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Don't let diet madness ruin the new year - Jackson Hole News&Guide

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Ive never been that much of a picky eater (fortunate, considering my job), but I know a few people who seem to eat nearly the same thing every day. Aside from the sheer boredom of it, Ive always wondered if thats bad for you, since youd only be getting limited types of nutrients, and the same ones, at that. MEL Magazine examined whether eating the same thing every day is bad for you, even when the food is considered healthy (think oatmeal, spinach, chicken), and came up with a conclusion.

MEL argues that the human body is resilient enough to rely on the same types of nutrients, even if they arent super varied. If youre eating a reasonably healthy diet (which is different for everyone), you should be okay. Remember, historically, some civilizations subsisted on diets of mainly starches, dairy, and fats, and survived. Thats not to say those people didnt have their own set of health problems, but hey, they lived.

Yes, a lack of varied type of nutrients isnt to be overlooked, but what MEL is saying is that youll survive. The author, Ian Douglass, suggests you take a multivitamin if youre worried about macronutrients. Despite the fact that many people say that multivitamins are semi-useless and arent absorbed fully, he argues that vitamins you get naturally from food also arent all necessarily absorbed fully through your body, and that youre going to excrete some no matter what.

Because there are so many vitamins packed into a multivitamin supplement, and each single vitamin contained therein is absorbed differently, its not that multivitamins are completely useless. Its just that your body will only take in so much of each in terms of efficiency. MEL also argues that you might not be getting as much nutrition as you think you are from food; some vitamins degrade from exposure to heat (like when its being cooked), and some require fat as a vehicle to be absorbed in your body. Otherwise you just pee the remainder out.

Nutrition is complicated and theres no one-size fits all scenario when it comes to food. But if youre someone who just prefers the same thing regularly, its most likely that youre not doing yourself much harm in the process.

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Is a diet of the same exact thing every day bad for you? - The Takeout

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It would be great if every inflammatory bowel disease - such as ulcerative colitis, the one that plagues chef Sunny Anderson - could be cured by simply eating healthier. Alas, fruits and veggies might actually be irritating for someone with UC: "I can't just have a big salad because my body doesn't break it down," Anderson told ABC News in 2014. "If you get my cookbook, there are only four vegetable recipes. Everything else is meat and potatoes!"

Healthline points out that while everyone is different, those with UC trying to avoid a flare-up would do well to avoid fat, increase their Vitamin C, and eat plenty of fiber when their intestines are not inflamed.

For Anderson, managing ulcerative colitis requires a comprehensive approach one that includes a good night's sleep, managing stress, and talking about her condition, all of which have all helped Anderson to live a happy, well-balanced life, according to Everyday Health. But when it comes to food which happens to be how Anderson makes her living the chef says she has to be careful about what she eats. Bell peppers and most fruits are out, because her system can't handle the skins. She won't do corn or leafy greens either ... most of the time. "I have many foods I love, and as soon as I feel I'm out of the woods on a flare-up, I pack my system with the nutrients that weren't being absorbed," she explains. Which may or may not mean a big ol' plate of chimis.

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How Sunny Anderson's Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis Affected Her Diet - Mashed

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THE word diet originates from the Greek dieta meaning to live normally. However, nowadays it mostly refers to restricting food to help weight loss rather than a way to enjoy food and health.

Throughout history diets have come and gone. Celebrity diets are popular and often bizarre, but are not a new thing. The Daniel Fast, which resembles a vegan diet, and which has its roots in the Book of Daniel, is perhaps one of the earliest examples of a diet. In around 450 BC Daniel apparently asked if his men were as strong as the Babylonians after a couple of weeks just eating vegetables. This highlights our deep cultural links to diet: for identity, spirituality and, of course, health.

