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Published on Leave a comment on Food Preservatives Linked to Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Processed meat Credit: Wikipedia

Many studies are finding that eating ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can lead to all sorts of health problems. A recent large study conducted in France found that people eating higher amounts of food preservatives had a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Overall, people consuming foods with higher amounts of preservatives had a 47% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (when compared to people eating low amounts of preservatives).

Over 100,000 French adults were followed for more than a decade. The researchers found that 58 preservatives were in the foods they ate. The researchers examined 17 preservatives in depth (the most common ones eaten) and found that 12 preservatives are linked to type 2 diabetes: potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulphite, sodium nitrite, acetic acid, sodium acetates, calcium propionate, sodium ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol, sodium erythorbate, citric acid, phosphoric acid, and rosemary extracts.

Bottom line: Read ingredient lists on food labels. Avoid foods that contain ingredients with chemical sounding names that are not normally found in a home kitchen. Those ingredients are in ultra-processed foods. Additionally, "natural flavors" are laboratory concoctions (found in ultra-processed foods).

From Science Daily: Common food preservatives linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes

People who consume higher amounts of food preservatives may face a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a large new study. Preservatives are commonly added to processed foods and beverages to extend shelf life. ...continue reading "Food Preservatives Linked to Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes"

Published on Leave a comment on The Foods You Eat and Their Link to Constipation

For years it has been known that increasing the amount of fiber (and drinking enough fluids) in a person's  diet helps to prevent constipation. A recent large multi-year study of 96,000 adults confirmed this: Mediterranean and plant-based diets prevented constipation, and Western and inflammatory diets (low fiber, high ultra-processed foods) raised constipation risk.

Vegetables, cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli), legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), and fruits were all associated with reduced risks for constipation. High vegetable and nut consumption was especially good for preventing constipation. Additionally, a low carbohydrate diet showed a slight increased risk for constipation. Eating a diet rich in cereal fibers (e.g., white bread, low fiber breakfast cereals) and ultra-processed foods was linked to constipation.

Besides reducing constipation, many studies show that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, such as the Mediterranean diet, is protective for cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., heart disease, heart attack, strokes, kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes), cancer, and even early death. This type of diet is high in fiber, has positive effects on the gut microbiome, and reduces chronic inflammation.

From Science Daily: What 96,000 adults taught scientists about preventing constipation

Chronic constipation becomes more common with age. Researchers from Mass General Brigham conducted a new study examining whether five widely followed diets could help prevent chronic constipation in middle- and older-age adults. The team monitored more than 96,000 participants for several years to see how long-term eating habits influenced the likelihood of developing this persistent gastrointestinal issue. Their analysis showed that people who routinely ate a Mediterranean or plant-based diet experienced a lower incidence of constipation. The findings appear in Gastroenterology. ...continue reading "The Foods You Eat and Their Link to Constipation"

Published on Leave a comment on Ultra-Processed Foods Harm Human Health All Sorts Of Ways
Credit: Wikipedia

The list of health harms from ultra-processed foods just keep growing. Unfortunately, most Americans get the majority of their calories from ultra-processed foods. A recent series of studies found that ultra-processed foods harm every one of our major organs. They increase the risk of many chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity ) and early death.

How do you know a food is ultra-processed? Look at the ingredient list and if there is something that normally is not found in a person's kitchen, then it is ultra-processed. Examples of such ingredients are: emulsifiers, carrageenan, mono- and diglycerides, soy lecithin, polysorbate, cellulose, colors, titanium dioxide, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dextrose, whey protein, nitrates, flavors (artificial and natural), colors, etc. (Yes, natural flavors are laboratory concoctions.)

Ultra-processed foods are food products manufactured with all sorts of ingredients (additives) that have been added to extend shelf-life or manipulate the taste, flavor, or appearance. Ultra-processed foods are "formulations of ingredients" that result from a series of industrial processes (thus "ultra-processed").

Bottom line: Read labels! Try to avoid foods with ingredients not normally found in your kitchen. Try to eat as many whole foods and minimally processed foods as possible.

Excerpts from The Guardian: Ultra-processed food linked to harm in every major human organ, study finds

Ultra-processed food (UPF) is linked to harm in every major organ system of the human body and poses a seismic threat to global health, according to the world’s largest review.UPF is also rapidly displacing fresh food in the diets of children and adults on every continent, and is associated with an increased risk of a dozen health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression.

...continue reading "Ultra-Processed Foods Harm Human Health All Sorts Of Ways"

Published on Leave a comment on Preventing Diabetes With A Mediterranean Diet and Increased Physical Activity

There has been lots of research in the past decade over the benefits of eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, especially a Mediterranean style diet. Health benefits include lowering chronic inflammation and a lower incidence of a number of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

A recent study conducted in Spain added a twist to this. The researchers found that eating a lower calorie Mediterranean diet and increased levels of physical activity, resulted in a 31% reduction in the development of type 2 diabetes, as well as a greater weight loss and reduction of their waist size. The comparison group were persons who ate a Mediterranean diet, but without lowering their calorie intake or increasing physical activity over the 6 years of the study.

