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On TikTok, a woman blends a half cup of rolled oats with a cup of water and the juice of half a lime. She forces a smile and then hesitantly takes a sip. That, she says with a colorful flourish, is nasty.

The drink isnt meant to taste good; its supposed to be a weight loss hack.

Drink it every day, some influencers on social media claim, and you can lose a staggering 40 pounds in two months. Oatzempic, as its called, is a reference to the diabetes drug Ozempic, which belongs to a class of medications that have surged in popularity for their remarkable ability to help people lose weight.

Its riding on the coattails of these drugs, said Colleen Tewksbury, an assistant professor in nutrition science at the University of Pennsylvania.

But while oats are certainly nutritious, there is nothing magical about them for weight loss, said Emily Haller, a dietitian in the lifestyle medicine program at Trinity Health Ann Arbor in Michigan.

Oats are a good source of soluble fiber, especially one type called beta-glucan, which has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce blood sugar spikes after meals, Ms. Haller said.

In general, consuming enough fiber (which most Americans dont) can also reduce your risk of developing heart disease and certain cancers, as well as support a healthy gut and regular bowel habits, she added.

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Can Oats Help You Lose Weight? Experts Weigh in On Oatzempic Trend - The New York Times

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Those amazing Japanese centenarians have fascinated us for a long time. Is it genes? Is it good healthcare? While those play a role, a growing body of research suggests a healthy, traditional Japanese diet may be one of the keys to keeping our brains sharp even as the candles on our birthday cake multiply.

As we age, our brains naturally undergo some shrinkage. This process is associated with cognitive decline, a gradual decrease in mental abilities like memory, thinking, and problem-solving.

Cognitive decline also increases the likelihood of developing conditions like dementia. Currently, millions of people worldwide live with dementia, and these numbers are unfortunately expected to increase in the coming years.

While certain risk factors for cognitive decline, like our genetics, are beyond our control, there are also elements within our power to influence. Lifestyle choices, with diet being particularly important, could potentially offer ways to support brain health and slow down the effects of aging.

You might be familiar with the Mediterranean diet, which has gained attention for its potential benefits to the brain. Research suggests that components of this diet, particularly its emphasis on olive oil, vegetables, and fish, can positively impact brain health.

Now, a new study shows that Japan has its own secret weapon. The results suggest that a traditional Japanese diet is better than a Western one when it comes to keeping our brains big and healthy.

The Japanese lifestyle holds valuable lessons for healthy eating. Forget the restrictive gimmicks of fad diets the traditional Japanese diet emphasizes simple, natural ingredients and is clearly linked to longevity and overall well-being. Lets break down the key elements:

Red meat is rarely a centerpiece in traditional Japanese cuisine. Coffee, while enjoyed, isnt consumed in the same quantities as in some Western cultures. This focus on whole foods likely contributes to lower incidences of heart disease and other chronic health conditions often seen in Western societies.

The traditional Japanese diet is more than just a list of ingredients. It emphasizes a balanced, mindful approach to eating, with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients cooked with care and enjoyed in moderation.

Intrigued by the potential benefits of the Japanese diet, experts at the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology conducted a study involving over a thousand Japanese adults.

The researchers focus was meticulous they carefully examined each participants dietary habits. The core question they sought to answer was whether an individuals typical diet could influence the brains aging process.

The findings were compelling. We found that women who followed the traditional Japanese diet had less brain shrinkage over the two-year study period compared to women who followed the western diet, noted the researchers. This suggests a strong link between dietary choices and the preservation of brain health.

Surprisingly, the protective relationship between the traditional Japanese diet and brain shrinkage wasnt as evident for men in the study. The experts suggest a few possible reasons for this difference:

Japanese cuisine, often celebrated for its cultural richness and aesthetic presentation, might also hold the key to brain health. Emerging research positions traditional Japanese food as a potential super brain food, offering a plethora of benefits to cognitive function and overall brain health.

The diets emphasis on omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, phytoestrogens, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from its core componentsfish, seaweed, green tea, soy products, and an abundance of fruits and vegetablesplays a crucial role.