Fasting diets appear throughout our cultural history, seen in Ramadan, Hinduism and Orthodox Christian practices. These vary from not eating during daylight through to just eating a simple vegetarian diet. In the Christian calendar, for instance, historically specific days used to be designated as meat-free. The data is mixed in relation to the health effects of religious fasting, as it depends on how people eat in between fasts.

Fasting may have little to no additional benefits beyond simply inducing a calorie deficit, which itself can have metabolic benefits (lower blood fats and sugars) and weight loss.

Another theme from fasting is the abstinence from meat and animal products. This was seen in the rise of the vegetarian movement in northern England during the 19th century. This movement inspired food entrepreneurs, including William Kellogg (famous for cereals) and Sylvester Graham (crackers), to develop alternative products. The principle behind these being to follow a simple and pious diet to improve the body, mind, and spirit. The followers of this movement linked eating animal products to sin and poor health. The merits of this argument are more philosophical than physiological. But in the age of climate change awareness, the argument to reduce animal produce in our diets has perhaps reemerged as one of the tools we have to save the planet.

The 18th-century doctor George Cheyne was mocked in the press due to his weight (at one point estimated at 220 kg). Many of the wealthier Georgian households would have at the time consumed a high-calorie diet, with large meals of many meats including beef sirloin and pigeon. Mr. Cheyne developed the vegetable and milk diet with fewer calories. His own diet included milk, tea, coffee, bread, butter, mild cheese, fruits, nuts, and tender roots including turnips and carrots. He drank no alcohol, barring an occasional small glass of cider.

In the 19th century, undertaker William Banting trying to manage his own weight wrote Letters on Corpulence. This is seen as the forerunner of many of the popular low-carbohydrate diets, including keto we see today. Mr. Bantings version did include a few ounces of rusk (a light, dry biscuit or piece of twice-baked bread) a day, but it also included more sherry or other alcoholic drinks in a day than is recommended.

Throughout history some incredibly strange and dangerous diets have been championed. During the 1920s, the slim androgynous popular look for women may have led to a drive for weight loss. This led to a range of unhealthy practices of varying effect on weight from ingesting tapeworms, which could have led to malnutrition as vital minerals would not have been absorbed, through to instead of snacking having a cigarette, when tobacco companies added appetite suppressants to cigarettes. This was before the causal link between smoking and cancer was known, so although it may have reduced food intake, it is possibly one of the least healthy diets to follow.

The cotton ball diet is said to have been developed by models as a method of reducing food intake by swallowing cotton balls to fill the stomach and soak up stomach juices. Most cotton balls today are bleached polyester fibers and therefore this nonsensical approach to calorie restriction is neither effective or safe.

The Mediterranean diets history goes back to at least ancient Roman times. However, it is subtly different across the Mediterranean region. The best-known healthy version is recorded in rural Greece, a simple diet of foods including fish, vegetables, fruit, grains, nuts, and some olive oil and wine as well as a little dairy and meat as part of a food-orientated lifestyle. This is very different to the foods seen in the Mediterranean today. Global food culture changed with more highly processed foods containing fat, sugar and salt becoming available.

If we learn one thing from diets across history it is that enjoying simple food with others, and not too much, is the best way to both be, and stay, healthy.

James Brown is an Associate Professor in Biology and Biomedical Science, Aston University. He previously received funding from the EU Horizon 2020 scheme to study personalized approaches to food choices. Duane Mellor is the Lead for Evidence-Based Medicine and Nutrition, Aston Medical School, Aston University. He is a member of the British Dietetic Association and has supported the production of material for Vegan Society (unpaid). They have previously been employed using funding from Horizon 2020 scheme to study personalized approaches to food choices.

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Celebrity diets and food fads have been around for centuries and some of them even worked - BusinessWorld Online

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People have been following the Ayurvedic lifestyle for thousands of years. The name is a combination of two Sanskrit words that are translated as life (Ayur) and science (Veda). It is aform of holistic medicine that originated in Indiaandis all about supporting healthy digestion with mindful food choices. Itplaces a focus on balancing different types of energy within your body, and is often personalized with foods to eat based on what will work best for your own body. This way of eating can improve your health and your mental wellness!

