When to Seek the Help of a Registered Dietitian

According to the American Dietetic Association, there are nearly 70,000 registered dietitians in the United States. But chances are, even if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that requires attention to your diet, your doctor may not have referred you to a dietitian.

Unfortunately, many doctors either don't understand the critical role that diet plays in preventing and treating disease or simply choose to ignore this critical need. Consequently, you have to take things into your own hands and ask for a nutrition referral. This is particularly true if the doctor says, "Diet."

When it comes to your health, what you eat as well as what you don't eat is critical. So, get that referral. And ask your insurance company about paying for the consult. After all, with proper diet and lifestyle changes, you could improve your health and save the insurance company bundles of money.

Here are a few conditions for which you will need a referral to a registered dietitian, the food and nutrition expert:

• Diabetes. If you have diabetes, a registered dietitian can help you adjust your food intake to prevent dangerous spikes and lows in your blood sugar. Obesity is often a problem for people with diabetes, so you would certainly want to lose some weight if you are overweight. And with the help of your dietitian, you can succeed.
• Heart disease. Heart disease may worsen if you are overweight, have dangerously high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or if you have high blood pressure. A registered dietitian will walk you through the steps you can take to correct the underlying problems so that you can get back to living an active and fulfilled life.
• High cholesterol. Cholesterol is essential for a number of important living processes. But high levels have been associated with heart disease and stroke. By consulting with a registered dietitian, you will be able to choose foods wisely so as to keep your cholesterol down.
• High triglycerides. Like cholesterol, high triglycerides can cause plaque to build up in your arteries and damage your heart and blood vessels. A registered dietitian can help you find ways to manipulate your diet to prevent the damage caused by high triglycerides.
• High blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Making changes to your diet, consuming more fiber, choosing healthy fats, reducing your salt intake if you are salt-sensitive, and losing weight if you are obese can help to lower your blood pressure. Stress can also cause your blood pressure to increase. Working with a registered dietitian, you will be able to identify strategies for controlling your blood pressure. 

These are just a few reasons why you should ask your doctor for a referral. To find a registered dietitian, visit the American Dietetic Association website, www.eatright.org and click on "Find a Dietitian."

Cholesterol and Diabetes

If you have diabetes, your chances of having high cholesterol levels may be increased. Heart disease is a common problem in people with diabetes. Therefore, you should take measures to control your cholesterol.

Having diabetes also puts you at higher risk for having elevated triglyceride levels. High levels of triglyceride may make you more prone to heart disease. So, take steps to reduce your triglyceride levels, as well. Triglycerides are small particles of fat that are in your fat cells. They also circulate throughout your body.

If your doctor finds that you are at high risk for heart disease due to high cholesterol or triglycerides, take note. He will most likely advise you on making diet and lifestyle changes to lower your risk. He may also prescribe drugs to lower your cholesterol levels. Controlling your triglyceride levels depends to a great extent on your ability to make appropriate changes to your diet and getting more exercise. Controlling your blood sugar levels is also a major factor.

Of note: Walnuts have been shown to lower total cholesterol and LDL or bad cholesterol while fish oil lowers triglyceride levels. So, add 1 to 1.5 ounces of walnuts to your daily diet and eat at least two servings of fish weekly to control your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

3 Good Reasons to Lose Weight

If you have been thinking about losing weight but need a little motivation, here is food for thought. Obesity is associated with a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. It can lead to painful and debilitating symptoms. And it robs you of the chance to live a full active life, which is something all of us would like to do.

No doubt, you can think of many other good reasons to lose weight. Have your pick. Whatever your reason, use it to motivate you and keep you inspired. You already know you need to do to lose the weight. Just do it.

In case you need a few reminders, read on.

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body does not use insulin properly. As a result, sugar from the carbohydrates you eat does not get shuttled to the cells where it can be used for energy. Instead, it remains in your blood, leading to high blood sugar or hyperglycemia. This could cause inflammation throughout your body and potentially damage your heart, blood vessels and other vital organs. 