The primary benefits of Japanese food as brain nourishment include:

The diets rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and seaweed, is linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline. These nutrients are crucial for brain health, supporting neural function and reducing inflammation, a contributor to cognitive impairment.

Antioxidants from green tea, fruits, and vegetables protect the brain from oxidative stress, a factor in the aging process and the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

The traditional Japanese diet, low in saturated fats and high in foods that support brain structure, like fish and soybeans, may contribute to a reduced rate of brain shrinkage, particularly in women. This is significant as brain shrinkage is associated with cognitive decline and dementia.

Polyphenols in green tea and phytoestrogens in soy products link to improved cognitive functions. Researchers believe these nutrients enhance memory and learning capabilities by protecting neural cells from damage.

Beyond just diet, the Japanese lifestyle incorporating physical activity and mental wellness practices complements the dietary benefits, offering a holistic approach to brain health.

In essence, the traditional Japanese diet, with its balance of nutrient-rich foods, not only contributes to longevity but also enhances cognitive health.

The research underscores the importance of dietary choices in maintaining brain function and offers a model for incorporating brain-healthy foods into daily life.

The study is published in the Nutrition Journal.

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Perhaps best known for its wine and seafood, the geographical region near Spain and Portugal is being hailed for serving up a healthy way of eating, known as The Atlantic Diet (not to be confused with the more popular Mediterranean Diet)and wellness gurus and health seekers are taking notice. According to recent studies, The Atlantic Diet is associated with a significantly lower risk of chronic health problems, compared to other parts of the world. Find out what The Atlantic Diet entails and if its right for youkeep reading for dieticians breakdown.

The Atlantic Diet refers to the traditional dietary patterns of people living in northwestern Spain and northern Portugal; the Atlantic coast rather than the Mediterranean coast, explained Megan Hilbert, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian at Top Nutrition Coaching. This dietary pattern emphasizes vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, olive oil, nuts, seafood, and small amounts of wine and dairy.

Good news if youre a meat and potatoes or all-about-the-carbs kind of eater: The Atlantic Diet, also known as the Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEAD) contains a lot of them. The mainfood group within The Atlantic Diet includes bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes, with practitioners consuming 6-8 daily servings. Following starches, nuts are prioritizednamely chestnuts, walnuts, almonds, and hazelnutsthen olive oil, milk products, fish and seafood, lean meat, and eggs. Another important feature of The Atlantic Diet is the cooking techniques used such as steaming, boiling, grilling, and baking which are a healthier alternative to frying, Hilbert stated.

Besides focusing on the types of foods to eat and how theyre cooked, The Atlantic Diet encourages communal eating habits and eating seasonally. Studies show that those who eat with others more often feel happier and are more satisfied with life, are trusting of others, are engaged with their local communities, and have more friends they can depend on for support. Consuming foods that are in season ensures a diverse diet and produce that is enjoyed when theyre most nutrient-dense and flavorful, thanks to the varieties available throughout the year and less travel time and preservatives needed to maintain their freshness.

Metabolic health is related to factors such as weight, blood pressure, metabolism, and blood sugar. Optimal metabolic health means the body can digest and absorb nutrients from the food that you eat without unhealthy spikes in blood sugar, inflammation, and insulin, and research shows that The Atlantic Diet may be beneficial for metabolic health. A 2024 study on The Atlantic Diet conducted by a team of researchers in Spainfound that the subjects who followed it for six months were about 42 percent less likely to experience metabolic syndrome. This study showed participants on The Atlantic Diet had reduced levels of obesity and lower HDL cholesterol as well as a decreased waist circumference, Hilbert explained. The effects of this diet are likely due to the high intake of plant foods and healthy fats like olive oil. Anne Danahy, RDN toldHealth The Atlantic Diet can promote a healthier metabolic profile because of its fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients.

Because of The Atlantic Diets emphasis on omega-3 fatty acids from fish and seafood, it can help lower yourtriglyceridelevels and raise yourHDL (good) cholesterol. In fact, theAmerican Heart Associationrecommends all adults eat fish at least twice a week for better cardiovascular health. Then, theres the monounsaturated fats from olive oil The Atlantic Diet has going for it, which is high in antioxidants and helps protect your cholesterol from oxidation (more heart-healthy signs!). The monounsaturated fats found in olive oil also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your bodys cells.