The Ayurvedic diet has set guidelines for what, how, and when you should eat. These guidelines are based off of your dosha, or your body type. According to Ayurveda, there are three categories that people fall under. Each dosha has its own set of characteristics and suggestions for how to eat and live to receive the most health benefits.

People with a dominant Pitta tend to be very athletic, and muscular, leaders. They are very goal-oriented, motivated in all aspects of life, and can be competitive. They are very self-determined in everything they set their minds to, and can master skills easily. They also have a strong appetite and perfect digestion. According to ancient practices, grains like wheat, white rice, barley and oats, and fruits such as grapes, mango, pomegranate, pineapple, oranges, melon, cherries, coconut, avocado and plums are said to be especially beneficial for Pittas.

People with a dominant vata dosha are usually characterized as having a thin, light build. They are naturally energetic, creative, and love constant change. Some of their strengths include thinking outside the box, multi-tasking, and being quick learners. According to Ayurveda, vatas should follow a regular daily routine, manage stress through meditation and other calming activities, and maintain a warm body temperature by avoiding cold weather and consuming warm foods and drinks. Hot fluids like soups or stews, avocado, coconut, olives, berries, nuts, and seeds are just some of the best foods for Vatas to consume.

Kapha (earth + water)

People with a dominant Kapha are strong, steady, stable, and methodical. Theyre known for being caring, trustworthy, patient, and thick-boned. They are easy-going, and calm, and prefer warm, dry climates. To maintain optimal health, Kaphas should try and stick to a regular exercise routine, and a healthy diet. Kapha should try and eat more vegetables like asparagus, cucumbers, celery, okra, grains like wheat, white rice, barley and oats, and calming spices such as coriander, and cardamom.

Source: Banyan Botanicals

Kendra, Ayurvedic chef and teacher explains that Ayurvedic cooking is all about supporting healthy digestion with mindful food choices and preparation. In her video, she shares her wisdom on how to best cook foods ayurvedically, that will best support your agni (digestive fire)! Kendra shares some helpful tips on how to make sure you are selecting the right herbs and spices, and approaching all of your meals with loving-kindness, as she says.

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter! Lastly, being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!

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All About the Ayurvedic Diet - One Green Planet

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Students in Dr. Tonya Coffey's Appalachian State University's physics class tested the science behind the volatile Mentos/Diet Coke reaction, publishing their results in the American Journal of Physicsin 2008.They, too, concluded that the "surface roughness" of the Mentos is "one of the main causes of the reaction."

As it sinks, the Mentos produces more bubbles, which react with carbon dioxide in the soda, rewarding you with a Diet Coke geyser. Speed also matters, and the faster the Mentos sinks, the larger the eruption. Mentos are dense candies, which aids the sinking process a factor the study explored by comparing reactions made with whole Mentos versus crushed ones, the latter of which resulted in weaker eruptions. Additionally, diet sodas produce bigger reactions than regular sodas, because diet sodas such as Diet Coke contain potassium benzoate and the artificial sweetener, aspartame, as opposed to sugar or corn syrup. "These ingredients reduce the work required for bubble formation, allowing carbon dioxide to rapidly escape from the soda,"Coffey and her students found, after comparing the "contact angle for aspartame and water in contrast to pure water or sugar water."

And while Snopes long ago debunked the rumor that eating Mentos and drinking Diet Coke can kill you, exercising caution when attempting to mix these two products together is recommended. However, the American Chemical Society provides step-by-step instructions on how to safely make a Mentos soda fountain, so this is one experiment you can try at home.

