Nicolas Castillo’s Post

🌱🥦🍇 Plant-based diets are healthy, but not all plant-based foods are equal! 🚫 📖Read here: https://bit.ly/3xdPnDw ⚠️ Recent research warns against ultra-processed plant-based foods (UPFs), linking them to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to less-processed options. 🏥💔 📊 Over 118,000 people were studied, revealing that UPFs, even when plant-based, may have negative health impacts due to their composition and processing methods. 🍔🥤 🚀 Time to rethink our dietary choices! Let's focus on fresh, minimally processed plant foods for better cardiovascular health. 🌿💪 ❤️🌱 Credit: The Lancet Regional Health #HealthyEating #PlantBased #HeartHealth #cardiovascularrisk #ultraprocessedfood #meded #eMedEvents

I’m thrilled to share that I was recently quoted in a HuffPost article discussing a topic that’s crucial for our health: fiber intake. The article, titled “8 Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Fiber,” dives into the often-overlooked signs of low fiber intake and the impact it can have on our digestion and overall well-being. It's a privilege to contribute to such an important conversation, and I hope this article helps many people recognize the importance of including more fiber in their daily diets. Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ewEYsjvi #Health #Nutrition #Fiber #DigestiveHealth #Wellness #HuffPost

We’re pleased to highlight the "You Are What You Eat" project, featured in our Good Practices section. This initiative focuses on raising awareness about the critical role of balanced nutrition and physical activity in maintaining overall health and preventing lifestyle diseases like obesity. Key Takeaways: - Strengths: Emphasizes the power of nutrition in well-being. - Areas for improvement: More focus needed on meal variety and nutritional value. - Opportunities: Expanding impact through workshops and interactive sessions. Explore the full article 👉 https://bit.ly/3UgTffc #Nutrition #HealthyEating #SustainableFood #GoodPractices #Wellness #FoodSystems

Why We Might Never Know the Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods: An anonymous reader shares a report: A recent meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Chicago was presented with an observational study of more than 500,000 people in the US. It found that those who ate the most UPFs (ultra-processed foods ) had a roughly 10% greater chance of dying early, even accounting for their body-mass index and overall quality of diet. In recent years, lots of other observational studies have shown a similar link - but that's not the same as proving that how food is processed causes health problems, or pinning down which aspect of those processes might be to blame. So how could we get to the truth about ultra-processed food? The kind of study needed to prove definitively that UPFs cause health problems would be extremely complex, suggests Dr Nerys Astbury, a senior researcher in diet and obesity at Oxford University. It would need to compare a large number of people on two diets -- one high in UPFs and one low in UPFs, but matched exactly for calorie and macronutrient content. This would be fiendishly difficult to actually do. Participants would need to be kept under lock and key so their food intake could be tightly managed. The study would also need to enrol people with similar diets as a starting point. It would be extremely challenging logistically. And to counter the possibility that people who eat fewer UPFs might just have healthier lifestyles such as through taking more exercise or getting more sleep, the participants of the groups would need to have very similar habits. "It would be expensive research, but you could see changes from the diets relatively quickly," Dr Astbury says. Funding for this type of research could also be hard to come by. There might be accusations of conflicts of interest, since researchers motivated to run these kind of trials may have an idea of what they want the conclusions to be before they started. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

🌱 Health is Wealth: Insights from Global Health Experts on Nutrition As we continue to understand the profound link between nutrition and long-term health, it becomes clearer that health truly is wealth. Leading global health experts and organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasize the need for balanced nutrition in maintaining physical and mental well-being. Dr. Michael Greger, author of How Not to Die, advocates for a whole-food, plant-based diet to significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. His research suggests that 80% of chronic diseases are preventable through diet and lifestyle changes. Key Nutrition Tips from Global Experts: Whole, Plant-Based Foods: WHO encourages the consumption of more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. These foods are essential in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases like cancer and heart disease. Hydration and Balanced Meals: Dr. Rujuta Diwekar, one of India’s leading nutritionists, emphasizes that proper hydration and balanced meals are key to maintaining overall health. Staying hydrated boosts metabolism and helps manage weight, especially when paired with nutritious food choices. Replacing Processed Foods: According to Dr. Walter Willett of Harvard, replacing processed and red meats with plant-based proteins (like lentils, beans, and nuts) supports heart health, improves digestion, and reduces inflammation, which is a major contributor to many diseases. Real-Life Impact: A study published by The Lancet found that poor diets contribute to more deaths worldwide than tobacco or high blood pressure. By making healthier food choices, we can not only improve our longevity but also prevent the onset of lifestyle diseases. Takeaway: As we start the week, let’s prioritize our health through mindful eating. Small, consistent changes in our diet—like reducing processed foods and increasing plant-based meals—can lead to big improvements in our physical and mental well-being. How are you taking care of your health today? #HealthIsWealth #Nutrition #GlobalHealth #WHO #PlantBased #HealthyLiving #Wellness #DrMichaelGreger #DrWalterWillett #DrRujutaDiwekar 😊