Longevity expert Dan Buettner may not have counted areas of Spain or Portugal in his Blue Zone research (areas of the world with the longest living populations), but it turns out maybe he should have. According to recent studies, The Atlantic Diet is associated with a lower risk of mortality in older adults, compared to other parts of the world. Onestudy published in February of 2024 measured participants who followed the diet against those who didnt, and found a direct correlation with longevity. This is likely due to a focus in high-antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods like fresh produce, legumes, olive oil, fatty seafood, and an occasional glass of wine.

While the Atlantic and Mediterranean Diets incorporate whole grains, fruits, legumes, vegetables, olive oil, seafood, and moderate wine intake, The Atlantic Diet includes more red meat and dairy. The choice of carbohydrates is also different. These diets are similar, but the biggest differences are that The Mediterranean Diet typically has more pasta while The Atlantic Diet includes carbs from sources like potatoes, rice, and bread, Hilbert pointed out. The typical vegetables one may find in The Atlantic Diet also differ slightly, as more often this diet may contain brassicas, which is a family of vegetables that include things like kale, cabbage, turnips, cauliflower, etc.

The Atlantic Diet centers around prioritizing whole foods, seasonal ingredients, and social eating, making it a positive and sustainable way of eating. For the majority of us (unless a health care provider has specified otherwise) eating foods with more fruits, vegetables, lean meat, seafood, legumes/pulses, and healthy fat (like olive oil) is health promoting and can lead to better blood sugar control, improved brain health, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and much more, Hilbert expressed. Load up on fatty fish (like anchovies and sardines), seasonal produce, gut-friendly starches like potatoes and sourdough brad, and olive oil. The key is also good quality rather than processed or conventional foods, so opt for meat like pork and lamb, and dairy like eggs and cheeseall organic, grass-fed, and local when possible.

Hilbert also shared the one caveat some experts and dietitians cite: the potential for overconsumption of red meat. One thing we do know through lots of data is that red meat consumption in excess is linked to a higher risk of chronic disease, so it will be interesting to see further data on this and how it impacts health in the context of The Atlantic Diet. Always work with your doctor or nutritionist to find a diet that works best for you. The best diet is the one that feels good for your lifestyle, goals, and body.

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Cognitive decline and dementia already affect more than 55 million people worldwide. This number is projected to skyrocket over the next few decades as the global population ages.

There are certain risk factors of cognitive decline and dementia that we cannot change such as having a genetic predisposition to these conditions. But other risk factors we may have more power over with research showing certain modifiable lifestyle habits, such as smoking, obesity and lack of exercise, are all linked to higher risk of dementia.

What role nutrition plays in preventing cognitive decline and dementia has also been the focus of scientific research for quite some time.

For example, numerous studies have examined the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. This diet seems to have a positive affect on important metrics of a healthy brain, such as total brain volume, cortical thickness, and integrity of white matter.

Our recent study now suggests that following a traditional Japanese diet may also be beneficial for brain health and better for it than the typical western diet is.

Japan is renowned for the longevity of its people. For example, the Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan hosts an extraordinarily high number of centenarians. For this reason, Okinawa is recognised as a Blue Zone, an area where people live exceptionally long lives. The longevity of those living in this region is often attributed in part to their traditional diet.

The typical Japanese diet is characterised by foods such as rice, fish and shellfish, and fruits (especially citrus fruits). But what makes this diet unique are traditional Japanese foods such as miso (fermented soybean paste), seaweed, pickles, green tea, soybeans, soybeans sprouts and mushrooms (such as shiitake). Notably, this diet is also characterised by low intake of red meat and coffee.

Its worth noting that the traditional Japanese diet is a cultural habit rather than a diet designed for achieving a particular objective (such as weight loss). Its simply what many Japanese people regularly enjoy at their dining table.

To conduct our study, we looked at a sample of 1,636 Japanese adults aged 40 to 89.

