort.

This article explains what we currently know about the role of diet in ulcerative colitis.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohns disease, that affects the colon (large intestine).

Recent studies estimate that IBD affects 2 million people worldwide (1).

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores in the inner lining of the colon. Inflammation often begins in the rectum, but it can spread throughout the large intestine.

Summary: Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and sores in the colon.

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms and Causes

Ulcerative colitis is thought to develop when a person at genetic risk is exposed to certain environmental stressors.

These environmental stressors either change the ratios of gut bacteria or alter the way the immune system responds to bacteria (2, 3).

As a result, the immune system attacks the intestinal lining causing inflammation and other symptomsincluding:

The same environmental factors that contribute to disease onset can also cause flares.

Certain medications and stress are known to increase disease risk. And recent studies have looked at the relationship between diet and IBD (4, 5).

Research has linked excessive use of sugar and artificial sweeteners to IBD, but other studies have shown no connection (2, 6).

Other research has shown a strong link between animal protein and IBD risk.

In an observational study of more than 67,000 middle-aged French women, those who frequently ate meat and fish were significantly more likely to develop IBD. Eggs and dairy were not linked to increased risk (7).

Summary: A combination of genetic, environmental and immunological factors contribute to ulcerative colitis risk. Symptoms occur in flares and include digestive complaints, as well as fatigue and fever.

What to Eat During Flares

Medications are used to manage flares and induce remission as quickly as possible.

In addition, certain diet changes may help shorten flares. Some tips to keep in mind:

Summary: Diet changes during flares can support medications to bring on remission faster. Some find it helpful to avoid fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol and high-fiber foods.

Can Elimination Diets Cure It?

Up to 60% of IBD patients have tried an elimination diet to relieve ulcerative colitis symptoms (12).

Unfortunately, the only known cure is total surgical removal of the colon and rectum (13).

There is no scientific proof that any diet can cause remission on its own. Limited evidence suggests, however, that certain diets can greatly improve comfort and quality of life.

The impact of diet on inflammatory bowel disease. Click to enlarge. Image source.

Specific Carbohydrate Diet, GAPS Diet and IBD Anti-Inflammatory Diet

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) has long been reported to relieve symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

It limits complex carbohydrates and eliminates refined sugar and lactose. Its believed that these foods travel to the bowel undigested, where they alter gut bacteria and cause discomfort (2).

Foods permitted on the diet include most fruits and vegetables (except canned produce and starchy vegetables), meats, certain legumes, honey and lactose-free dairy products.

The GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) Diet, the IBD Anti-Inflammatory Diet (IBD-AID), and the Paleo Diet are all similar in that they exclude most grains. The Paleo Diet eliminates all dairy products too (14).

The IBD-AID includes prebiotic and probiotic foods and a specific ratio of healthy fats. It also permits oats.

Small studies have shown the SCD and the IBD-AID to improve IBD symptoms. Larger, well-designed studies are needed to better determine if there is a role for these diets in IBD treatment (14, 15, 16).

Conversely, the Paleo Diet and the GAPS Diet have not been proven to be beneficial in ulcerative colitis.

The removal of grains in particular is questionable for IBD. Several studies have shown cereal grains to be helpful in reducing ulcerative colitis symptoms and protecting against flares.

In one study, 22 ulcerative colitis patients in remission ate 60 g of oat bran per day for 3 months. Fecal studies after treatment showed a significant increase in butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that is known to heal the intestinal wall (17).

Another study of 18 patients showed that 20 30 g per day of germinated barley foodstuff increased beneficial gut bacteria and butyrate, and reduced symptoms (18).

Patients in both studies ate grains without discomfort.

Low FODMAP Diet

The low FODMAP diet is an elimination diet thats shown promise in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (19).

It restricts short-chain carbohydrates for several weeks then reintroduces them to see which foods cause digestive problems.

In one study of 72 IBD patients who received low FODMAP diet education, those who successfully followed the diet for 3 months reported significant reduction in abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea (20).

Other studies have shown mixed results for ulcerative colitis.

Its believed the disease doesnt cause FODMAP sensitivity but that there is an overlap between the two conditions. Any benefit seen in IBD may be from a reduction in functional digestive symptoms (20, 21).

One concern with the low FODMAP diet is that it limits vegetables and prebiotic foods, both of which are thought to protect against IBD (12, 23).

