by Steve Kelley, originally uploaded by the Health Advocate.

It is simply undeniable, our diets really do affect our health and overall risk for disease. This week, cartoonist Steve Kelley reminds us.

Featured Health Observance.  April is Cancer Control Month. Since 1938, this annual proclamation has given Americans an opportunity to focus on advances against cancer, as well as, rededicate themselves to fighting the disease both through research and prevention.  President Obama observed:

“As researchers work daily to better understand this disease, Americans can take steps to decrease their risk of developing cancer. Individuals of all ages should seek regular and appropriate check-ups. These check-ups should include [Common Screening Tests], such as mammograms, the Pap test, and tests for colorectal cancer, all of which can help detect cancer during its early stages.  Healthy personal habits can also reduce the risk of cancer. Smoking accounts for thousands of cancer deaths every year, and quitting — even after many years — can greatly reduce the risk of cancer. Physical inactivity and obesity may cause a substantial proportion of colon, breast, endometrial, kidney, and esophageal cancers in the United States, so maintaining physical activity and a healthy diet can help prevent cancer, among other diseases. Finally, moderating alcohol intake and sun exposure can help protect Americans.”

In keeping with the broader concept of primary prevention and leading lives filled with health promoting activities, enBloom will also feature the following health observances this month so keep an eye out for ways to take part and educate yourself around these issues.

• April  1-30.  National Donate Life Month (This month’s first Friday feature is a continuation of the February discussion of National Donor Day and March discussion of World Kidney Day.)
• April 16.  National Healthcare Decision Day
• April 19-25.  National Minority Cancer Awareness Week

Source: National Cancer Control Month, 2009. In The White House Blog. Available at<http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-Marking-National-Cancer-Control-Month/>

Subscribe to enBloom

"At Honest Tea, we are alarmed by the obesity epidemic gripping our nation. Super-sweet beverages loaded with high-fructose corn syrup are often blamed for America’s growing waistlines." from the Honest Beverages website

A common question to tea drinkers has been sugar or honey? But if your tea is already sweetened and comes in a can or a bottle it is most likely sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Competition from companies like Honest Beverages forced Snapple to re-evaluate its own ingredients list recently. High-fructose corn syrup is an artificial sweetener and preservative that is created when one of the sugars contained in cornstarch is converted from glucose to fructose. The result is a sweetener that is made up of both glucose and fructose. This extremely sweet substance extends the shelf life of processed foods. And it is these two characteristics that have helped high-fructose corn syrup become such a widespread food ingredient since the late 1970s. In fact,

“HFCS now represents more than 40 percent of caloric sweeteners added to foods and beverages and is the sole caloric sweetener in soft drinks in the United States,” according to George A. Bray, Samara Joy Nielsen and Barry M. Popkin, the authors of a commentary in the April 2004 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Unfortunately, research has yielded conflicting results to date regarding the impact of high-fructose corn syrup on the body and health. It is believed to be a hidden culprit in the rise of obesity and type II diabetes in Americans. This is because some studies have shown that fructose unlike glucose is metabolized (or used) by the body in a different manner, so that it is converted to fat more readily than is glucose. At the same time, it bypasses the release of leptin, a hormone (or chemical messenger) that tells your brain you’re satiated (or full). The results of other studies (some of which have been privately funded by the beverage industry) suggest that HFCS does not behave any differently in the body than other sweeteners. Obviously, strict moderation is the key if your goal is to eat right. Be aware of high-fructose corn syrup on the labels of foods you purchase and eat. If it’s one of the first ingredients listed, then that item contains a large amount of HFCS and is probably not the best choice if you also want to get some nutritional value from the calories you consume. In general, limiting the processed foods you eat and choosing fresh, whole food alternatives (as I discussed in a previous post on veganism) will help a great deal. The announcement of changes to the Snapple line of beverages is just one of several examples of the need to read food labels closely and critically. Other foods that you might not expect to contain HFCS include: fruit flavored yogurt, frozen yogurts, fruit juices with added sweeteners, juice cocktail beverages, and fruits canned in heavy syrup.

What types of foods have you been surprised to learn contained high-fructose corn syrup? Leave a comment and let me know.

Sources:

Mohr, C.R. (2005, May). Is This Disguised Sugar Affecting Your Diabetes [Electronic Version]. Diabetes Health.