We first identified the participants typical diet by asking them to record everything they ate and drank for three days. They were also given a disposable camera to take pictures of their plates before and after each meal to produce a visual record of how much they ate.

Combining the written diet record with the pictures, we then calculated each persons average daily food intake. This gave us a good baseline measure of the participants normal eating habits.

Based on the dietary records, we found 589 participants followed a traditional Japanese diet. A further 697 participants ate a typical western diet, which was characterised by a high consumption of refined carbs, high-fat foods, soft drinks and alcohol. Finally, a smaller number of participants (350 people) ate a diet containing a higher than average amount of plant foods (grains, vegetables, and fruits) and dairy products. We named this way of eating the vegetable-fruit-dairy diet.

We also collected information on other lifestyle and health factors, including whether the participant had a genetic predisposition to dementia (such as the APOE genotype), whether they smoked, their level of physical activity and if they had any existing health conditions (such as stroke or diabetes). We did this to adjust our analyses to account for these factors, ensuring that our findings could be attributed solely to diet.

Then, we analysed the progression of brain atrophy or shrinkage (a loss of neurons) over a period of two years. Crucially, age-associated brain atrophy is a common marker of cognitive decline and dementia. Brain atrophy was measured through an MRI scan.

We found that women who followed the traditional Japanese diet had less brain shrinkage over the two-year study period compared to women who followed the western diet. Its less clear what effect the vegetable-fruit-dairy diet had probably due to the small number of participants who followed this diet.

Interestingly, this effect was only apparent in women. There was no difference in the amount of brain shrinkage seen in men who followed the traditional Japanese diet compared to those following other diets.

There could be a few reasons for this pattern of results. Some seem to be specific to the biological differences between sexes. For example, certain nutrients such as magnesium and the plant oestrogens found in fish, shellfish, mushrooms, whole grains, and legumes appear to have a stronger protective effect on womens brains.

This effect could also be explained by differences in lifestyle habits between sexes. Negative factors, such as smoking which may counteract the benefits of a healthy diet were found to be far more common among men. Also, male participants were more likely to stray from the traditional Japanese diet tending to consume more noodles (a source of refined carbs) and alcoholic beverages (sake) than the women. Both of these factors may contribute to brain shrinkage.

The benefits of the Japanese diet may also stem from the fact that many foods are rich in vitamins, polyphenols, phytochemicals and unsaturated fatty acids. All of these components are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which basically means they help keep the brain and its neurons working their best.

It will now be important for further research to be conducted not only to confirm our findings, but to explore some of the reasons for the differences seen between men and women when it comes to their preferred diet and brain health.

Embracing elements of the traditional Japanese diet and including foods such as fish, seafood, soy, miso, seaweed and shiitake mushrooms, may not only help improve cognitive function but overall health too.

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Traditional Japanese diet associated with less brain shrinkage in women compared to western diet, says research - The Conversation Indonesia

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By Vanessa G. Snchez April 5, 2024

For pregnant Latinas, food choices could reduce the risk of preeclampsia, a dangerous type of high blood pressure, and a diet based on cultural food preferences, rather than on U.S. government benchmarks, is more likely to help ward off the illness, a new study shows.

Researchers at the USC Keck School of Medicine found that a combination of solid fats, refined grains, and cheese was linked to higher rates of preeclampsia among a group of low-income Latinas in Los Angeles. By contrast, women who ate vegetables, fruits, and meals made with healthy oils were less likely to develop the illness.

The combination of vegetables, fruits, and healthy oils, such as olive oil, showed a stronger correlation with lower rates of preeclampsia than did the Healthy Eating Index-2015, a list of dietary recommendations designed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The study, published in February by the Journal of the American Heart Association, yielded important information on which food combinations affect pregnant Latinas, said Luis Maldonado, the lead investigator and a postdoctoral scholar at the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at USC Keck. It suggests that dietary recommendations for pregnant Latinas should incorporate more foods from their culture, he said.

A lot of studies that have been done among pregnant women in general have been predominantly white, and diet is very much tied to culture, Maldonado said. Your culture can facilitate how you eat because you know what your favorite food is.

