Search Weight Loss Topics:

Page 197«..1020..196197198199..210220..»

Prior weight loss, history of bone stress injury, and eating behaviors associated with dietary supplement use in preadolescent endurance runners -…

Posted: November 19, 2021 at 2:03 am

video:Lead author Michelle Barrack and principal investigator Adam S. Tenforde discuss the first investigation into the prevalence of dietary supplement and sport food use in male and female middle school-aged runners. Researchers found that almost half the study participants used these products on two or more days a week during the prior year. Characteristics associated with supplement use included a prior bone stress injury, following a vegetarian diet and behaviors suggesting dietary restrictions such as losing weight and skipping meals. view more

Credit: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Philadelphia, November 17, 2021 The first investigation into the prevalence of dietary supplement and sport food use in male and female middle school-aged runners has found that almost half the study participants used these products on two or more days a week during the prior year. Characteristics associated with supplement use included a prior bone stress injury, following a vegetarian diet and behaviors suggesting dietary restrictions such as losing weight and skipping meals, researchers report in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The preadolescent years represent a crucial period of growth. While previous studies have examined the use of dietary supplements in high school and college athletes, intake among preadolescent athletes was unknown, explained lead author Michelle Barrack, PhD, RD, CSSD, FACSM, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, CA, USA. It is important to evaluate this population due to the recognition of an elevated risk of low bone mineral density, bone stress injury, and inadequate intake of energy. Additionally, in some cases, dietary supplements have been associated with the development of adverse events in children and adolescents.

Data were gathered from 2,113 middle school-aged cross-country runners who completed a survey on dietary supplement use and related factors. Dietary supplements included vitamin/mineral and non-vitamin/mineral products; sport foods included energy bars, carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks, and protein bars or drinks. The survey covered demographic information, weight, height, sports participation history, weekly exercise training, running performance times, dietary patterns, menstrual function, history of a clinical eating disorder, and injury history. Respondents were asked to indicate the type and frequency of supplements and sports food consumption over the last year.

Among the middle school runners surveyed, 42.7% used either a dietary supplement or sport food on two or more days per week. Overall, 26.1% of runners reported using one or more dietary supplement, and 32.6% reported use of a sports food. Girls reported higher use of multivitamins/minerals, vitamin D, calcium, iron, probiotics, and diet pills. Boys reported higher use of creatine and sports food.

A higher proportion of runners with supplement use, compared to preadolescents with no supplement use, followed a vegetarian diet, were underweight, had one or more running-related injuries, met criteria for elevated dietary restraint, had a diagnosed eating disorder, or reported currently attempting to gain weight. Supplement use was reported by 51% of runners who skipped meals and 77% of runners with weight loss in the past year. The findings support associations between higher supplement use and factors consistent with lower food intake or energy deficiency.

To our knowledge, this is the first study to observe these associations in youth runners, said Dr. Barrack. Findings from the study draw attention to the need for teaching middle school runners following an omnivorous or vegetarian diet about the importance of eating adequate energy, while avoiding calorie restriction or skipping meals.

While supplements can aid in addressing nutrient inadequacies, limited regulation means that some products may contain harmful ingredients or promote adverse health effects. Preadolescent endurance runners should maximize energy and nutrient intake from foods and consume a level of energy that supports their exercise energy expenditure, added principal investigator Adam S. Tenforde, MD, FACSM, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. Dietary supplementation should, ideally, be considered after a nutrition assessment and with consultation from a registered dietitian nutritionist.

###

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Data/statistical analysis

People

Dietary Supplement Intake and Factors Associated with Increased Use in Preadolescent Endurance Runners

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

View original post here:
Prior weight loss, history of bone stress injury, and eating behaviors associated with dietary supplement use in preadolescent endurance runners -...

Billy Joel Reveals New Look After 50-Pound Weight Loss Eat This Not That – Eat This, Not That

Posted: November 19, 2021 at 2:03 am

Billy Joel fans know that for decades, the legendary singer-songwriter has been in a "New York State of Mind"but as the Piano Man resumed his residency at Madison Square Garden last week, thousands also found him in a refreshed andhealthy state of mind. Here's what was behind Joel's recent 50-pound weight loss.