March is National Nutrition Month! A recent study revealed that consuming ultra-processed foods like soda, candy, and prepackaged meat increases the risk of health issues such as cancer and heart disease. Furthermore, the study found that individuals who consume large amounts of these foods face a staggering 50% increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death. Learn more about your diet here! #NationalNutritionMonth #atwhealth #ppiconline #healthequity #qualityimprovement #healthcaretransformation #patientengagement

Avoiding Ultra-Processed Foods: In today's fast-paced world, the convenience of ultra-processed foods often outweighs their health impacts. However, recent research highlights the significant negative effects these foods have on our health, particularly our gut microbiome and metabolic health. A controlled feeding trial, titled "Ultra-processed food intake, gut microbiome, and glucose homeostasis in mid-life adults," sheds light on this critical issue. The study reveals that high consumption of ultra-processed foods disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to imbalances that can negatively impact glucose homeostasis and increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Ultra-processed foods are typically high in sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, all of which contribute to poor gut health. The disruption of the gut microbiome can lead to a host of issues, including inflammation, impaired nutrient absorption, and weakened immune function. Here are some key takeaways from the study: 1. Gut Microbiome Disruption: Regular intake of ultra-processed foods can alter the composition of gut bacteria, leading to dysbiosis and associated health problems. 2. Impaired Glucose Homeostasis: Changes in the gut microbiome can affect the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. 3. Increased Inflammation: The additives and preservatives in ultra-processed foods can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, exacerbating chronic conditions. To support optimal gut health and metabolic function, it's crucial to minimize ultra-processed food intake and prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and improve overall well-being. For a deeper dive into this important research, check out the full study here:  Ultra-processed food intake, gut microbiome, and glucose homeostasis in mid-life adults Let's make informed choices for our health and well-being! 🌿🍎 #GutHealth #Nutrition #HealthyLiving #Research #Wellness

How Dietary Needs Evolve with Aging: A Comprehensive Look Our nutritional needs change due to decreased physical activity, slower metabolism, and less efficient nutrient absorption. Understanding these shifts is key to maintaining health in older adulthood: Decreased Energy Needs Older adults often require fewer calories because of reduced activity levels and slower metabolism. Focus on nutrient-dense foods to ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Increased Nutrient Requirements Aging affects nutrient absorption, leading to increased needs for certain nutrients per unit of body mass. The Institute of Medicine provides specific guidelines for those aged 70 and above to address these increased needs. Effects of Chronic Conditions and Medications Chronic health issues and medications can impact nutrient absorption and increase the need for certain nutrients, like B vitamins. Managing these interactions is crucial for avoiding deficiencies. Challenges to Nutritious Eating Appetite and Taste Changes: Reduced appetite and altered taste can limit food choices. Oral Health Issues: Dental problems can affect eating. Opt for softer foods and address oral health concerns. Mobility and Financial Constraints: Difficulty with shopping and budget limitations can restrict access to nutritious foods. Consider using delivery services, buying in bulk, and seeking community resources. Importance of a Balanced Diet Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is vital for physical health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Prioritize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support health. Consulting with healthcare professionals or nutritionists can help tailor dietary recommendations to individual needs and improve quality of life. For more guidance, reach out to a health expert today. Visit www.tibpharmacy.com or call (510)-573-0064 to learn more about how we can support your well-being. Let's journey towards better health together! #TIBPharmacy #HealthAsWeAge #Multivitamins #NutritionForSeniors #LongTermCare #MedicationManagement #BetterHealth #Teamwork #TIBPharmacy #NewarkPharmacy #pharmacyservices #longtermcare #LTCPharmacyEndOfLifeCare #ltcathome #hospicespecialized #LTCPharmacy #HospicePharmacy #ltcspecialized #MedicationManagement #PackagingPower #SimplifyYourHealth #health #wellness

What you eat at 40 may affect how healthy you are at 70 If you eat well now, you may live better later. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and unsaturated fats in midlife can improve the chances of good mental, physical and cognitive health decades later, a new report shows. A study presented at a major nutrition conference Tuesday builds on years of research that a daily diet filled with highly nutritious foods can reduce the risk of developing common chronic diseases and help maintain cognitive functioning in older age. https://lnkd.in/eC43yB9t

🔍 I was looking for a simpler way to assess dietary quality. I found about The Global Diet Quality Score and thought of sharing. It might be helpful to you. I am still exploring the use case. Poor quality diets have serious health implications, spanning from undernutrition to overnutrition, affecting millions worldwide. Until recently, there wasn't a standardized method to measure diet quality effectively. The GDQS fills this gap, offering a simple yet comprehensive metric. It's designed for use in both low- and high-income countries, making it a versatile tool for assessing diet quality globally. With 25 food groups, including healthy and unhealthy options, the GDQS evaluates diet based on consumption quantity. It assigns points accordingly, providing a clear picture of overall diet quality. By understanding the GDQS, we can better track and address diet-related health challenges. Have you explored similar metrics in your practice? How could tools like the GDQS benefit you? Sharing knowledge is key to creating better nutrition outcomes. Don't keep this information to yourself - share this post with your network and help those in need. 👩🔬🌱 More details are available here in this pdf: https://lnkd.in/gqep92hY