Preeclampsia is estimated to occur in about 5% of pregnancies in the U.S. and is among the leading causes of maternal morbidity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It typically occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy and is associated with obesity, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, among other conditions.

There isnt a way to cure or predict preeclampsia. The disease can damage the heart and liver and lead to other complications for both the mother and the baby, including preterm birth and even death.

Rates of preeclampsia have increased in the past two decades nationally. In California, rates of preeclampsia increased by 83% and hypertension by 78% from 2016 to 2022, according to the most recent data available, and the conditions are highest among Black residents and Pacific Islanders.

Maldonado said 12% of the 451 Latina women who participated in the study developed preeclampsia, a number almost twice the national average. More than half of the participants, who averaged 28 years old, had pre-pregnancy risks, such as diabetes and high body mass index.

Maldonado and his team used data from the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors Center, a USC research group that studies the effects of environmental exposures and social stressors on the health of mothers and their children.

The subjects, who were predominantly low-income Latinas in Los Angeles, completed two questionnaires about their diet during the third trimester of their pregnancy. The researchers identified two significant patterns of eating: one in which the most consumed foods were vegetables, oils, fruits, whole grains, and yogurt; and a second in which the womens diet consisted primarily of solid fats, refined grains, cheese, added sugar, and processed meat.

Women who followed the first eating pattern had a lower rate of preeclampsia than those who followed the second.

When Maldonado and his team tested for a correlation between lower rates of preeclampsia and the Healthy Eating Index-2015, they found it was not statistically significant except for women who were overweight before pregnancy.

The Healthy Eating Index includes combinations of nutrients and foods, like dairy and fatty acids. Maldonado said more research is needed to determine the exact profile of fruits, vegetables, and oils that could benefit Latina women.

When it comes to diet, the right messaging and recommendations are vital to helping pregnant Latinas make informed decisions, said A. Susana Ramrez, an associate professor of public health communication at the University of California-Merced.

Ramrez has conducted studies on why healthy-eating messages, while well intended, have not been successful in Hispanic communities. She found that the messaging has led some Latinos to believe that Mexican food is unhealthier than American food.

Ramrez said we need to think about promoting diets that are relevant for a particular population. We understand now that diet is enormously important for health, and so to the extent that any nutrition counseling is culturally consonant, that will improve health overall, Ramrez said.

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Ariana Rodriguez | Staff Writer

With food insecurity at an all-time high and barely functional vending machines providing unhealthy food options, it can be difficult for students to navigate a healthy and nutritional diet. FIU needs to take the steps to break the stigma of a college student diet.

The infamous college diet often consists of fast food, TV dinners, instant noodles and energy drinks. Its imperative for educational institutions to take proactive steps in guiding students toward nutritious choices.

Especially for students who live on campus where the majority of restaurants close on the weekends or have business hours that arent suitable, we shouldnt have to be limited to vending machine food and call it a sufficient meal.

By providing guidance, easy access to healthy recipes and enhancing the overall food options on campus, students wont be forced to adapt to an unhealthy diet to survive.

The stereotype of college students surviving on ramen noodles and pizza is all too familiar. However, this trend is not only unhealthy but also detrimental to academic performance and overall well-being. FIU can address this issue by offering guidance and education on healthy eating habits.

Unhealthy eating habits can significantly impact academic performance by causing nutritional deficiencies, blood sugar fluctuations and weight gain. These factors impair cognitive function, memory and concentrationcritical elements for success in academics.

Many may not immediately realize the connection between their diet and academic performance, accepting symptoms like fatigue and difficulty focusing as normal. Recognizing this link is crucial for promoting healthier eating habits and supporting academic success.

One practical approach to encourage healthier eating habits among students is by providing easy-to-follow recipe brochures and papers at 8th Street Campus Kitchen, aka the cafeteria. These recipes should be simple, affordable, and use readily available ingredients.

By offering a variety of nutritious meal options, FIU can empower students to make healthier choices both on and off campus. Incorporating cultural diversity in these recipes can cater to the diverse student population at FIU, making healthy eating more inclusive and accessible to all.