It was November 5 when Billy Joel, 72, stepped before a crowd at Madison Square Garden for the first time since February 2020 (in what was reportedly his 120th show in the history of his MSG career). As Men's Health has reported (via MSN), the audience cheered on the icon as he grinned from behind the piano. Part of his energy was likely thanks to the steps Joel took for his health at the start of this year.

Keep reading to learn how Joel has reflected on his health over the years, and don't missThe #1 Best Soup for a Flat Belly, Says Dietitian.

Men's Health referenced aRolling Stone interview from 2019 (the same year this photo with Tony Bennett was taken). In that interview, Billy Joel described himself as a "schlubby-looking guy," and said, "I see pictures of myself at the Garden recently, and I go, 'That don't look right.'"

Sign up for the Eat This, Not That! newsletterfor the latest health and weight loss news!

In 2010, the BBC reported that Joel had undergone a double-hip replacement to address a "congenital" condition.

Shortly after, in 2013, Joel shared further about this in aNew York Times interview when he mentioned he "was probably born with dysplasia."

He also confessed that four decades of intense performances may have taken a toll: "Way back in the early '70s, I used to do somersaults, flips off the piano. I would climb up cables and hang upside down, anything to get attention," he said.

RELATED:Everyday Habits That Are Wrecking Your Body, Say Experts

Taking his seat on the piano bench last Friday night at MSG, the singer shared a svelte and smiling lookbut, as he explained to Howard Stern in late October, it wasn't the product of a seamless weight loss journey. "I had back surgery early this year and the pain afterward was so bad I lost my appetite," Joel said.

RELATED:Studies Show These are Proven Ways to Reverse Aging

In any case, fans seemed thrilled that Billy Joel was back, evidently sounding as in-shape as ever.

As Instagram user @debbyhymowitz shared in her live video post from last Friday's show, Joel opened by announcing: "We're back at the Garden!"

The fan also said the singer performed "all the classics of places we know and love" and displayed "RESILIENCE. UNITY, JOY, ENERGY INSANE TALENT!"

We've got more of the latest news and expert wisdom to help you feel your best at any age. Keep reading:

More here:
Billy Joel Reveals New Look After 50-Pound Weight Loss Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Katie Sturino on Why She Refused to Lose Weight for Her Wedding – GoodHousekeeping.com

Posted: November 19, 2021 at 2:03 am

Throughout 2021, Good Housekeeping is exploring how we think about weight, the way we eat and how we try to control or change our bodies in our quest to be happier and healthier. While GH also publishes weight loss content and endeavors to do so in a responsible, science-backed way, we think its important to present a broad perspective that allows for a fuller understanding of the complex thinking about health and body weight. Our goal here is not to tell you how to think, eat, or live nor is to to pass judgment on how you choose to nourish your body but rather to start a conversation about diet culture, its impact and how we might challenge the messages we are given about what makes us attractive, successful and healthy.Content warning: Discussion of specific clothing sizes.

When I was planning my wedding, I put time and effort into choosing the venue, making the guest list and picking the flowers. One thing I didn't waste mental energy on? Losing weight before the big day.

That might not sound radical on the face of it, but so many women feel extra pressure to drop pounds before their wedding day. In fact, theres a whole phenomenon known as shedding for the wedding or sweating for the wedding, in which women put themselves through varying degrees of rigor to diet and exercise their way into a smaller gown. Ive even been down that road myself, at my first wedding in 2014. But my work since then as a body-acceptance advocate has given me the perspective I needed to embrace my body the second time around and free myself of the pre-wedding weight-loss stress that so many brides are subjected to.

I remember feeling really badly that I couldn't lose weight the first time I walked down the aisle, and it added to the stress of planning a wedding. But life carried on after we were married, and eventually I went through a divorce, launched a successful body-positive platform and happily, I hit it off with someone new that I could tell was a good match for me. That's how, in the lead-up to my second wedding in 2019, I found myself in a totally new headspace. This time around, I thought, What is this phenomenon that as soon as you get engaged and you make a commitment to someone, the second thought you have is, I'd better lose weight?