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Here's What Really Causes Diet Coke And Mentos To React - Mashed

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One of the most important aspects of maintaining good health is ensuring that one meets the recommended daily nutrient needs through the food one eats. A nutrient deficiency in the daily diet could impact the quality of life and result in ailments. Its important to raise awareness on how one can meet their bodys complete nutrition requirements and overcome the insufficiencies in their daily diet, thereby filling the nutrition gap, says Dr K Loganathan, HOD and Consulting Physician, SKS hospital, Salem, adding, The daily consumption of a nutrition supplement helps the body replenish and maintain adequate micronutrients, which in turn helps in several ways, including boosting your immunity, maintaining energy levels and improving heart health.

While our average Indian diet is high on nutrition, it still only fulfils up to 70per cent, or even lower, of ones daily vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) need. This shocking revelation came from theSupradyn Nutrition Survey2021 where an overwhelming 85per cent of 220 doctors and nutritionists surveyed from urban India believed the above to be the case. The research also reported that Vitamin B12 and D3 are the top two vitamins lacking in an average daily diet across the country, followed by Zinc, Iron, Calcium, Folic Acid and Vitamin C.

This data might surprise many, like Dr V Chandrasekhar, Professor, HOD of Medicine & Cardiology Department and Superintendent of MGM Hospital, Warangal, points out. He says, Often times people are perplexed when they are unable to improve their energy and immunity levels even after trying their best to eat right, sleep well and exercise regularly. The reason behind this is brilliantly captured in Supradyns Nutrition Survey. Inclusion of multivitamin-multi-mineral supplements helps the body absorb essential nutrients such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Iron, Calcium, among others, which play a pivotal role in nourishing the body.

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The Indian diet has a 70-30 barrier, meaning that while we do get up to 70per cent of the vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) from regular meals, the deficit of 30% still remains. What can be done to overcome this 70-30 barrier? Like Dr Chandrashekhar says, one can take multivitamin supplements, which help overcome the nutrient deficit of our diet. If you have any apprehensions about taking supplements, Dr Ahmed Mohiuddin, Consulting Physician and HOD of Department of Medicine, ZOI Hospitals, Hyderabad, assures that multivitamin and multi-mineral supplements are composed of all the essential micronutrients your body needs. For instance, the Vitamin B complex helps to convert food into energy and keeps the nervous system functioning properly. Vitamin C and Zinc are proven to increase immune function. We hope that this survey helps educate the masses, helping them achieve adequate nutrition requirements.

Wondering how do multivitamins help? There are multiple benefits like maintaining skin health, eye health, hair health, and, most importantly, considering the need of recent times to improve immunity and increase energy levels.Do keep in mind though, that you need to consult your doctor before you take any supplements.Here are the two main health benefits of taking multivitamins.

Increases energy levels:Research shows that consumption of multivitamins can cause a boost in mood, reduce anxiety, and increase energy levels. In addition, it also shows a trend towards better sleep.

Helps improve immunity:Vitamins and supplements help to keep your immune system healthy, thus reducing the chance of falling sick due to viral infections. You are advised to have vitamin D and zinc supplements for the same.

Another question that arises is whether you need to take multiple supplements for each nutrient. No! TheSupradyn Daily Multivitamin Supplementtablet is all you need in a day to get up to 100% of the key nutrients. The new Supradyn Daily with its improved formulation contains 5 times zinc (as compared to the old Supradyn formulation) and 12 essential vitamins, that helps build your immunity on a daily basis and provide higher energy levels to lead a healthy life. So, check with your doctor and start putting your health first. You can buy the tablets here.

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Did You Know: Our Regular Diet Only Gives Us Upto 70% Of Nutrients We Need | Femina.in - Femina

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1 : physical activity that is done in order to become stronger and healthier Get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Swimming is my favorite kind of exercise. See More ExamplesI need to get more exercise. [=I need to exercise more frequently] She plays tennis chiefly for (the) exercise.Hide

2 : a particular movement or series of movements done to become stronger and healthier knee exercises She did stretching exercises before her daily run.