Keeping the elimination period to a few weeks and working with a registered dietitian can help maximize the benefits of a low FODMAP diet while reducing the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

Semi-Vegetarian

A semi-vegetarian diet limits meat, fish and poultry intake and includes fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs, dairy and legumes.

In one study, 22 patients in remission from Crohns disease were given educational materials about a plant-based diet that allowed fish once per week and meat every two weeks.

Sixteen patients were able to follow the semi-vegetarian diet for 2 years. The treatment group was significantly more successful in maintaining remission than those who resumed eating meat (24).

Comparison of remission rates over time for the semi-vegetarian group and those who returned to a standard diet. The top line represents the semi-vegetarian diet, with 100% of semi-vegetarians maintaining remission for more than 600 days. Click to enlarge. Image source.

The semi-vegetarian diet has not been studied in ulcerative colitis patients. Clinical trials are needed to determine if it may be beneficial.

However, given newer research linking high meat intake with ulcerative colitis, its likely to become a research focus.

Makers Diet

The Makers Diet (also called the Bible Diet) allows only unprocessed and organic foods and specific supplements.

Its become a popular topic in online IBD support forums because its creator claims the diet cured his Crohns disease.

There have been no studies on the diet to date. The United States Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about the supplements, which are sold through the diet creators website.

Summary: No elimination diet has been proven to cure ulcerative colitis. Many popular diets limit foods that may in fact be beneficial. Low FODMAP and semi-vegetarian diets show some promise, but larger studies are needed on these meal plans.

Probiotics and Other Supplements for Ulcerative Colitis

Many supplements are advertised to help with ulcerative colitis symptoms.

However, strong evidence is lacking for most supplements, with the exception of probiotics.

Always check with your doctor before beginning any new supplement.

Probiotics

Probioticsare bacteria that offer health benefits by helping to restore the balance of microflora in the gut. Theyre found in dairy and fermented foods and are also available in supplement form.

Fecal studies have shown that the composition of gut bacteria in those with ulcerative colitis is very different to that in healthy people, so probiotics may be helpful for correcting the imbalance.

The bacteria strains Escherichia coli (E. coli) Nissle 1917 and Lactobacillus GG have been shown in small studies to be as effective as aminosalicylate medications in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis (25, 26, 27).

Also promising is the probiotic blend VSL#3. Studies have shown VSL#3 to be as effective as standard medications in bringing about and maintaining remission and reducing symptoms (28, 29, 30).

In a double-blind study, one group of 65 symptomatic ulcerative colitis patients took VSL#3 at a dose of 3600 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per day for 8 weeks. A second group of 66 ulcerative colitis patients received a placebo. All participants received standard ulcerative colitis medications during the study.

Participants recorded their symptoms in a diary, and researchers assigned each participant a score on the Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index (UCDAI) at the beginning and end of the study.

Disease activity score was reduced by a much greater margin for the VSL#3 group compared to the placebo group at 8 weeks. They also showed significant improvements in rectal bleeding and were more successful in maintaining remission at 8 weeks (30).

Comparisons of VSL#3 and placebo in reduction of Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index (UCDAI) score and remission rates. The first chart shows the difference between VSL#3 and placebo in those with a 50% or greater reduction in UCDAI score, while the second shows the difference between VSL#3 and placebo in improving UCDAI score by at least 3 points. Higher percentage is better for all charts. Click to enlarge. Image source.

However, ongoing treatment may be key with VSL#3, as one study found that beneficial bacteria returned to pre-treatment levels within 15 days of discontinuing use (2).

Probiotics are safe for most people but can be very expensive. Ask your doctor for a recommended strain and dose if you wish to try them.

Prebiotics

Prebioticsare fibers that feed the good bacteria in the gut.

Food sources include leeks, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, chicory root, onions, bananas, apples, barley and oats.

Germinated barley foodstuff and psyllium husk are both known to increase butyrate production. Butyrate helps to repair the intestinal wall and reduce inflammation (18, 31, 32, 33).

In one study of 105 ulcerative colitis patients in remission, psyllium was nearly as effective as aminosalicylate medications at maintaining remission for 12 months. Remission rates in the study were highest when psyllium and medications were taken together (33).

And the prebiotics inulin and oligofructose have been shown to increase two types of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) in the gut. One small study showed that oral inulin supplements that were enriched with oligofructose decreased concentrations of inflammatory proteins in the feces (34).

Both the psyllium and inulin studies reported good patient tolerance.

More research is needed to determine if prebiotics are safe and effective for ulcerative colitis.