It's really weird when you sit down and think about it. Theres this idea that you have to start your marriage at your thinnest and most of the time, it has nothing to do with your spouse. It's really about this strange societal moment where it's understood that 1) you get the engagement ring; and then 2) you have to lose the weight. The two should have nothing to do with each other. You're in this exciting time and youve made this really big choice to give your whole self to someone and build a life together, but immediately you feel you have to change your body. Then you take all these photos at your wedding and you print them out and you put them up in your house.

But after the nuptials, most women gain back the pounds they shed. That may well mean that you look like a different person and for the rest of your life, and the pictures are there to remind you, Well, I'll never be as small as my wedding weight.

Going into this marriage, I realized that this concept didnt make sense, and no, actually my body did not need to change so that I could tie the knot. Ive seen so many of my friends do a lot of drastic things to get down to a certain size for their wedding. Instead of radiating positive, glowing energy, they show up tired, stressed, not as themselves and not really in a good mental spot because they haven't been eating properly for months.

COURTESY OF KATIE STURINO

Not only is there pressure from media, social media and sometimes even close family or friends to embark on this weight-loss journey, but its reinforced by the wedding industry. For starters, trying on dresses is a whole messed-up experience because you go in and they only have sample sizes (about 10 or 12 in bridal sizing the equivalent of 6 or 8 in streetwear), which are much smaller than the 16 or 18 in streetwear that research shows the average American woman wears. You can't really see how you're going to look in a particular gown style, which is not helpful.

Then, to top it off, the salesperson or the seamstress might say, Well you'll come in a couple of months before the special day for another fitting because you'll have lost weight. Those are real things that you hear from wedding professionals! And if you're a size 8 and they're implying that you have to lose weight, what will the saleswoman say if youre a size 18 like me?

The entire wedding experience for bigger women can be really upsetting.

I receive messages from women weekly who want wedding or bridesmaid dress recommendations because the entire wedding experience for bigger women can be really upsetting. For sure, the search for a dress is much different for plus-size women than for those who wear "standard" sizes. Bigger brides have to think less about what is my dream dress? and more about what's going to be available to me? In fact, some people don't even have traditional wedding celebrations because they're so scared to go shopping for a dress.

That brings us to the issue of thin privilege. Thinner people don't always understand that when you walk into any clothing store and you assume they're going to have your size, it's not a mindset plus-size women can share, especially when it comes to a big-stakes item like a wedding gown.

All of this takes away from a time in your life when you should be thrilled that you finally connected with this human that you want to spend your life with. You should be able to bask in all that love and energy and focus on treating yourself well, connecting with friends and family and generating a lot of happy feelings instead of generating a lot of feelings of restriction, fear and anger.

But it doesn't have to be this way no matter what size you wear. It's a matter of embracing who you are and marrying someone as you are now and not this version of yourself that you think you have to be at your wedding. Dont get me wrong everyone wants to look and feel like a 10 on their wedding day. I'm all about getting your teeth whitened or your nails done, but this goes deeper than that. Needing to change your body, in my experience, speaks to a feeling of unworthiness in the body that you're in right now.

courtesy of Katie Sturino

My own journey to body acceptance actually started when I was in a much smaller body than I am now; I still wanted to lose weight and yet I felt much worse about it. I started my blog The 12ish Style in 2015 with the intention of creating a place where women who are over size 12 could find cute, stylish clothes and styles for their size. What I learned talking to women was that it wasn't just the big girls who had problems accepting their body. I was hearing from women who were a size 4, a size 2, a size 6, a size 10. So many hated their bodies, wished it were different, wanted to lose weight and were constantly thinking about it and striving for it.

All of a sudden it hit me: So you mean that even if I'm in the size that I think would bring me peace, I will still want to be smaller? Oh my God, what's the point? What is the point of this whole merry-go-round? That kind of snapped something in my brain, and I thought, Well, if she's not going to be happy at a 4, I'm certainly not going to punish myself for not being physically able to get to a size 4.

Then I had a second realization the people who really love me aren't paying attention to my body the way I'm paying attention to my body, anyway. Why am I so hyper-focused on this body and speaking to myself so negatively and punishing myself when no one really notices if I'm a size 12 or a size 14 or a size 16? Like, it's all kind of in the same space. So those are two realizations that I had, and my messaging to women since then has really been to just embrace where you are. It doesn't mean you can't try and lose weight if that's what you truly want. It just means that you should start thinking about your body in a way that is less critical or to stop striving to be something else.