3 : something that is done or practiced to develop a particular skill arithmetic exercises vocal exercises Do the writing exercise at the end of each chapter.

b : the discharge of an official function or professional occupation exercise of his judicial duties

c : the act or an instance of carrying out the terms of an agreement (such as an option) often used attributively an option's exercise price

2a : regular or repeated use of a faculty or bodily organ

3 : something performed or practiced in order to develop, improve, or display a specific capability or skill arithmetic exercises vocal exercises

4 : a performance or activity having a strongly marked secondary or ulterior aspect party politics has always been an exercise in compromise H. S. Ashmore

5a : a maneuver, operation, or drill carried out for training and discipline naval exercises

b exercises plural : a program including speeches, announcements of awards and honors, and various traditional practices of secular or religious character commencement exercises

transitive verb

c : to implement the terms of exercise an option

2a : to use repeatedly in order to strengthen or develop exercise a muscle

b : to train by drills and maneuvers exercise troops

3a : to engage the attention and effort of

b : to cause anxiety, alarm, or indignation in the issues exercising voters this year

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The long-term disruption and chronic stress brought on by the coronavirus pandemic have taken their toll on the American public in countless ways.

Across the adult population, the aggregate health impact is showing up in the form of higher blood pressure readings, especially among women, and physicians now are concerned about long-term risks if their patients don't take concerted action to address the problem.

A new, large-scale study from the Cleveland Clinic and Quest Diagnostics tracked the blood pressure readings of more than 464,500 U.S. workers and their spouses who participated in company wellness programs over a period of three years from 2018 through 2020.

The research, published Monday in the journal Circulation, found that average readings jumped significantly between April 2020 and December 2020 compared to the previous year. Not surprisingly, those months overlap directly with the onset of the pandemic and dashed routines that saw many Americans abandon exercise, turn to drinking, eat poorly and skip routine medical checkups all things that can contribute to higher blood pressure readings.

High blood pressure refers to the measurement of blood against the walls of arteries and is determined by a reading of two numbers in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg. The top number, the systolic reading, is a measure of pressure as the heart contracts, while the lower number, the diastolic reading, measures pressure when the heart rests between beats.

Though there is ongoing medical debate about the ideal blood pressure, the normal range is considered about 120/80 mmHg or less.

Between April and December last year, blood pressure readings rose by a monthly average of 1.1 to 2.5 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 0.14 to 0.53 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure compared to the previous year.

Researchers have theorized that the blood pressure increases among women, who represented just over half of the study participants, may be due in part to heavier burdens placed on working women during the pandemic. The average of age all study participants was about 45.

"We did see more pronounced increases in blood pressure in women," lead study author Dr. Luke Laffin, a preventive cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinc, told CNN. "Now, we don't know the exact reason for that. However, we do know and there's data to suggest that the pandemic has tended to place more of an outsized burden on women, particularly women that work, and this is an employer-sponsored wellness program."

There also has been some criticism of the study's exclusion of race and ethnicity data, The New York Times reported. Hypertension, the long-term condition associated with elevated blood pressure, disproportionately impacts Black Americans, who were also harder-hit by the pandemic.

Laffin said the higher readings during the pandemic are likely the result of multiple factors rather than any one thing. Higher alcohol consumption, chronic stress, poor diet and lack of adherence to medications all can contribute to higher blood pressure.

"I think a critical piece is that we know so many people lost contact with the health care system, and lost control of blood pressure and diabetes," Laffin told the Times.

Hypertension affects nearly half of U.S. adults and is among the most deadly chronic conditions in the country, claiming more than 516,000 lives in 2019, according to the CDC. Since it is often asymptomatic, medical check-ups are a priority for groups who may be at higher risk people who are over 35, pregnant women, those who are overweight and people who aren't active or consume too many fatty or high-sodium foods.

If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to a range of health problems that may result in heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, heart failure or narrowed blood vessels in the kidneys. It can also lead to cognitive impairments that worsen over time.