Most importantly, include more diet and allergen-friendly alternatives alongside providing the allergen-friendly options on the menu since FIU often cuts the menu of fast food chains, such as Taco Bell, which doesnt have the power bowl.

While FIU offers a range of dining options on campus, the majority of these choices may not always align with nutritional guidelines. Many menus are dominated by fried foods, sugary snacks and high-calorie beverages.

FIU can collaborate with food service providers to introduce healthier menu options. This can include incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and plant-based alternatives into meal offerings.

Additionally, reducing the availability of unhealthy snacks and promoting healthier alternatives can steer students toward making better food choices. Especially with the abundance of the M&M vending machines on campus.

Creating a culture of wellness goes beyond providing nutritious food options; it involves fostering an environment that prioritizes health. FIU can implement campus-wide initiatives such as wellness challenges, cooking competitions and fitness events to promote healthy lifestyle choices.

By engaging students in interactive and fun activities centered around health and nutrition, FIU can instill lasting habits that extend beyond their college years.

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

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Unhealthy diet should not be the college normal - PantherNOW

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Adventurous eaters may soon be licking their chops as researchers make a compelling case for adding pythons to humanity's diet.

If that sounds like the last thing you'd want on your plate, the Guardian wrote that python "meat tastes just like chicken," according to Dr. Daniel Natusch, a reptile expert and the chair of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Snake Specialist Group.

Plus, a study in two Southeast Asian commercial python farms led by Natusch found that pythons turn feed into protein more efficiently than traditional livestock, such as chickens and cattle.

According to a summary of the research from Macquarie University, snake meat is already a popular protein source across Southeast Asia and China.

Researchers believe scaling up python farming could offer a sustainable, climate-resilient solution for places like southern Africa, where the changing climate is exacerbating food insecurity, the Guardian reported.

"These pythons can live for almost a month with no water. They can live off the water that sets on their scales in the morning. They can go for almost a year without eating," Natusch told the news outlet.

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"We're not necessarily saying everyone should stop eating beef and turn to pythons, but there needs to be a conversation about them having a more prominent place in the agricultural mix," he added.

Macquarie University also highlighted the economic benefits of farming pythons, saying that pythons can help convert agricultural waste like meat and fish offcuts into protein while producing much less solid waste than mammals like pigs.

"Birds and mammals waste about 90 percent of the energy from the food they eat, simply maintaining a constant body temperature," Professor Rick Shine, co-author of the paper from Macquarie University's School of Natural Sciences, told the university.

In comparison, reptiles like pythons warm themselves in the sun, making them far more efficient at turning food into protein, he added.

Burmese pythons are an invasive species in the U.S. and threaten Australian landscapes since they're prevalent in the illegal exotic pet trade there, and some escape or are intentionally released into the wild.

Burmese pythons have become such a problem in the Florida Everglades that one woman decided to start hunting them to protect the area's biodiversity.

Farming and eating them along with other python species such as the reticulated python and the Southern African rock python could kill two birds with one stone, helping preserve ecosystems and bolster food security.

While the researchers believe commercial python farms would be more accepted in parts of Africa and Asia, they don't see them taking off in Australia or Europe anytime soon.

However, Lin Schwarzkopf, head of zoology and ecology at James Cook University, was skeptical of the idea and suggested a different approach to sustainability.

She told the Guardian, "We should be feeding the world with plant material if we want to support large numbers of people."

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Researchers make surprising case for adding pythons to your diet: 'There needs to be a conversation about them' - The Cool Down

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These bills stem from a national campaign led by STRIPED, The Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders, based at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Boston Childrens Hospital. The initiative reflects serious concerns among public health experts about the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements, which can include everything from multivitamins to supposed sexual enhancement elixirs.

Dr. Greg Hagan, past president of the Massachusetts chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, called the industry an utterly unregulated Wild West market of products that range from useless to harmful.

However, well-intentioned state bans on the sale of weight loss and muscle building supplements to minors are being stymied by litigation from the dietary supplement industry and the lack of a clear consensus about what products should be age restricted. A better solution would be for Congress to reform the outdated regulations governing all dietary supplements so the Food and Drug Administration can do a better job ensuring supplements are safe for all consumers, whether they are children or adults, and removing products from the market when problems arise.