My platform has evolved and now Instagram is where I connect with women every day, through my #SuperSizetheLook and #MakeMySize hashtags. We also launched Megababe in 2017 when I wanted to create a solution for thigh chafe and we currently carry an array of personal-care products for women in all types of bodies. The goal is to create innovations, solve problems and break down taboos.

One thing people don't like to admit is that the journey to body acceptance is never done. Its something you have to work on every day and its very easy to fall back into that negative mindset, but learning to recognize your triggers can help you recover faster.

Body Talk: How to Embrace Your Body and Start Living Your Best Life

When you're not feeling great about your body, youre always feeling negative. Changing your mindset and finding peace and acceptance in your body brings along a new form of confidence and positive energy in every aspect of your life. And once you have more peace with your body, you're able to do more with your brain, which is why I wrote my book Body Talk. I realized we waste so much time thinking about our bodies in a negative way and all of that focus and attention could be going toward solving real problems that we have.

Because so many people assume every bride will attempt to slim down before their big day, it can be difficult to go against the tide. To accept and love your body as it is and say No, I dont need to change myself to fit your beauty standards is seen as weird. The best thing a bride can do is take a deep breath and have honest conversations with people who make comments about "shedding for the wedding."

For instance, if the person selling you a wedding dress mentions ordering a smaller size, consider a response along the lines of, Yeah, Im not going to be losing weight so I can just get fitted right now. Not only will it give your own mental health a little boost, its encouraging for other people to hear that youre confident in knowing that you dont need to fall into this joy-draining cultural phenomenon.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Read the original here:
Katie Sturino on Why She Refused to Lose Weight for Her Wedding - GoodHousekeeping.com

The Best Foods to Crush Hunger Cravings and Lose Weight Fast Eat This Not That – Eat This, Not That

Posted: November 19, 2021 at 2:03 am

Are you out of control around sweets, chocolate, or chips? Do you often hear the bag of tortilla chips calling you by name? Read this before you answer the call.

Everyone has food cravings, especially for foods that are rich in fat, sugar, and salt, or any combo of the three. (That's why we find chocolate, chips, baked goods, ice cream, and fast food so irresistible.) In fact, one study found that 97% of women and 68% of men reported having food cravings.

But the answer to your cravings problem isn't to ignore them. Research shows that food restriction and avoidance can increase the intensity of cravings, so the key is to eat foods that can actually help tamp down hunger and cravings. The other strategy is to have healthier options of what you're craving, so you can feel satisfied without derailing your diet. The next time you feel a hankering for an indulgent food coming on, you can cave into that craving without destroying your diet by reaching for one of these hunger-crushing foods. And for more on how to eat healthy, don't miss 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.

Starting our meal with soup has a similar effect as having a piece of fruit before your meals. It fills you up with fewer calories, thanks to its high water content. Studies show that having broth or vegetable-based soup before your meal reduced the amount of calories you'll eat at that meal. Many weight-loss experts advise their clients to eat soup daily to help them lose weight and keep it off. Look for soup that is low in calories, like broth, vegetable, or tomato soup, or choose those that have high fiber counts like minestrone or bean soups. One study found that enjoying soup as your first course helped study participants eat about 20% fewer calories or an average of 134 fewer calories at their meal. What's more, even though they ate fewer calories, they stayed satisfied.

READ MORE:The #1 Best Soup for a Flat Belly, Says Dietitian

Fruit helps increase the fiber in your diet, which helps to keep you full. What's more, water-rich choices will help send a signal from your stomach to your brain that you're full. Some fiber-rich picks: a cup of raspberries packs in 8 grams fiber, and a cup of wild blueberries has 6 grams. A medium apple has nearly 4.5 grams, a pear has 5.5 grams, and an average-sized orange has around 4 grams of fiber. A small study in Brazil found that participants who ate either an apple or pear before each of their main meals lost a significant amount of weight compared to those who didn't eat fruit before their meals.

