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E-Newsletter • February 2024 |
Editor's E-Note
Early CVD Risk Reduction Is Key
Research has long shown that the number one cause of death in the United States is heart disease. However, as dietitians know, clients and patients can reduce their risk whether they’re genetically predisposed or have made continuous poor lifestyle choices. But the key to lowering risk more significantly is to begin following a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle early in life.
In this month’s E-News exclusive, Today’s Dietitian (TD) discusses women’s risk of heart disease, what research says about heart-healthy diets, and counseling strategies that may encourage clients to adopt lasting behavior changes earlier rather than later.
After reading the article, visit our website at www.TodaysDietitian.com to read the February digital edition that features articles on the impact of diet on cardio and mental health, diabetes technology, and digestive enzyme supplements.
Please enjoy the E-Newsletter and give us your feedback at TDeditor@gvpub.com, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.
— Judith Riddle, editor |
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Benefits of Adopting a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Early
By Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN
As the leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease risk reduction is a pressing topic worth discussing with clients. Parts of the country, including the south, are harder hit than others. Factors leading to increased risk include genetics and social determinants of health (SDoH). SDoH are the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes, such as the conditions under which people are born, live, grow, work, and age.
Currently, the University of Alabama is spearheading an effort to work with local health care providers to implement programs and resources designed to reduce risk factors for heart attacks, strokes, and other issues stemming from poor cardiovascular health.1 The results of this type of research, while targeting local rural areas, benefit other at-risk segments of the population, including men over age 45, individuals with a family history of heart attack or stroke, and postmenopausal women.
Women and Heart Disease
Women often are underdiagnosed with heart disease. Researchers note that education about heart health is especially important after menopause as the risk of heart disease increases. While menopause doesn’t directly cause CVDs, certain changes that occur in women’s bodies during this transition can impact heart health.2 The abundance of estrogen during a woman’s reproductive years offers natural protection against heart disease, which is why heart disease surfaces later in life, more so for women than men. However, other changes beyond the shift in hormones gradually increase a woman’s risk. Many women experience increased blood pressure, higher LDL cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides, which all can affect heart health.2,3 The value of having more research and health information available about perimenopause and menopause is that it highlights the need for women to pay attention to their health during the postmenopausal years.
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Intermittent Fasting Is Safe, Effective for Those With Type 2 Diabetes
Time-restricted eating, also known as intermittent fasting, can help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight and control their blood sugar levels, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open from researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).
Participants who ate only during an eight-hour window between noon and 8 PM each day lost more weight over six months than participants who were instructed to reduce their calorie intake by 25%. Both groups had similar reductions in long-term blood sugar levels, as measured by a test of hemoglobin A1c.
The study was conducted at UIC and enrolled 75 participants into three groups: those who followed the time-restricted eating rules, those who reduced calories, and a control group. Participants’ weight, waist circumference, blood sugar levels, and other health indicators were measured over the course of six months.
Senior author Krista Varady, PhD, a professor of kinesiology and nutrition at UIC, says that participants in the time-restricted eating group had an easier time following the regime than those in the calorie-reducing group. The researchers believe this is partly because patients with diabetes generally are told to cut back on calories by their doctors as a first line of defense, so many of these participants likely had already tried—and struggled with—that form of dieting. And while the participants in the time-restricted eating group weren’t instructed to reduce their calorie intake, they ended up doing so by eating within a fixed window.
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The Potential Downsides of New Weight Loss Drugs
Many people are turning to a new class of weight loss drugs to help combat weight issues, reports U.S. News. However, while the weight loss results can be impressive, people curious about their application should be wary of the potential side effects associated with the drugs.
Protein May Help Protect Women Against Types of Chronic Disease
A new study says that protein can help maintain women’s health as they age, reports NBC News. The study looked at 48,000 women and found that with every 3% increase of plant protein consumed was an associated 38% likelihood of staying healthy. Plant protein in particular was linked with a good mental health status. |
CPE Monthly and CE News Highlights
Learn about the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements and their interactions in this month’s issue of Today’s Dietitian. Read the CPE Monthly article, take the 10-question online test at CE.TodaysDietitian.com/CPEmonthly, and earn two CPEUs!
See all the latest CE news, including our monthly Presenter Spotlight here!
2024 Spring Symposium
Registration rates will increase on March 1st! This is your last chance for Advance Registration savings, so finalize your plans to join us this May 19–22 in Salt Lake City. Earn at least 17 CEUs with interactive educational sessions, workshops, and presentations led by some of the foremost experts in dietetics and nutrition.
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Streamline Your Practice
Running your own practice involves a constant juggling act. Luckily, NutriAdmin helps streamline admin processes and gets information to clients faster and more effectively. The service includes practically everything needed to run a practice, including services such as EHRs, billing, meal plans, and more. You can even create templates for just about anything including questionnaires, recipes, and reports. The service is available on PC and Mac.
Evolution Nutrition
Evolution Nutrition helps clients stay dedicated to their RD-approved meal plans with its large library of recipes and plans. The service allows for a self-serving client portal as well as a way for RDs to add their own recipes, foods, and supplements. Clients also can track how well they follow their eating plan—allowing their RD to follow their progress and help provide ongoing help. Evolution Nutrition is available on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS. |
In the March Issue
• Red Yeast Rice
• TD10
• Culturally Appropriate Food Media
• Enteral Nutrition Administration |
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COVER STORY
Mental Health’s Link to CVD Risk
Today’s Dietitian explores the impact of mental health on heart health and the potential for nutrition and lifestyle interventions to improve both.
FEATURE
Digestive Enzyme Supplements
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common, and consumers are turning to supplements to manage them. Learn how these remedies may improve digestion and help ease certain GI symptoms in appropriate dosages.
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