For those who have seen their blood pressure readings rise during the pandemic, there are a number of steps that can be taken to help return to a normal range.

Regular exercise such as walking, jogging, cycling and swimming are all helpful in reducing blood pressure and keeping weight down. High intensity interval training, which involves short bursts of energy followed by lighter recovery periods, can be an especially effective piece of an exercise program alongside some weight training. Those who may not have a firm grasp of their limits are advised to consult with a doctor to develop a plan for physical activity.

Following a more conscious diet also can have a beneficial impact for those with high blood pressure. Eating fewer foods high in salt, sugar and refined carbohydrates will help normalize blood pressure, while focusing on foods high in potassium will go a long way.

Some recommended foods include low-fat dairy items such as milk and yogurt, fish and range of fruits and vegetables including bananas, apricots, oranges, avocados, sweet potatoes and spinach.

The National Institutes of Health uses the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) as a useful guideline for people with high blood pressure. A high protein diet paired with high fiber can help maintain a healthy balance without ditching favorite meals.

Avoiding processed foods deli meats, snacks like chips and crackers, canned soup and pizza will help reduce intake of sodium, sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Dark chocolate, for those who need a good treat, offers many health benefits including the flavonoids in cocoa that help widen blood vessels.

Another important goal for those aiming to lower their blood pressure is finding ways to reduce stress, whether it's simplifying a chaotic and demanding lifestyle or seeking out activities that aid in stress relief. Yoga and meditation are valuable tools to better manage stress, as is drinking green tea and oolong tea. Getting good, restful sleep on a consistent basis also can have a profound impact on keeping stress at bay.

Certain supplements and herbs can be used to supplement dietary and lifestyle changes. Garlic and garlic extract are both known to lower blood pressure, while ginger root, sesame oil, tomato extract and cinnamon are among the herbs associated with improved readings, according to Healthline. Whey protein, magnesium and citrulline can be added to a supplement routine as well.

One critical step to take if high blood pressure has become an issue over the past year is evaluating lifestyle changes that may have happened during that timeframe. Drinking more alcohol, smoking and consuming high amounts of caffeine are common culprits and should be avoided or reduced as part of a larger health plan.

The most important thing to do for people who are at risk is scheduling a doctor's appointment to consult about options, which may include prescription medications to help lower blood pressure.

Making a series of small changes can add up to a big difference when it comes to avoiding or managing hypertension, and as research continues to reveal the wider health consequences of the pandemic, taking proactive steps to lead a healthier life will prevent these changes from leading to long-term conditions.

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Blood pressure has spiked during the pandemic, but these tips can help you lower yours - PhillyVoice.com

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Cardiovascular disease, or all disorders that impact the heart or blood vessels, is highly prevalent and serious. Experts estimate that almost half of all American adults have some form of cardiovascular disease.

A recent study that appears in PLOS Medicinefound that individuals with cardiovascular disease can reap high benefits from physical activity.

However, among healthy individuals, there comes the point where increasing the level of physical exercise does not provide additional health benefits.

But researchers in this study found that the benefits of physical activity did not reach a similar plateau among participants with cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term. As the National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes, CVD is any disease that impacts the heart or blood vessels, while heart disease includes disorders that specifically affect the heart.

Several disorders fall under the category of CVD, including:

The treatments for CVD can vary. Depending on the severity of the issue, people with CVD may need to take medications or undergo surgery.

Several risk factors increase a persons risk of getting CVD. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes increases a persons risk for heart disease.

People can modify some risk factors to help prevent adverse health outcomes due to CVD.

Experts are still discovering how individuals can best prevent CVD and reduce their overall risk of death. Physical activity has been the subject of many studies, and experts are still learning who benefits from it the most.

The study in question was a cohort study that researchers conducted in the Netherlands. It included a total of 142,493 participants. The team wanted to find out if peoples cardiovascular health status impacted the overall benefit of physical activity.