RELATED: Sign up for our newsletter to get daily recipes and food news in your inbox!

When it comes to cravings, protein-rich foods can be your best friend. Good sources of protein that rank high on the satiety index include eggs, Greek yogurt, fish, and lean poultry options. For the best effect, try to start your day off with some protein (about 25-30 grams at your first meal) to help keep your hunger and appetite in check. This can help jump-start your weight loss. In fact, one study found that eating an egg and turkey sausage breakfast sandwich was more filling and helped study participants eat fewer calories at lunch compared to eating a low-protein breakfast.

RELATED: 19 High Protein Breakfasts That Keep You Full

According to research, chocolate is the most craved food. If you feel like gooey chocolatey candy bars, brownies, or chocolate chip cookies are calling your name, opt for an ounce of dark chocolate that has at least 70% cacao. Dark chocolate has lower sugar and calorie counts and is packed with beneficial antioxidants, so it helps keep blood sugar levels stable to control hunger and cravings. Another great option is to make a chocolate protein pudding by mixing 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt with 2 teaspoons cocoa powder. Stir to combine. The protein in Greek yogurt will help keep you full while the cocoa powder will satisfy your craving for chocolate.

Oats are a fiber-rich whole-grain often recommended for their heart-health benefits but several studies show that they can help control appetite and cravings. Oats are particularly high in a type of soluble dietary fiber called beta-glucan, which has been shown to trigger hunger hormones, keeping you fuller, longer. What's more, beta-glucan slows digestion to keep blood sugar and your appetite in check. A cup of oats has about 150 calories and 4 grams of hunger-crushing fiber. In addition to enjoying oats for breakfast, try incorporating oats into burgers, soups and stews, casseroles, and desserts.

Read this next:

See the original post:
The Best Foods to Crush Hunger Cravings and Lose Weight Fast Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Jeremy Clarkson weight loss: The presenter lost 2st in weeks by following royal example – Daily Express

Posted: November 19, 2021 at 2:03 am

Jeremy Clarkson, 61, hosted Top Gear for years before moving on to Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? The presenter dropped a few pounds in a short period of time following a royal example.

But what made him decide to lose weight and start his fitness journey?

Jeremy explained a trip to Vietnam made him realise he had to change his lifestyle.

I went on a gap year! I went on a gap year to Indochina.

"They just have a better diet out there.

DON'T MISS

Plus I had a bicycle rather than a car.

Cycling is not a good thing to do, Im all broken as a result of it but I did lose a lot of weight.

Where I was staying was separated from the small town by a mountain but it was much bigger than Everest, he told Jonathan Ross.

The presenter also reduced his alcohol intake, which has proven to help a lot of people to lose weight.

"The Queen doesnt go to the gym and she doesnt run and shes 93 and shes all right.

"Apparently she only has a forkful, she only has a tiny bit, thats what Ive heard.

"Shell sit down and just have one little bit of mousse and bit of a lettuce leaf," he told the Sun.

Jeremy has maintained his slim figure and stays in good shape by going on walks and working on his farm.

See original here:
Jeremy Clarkson weight loss: The presenter lost 2st in weeks by following royal example - Daily Express

Honey G is unrecognisable after weight loss and makeover five years after appearing on X Factor… – The Sun

Posted: November 19, 2021 at 2:03 am

HONEY G looked incredible as she stepped out last night almost unrecognisable to the woman who found fame on X Factor five years ago.

The 40-year-old, real name Anna Gilford, has completely transformed her appearance after switching up her image and dropping two stone.

2

2

Dressed in a sheer black top and skinny jeans, the singer turned heads at the opening of Lakesides Christmas Wonderland with no cap or gold chains in sight.

Speaking about her weight loss previously, she toldDaily Star: "The weight loss has definitely given me the confidence to put myself out there.

"I've always had a bit of a complex about my weight and now I can shop in the likes of Topshop and Miss Selfridge.

"I used to be Size 16 to 18 but I recently bought a pair of size 12 trousers which feels so good."

Fans will be delighted to see Honey back on TV next year after she landed a place on Celebrity Coach Trip.

Honey finished fifth on 2016's X Factor and was signed by Simon Cowell's label Syco.