How did we get here? In 1994, Congress passed a law governing supplements differently from food or medicine. The FDA does not approve supplements before they are sold unless they contain an ingredient not already in food and does not evaluate their efficacy. The agency can ensure that labeling is truthful and products are not adulterated and can investigate reports of serious side effects.

Some supplements are valuable health aids, like iron pills for someone with anemia. But supplements are not harmless. An estimated 23,000 Americans visit emergency departments annually due to adverse effects from dietary supplements, according to a 2015 New England Journal of Medicine report. There is evidence that young women who use diet pills are more likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder, although it is not clear if supplement use causes or is a symptom of eating disorders.

The efficacy of supplements that make generalized health-related claims is questionable. The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions young athletes against using weight gain or protein supplements, citing the potential for problems with safety, contamination, and quality, while a commentary in the AMA Journal of Ethics says doctors cannot ethically recommend weight loss supplements because these products safety and efficacy are unknown, ingredient lists might not be complete, and advertising could be misleading.

The biggest safety problem is that supplements are frequently adulterated. They might include prescription medication, unapproved drugs, or drugs that were withdrawn from the market.

Between 2007 and 2016, the FDA identified 776 adulterated dietary supplements, mostly intended for sexual performance, weight loss, or muscle building. The FDA in 2021 published a list of 72 weight loss supplements tainted with prescription drugs and chemicals. Several contained sibutramine, a drug withdrawn from the US market because it increased risks of heart attack and stroke. In November 2023, the FDA warned consumers against using products with the unapproved drug tianeptine, also known as gas station heroin, which was being marketed as a mood-enhancement supplement but caused seizures and loss of consciousness.

When the FDA identifies tainted products, it usually relies on companies to voluntarily recall them. A 2018 report by Dr. Pieter Cohen, a Cambridge Health Alliance internist, found that about half the supplements the FDA considered tainted remained on the market, and the FDA almost never used mandatory product recalls. A paper Cohen published in 2021 found that after the FDA warned dietary supplement companies against using phenibut a drug approved in Russia but not the United States due to risks of coma and death three of the four supplement products that advertised as including the drug had increased drug quantity.

Labels can also be inaccurate. Cohen tested generic drugs and dietary supplements containing the active ingredient galantamine, used in drugs to treat dementia and marketed in supplements to improve memory. All the drugs contained an amount of galantamine within 5 percent of the amount listed on the label. The supplements contained between 2 percent and 110 percent of the labeled quantity.

Supplement company representatives say these problems primarily reflect bad actors who sell unreliable products online. Some manufacturers have products certified by third-party verifiers to ensure manufacturing processes and labeling adhere to professional standards.

The best way to eliminate bad actors and ensure all companies offer safe products is by strengthening federal law. Senators Dick Durbin and Mike Braun introduced a bill in 2022, a version of which is expected to be reintroduced this year, that would require supplement producers to list their products in a new public FDA database with an ingredient list, copy of the label, and any health claims. This bill, supported by industry trade group the Council for Responsible Nutrition and the American Medical Association, is a good start.

It should be paired with additional steps to give the FDA greater oversight authority. This probably means expanding the FDAs oversight budget and clarifying its authority to impose mandatory recalls and fines when a supplement contains an unauthorized ingredient or is inaccurately labeled. (Today, the agencys authority is unclear when a supplement is tainted with a prescription drug.) It means giving the FDA authority to review and act on information submitted to the database for example, to forbid the sale of a product containing a dangerous ingredient like phenibut or tianeptine before sales begin. Congress could also consider requiring supplement companies to use a third-party verifier or tightening standards around when an ingredient counts as a new dietary ingredient that requires FDA approval.

A Massachusetts law requiring adult involvement before a teen buys a weight loss or muscle building supplement would be a reasonable policy. But to truly protect public safety, the federal government must close any loopholes that have allowed dangerous products to reach and remain on the market.