In other words, is physical activity helpful for everyone at the same level or does it help those who already have CVD more?

Researchers also wanted to find out if the reason for the physical activity impacted the benefits. For example, are people who have to be physically active for a job reaping the same benefits as those who are physically active in their leisure time?

Because there are so many risk factors and CVD includes many disorders, researchers in this study had to define their terms carefully.

They looked at three broad groups of people and used the following definitions:

Each participant filled in a baseline questionnaire and undertook a physical exam. The questionnaire included information about lifestyle, health history, and diet. Researchers collected baseline data from each participant and followed up with them an average of 6.8 years later after collecting the baseline data.

The team further questioned participants about their level of physical activity. This information determined each participants amount of exercise that fit the studys definition of moderate to vigorous.

They also divided types of physical activity into three categories:

The team looked at the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, all causes of death, and major adverse cardiovascular events. They included heart attacks, strokes, chronic and acute heart failure, and any major heart or chest-related surgeries, such as heart transplants and heart bypass surgeries, in their analysis of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Researchers found that overall, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity had links to lower all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events. But they also found that it was most beneficial to the group of participants that already had CVD.

Study first author, Dr. Esme Bakker, explained to Medical News Today that for healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes, we found that increasing exercise volumes led to a gradual risk reduction up to a point at which a plateau occurs.

Dr. Bakker went on to explain that this result was different for participants who already had CVD:

Cardiovascular disease patients demonstrated a different pattern, however, with every increase in physical activity volume leading to a further risk reduction of mortality and cardiovascular events. This finding emphasizes that more exercise is better for [CVD] patients.

Researchers also found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity that participants did in their leisure time was associated with the highest level of health benefits. Nonleisure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with some health benefits, and occupational moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with no benefits.

Overall, the researchers concluded that physical activity recommendations should consider cardiovascular health status and the physical activitys leisure versus nonleisure nature.

However, the study did have some limitations. First of all, the research was observational, meaning it cannot prove that higher physical activity prevents mortality or adverse cardiovascular events. Secondly, some of the data were self-reported, which runs the risk of inaccurate data collection.

Dr. Edo Paz, cardiology specialist VP of Medical at K Health, noted the following study limitations to MNT:

First off, activity level is self-reported, which can be inaccurate. Another key limitation of this study is that it is an observational study and thus limited by confounding. That means that exercise may be highly correlated with another factor (like weight, nutritional status, etc.), and it is actually that other factor that predicts cardiovascular events. Although the authors tried to account for these confounding factors, it is not possible to collect or control for them all.

Finally, the authors did not examine the impact of light intensity physical activity the study specifically examined moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

The researchers note that other studies have looked at how doing some physical activity is better than doing none at all. They note that starting with lower levels of physical activity can help some people increase their regular physical activity level.

It is also important to remember that everyone is different, and physical activity levels will look different for different people.

Dr. Paz told MNT: It seems clear that physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, which is why the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends getting 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity. However, this study indicates that these recommendations should always be personalized.

Overall, the results indicate that physical activity recommendations should take into account a persons cardiovascular health.

Dr. Bakker explained that the [o]utcomes from this study are useful to further optimize physical activity recommendations by taking cardiovascular health status into account so that every individual, irrespective of cardiovascular health status, can optimally benefit from a physically active lifestyle.

Further research would include looking at how to implement the best exercise plans for people with CVD.

Cardiology specialist Prof. Bernard Cheung Sun Chieh Yeh Heart Foundation professor in Cardiovascular Therapeutics at the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine explained to MNT that [c]aution should be exercised before getting cardiovascular disease patients to exercise to their limits [] more research is needed on what exercise programs are best for patients with different forms of cardiovascular disease (e.g., angina, heart failure).

The present study highlights the importance of evidence-based recommendations in this area, he noted.

Read more here:
Cardiovascular disease: What level of physical activity is helpful? - Medical News Today

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