But she was axed when her debut release The Honey G Show flopped.

The TV star had thought she could combine a music career with selling homes and joined an estate agent in 2019.

Unfortunately, she was sacked after just a few months, telling The Sun: "They didn't realise how famous I am.

"My boss had told me that he was expecting me to give up my music career which I am obviously not prepared to do.

"Music is my love and passion, and my ambitions are about being a worldwide music artist.

"I had no intention of being an estate agent long-term. I was hoping that a big opportunity for my music career would come in. I do believe I belong on stage."

Exclusive

Read this article:
Honey G is unrecognisable after weight loss and makeover five years after appearing on X Factor... - The Sun

Carrie Ann Inaba Didnt Shy Away From a Slinky Dress on DWTS After 18-Lb Weight Loss – Us Weekly

Posted: November 19, 2021 at 2:03 am

Feeling fabulous! Carrie Ann Inaba served up quite the sexy style moment on the Monday, November 15, episode of Dancing With the Stars thanks to a stunning Marchesa mini dress complete with a cutout.

When I tried it on in my fitting, I fell in love with it as its such a classic design, but with a cool modern cutout in the corset and I thought that was exciting, Inaba exclusively told Us Weeklys Stylish.

The 53-year-old judge, who has lost 18 pounds since March 2020, explained that rather than shy away from showing a little more skin, she welcomed it.

Its been nice to feel good about my body again and lots of hard work and finding my way back to health, she said. The dress, with that feature, was a nice way to celebrate my health. It was a liquid black dress that felt good to wear, slinky yet classic.

Because the look had been in the works for a while, Inaba and her glam squad decided to spend a little extra time getting ready before the show.

Her hairstylist, Glenn Nutley, gave her some fresh highlights and a new tone. To offset the classic Old Hollywood style cut of the dress, but to keep up with the modern cutout, we chose to do a more tossed bed head look which is always fun, the choreographer told Stylish.

When it came to makeup, Inaba and makeup artist Marylin Lee Spiegel eventually landed on a simpler vibe but it wasnt decided on from the get go. In fact, they were actually planning on a lash-centric look.

Marylin and I had put on a double lash, but it was a bit heavy and made me actually feel sleepy, so right before the show, we decided to change it, Inaba revealed, noting that lashes are actually her favorite part of the makeup process.

And when all was said and done, the star looked just as good as she felt for the semi finals. My team does such a great job making sure that when I walk out I feel totally empowered and in my zone, she said to Us. That helps when we have to make tough calls as we did tonight.

To get an up-close look at Inabas fabulous fashion and fierce glam fromDancing With the Stars, keep scrolling!

Read this article:
Carrie Ann Inaba Didnt Shy Away From a Slinky Dress on DWTS After 18-Lb Weight Loss - Us Weekly

Human growth hormone (hGH): How to boost it and illegal use – INSIDER

Posted: November 19, 2021 at 2:02 am

Human growth hormone (hGH) is a key hormone that helps maintain muscle tissue and is often associated with enhanced athletic performance, increased bone density, and reduced body fat.

This has led some athletic communities to attempt doping with hGH to improve strength and performance. That's why you may sometimes hear about illegal hGH use.

Note: HGH is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. And even though growth hormone is abused in competitive athletics, its benefits in a healthy, adult population are uncertain, according to a 2018 study.

However, if your doctor prescribes you hGH for hGH deficiency, then it's perfectly legal to use. There are also ways to increase hGH levels without medical aid, though they are not very effective long-term.

Here we discuss why some people have low hGH, how to boost hGH levels, and common side effects.

Human growth hormone (hGH) is a hormone you produce naturally. In childhood, it plays a key role in your physical growth and development.

However, hGH is also important in adulthood, helping maintain tissue and organ function. You can't get hGH from food, so if you're hGH deficient, it's important to see a doctor.

A doctor will typically prescribe injections of a synthetic version of the hormone called recombinant growth hormone (rhGH) to combat symptoms of low hGH.

HGH is produced by the pituitary gland, a small pea-sized organ located at the base of your brain. When that gland doesn't produce enough hGH, you're at risk of low hGH levels.