The subjects in this study were 4756 overweight or obese adults with metabolic syndrome, but without prior cardiovascular disease or diabetes - thus a group that was at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The calorie reduction goal was to eat about 600 fewer calories per day.

Excerpts from Science Daily: Scientists found a smarter Mediterranean diet that cuts diabetes risk by 31%

Eating a Mediterranean-style diet with fewer calories, adding moderate physical activity, and receiving professional guidance for weight management can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 31%. That is the key finding of PREDIMED-Plus, a large clinical trial led in Spain by the University of Navarra together with more than 200 researchers from 22 universities, hospitals, and research institutes. The project was carried out in over 100 primary care centers within Spain's National Health System. ...continue reading "Preventing Diabetes With A Mediterranean Diet and Increased Physical Activity"

Published on Leave a comment on French Fries and Diabetes
French fries Credit: Wikipedia

French fries are a favorite food of Americans. However, a recent large study found that eating 3 or more servings of French fries a week is associated with a 20% increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The same risk is not found with eating other forms of potatoes, such as mashed, baked, or boiled.

There was a dose response effect with French fry consumption - the more servings a person ate per week, the greater the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For 3 servings per week, there was a 20% increase in type 2 diabetes, but consuming 5 or more servings of French fries weekly was associated with a 27% higher rate of type 2 diabetes (when compared to people who rarely ate French fries, that is, less than 1 serving per week).

Also, replacing 3 servings per week of any form of potatoes with whole grains lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but not replacing potatoes with white rice. White rice is linked to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

Why is that? There is lots of fiber in whole grains and in whole potatoes (especially the skin), which is not present in French fries and white rice. Whole potatoes are also a good source for a number of nutrients, such as vitamin C, potassium, polyphenols, and magnesium. Many studies find that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts is linked to a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes.

From Science Daily: What scientists discovered about french fries and diabetes

Eating three servings of French fries a week is associated with a 20% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but eating similar amounts of potatoes cooked in other ways -- boiled, baked or mashed -- does not substantially increase the risk, finds a study published by The BMJ on August 6. ...continue reading "French Fries and Diabetes"

Published on Leave a comment on Diabetes and Artificial Sweeteners

For years I heard health care providers recommend to persons worried about or with type 2 diabetes to only consume water, unsweetened coffee or tea, or zero calorie artificially sweetened beverages, including soda. Well, it turns out that artificial sweeteners have all sorts of harmful health effects, with different sweeteners (e.g., erythritol) having different effects.

Another recent study found that the consumption of diet drinks and saccharin, a very popular sugar substitute, are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In other words, the sweeteners are linked to the very problem people are trying to avoid.

A little confusingly, the researchers did not find a link to type 2 diabetes when looking specifically at overall artificial sweetener, sucralose, and aspartame intake. But they did with saccharin (the oldest artificial sweetener in use) and overall diet drink consumption.

This study questioned people 3 times over 20 years, with a final follow up at 30 years, so perhaps these results are due to different artificial sweeteners used in drinks over time, and even what they themselves purchased. For example, some people buy saccharin to add to coffee and tea at home.

From Medscape: Diet Drinks, Saccharin Tied to Increased Diabetes Risk

Consuming higher amounts of diet drinks and/or saccharin was associated with an elevated risk of developing diabetes, while total artificial sweetener intake, sucralose, and aspartame showed no significant association, according to an analysis of data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. ...continue reading "Diabetes and Artificial Sweeteners"

Published on Leave a comment on Study Found Losing Weight Reversed Type 2 Diabetes

scale, weightType 2 diabetes is a huge problem in the US. Studies have long suggested that losing weight can help a person reduce or even stop having to use diabetes medication, and even reverse the diabetes. A recent study also found that type 2 diabetes in overweight individuals can be reversed by losing weight.

The good news is that the weight loss doesn't have to be huge - it can be as little as 8% of body weight (e.g., 16 lbs in a 200 pound person). Losing 8% of their body weight improved glycemic control because there was an improvement in their insulin responsiveness. By the way, all the participants in the study had a "sedentary lifestyle" and none exercised.

From Medical Xpress: Can type 2 diabetes be reversed? Experts say 'yes'

More than 36 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, a condition primarily attributed to the body's cells not responding to insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. Due to the concomitant increase in the prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes is rising across the U.S. and around the world.