L-Arginine and L-Glutamine

L-arginine and L-glutamine are amino acids that are used to build proteins.

They are made in the body, although sometimes not in sufficient amounts. They can also be found in meat, dairy and certain grains.

Both of these amino acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Glutamine is said to be helpful in healing leaky gut syndrome, although this is questionable.

Arginine has been shown in rodent studies to heal wounds and reduce inflammatory chemicals in the blood (cytokines) (35, 36, 37).

However, results from human studies are less clear.

Blood arginine levels in one small study were linked to more severe ulcerative colitis. But researchers suspect that ulcerative colitis patients may not be able to take up arginine into the cells effectively. In other words, some patients have high arginine levels overall but not enough usable arginine (38).

More human studies are needed.

Herbal Therapies

Studies have linked several herbal supplements to reduction of ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Some show promise at inducing remission and improving symptoms. However, few studies have established safe and effective doses.

Summary: Many supplements claim to bring about or maintain remission. But specific probiotic strains are the only supplements that have strong scientific support at this time.

Specific Foods and Nutrients

Just as some foods are known to increase risk for ulcerative colitis, others are thought to have protective effects.

Read more:
The Best Diet For Ulcerative Colitis - Care2.com

Theres some good news and some bad news. When it comes to your diet, youve likely been doing everything wrong. On the bright side, youll never have to endure another pitiful juice cleanse again.

A guide recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology aims to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding fad diet tipsnotably the ones trying to deprive us of bread. According to the American College of CardiologysPrevention of Cardiovascular Disease Council, there are a few clear, scientifically substantiated guidelines when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart. Cutting through the noise are these simple dos and donts.

Go on insane juice cleanses. Juicing strips your produce of ultra-healthy fiber, and many store-bought juices have added sugars. Sure, a little juice is refreshing every now and then, but dont make it a dietary staple.

Go nuts with coconut oil. There isnt much evidence yet to suggest coconut and palm oil are great for you to use on a routine basis, says the ACC. If youre worried about your heart, olive oil will never let you down.

Waste money on supplements. No fancy powders compare to the real thing, which you can find in whole, healthy foods.

Panic about gluten. Unless a blood test reveals you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, give up on your battle against bread. Life is too short for that.

Drink smoothies. Blending your fruits and veggies wont lessen any of their fibrous benefits, and drinking them may keep you full longer than eating a plateful of produce.

Eat nuts. Moderation is key here, the ACC stresses, since nuts are high in calories.

Indulge with an egg. Like nuts, moderation is crucial to keeping your cholesterol levels low. To get all the health benefits, perhaps enjoy a hard-boiled egg in your salad and skip the bacon and cheese omelet.

Load up on berries. Theyre chalk-full of antioxidants and theyre natures candy.

So there you have it. Its not super trendy, groundbreaking advice, but the health standard holds true that a diet of green, leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruit reigns supreme.

See more here:
Everything About Your 'Healthy' Diet Is Bad And Wrong - GOOD Magazine

Teen girls and young women who eat a healthy diet have a lower risk of developing premenopausal breast cancer later in life, a new study has found.(Photo: Anna_Om, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Teenage girls and young women who eat a healthy diet may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer before menopause, according to a new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Using data from 45,204 women in the Nurses' Health Study II, researchers looked at whether women'searly eating habits affected their risk of developing breast cancer later in life. The study participants answered questions about their diets in 1991, and then every four years after that. After 22 years, 870 women who were surveyed developed breast cancer before menopause, and 490 developed breast cancer after menopause.

In a released statement,Karin B. Michels, a professor and head of the Department of Epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health in Los Angeles, said each woman's risk of breast cancer is different, based on a number of factors including genetics, demographics and lifestyle. Because breast cancer takes many years to arise, Michels said researchers wanted to know if early diet habits are a risk factor for breast cancer.

Women with the poorest diets during adolescence had a 35 percent higher risk for premenopausal breast cancer, when compared to women with the healthiest diets during their teen years. Women with the poorest diets in early adulthood had a 41 percent higher risk for premenopausal breast cancer.

During adolescence and early adulthood, when the mammary gland is rapidly developing and is therefore particularly susceptible to lifestyle factors," Michels said, "it is important to consume a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes and to avoid soda consumption and a high intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and red and processed meats.

Kim Mulford: (856) 486-2448; kmulford@gannettnj.com

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More:
Health Corner: Diet affects cancer risk - Cherry Hill Courier Post

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