Children who are deficient in hGH may have short stature or stunted growth. Treatment requires daily injections of rhGH and typically continues until the child has stopped growing, around age 16 to 18, says Alan Rogol, MD, PhD, a pediatric endocrinologist and professor emeritus at the University of Virginia.

In adults, low hGH is often due to damage to the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland. Damage is often from tumors in the area of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, Rogol says.

Symptoms of adult growth hormone deficiency include:

To test for growth hormone deficiency, the first step is a blood test called IGF-1 to screen for a deficiency, and then a test called a growth hormone stimulation test, Rogol says.

Because you can't take growth hormone legally unless you're being treated for a deficiency, people may want to try to boost hGH levels naturally for its purported benefits.

Certain activities, such as exercise, do boost hGH levels, but the effects may not be significant enough to see the desired effects, Rogol says. "It's a controversial issue," he says.

Moreover, it's unclear from present research whether these changes are long-lasting or only temporary. So, whether these results are clinically relevant is unclear and more long-term research is needed.

With that in mind, here are some ways you may be able to boost hGH naturally, according to Shawn Arent, PhD, professor and the chair of the Department of Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina and an ACSM fellow:

Fasting and avoiding sugars can also affect hGH levels, but the effects are complicated because of how growth hormone interplays with other hormones and activities, and exercise will have a much greater effect, Arent says.

Last, there are supplements you can buy that claim to stimulate the natural release of hGH. For example, some supplements contain the amino acid L-arginine, which "some studies ... show that L-arginine can increase growth hormone. Whether it's meaningful or not, though, is pretty debatable," says Arent.

Moreover, a 2008 review looked at how exercise and L-arginine supplementation affected growth hormone responses and found that L-arginine increases growth hormone levels, but that exercise increases them more dramatically.

Although hGH has important benefits for people who take it to treat a deficiency, hGH also has some potential long-term side effects, according to the FDA, including:

Other side effects can include:

Growth hormone injections are effective in treating people with hGh deficiency, but other ways of taking the hormone are illegal.

By exercising and getting a good night's sleep, you may help boost your hGH levels, but this effect may only be temporary and not lead to any significant long-term changes.

If you're looking to boost hGH to build muscle or lose fat, eating a well-balanced diet and incorporating high-intensity exercise and weight training may be a better approach.

Original post:
Human growth hormone (hGH): How to boost it and illegal use - INSIDER

OMAD Diet: Safety, Health Benefits, Risks, and More – Everyday Health

Posted: November 19, 2021 at 2:02 am

This can be a safe diet if done correctly, and if you ensure you are getting adequate calories and nutrition when youre eating, says Shapiro. Overall, IF diets (including more extreme versions, like OMAD) are unlikely to cause harm to adults who are a healthy weight, overweight, or who have obesity, notes a July 2017 review in Annual Review of Nutrition.

But OMAD is a restrictive eating approach that wont necessarily appeal to everyone. If youre following OMAD, youll need to take care not to overeat or overindulge on unhealthy foods during your main meal. You may also struggle to fit an entire days caloric intake into one large meal or find yourself feeling uncomfortably full after eating this much in one sitting. Theres also a lack of research on the long-term effects of OMAD

Moreover, OMAD may actually be unsafe for certain groups of people. This includes people who are pregnant or nursing, who are younger than 18, and people who have an eating disorder or a history of disordered eating, says Moskovitz.

Shapiro also advises that people living with diabetes who are taking insulin should not follow this diet, as OMAD can affect blood sugar levels. In general, people with diabetes need to eat balanced meals regularly throughout the day, adds Moskovitz. Going prolonged periods of time without eating can lead to harmful blood sugar lows followed by subsequent highs once a larger meal is inevitably consumed, she explains. This pattern of inconsistent eating can make it difficult to keep blood sugar levels low and stable.

Finally, if you often have gastrointestinal (GI) issues like bloating or an upset stomach, OMAD may not be a good fit for you. This diet requires you to eat a lot of food at one time, which may cause GI discomfort.

Still, many people who are not in these categories will decide to move ahead with OMAD and if youre one of these individuals, know that careful planning is key. If youre going to attempt it, you still have to make sure youre doing your best to eat balanced and nutritiously and make sure youre still eating enough calories for the day if you want to stay healthy, advises Moskovitz. Fasting alone wont be beneficial if [youre] not carefully constructing the meals youre eating in that time frame.