Losing weight, in conjunction with eating a nutrient-dense, high-fiber diet, may reduce your chances of developing diabetes. If you already have diabetes, making healthful changes can help to control your blood sugar levels and lower your risk of diabetes complications. If you need help with planning meals and snacks, talk to a registered dietitian.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure develops when the integrity of your blood vessels is compromised. Obesity puts a strain on your heart and blood vessels as these organs work to get blood to all parts of your body. Losing weight reduces the strain and might allow the blood vessels to be a little more relaxed. 

If you are obese, chances are you may not be getting enough omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients needed to keep your heart and blood vessels functioning optimally. 

As part of your weight loss program, you will need to focus on eating foods that are high in these polyunsaturated fats and other heart-healthy nutrients. Add fish and fish oil, and walnuts to your diet for a healthy dose of omega-3 fats. 

These fats can help to reduce your triglyceride and cholesterol levels, thus reducing your chances of developing heart disease. Make lots of room on your plate for high-fiber foods like nuts, seeds, dried beans and whole grain cereals, as well.

Heart Disease

Obesity increases your risk of developing heart disease by making your heart work harder to pump blood to the different organs in your body. If you are obese, it might also mean that you are not eating enough fruits and vegetables or other high-fiber foods. As a result, you may be lacking in essential fatty acids. These fatty acids, specifically omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in promoting heart health. 

Protect your heart by losing weight and shifting to a heart-healthy diet that includes fish or fish oil and walnuts or other plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

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For real solutions to your diet and nutrition questions, or to get personalized guidance, talk to a registered dietitian. Go to www.eatright.org, the American Dietetic Association website to find a dietitian near you. Registered dietitians are the healthcare professionals most trained and qualified to help you solve problems related to weight control and other diet and nutrition issues.

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Read today's Daily Diet Guide.  

Simple Steps to Preventing Heart Disease

Overview

If you have a family history of heart disease, you may be at increased risk for developing the disease yourself. So, it is important for you to pay attention to other risk factors. In many cases, you may be able to prevent or delay the development of heart disease by following a few basic steps.

Know Your Risks

Family history is a known risk factor for heart disease. Other risk factors include obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, particularly high LDL or bad cholesterol levels, and high triglycerides. A diet that is high in sugar, trans fat or saturated fat and low in dietary fiber can also contribute to heart disease. Studies suggest that low vitamin D levels may also put you at risk.

Tips for Making Your Diet Heart-Healthy

The American Heart Association and other healthcare experts have recommended a number of strategies to lower your risk for heart disease. Here are a few tips:

Weight Control. Lose weight if you are overweight. Small changes in your diet, coupled with exercise will help you to lose the weight and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Omega-3 fats. Increase your intake of omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats are powerful anti-oxidants that help to reduce inflammation in your body; inflammation has been linked to plaque buildup and an increased risk of heart disease.

Fiber. Foods that are rich in fiber play a key role in controlling your cholesterol. Fiber helps to control cholesterol by slowing the absorption of fat and by binding with bile in the gut to reduce the production of cholesterol.

Saturated fats and trans fat. Saturated fat and trans fat can increase the level of cholesterol in the blood, lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries and increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke. So do your best to avoid these fats.

Triglycerides. High triglyceride levels are common in people with diabetes. These fats have also been linked to heart disease. So, make a special effort to avoid these fats.

Sugar. Excess sugar can contribute to the development of heart disease by causing an increase in blood glucose and high insulin levels. Both high blood glucose and insulin have been associated with increased inflammation. This inflammation can lead to damage to the heart and blood vessels, thereby increasing your risk of heart disease.

Salt. Eating too much salt, specifically the sodium portion of the salt molecule, can lead to high blood pressure in certain individuals. High blood pressure results when the walls of the blood vessels get stiff, making it difficult for blood to pass through the arteries to the heart. When this happens, the heart can be damaged, resulting in a heart attack or a stroke.