High-fructose corn syrup: What are the concerns? In Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Expert Answers. October 24, 2008. http://www.mayoclinic.com/ health/high-fructose-corn-syrup/AN01588
Subscribe to enBloom

Tomorrow, March 12 is World Kidney Day. Last month we discussed how heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. Unfortunately, too few Americans realize that chronic kidney disease is another life-threatening illness that often goes undetected until it reaches very advanced stages. Two common conditions that can lead to or exacerbate chronic kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes. Take some time on World Kidney Day to learn more about what your kidneys do for you and what you can do for your kidneys (to keep them healthy). Also, don’t forget as we focus on nutrition this month that both high blood pressure and type II diabetes can be significantly controlled, if not alleviated with the right type of diet and regular moderate to intense physical activity (consult your doctor for specific recommendations).

Learn More:

Take these 6 Steps for protecting your kidneys and your health.

10 Facts about Diabetes and Kidney Disease

10 Facts about High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease

Subscribe to enBloom Where You’re Planted

First Friday in First Person. As we observe National Nutrition Month, I have chosen to share my journey with a vegan diet. Last year about this time, I initiated a fast and decided to take on a vegan diet. I thought lent would be an excellent time because it would give me a definite beginning and ending to my experiment, if you will. For those of you who don’t know, a vegan is someone who refrains from eating animals and all animal products. They not only abstain from eating meat, pork, poultry, and fish but also foods that are byproducts of animals. That means they also refrain from eating eggs, as well as, butter and milk. I made this choice not so much because of politics or activism but mainly because I wanted to reap the health benefits.

I did some research and sought some advice before I began. I learned that vitamin and trace mineral supplements were necessary to compensate for the fact that I may not get the needed amount if my diet of mainly fruits and vegetables and grains lacked enough diversity. Within a month, I had lost weight and my skin was clear of blemishes, results I had hoped to attain. I had some interesting and informative experiences in the process, however. I quickly learned just how fast your body metabolizes (or digests) food when you feed it foods that are natural and not highly processed. The grazing method of eating holds very true. A dining schedule of breakfast, morning snack, lunch, after noon snack, followed by dinner is not a luxury or sign of greed but rather a necessity. I felt as though I was consuming very large volumes of fruits and vegetables, in particular. Yet, my body would tell me it was time for more food because if I did not act quickly enough I would have to be sure to eat some fruit (usually an apple) to keep from feeling too light headed. But I was light headed nearly every morning, a problem that became so severe I resumed taking iron supplements to alleviate the issue.

While the vegan diet was not an optimal fit for me, all in all, I do believe a diet emphasizing fruits and vegetables is best. A commitment to daily cooking and weekly shopping to keep stock of the variety and volume of fruits and vegetables required to keep you healthy is a must. Many vitamin and mineral supplements come in liquid formulations that can be hidden in smoothies, tea, and other food spreads. By being your own cook, you are assuring that you get the necessary nutrients. That being said, I also believe that most foods can be included in a healthy diet as long as the concept of moderation is observed. I generally eat red meat and pork only occasionally. Poultry, fish, and seafood, I consume far more often (trying not to overdo it with the cholesterol-heavy shellfish that I love). I do drink soy milk these days because my body tolerates it better. After weighing all the pros and cons, I think it makes the most sense to eat real cheeses from all sorts of animals and old-fashioned unsalted butter in moderation. I continue daily to keep my sweet tooth in check, but who can live without a little chocolate in their lives. Although veganism is not for my body, I am glad I tried it because it taught me a lot.

I’m curious, tell me are there some foods that you just can’t live without? Or live with for that matter? Send me a comment or email me for that matter sharing your dietary journey.

Subscribe to enBloom Where You’re Planted

Featured Health Observance. National Nutrition Month® is an education and information campaign created by the American Dietetic Association. This makes the month of March a good time to focus our attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating habits. Diet and exercise create a solid foundation for our health and wellness. You may not be fully aware, however just how much diet and exercise also contribute to the presentation and progression of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Here at enBloom, we will follow the lead of the American Dietetic Association and focus on how to eat right because healthy choices can help us all live longer and richer lives.

In keeping with the broader concept of the relationship between diet and disease, we will also feature the following health observances this month so keep an eye out for ways to take part and educate yourself around these issues.

March 12. World Kidney Day

March 24. American Diabetes Alert Day

Just how much do you already know about how to eat right? Take the quiz here.

Peruse the nutrition bookshelf for additional materials on healthy snacks for kids, smart food shopping, and healthy recipes.

Subscribe to enBloom Where You're Planted