Always speak to your doctor before starting a new diet, especially if youre managing an underlying health condition or taking medication, or if OMAD represents a dramatic change in the way you eat.

If you are interested in trying OMAD but have not yet tried other types of IF, start slowly, suggests Shapiro. Start with a 12-hour fast and then build up to 14 or 16 hours. Then try OMAD for a few days once you have eased your body into it, she explains.

Here is the original post:
OMAD Diet: Safety, Health Benefits, Risks, and More - Everyday Health

Walnuts: A worthy addition to your daily diet? – Harvard Health

Posted: November 19, 2021 at 2:02 am

What can you add to a wide variety of foods, from cereals to salads, thats crunchy, filling, and flavorful and good for your heart? The answer is nuts. While all varieties of nuts are chock full of important nutrients, walnuts may be especially good for protecting cardiovascular health, according to a recent study in the journal Circulation that supports earlier research in this realm.

The Walnuts and Healthy Aging study is a randomized controlled trial supported by a grant from the California Walnut Commission that tracked healthy older adults living in two communities. For the study, researchers recruited 708 adults ages 63 to 79 living in Loma Linda, California, or Barcelona, Spain, and split them into two groups. One group added a half-cup of walnuts to their daily diet for two years, while the other group ate no walnuts.

After two years, average levels of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were modestly lower in the walnut group. Of note: nearly a third of the participants were taking cholesterol-lowering statins, so the average cholesterol levels of both groups were already in a normal range. The researchers speculate that the cholesterol-lowering benefits from walnuts might be more pronounced in people with elevated cholesterol levels. There is no way to know from the current data if this is true.

"This recent trial confirms what earlier studies have found, namely, that that adding walnuts to your diet appears to improve your cholesterol levels," says Dr. Deirdre Tobias, an obesity and nutritional epidemiologist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Womens Hospital. The new trial also lasted much longer than past walnut studies. However, its not clear what foods were being replaced by the walnuts in the participants diets, which might affect the magnitude of benefits the researchers saw. For example, replacing unhealthful, ultra-processed snacks with walnuts would presumably have a greater benefit than a lateral move from healthy options to walnuts, Dr. Tobias explains.

The researchers also analyzed the concentration and size of the LDL particles. Smaller, more dense LDL particles are more likely to trigger atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaque inside arteries thats the hallmark of most cardiovascular disease that results in heart attacks or strokes.

The walnut eaters had lower levels of these smaller particles. They also had decreased levels of intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL), which are also linked to a rise in cardiovascular-related risks. And even though a half-cup of walnuts contains about 185 calories, the walnut eaters did not pack on any extra pounds.

Earlier research has found that people who eat nuts regularly are less likely to have heart disease, and many studies have focused specifically on walnuts. In 2018, Dr. Tobias and colleagues published a meta-analysis and systematic review of studies that examined how eating walnuts affects a persons blood lipids and other heart-related risks. The review included 26 controlled trials involving a total of more than 1,000 people. It found that walnut-enriched diets led to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, the most common form of fat in the bloodstream.

Although all nuts are good sources of healthy unsaturated fats, walnuts are especially rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This is a precursor to the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA found in fatty fish that are known for their heart-protecting powers. Our bodies convert ALA to EPA and DHA, although the efficiency of this varies from person to person.

Whats more, walnuts are usually eaten raw. So they have greater antioxidant abilities than nuts that are usually eaten roasted. (Antioxidants help prevent or reduce the artery-damaging oxidation that contributes to heart disease).

If a half-cup of walnuts a day sounds like a lot, its good to know that eating even half that much may still be beneficial. In fact, the FDA allows a qualified health claim on some nuts (including walnuts). Foods made with them are permitted to include the following statement: "Eating a diet that includes one ounce of nuts daily can reduce your risk of heart disease." An ounce of walnuts is about a handful, or one-quarter cup.

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Read more:
Walnuts: A worthy addition to your daily diet? - Harvard Health


Page 197«..1020..196197198199..210220..»