NUTR351

Nutrition and Society

[kellizentz]

I found this study to be interesting. I believe that portion sizes have truly changed and most individuals do not know what actual portion sizes are. Take for instance going out to a restaurant for dinner and ordering pasta. Generally that plate of pasta is filled and you can’t even finish half of…

[danibrag]

It really is ridiculous how large the portions have become in today’s society. I honestly don’t think we as Americans know what a serving size is, we are so used to the large portions we are served everywhere we go. I think if portion sizes can be taught starting at an early age, it would help our obesity rates in the United States.

[linsdseyleenutr351]

Managing Your Crohn's When you are Elderly

The aging process can be more difficult for some than others. Old age is something that each one of us will most likely face. Aging well when you have Crohn's can be a difficult experience for some. Although Chron's disease itself is not fatal it can have a variety of consequences on the body. The National Institute of Health has linked poor kidney function, heart disease and liver failure as possible outcomes from poor management of Crohn's. The National Institute of Heath highly recommends that anyone diagnosed to have Crohn's stops smoking and drinking immediately. This is because these substances keep the inflammation response elevated. Also, like people of all ages newly diagnosed with Crohn's it is recommended that a person sees a dietitian to make sure their nutritional needs are being met.  In addition to a closely managed diet it is hugely important that an elderly person stay hydrated. Many elderly people have a hard time drinking enough fluids when they are worried about incontinence issues. However, Crohn's patients lose more fluid on average because of frequent dysentery problems. Another thing to consider about being elderly and suffering with Crohn's is the risk of mixing medications. An elderly person may be taking one or more medications to prevent certian other diseases like aspirin  or warfarin following a heart attack.  These medications interact with Crohn's and worsen symptoms. The Mayoclinic suggests working closely with a physician and alerting a doctor of any changes.

[linsdseyleenutr351]

Food in security means to be in a state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable nutritious food. This is not a problem particularly thought of when examining the United States when compared to other third world countries. However, there are millions of us citizens that go hungry every day.

Food insecurity exists in the United States for several reasons.  Low income being the largest factor many people in the United States have found themselves unemployed since 2013. A staggering 7.4% of Americans are without work as stated in FeedingAmerica.org, a website dedicated to delivering facts on hunger and poverty in the United States. In 2013 45.3 million people were living in poverty. In addition 6 percent of households experienced very low food insecurity issues.

In addition to low income status many Americans find themselves living in food deserts. A food desert is an urban or rural area in which it is difficult to buy, affordable, fresh, or good-quality. Food desserts exist in inner cities due to lack of space in the industrial atmosphere to provide a grocery store that can stock foods at a reasonable price despite freight costs and limited space. In addition to limited space for food markets it is not cost effective for food markets to get a shipment of perishable foods that have a high spoilage rate. Many people living in these inner city food deserts also find themselves without transportation. It is incredibly hard to take your groceries home on a bus or train. And most markets are in not within walking distance and public transportation costs money. It is highly inconvenient to carry groceries home on the bus let alone it would take several trips on a limited budget to be able to bring home enough food.

Rural areas are also subjected to food desserts. Like in inner cities it is highly expensive to get fresh food shipped to desolate areas at a reasonable price. There are no incentives for markets to supply these remote areas. Many people of these areas do not have adequate reasonable means of transportation to get to a market. Many rural areas also have a low income population as in inner cities. These low income families struggle to find the means to get to a reasonably priced market. And ultimately don’t have the money for transportation as well as food.

Also food insecurity issues plague those who are illiterate or those who do not speak English.  There are many agencies and programs available for supplementation, but those who are illiterate or non English speaking have overwhelming challenges to overcome to get the assistance they need. There is also a bad stigma that comes with living on food stamps. It is also emotionally taxing on low income children. Many children may hide the fact that the money on their lunch card is government funded but when it comes to field trips it is hard to be the only child eating out of a bag provided by the school.

I as a health care professional, working in specifically community nutrition, hope to bring about change in what is available to the low income people living in the United States. Since it is difficult to change how or why people are living in poverty; I would like to focus on the specific things that make up a low income environment. I would like to focus on what is available for sale and for what cost. I would like to improve sufficient cost effective transportation to those who are forced to commute a long distance on a limited income to buy food. As well as improve the ways they are allowed to carry their goods using the public transportation system. In addition I want to explore ways to improve the stigma around nutrition support programs such as WIC, School Lunch programs, and lastly food stamps supplements. Lastly, I think providing low income individuals help and guidance when in filling out applications for nutritional support is a huge part of the responsibility of being a nutritional professional.

By becoming a community health professional in nutrition and dietetics I believe I will be able to help the community in several ways. I believe that having and understanding and education on public help policies I can participate in forming new ideas in policy making. I also believe I can help bring a voice to those who struggle with food insecurities and poverty. I firmly believe having and understanding what is important to those who public policies effect is key to my future profession.

[msu-bobkat-blog]

The CDC completed a national health and nutrition examination survey in 2005 through 2008. Here are some of their key findings that are listed in their data brief, http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db50.htm.

Among men, obesity prevalence is generally similar at all income levels.

...

[linsdseyleenutr351]

Interesting post, I enjoyed some of the key findings of the examination survey.

[linsdseyleenutr351]

Treatment for Children with Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is often not diagnosed in children right away. It takes a while for most parents to recognize that their children’s condition is much larger than chronic Irritable bowel syndrome. For most children with inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease, treatment is a balance of medicines and nutritional support. A team of specialists is most effective in helping a child get the nutritional support they need to stay in school and grow to be healthy adults.

Often treatment comes from experts in digestive health, immune health, nutrition or didactic help, and lastly psychological help because it can be an embarrassing disease. The goal for treating a child with the disease is to help them find a well rounded balance within their lives. By utilizing a team approach to treating a child with Crohn’s disease treatment will restore balance and health to the child’s body. Treatment will help relieve any pain or other symptoms caused by the disease. Inflammation will subside and ultimately heal intestinal ulcers. A child getting treatment will also get help in receiving good nutrition. Growth and development will then ultimately be restored. Bone density and strength will then return to the child. There are nutritional therapies that can reduce inflammation. Working with a dietitian will greatly help a child discover foods that are easy for them to eat. Lastly, a child and family will be more readily able to handle the mental and emotional effects of dealing with Crohn’s disease.

[linsdseyleenutr351]

Smart Start to Conveiving with Crohn's

“Pregnancy should be deferred until a woman is in remission and on a stable medication regimen for a consistent period of time,” says Mariam Fayek, MD, a physician at the Women & Infants’ Center for Women’s Gastrointestinal Health in Providence, R.I. “Most inflammatory bowel disease medications are safe during pregnancy, with the exception of a few.”

There are some drugs for Crohn’s disease that aren’t advised while you’re trying to conceive. Sulfasalazine, may cause issues with low sperm counts in over 80 percent of men. Therefore, it is recommended that you stop sulfasalazine at least two months prior to attempting to conceive. Methotrexate (brand name Trexall) has the potential to harm the fetus, so it is recommended to stop the medication for at least three months prior to attempting to conceive in both men and women.

Additionally, there are safety guidelines concerning steroid medication use while a woman is pregnant. Dr. Fayek says that “the use of corticosteroid medication during the first trimester is associated with a small risk of cleft palate, as well as risk of gestational diabetes and macrosomia, an abnormally large fetus.

Women with inflammatory bowel disease should see a high-risk ob-gyn doctor to help monitor their pregnancy, Fayek stresses. Before trying to become pregnant, she suggests having tests to check for anemia and levels of folate, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. “Some studies suggest that low vitamin D levels are associated with infertility,” she explains. “Additionally, low folate levels are associated with increased risk of neural tube defects. Vaccinations should be up-to-date as well as health maintenance needs, such as colon cancer screenings and cervical cancer screenings.”

[linsdseyleenutr351]

IRON FORTIFIED FOODS

[bean27j]

In an article published by Harvard Medical School, the reasons why stress causes us to turn to food are discussed. The main reason we eat when we are under stress is because of the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone leads to an increase in appetite, and when we are under stress, the first…

[msu-bobkat-blog]

That’s all very interesting, but I have to say that I’m pretty sure stress drinking and smoking sounds more harmful than some ice cream.

[linsdseyleenutr351]

That is true. Some people tend to eat less when they are stressed. I wonder if the majority of those who eat less are the ones smoking and drinking instead?

-Lindsey Lee

[linsdseyleenutr351]

What to eat if you have Crohn’s

  If you’ve got inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you need to make calories count. Certain foods won't speed gut healing, but there are plenty that can help you stay well-nourished without aggravating symptoms.

Here are 3 foods that should be easy on your digestion. However, the right Crohn's diet is highly individual—so use trial and error to see what works for you.

DAIRY:

Many people with Crohn’s are lactose intolerant. Luckily, there’s a great dairy alternative: almond milk, which is made from ground-up almonds and can be fortified to contain as much calcium as regular milk (check the label). Almond milk also has vitamin D and E, but contains no cholesterol or saturated fat, and fewer calories than cow’s milk. Many varieties contain added sweetener; choosing an unsweetened product cuts about 20 calories per serving.

EGGS:

Scrambled, hard-boiled, soft-cooked—any way you prepare them, eggs are an inexpensive source of easily digested protein. Make sure you’ve always got some in the fridge. Eggs and toast are a standby for Marge McDonald, 46, during a flare up, along with potatoes and egg noodles.  Anything non-greasy will help during a flare up.

 Oatmeal:

This comfort food is a great choice if you have Crohn’s. Most people find that eating oatmeal is ok to eat when they are having a flare up. Most people report only eating simple carbohydrates when they are having a flare up oatmeal also has a lot of soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is the kind in raw veggies, fruits, and nuts that draws water into the colon and can worsen diarrhea for those with IBD. But oatmeal has soluble fiber, which absorbs water and passes more slowly through your digestive tract

[msu-bobkat-blog]

The CDC completed a national health and nutrition examination survey in 2005 through 2008. Here are some of their key findings that are listed in their data brief, http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db50.htm.

Among men, obesity prevalence is generally similar at all income levels.

...

[linsdseyleenutr351]

I suppose part of the reason women are more liable to have weight issues in low income surrounding is that woman are more likely to eat when stressed. Their food systems often times revolve around fast food chains don't you think? Money and income status can be a huge stress factor for many Americans, and in particular women tend to respond to emotions different then men.

[linsdseyleenutr351]

People with Crohn's disease often suffer from anemia and have low levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and importantly iron. These nutritional deficiencies and inability to maintain a normal weight is a serious problem for many people, especially children with Crohn's disease. Since there are no right and wrong answers when it comes to choosing food when you have Crohn's disease it is important to map out what foods trigger your symptoms. Identifying the foods that trigger your flare ups will make your symptoms more manageable and give your intestinal track time to heal. Symptoms of Crohn's such as abdominal pain, bloating, cramping all becomes more manageable if you keep a food log.  

It is possible that the following foods aggravate symptoms during flares:

·         butter, mayonnaise, margarine, oils

·         carbonated beverages

·         coffee, tea, chocolate

·         corn husks

·         dairy products (if lactose intolerant)

·         fatty foods (fried foods)

·         foods high in fiber

·         gas-producing foods (lentils, beans, legumes, cabbage, broccoli, onions)

·         nuts and seeds (peanut butter, other nut butters)

·         raw fruits

·         raw vegetables

·         red meat and pork

·         spicy foods

·         whole grains and bran

·         alcohol(mixed drinks)

  Although the foods that trigger flare ups vary from one person to the next, it is important that all Crohn's patients try to follow a high calorie, high protein diet. Dietitians emphasize eating regular meals along with snacks even when you don’t feel like eating. Also, it is important to take your doctor recommended vitamins and mineral supplements.

[msu-bobkat-blog]

This being my first attempt at tumblr, my research topic is rather vague. Earlier in the month I tweeted, @WillKatelyn, the components that make up the definition of socioeconomic status, they are education, income, and occupation. I have been doing research on the effects of SES on obesity....

[linsdseyleenutr351]

It is very true when drawing comparisons from history to present times the women painted as royalty are all a little curvier than the images we see in the media today.  

[linsdseyleenutr351]

Simple Sugars Highly Consumed by Crohn's Patients

Several dietary factors have been documented to be associated with Crohns disease. Macronutrients such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates all play a role in the life of Crohns disease and its progression or regression. Pin pointing specific foods is not an easy determent as to whether they are harmful to someone with Crohn’s, due to the fact that every patient is a little different. However, highly refined sugars, and fermentable carbohydrates are noticeably greater consumed in patients with Crohn’s. A large number of case control studies have examined the association of refined sugar intake with Crohn’s disease. Eleven of fifteen studies done, reported an excessive amount of refined sugars and fermentable carbohydrates being consumed by Crohn’s patient’s pre illness or pre diagnosis compared to control groups. This is thought to be a response to the permeability intestinal barrier. Because Crohn’s disease is an auto immune disease the body attacks the protective barrier in the digestive track; making the intestinal track increasingly permeable to foreign materials and less likely to absorb the vitamins and minerals the body needs. Ultimately, the deterioration of the stomach lining makes it painful for Crohn’s patients to digest the foods they consume. As an end result many Crohn’s patients tend to reach for foods easily digestible. These foods tend to be simple sugars and easily fermentable carbohydrates. My brother at one point was living off of candy and baked goods alone before he was diagnosed. He found himself struggling to retain energy prior to receiving treatments and these foods were the only thing he found himself being able to eat. Since then he has learned to listen to his body and has become better at managing his treatments and his health.

[linsdseyleenutr351]

Nutrition and Society

My brother was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 26. Throughout most of his late teens early twenties he complained of having stomach issues. We are a ranching family and we learned from a young age to "toughen up," and so we heard only small complaints from my brother. My fathers as well as I have sensitive stomachs so we assumed my brother had similar problems. My brother would always wear his baggy work clothes and it wasn't often that we saw how skinny he had actually become. On occasion my brother would lose so much weight I would catch him coming out of the shower and it was only then that I was able to see how skinny he was. He finally went to a specialist a few years ago and they diagnosed him with having Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease is an auto immune disease associated with the lining of the gastrointestinal track. The disease responds to the lining of the gut as being foreign and harmful so intern the lining of the GI track becomes inflamed and covered with ulcers. The Mayo Clinic states that the complications of this disease are wide spread throughout the body. Complications from Crohn's include weight loss, malnutrition, bone loss, anemia, liver and heart failure, and multiple infections and skin problems. There is no cure for these disease only treatments. One treatment includes ingesting a parasitic tape worm to give the antibodies in the GI track something to respond too and attack instead of the host's body. However, there are other means of receiving treatment that are less drastic and can be effective. It is important that people with Crohn’s disease keep a mental note of what foods that they consume agitate their Intestinal track. This can be difficult because when the disease is in remission it is hard to identify what food groups are problematic. Over a great length of time my brother learned what foods he was particularly sensitive too and has been able to lengthen his remission times.