Editorials represent the views of the Boston Globe Editorial Board. Follow us @GlobeOpinion.

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FDA needs more oversight of diet pills, other dietary supplements - The Boston Globe

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Carrie Underwood certainly has a lot going on. In addition to raising two children, the singer is currently putting on a Las Vegas residency, curating her own SiriusXM channel Carrie's Country, and even embarking on her first shows in Hawaii.

So, to make all of this possible, Carrie, 41, fuels her busy days with a nutritious diet.

"I just try to have good balance," she told Women's Health. "If I have something coming up, I'll be a little more strict than if I'm just living life. I just try to keep food as simple as possible."

Previously, the Oklahoma native told WH she turned into a "wannabe vegan" thanks to her upbringing on a cattle farm. When she was 13 years old, she saw the calves shed grown up with getting neutered. From that moment on, she vowed to stop eating beef.

Although Carrie says she's "tried" a vegan lifestyle, she says she is no longer a vegan. She and her husband, former NHL player Mike Fisher, keep bees and chickens in their backyard, which she said are "well-taken care of."

"There's a lot of benefits to those things that I've kind of learned I need in my life," she says, pointing to the theory that consuming local honey will alleviate allergy symptoms. "And cheese!"

Carrie, who is the founder of nutrition and fitness app fit52, says she keeps tabs on her health. This means she tracks her macros, a.k.a. macronutrientsprotein, carbohydrates, and fatto keep her energy high. In 2020, she told WH that her happy place was 45 percent carbs, 30 percent fat, and 25 percent protein.

Another key part of Carrie's lifestyle? Hydration. Carrie, who chatted with WH about her partnership with sports drink brand BODYARMOR, said she carries their FLASH I.V. Electrolyte Sticks in her purse to mix with water for an on-the-go drink.

"One thing that I feel is so neglected in our lives is staying hydrated," she says. "It seems so simple," she says. "If you find yourself cranky... you need to drink more water! My husband will complain about a headache sometimes and I'm like, you need to drink more water."

Below, Carrie breaks down her diet, including quick meals she turns to on a busy day.

Breakfast

The singer begins her day with breakfast before breaking a sweat at her home gym. (She tries to work out every day when she can.) For Carrie, breakfast includes a tofu or egg-white scramble, Ezekiel toast, berries, and coffee.

Plus, Carrie always makes sure to keep water or a BODYARMOR drink near her, so she can stay hydrated anytime before or after her workout. "Always having something on me is the most important thing, whether it's BODYARMOR LYTE or the [FLASH I.V.] sticks in my purse. They make healthy choices convenient."

Lunch

For her mid-day meal, Carrie will usually make a veggie-packed, vegan sandwich. Hers includes healthy ingredients like Tofurky, tomato, avocado, red onion, spinach, and mustard.

The singer shares that she grows "as much of my own food as possible" so she knows exactly what's in it. But, if she doesn't have time to cook, she'll also turn to canned food and soups for a quick and easy meal.

Snacks

In the afternoon, Carrie might then grab a protein bar or whip up a green smoothie. Having nutritious choices available makes all the difference. "If you have healthy snacks in your house, then you're going to eat healthy snacks," she says. "So just keeping those things around you, you're going to be more apt to utilize those things."

Dinner

For her final meal of the day, Carrie says she'll make a tofu stir-fry, or roasted veggies and a piece of vegan chicken. When she's on tour, she prefers packaged foodslike vegetarian burritosover take-out. "I carry my own food with me everywhere," she told WH in 2020. "I'm always going to the grocery store, just so I'm prepared."

Dessert

Although she indulges in the occasional square of dark chocolate, Carrie says that sweets aren't really her thing. I do have my vice, Carrie said in 2020, and its red wine. Its good for my heart, right?!

Charlotte Walsh (she/her) is an associate news editor with Women's Health, where she covers the intersection of wellness and entertainment. Previously, she worked as a writer at The Messenger, E! News, and Netflix. In her free time, she enjoys reality television, tennis and films starring Nicole Kidman.

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Carrie Underwood's Diet: What The Singer Eats In A Day - Women's Health

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