Insulin resistance drives type 2 diabetes, Shulman explains. "If you reverse insulin resistance, you reverse type 2 diabetes," he said. In a landmark study, Shulman and Kitt Petersen, MD, professor of medicine (endocrinology), showed that modest weight reduction—even as little as 10%—does just that. The study is published in the journal Diabetes. ...continue reading "Study Found Losing Weight Reversed Type 2 Diabetes"

Published on Leave a comment on Diet and Risk of Developing Dementia

One message keeps being supported by research: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains, legumes, and olive oil. A reason is because this diet is anti-inflammatory. And it turns out that inflammation is at the root of many diseases, including heart disease. And dementia.

A recent study that followed more than 84,342 older adults (60 years or older at the start of the study) found that those who ate an anti-inflammatory diet had a 21% lower chance of developing dementia. They also had larger gray matter volume in the brain, and smaller white matter lesions or spots in the brain (white matter hyperintensity volume). All of the adults had cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, stroke) at the start of the study.

Other studies have already confirmed that eating an anti-inflammatory diet (e.g., Mediterranean diet) is linked to lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, lower dementia risk, better cognitive function, and better brain aging (as measured by MRI scans).

From Medical Xpress: Anti-inflammatory diet could lower your odds for dementia

Eating a healthy diet that dampens inflammation in the body could lower your odds for dementia, especially if you already have heart risk factors, a new Swedish study shows. ...continue reading "Diet and Risk of Developing Dementia"

Published on Leave a comment on A Mediterranean Style Diet Feeds Beneficial Gut Bacteria

The incidence of both intestinal bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer is rapidly increasing in developed countries (e.g., US, Canada, Europe). There are many theories over why this is occurring, with most researchers thinking a person's diet plays a role. A big suspect in promoting IBD and colorectal cancer is the Western diet, which has lots of ultra-processed foods and is also low in fiber.

A recent large study looked at 6 major diets and how they impact the gut microbiome. The six dietary patterns were: Western diet, Mediterranean diet, high-fiber diet, plant-based diet, high protein diet, and ketogenic diet.

And surprise, surprise - eating a Western diet resulted in having an increase in gut bacterial species linked to chronic inflammation, heart disease, colorectal cancer, IBD, and diabetes. The Mediterranean style diet had an increase in bacterial species linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, IBD, and type 2 diabetes. In fact, all 6 diets had distinct bacterial profiles in the gut.

Bottom line: The foods a person eats can either feed and nourish beneficial bacteria or harmful bacteria (linked to cancer and IBD). Best for health is a Mediterranean style diet (lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts), and avoiding ultra-processed foods. You are what you eat!

From Medical Xpress: Western diets pose greater risk of cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, study finds

Western diets pose a greater risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer, according to a milestone review of what people eat around the world. ...continue reading "A Mediterranean Style Diet Feeds Beneficial Gut Bacteria"

Published on Leave a comment on Denialism and Cover-up At Manufacturer Of Forever Chemicals
3M Company Credit: Wikipedia

Forever chemicals are in the news all the time now. A very interesting and well-researched article was recently published by the investigative journalism site ProPublica about Kris Hansen, a chemistry PhD who worked at 3M company. Initially, as part of her job in 1997, she documented that forever chemicals (PFOS, PFAS) were showing up in everyone's blood - both workers at the company, as well as people outside the company. Animals also. But then her work was suppressed, her bosses at 3M convinced her the chemicals were safe, and she continued working there for years.

Also... she was sidelined by her bosses after her initial findings, her job became more limited at the company, and finally she moved to a different area of the company (medical devices). Yet for years she told her husband and herself that the chemicals were safe. Only in 2021, after watching a John Oliver segment on TV about forever chemicals, she finally googled PFOS. But she only left the company in 2022 (after 26 years) when her job was eliminated.

One interesting part to me was - How did she rationalize doing nothing and continue working there for decades? She knew it was appearing in everyone's blood, there was research (animal and human) available showing it caused harms, and yet.... she chose to believe what management was saying (it's safe), stayed silent, and basically buried her head in the sand. Didn't want to know...

Yes, I've seen this elsewhere - when interacting with people in higher level white collar jobs in the pesticide industry. Their salaries are good, their jobs depend on denialism and ignoring scientific research, and so they spout the industry line of "it's safe"..."nothing is proven". So it continues...

A few excerpts from ProPublica: Toxic Gaslighting: How 3M Executives Convinced a Scientist the Forever Chemicals She Found in Human Blood Were Safe

The next morning, anxious to see the results, Hansen arrived at the lab before anyone else. For the first time since she had begun testing blood, some of the samples showed no trace of PFOS. She was so struck that she called her husband. There was nothing wrong with her equipment or methodology; PFOS, a man-made chemical produced by her employer, really was in human blood, practically everywhere. ...continue reading "Denialism and Cover-up At Manufacturer Of Forever Chemicals"