Western Diet Reduces Kidney Function

Overview

If you are consuming the standard Western/American diet, you might already know that it is associated with an increased risk of obesity. This dietary pattern has also been shown to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Dietary Patterns

The Western diet is generally high in red meat, highly processed meats, saturated fats and sweets. The Western diet is also high in sodium. On the other hand, the DASH diet is high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Kidney function

In a study by Daniel I. Feig, et al., reported in the American Heart Association journal, Hypertension, May 2006, the researchers observed a decline in kidney function associated with the Western dietary pattern. In contrast, the authors reported that a DASH-style diet may be protective against kidney disease.

Significance

The decline in kidney function could lead to kidney failure and ultimately result in the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. You may be able to prevent this outcome by avoiding foods that can damage your kidneys and choosing foods that are protective against kidney damage. Protective foods include those associated with the DASH diet, particularly fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

References

Hypertension

American Journal of Kidney Disease 2011; 57: 245-254. Abstract

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If you need help in planning your renal diet, talk to a registered dietitian. Search online or go to the American Dietetic Association website and click on the link to find a dietitian. 

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Eating to Prevent Colon Cancer

Introduction

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. While a diagnosis of cancer can be devastating, there are some things that you can do to lower your risk of developing colon cancer.

Obesity, Waist Size and Colon Cancer

A number of studies show that being overweight and/or having a large waist size is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. Therefore, if you are overweight or obese, one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk is to lose weight.

What to Eat

Making healthy food choices on a daily basis is critical. Your digestive tract needs fiber along with vitamins, minerals and other plant compounds to function properly. However, if you are like most Americans, you may not be getting the fiber you need. You could be coming up short on a wide range of other nutrients, as well. 

Without these dietary essentials, your risk of developing colon cancer may be increased. So pay attention to what’s on your plant and make sure that you are eating foods that can protect against cancer rather than increase your risk.

Dietary Fiber

Eat foods that are high in fiber. That means fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables not only provide a large amount of fiber; they are also loaded with antioxidant vitamins and minerals, plus other phytonutrients that may help to prevent cancer.

Whole Grains

Whole grain breads and cereals can help to boost your fiber intake, which is necessary for a healthy digestive tract and colon health.

Dietary Fat

A diet high in fat, particularly animal fat, has been linked to increased risk for colon cancer. Health experts recommend limiting these types of fats in your diet. Choose healthy omega-3 fats and monounsaturated fats from fish, nuts and seeds instead.

References

American Institute for Cancer Research

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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For a personalized nutrition consultation, talk to a registered dietitian. Registered dietitians are the healthcare professionals most qualified by training and experience to assist you in making the right food choices for your condition. Find a registered dietitian by visiting the American Dietetic Association website at www.etright.org.

10 Rules for Achieving Heart-Healthy Weight Loss

Overview

Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise are the keys to heart-healthy weight loss. But making the right choices is not always easy. That's where rules come in. By following a few basic rules, you can lose the weight and improve your cardiovascular health.

10 Simple Rules for Heart-Healthy Weight Loss
Rule 1. Make the commitment. There comes a moment when you have to decide if you really want to lose the weight or if you are content to remain at the weight you're at. If you're dissatisfied and want change, you have to make the commitment.

Rule 2. Choose foods that are high in dietary fiber. Fortunately for you, the foods that are naturally high in fiber are, for the most part, low in calories. That means you can enjoy the heart-healthy benefits of the fiber and lose weight without going hungry. To comply with this rule, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with other foods that are naturally high in fiber.

Rule 3. Have some fish. Fish ranks high on the list of antioxidant-rich foods that help to keep your blood vessels flexible and prevent the buildup of plaque. Fish and other seafood are also great for losing weight because they provide ample protein without excessive amounts calories from fat. Even fatty/oily fish is good for you because the fish oil is rich in omega-3 fats – just what the doctor ordered for your heart health.

Rule 4. Drink plenty of water. It is important to stay properly hydrated when you are on a diet to lose weight. Water helps to keep you from feeling hungry, which can prevent you from overeating. Proper hydration is also important for the health of your heart and blood vessels. It keeps the nutrients in solution, helps to maintain the right amount of alkalinity in your blood, and can protect you from collapsing during exercise.

Rule 5. Consider having a glass of wine with dinner. A number of studies show that polyphenols in red wine may help to control cholesterol levels, prevent hardening of the arteries and promote healthy blood flow to the heart. But on't go overboard with these drinks. A good rule of thumb is one for the women and two for the men.

Rule 6. Go nuts for nuts. Until recently, nuts were generally considered off limits for people trying to lose weight. However, studies show that there is no reason to avoid these delightful foods if you can fit them into your diet as part of a healthy heart plan. So, go ahead and enjoy the anti-oxidant benefits that nuts provide.

Rule 7. Have an avocado. The avocado is an interesting fruit. Unlike other fruits, the avocado is high in fat. But the good news is, the fat in avocado is monounsaturated fat (MUFA), which helps to regulate cholesterol levels and keep your heart and blood vessels in great shape.

Rule 8. Fill up on dried beans, peas and seeds. These foods are high in fiber as well as protein and other key nutrients. The fiber is key because it helps your body get rid of LDL or bad cholesterol; this in turn helps to prevent the buildup of cholesterol plaque in your arteries.

Rule 9. Choose Whole Grains. Whole grains are naturally high fiber, healthy fats and vitamin E, all of which play a vital role in protecting your heart and blood vessels. Choosing whole grains instead of foods made with refined white flower can work wonders in keeping your calories down for successful weight loss.

Rule 10. Be Smart About Calories. You will have to make a special effort to ensure that the number of calories you consume is less than the amount that you burn. This will create the calorie deficit that is necessary to lose weight. If you can eliminate the sweets and foods with added sweeteners, you should fare well. Pay attention to all the other rules that are designed to produce weight loss and promote a healthy heart and blood vessels.