Summary.

You can reduce your risk of heart disease by maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if you are overweight, eating a a diet that is rich in natural fiber,and eating foods rich in omega-3 fats. Avoid consuming sodas and other sugary drinks or foods made with a large amount of sugar. Also, avoid trans fats and  foods containing large amounts of saturated. fat. You should also reduce your salt intake. And finally, stay active.

Lose Weight Now: Eat Less Sugar

Overview

Sugar is a major cause of obesity and related health problems in the US. Most of this excess calories come from high fructose corn syrup, which seems to be added to just about every food imaginable - on store shelves, in fast food, at pastry shops, in the mall, in ice cream shops, on candy stands, and just about anywhere else that food is sold. The widespread addition of high fructose corn syrup to food and beverages makes it nearly impossible to avoid. Nonetheless, you should do everything you can to avoid foods with added sugars in any form.

5 Good Reasons to Avoid Added Sugar

There are many good reasons to eliminate added sugars, including high fructose corn syrup, from your diet. Here are just a few reasons:

Inflammation. High blood glucose (sugar) levels can cause inflammation throughout your body. According to a number of studies, chronic inflammation may lead to heart disease and a number of chronic diseases that affect millions in the US  and worldwide. Reducing your intake of sugar can help to reduce inflammation and promote health.

Obesity. If you are overweight or obese, chances are you are consuming foods that are high in added sugars and excess calories from those foods. You can cut calories and begin to lose weight by eliminating sugary food and drinks from your diet. Weight loss has been shown to support improvements in overall health.

High triglycerides. Studies show that consuming sugary food and drink sugar may lead to high triglyceride levels in the blood. These triglycerides can cause damage the lining of your blood vessels, cause blood clots and lead to a heart attack or stroke. By lowering your sugar intake, you may be able to reduce the level of triglycerides in your blood and prevent a cardiovascular event. People with diabetes are especially prone to high levels of triglycerides and should therefore make a special effort to eliminate added sugars from their diet.

Summary
The bad news is, eating foods that contain a large amount of added sugars could lead to obesity, inflammation and a number of other serious health problems. But the good news is, you can lose weight and improve your health by reducing your intake of food and drink made with added sugars. Be especially mindful of the presence of high fructose corn syrup in the foods you buy.

Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fats from Fish

Overview
A large number of scientific studies show that omega-3 fats (omega-3 fatty acids) from fish offer tremendous health benefits, particularly when it comes to preventing heart disease. Eating fatty fish two or three times a week appears to be sufficient to confer these health benefits.

Getting Your Omega-3 Fats

What types of fish should you eat to get your omega-3 fats? Health experts recommend that you eat fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and/or sardines two times a week. If you do not eat fish, you can get the same benefits from fish oil supplements, which come in 500 to 1000-milligram capsules. The American Heart Association recommends that people with heart disease get 1000 mg of omega-3 fats daily, preferably from food. The recommended amount for people with high triglyceride levels is 2000 to 4000 milligrams.

Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fats from Fish oil 

A large number of scientific studies show that omega-3 fats from fish offer a wide range of health benefits, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health. According to the research, omega-3 fats from fish or fish oil may help to:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Reduce triglyceride levels
• Reduce the risk of a heart attack
• Prevent plaque buildup in the walls of the blood vessels 
• Prevent blood clots

Other conditions for which the evidence may not be as strong, but for which some people may benefit include cancer, dementia, depression and infant brain development.

If you are being treated for heart disease or other serious health problem, and on prescription drugs, talk to your doctor and consult a registered dietitian before taking large amounts of fish oil supplements.

Note: Concerns About Mercury

Concern over mercury, a toxic metal, is of special concern for pregnant women, infants and children. Fish supplements may be free of mercury due to the purification process. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor and a registered dietitian to find out which option might be best for you.

Resources

Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid: MedlinePlus Supplements

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements