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Bariatric Surgery & Its Impact On Gut Bacteria by Kevin Angileri

September 30, 2015

Weight loss surgery is a life-changing event, but it may alter you in some ways that you don’t even realize.

Swedish Research on Bariatric Surgery:

A new Swedish study is suggesting that bariatric surgery may lead to long-term changes in the patient’s gut bacteria that help with weight loss after the procedure. Researchers analyzed the gut bacteria in 14 women who had bariatric surgery nearly 10 years after their procedure.

Half of the women underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a surgery that involved the doctor creating a small pouch from the top of the stomach, connecting it directly to the small intestine. The other half of the patients had vertical banded gastroplasty, where the stomach becomes smaller by using a band and staples.

Those who underwent the gastric bypass surgery saw a greater change in their gut bacteria than the women who were severely obese, but didn’t have surgery. The women who had vertical banded gastroplasty also saw more of a change than the non-surgery group, but the differences were not deemed statistically significant.

The women who underwent gastric bypass surgery had significantly more bacteria that belongs to the genuses Escherichia, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas

“Our results suggest that the gut microbiota may play a direct role in the reduction of adiposity [body fat] observed after bariatric surgery,” wrote researchers in a recent issue of the journal Cell Metabolism.

This wasn’t the first study to connect bariatric surgery to changes in gut bacteria, but the researchers say it was the first to examine its long-term impact. Maybe the most fascinating aspect of their findings was that they took patient body mass index (BMI) into account, which suggested that the surgery itself, not the weight loss, was related to the gut bacteria change.

The researchers transplanted bacteria from obese women and those who had the surgeries into mice that did not have gut microbes. Those mice that got gut bacteria from the surgery group gained less body fat than the mice with microbes from the non-surgery group.

The health implications of gut bacteria are best known by the general public when discussing the term “probiotics,” live bacteria and yeasts that help with the digestive system. It’s a relatively new world being explored by experts and health conscious people alike.

Our GI tract has over 500 species of bacteria that help break down food, strengthen our immune system, and fight against pathogens. It’s when the ratio of good to bad bacteria is skewed that health issues may arise.

Guest Post By Dr.Samuel Bledsoe

About Samuel Bledsoe, MD, FACS

Dr. Samuel Bledsoe is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He has been performing weight loss surgery for over 10 years and is currently practicing at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana. He is the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery and past Section Chief of Surgery. Dr. Bledsoe is available for presentations and interviews upon request.

by Kevin Angileri

Compulsive Overeating, A Common Habit In Americans by Kevin Angileri

September 24, 2015

Kevin Angileri

health tips

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Overeating is a common habit in Americans:-

Compulsive overeating disorder is the one that is causing statistics on obesity to skyrocket. It stresses the body and the mind alike.

Habitual overeating causes:-

Why do people eat beyond the point of feeling full if it only hurts their bodies? Why does this unhealthy habit persist in different populations? The reasons are many.

Emotions and Overeating: A Close Relationship

A common cause for overeating is using food as a reward for certain activities. You’re much more likely to eat one too many slices of pizza if you feel you’ve “earned it” by dieting all week. This is why highly restrictive diets often don’t work long term.

In fact, associating food with pleasure in general may be the wrong solution. One study from the Université Paris Diderot supports the idea that treating food as a source of pleasure can lead to excessive overeating. Eating for reasons beyond sustaining the body is a fine line. It’s great when foods taste delicious, but treating food as a key source of happiness or reward can lead to unhealthy patterns.

Are Your Friends Encouraging you To Overeat?

People don’t often think of those close to them as overeating enablers. But in social situations, it can be very difficult to not eat and drink along with the pattern of the group. Socially influencing activities do a lot for our habits. Overeating is no exception.

It makes perfect sense. No one wants to be the one not eating at a social event. But ordering water or another low-calorie drink is a much healthier method of staying in a social setting without overeating.

Beating Overeating: It’s All In Your Head.

To curb your overeating habits, evaluate your personal relationship with food. When do you tend to eat more than you’d like to eat? What are you feeling? Who’s with you?

Adjust other habits in your life to see what affects your eating patterns. Are you mostly binging on healthy or unhealthy foods? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating without being mindful of what you eat? By learning your own habits and adjusting with healthiness in mind, recovering from overeating becomes more and more probable.

Guest Post By Dr.Samuel Bledsoe

About Samuel Bledsoe, MD, FACS

by Kevin Angileri

Walking is Good For Health & Benefits Are Endless by Kevin Angileri

August 28, 2015

Kevin Angileri

Healthy Tips

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Walking has so many health benefits and it is something we all do and have done from birth. We all believed running for health was the universal answer to weight loss. However, walking is a low-impact sport that will aid in shedding pounds and inches.

Walking is Good For Health & There Are So Many Benefits Of A Walking Regimen.

Breast Cancer In Women

Clinical studies have shown, that women who walk 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours per week, substantially lesson their chances of breast cancer by approx. 20%. Ideally, brisk walking (2MPH) for one hour. 2 to 3 times a week will show an improvement in a month or two. If you walk on a treadmill, you will want to set it at 1 inch incline. This will compensate difference of walking on lever ground.

Blood Pressure Reduction

People with high blood pressure where shown to significantly reduce their blood pressure by starting a walking program. In a study of healthy but sedentary people, walking 30 minutes per day, 3 days a week, showed lower blood pressure rates.

Reduced risk for Type 2 Diabetics

An Australian study showed that Type 2 diabetics, who started a walking program, had better insulin sensitivity than those who walked less.

Cholesterol Improvement

A clinical study showed an overall reduction in bad cholesterol and Raising your HDL(good cholesterol).

Increased energy and lost inches.

Walking increases energy and overall well being. Walking approx. 10 miles a week, will drop inches off your waist and hips. Remember: Walk, don’t run.

Equipment

You only need to get a good pair of walking shoes. Any good fitness shoe store should be able to fit you properly. You may have to spend a bit more, but, in the long run, you will be saving money and aches and pains.

Starting a walking program.

Before starting your walking, remember to warm up and stretch. This includes upper body stretching. Even though, you are primarily working your leg muscles, get your entire body limbered up. Shoulders, arm and hips. You want to avoid and excess strain on your body. Especially, if you have lead a sedentary life, you will want to be careful. Stretch before and after your walk. Your body will be more limber after, and stretches will be a lot easier.

Nothing happens overnight.

You are starting a program that will take time. Don’t overdue it, right away. Start off slowly. Maybe 15 or 20 minutes at a comfortable speed. See how your body feels. After a bit, you can increase speed and length of walk. The idea is to find out, what you feel comfortable. The old rule “no pain-no gain” does not apply here. Anyone, who has led a sedentary life will have a few minor aches and pains in the beginning. If the ache is bothersome, take the next day off. The day after, get back on your feet and get moving.

Keep a log of your time and speed, if you using a treadmill. After 2 weeks, you should see some good improvement in your overall health. You won’t feel 20 years younger, but you will renewed and more energetic. The 20 year younger program takes about 20 years to complete, but no worries, you have the rest of your life to make it.

Water is your friend.

With any type of exercise program, your body loses fluid. You will want to keep hydrated. Whether you are on the ground or treadmill, make sure to have a bottle of water with you. Before you begin your walk, Try to drink about a quart of water. That will get you hydrated and another 7 to 10 ounces while you are walking. Dehydration can be dangerous, so make sure you have your water with you.

If you are doing hard and long walks, you may need a sports drink. They contain minerals and electrolytes your body loses at intense work outs. Caution is key.

Make your workout program fun.

There are lots of fun things you can do while you walk. Walk different routes and see new neighborhoods. Grab a friend or family member, it will be a benefit to them. You can still have a conversation , while you are walking. Listen to your fav music and sing along. Check with your place of worship. Many have group walking sessions. One group, I know of, walks the large shopping mall near my home. Be careful there, it may cost you, if you see something you want to buy, so, keep on walking.

By Kevin Angileri

Carbohydrates Information: Types & Effects on Health by Kevin Angileri

August 3, 2015

Kevin Angileri

health tips, Healthy Tips

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Today everyone is aware of the fact that to stay healthy and fit, one must maintain a healthy diet routine. A balanced diet consists of all the essential nutrients required in the appropriate quantities to allow the body to function properly and fight against diseases. Among the various nutrients that the body requires, carbohydrates are the must-haves as they are responsible for supplying energy to the body to function well.

But all carbohydrates are not good for all individuals. Some are good carbs while others are known as the bad carbs. This is especially true when you are overweight or a diabetic. Hence it is important to know the different types of carbohydrates present in the different foods and their effects on the health.

What are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are biological molecules that consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. A combination of all these atoms is termed as carbohydrates and these micro-nutrients are available in many foods and beverages. Some are better than the others and it is your healthy choice that helps to keep you fit and strong.

Types of Carbohydrates

There are 3 main types of Carbohydrates namely Sugar, Starch and Fiber. Now let us consider each type separately and find out their uses and in which foods they are available.

Sugar: – Sugar is the simple type of carbohydrate and is naturally present in various foods and drinks. It contains only one or two molecules of sugar. Some of the common sugars are glucose, sucrose, fructose and lactose. Glucose is referred to as blood sugar. Sugar easily mixes with the blood stream as it has very few molecules and is digested quickly. However, sugar from natural whole foods boosts the energy level as it contains other important nutrients. But added sugar is not good for health.
Starch: – Starch is a complex carbohydrate and consists of a number of sugar molecules. It usually has thousands of sugar molecules that are connected together like branches and spiral shapes. When it is digested the enzymes in the stomach break the molecules till a single sugar molecule or monosaccharide remains which can enter the cells through the bloodstream and convert it into energy. Starches are digested at varying rates and when they are digested slowly, they help to feel full and supplies long-term energy. Starches that are digested quickly are not good for health as they increase blood sugar levels causing diabetes. There are some foods that contain all the 3 types of carbohydrates and cannot be easily separated from each other or labeled out.
Fiber: – Carbohydrates present in fiber are not digested but travel down the digestive tract and ferment in the large intestine. There are two types of fibers namely soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber keeps the blood sugar steady by absorbing carbs at a slower rate and also helps to control cholesterol levels and absorption of dietary fat. Insoluble fiber is important for taking care of digestion and the digestive tract and preventing constipation.
There are other terms also used frequently regarding carbohydrates. They are the low-carbs and net-carbs. They are visible mostly on the labels of products. Net carbs is generally used to denote the total amount of carbohydrates present in a product excluding fiber or both sugar alcohol and fiber. Low-carbs are those foods that have the good carbs and do not increase the blood sugar levels.
Glycemic index is a term that is also used with reference to carbohydrates. It classifies the foods that contain carbohydrates according to their ability to increase the sugar level of blood.

Foods that contain the different types of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are present in almost all the foods that we consume regularly like the vegetables and fruits as well as beverages. But the types and amount s of carbs vary from one item to another. Some contain more of sugar, while others are rich in fibers and others have more of starch. So selecting the right carbs according to your requirements is very important to maintain good health. Those have diabetic problems or obesity issues need to be more careful about the choice of carbohydrates in their diet.

Sugar

Foods that contain more of sugar are fruits and vegetables which contain fructose and sucrose. Lactose is present in milk and it is natural sugar. There are certain foods that we love to eat that are rich in sugar contents like cookies, cakes, pies, brownies, muffins, doughnuts, jams, spreads, preserves, sweetened fruits and cherries, apricots, raisins, bananas, prunes, peaches etc.

Starch

Starch is a complex carbohydrate and is a friend of your health. But it is important to get this starch from the proper sources that include fresh produce, legumes and whole grains. Corn, parsnips, potatoes, green peas, yams, winter squash and pumpkins are good sources of starch. Among the fruits you can rely on avocadoes, mangoes, peaches, apples, grapefruit, melons, grapes, berries, peaches, nectarines for your regular starch requirements. You can get starch from white beans, black kidney, pinto, baked and canned beans, yellow, brown or green lentils as additional supply of good quality starch.

Fibers

Insoluble fibers are found in whole grains, vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, celery and wheat cereals. Cooked dry beans and peas also have fibers that help in proper bowel movements. Good sources of soluble fibers are barley, beans, oatmeal beans, nuts and fruits like berries, apples, pears and citrus fruits.

How to choose the right types of carbohydrates according to your body types

Carbohydrates are considered to increase weight and sugar levels in persons who have a tendency of gaining weight easily and those who have stress and tension related problems. Such persons need to very careful when selecting their carbohydrates. For others carbohydrates are vital for the following reasons:

Ø Carbohydrates provide energy and are the main sources of fuel. Sugars and starches are changed into simple sugars during the process of digestion that are absorbed into the bloodstream which then enters the cells of the body with the insulin produced by the pancreas. This glucose is used by the body for fueling all our activities from morn till night.

Ø Carbohydrates available in the form of dietary fiber in whole grains and wheat cereals and others help to fight against diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity issues and cardiovascular problems. Fibers are extremely important for proper digestion.

Ø Eating the right carbs like whole grains, fruits and vegetables that are rich in fibers helps in controlling weight. They give you a feeling of fullness and restrict your food cravings thereby reducing weight as well.

Since you cannot stay without carbohydrates it is wise to choose the appropriate ones that will do well for your overall health. You can even consult a doctor and ascertain the perfect amount of carbohydrates that you need daily as requirements vary according to weight and activities of an individual. Those who do a lot of outdoor activities and are into sports, need more energy and so more carbohydrates. They do not have to worry whether the extra carbs are being stored as fats or not as all the carbs are burned out. But in case who work indoors behind cubicles for most of the day, then emphasizing on fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes will be the best for you.

I want to thank everyone for all of your support. Please keep the suggestions coming..

by Kevin Angileri

Is Weight Loss For Diabetes Prevention Important by Kevin Angileri

July 18, 2015

Kevin Angileri

Weightloss

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Importance of Weight Loss For Diabetes Prevention

Obesity is a serious problem that lies at the bottom of various diseases even cancer. So if you are trying to control diabetes or prevent it, losing weight is very important. Simple lifestyle changes can bring down the levels of glucose to a normal level so that an individual with diabetes can lead a normal life.
Among the various methods of controlling diabetes, losing weight is one of the most effective remedies and is good for health too. Losing weight however does not imply that you need to become lean and skinny. It is just the extra pounds that you need to lose to start reaping the benefits. According to experts, by reducing just about 5% to 10% of your total weight, you can bring down the sugar level considerably and along with it manage blood pressure and cholesterol level also.
If you are a diabetic and over-weight as well, it is not too late to start on a weight loss diet along with the right workouts that will help to reduce weight and side by side lower blood glucose level. Simply losing weight to control diabetes is not enough to get results. There is something more than that. You need to shed the extra pounds from the right places. Let us see what the right places are according to experts.

Losing Weight In The Correct Places

One of the biggest enemies of diabetes is extra weight. But all body fats are not responsible for it. When extra fat is stored around the mid-section of your body which is the abdomen area is the source of all troubles. If your hips and thighs seem to have extra fat, it does not affect blood sugar level. There are different shapes of the body like the apple shape, pear shape and others. It has been found that apple-shaped people are more at risk than pear-shaped individuals.
In a pear-shaped body the extra fat is stored close below the skin as opposed to apple-shaped body. Here the weight settles around the middle, much of it deep inside the belly surrounding the different organs lying around the abdomen and liver. This type of fat is linked to diabetes and insulin resistance. Most experts are of the opinion that waist size often predicts the presence of diabetes in a person more than the body mass index (BMI).

Right Way To Lose Weight & Control Diabetes

It is very important to find out the right way to lose weight and control diabetes. Create a safe diabetes weight loss plan with the help of your doctor and fitness expert. Once you start on your weight-lose routine, as your blood glucose level gradually drops, you have to be very careful. Take the suggestions of your physician whether you need to stop your medication or insulin injection to maintain balance. If double pressure is created on the glucose level, you may feel too weak and exhausted. So never do anything on your own. Experts are there to give you advice on diabetes care and weight-loss

Effects of Losing Weight on Diabetes

Losing weight has amazing effects on diabetes that is beyond imagination. Diabetes is caused not only because you cannot utilize insulin to help sugar turn into energy, but for many other reasons. There are psychological causes also. When you are extremely worried about something at home or office, when you feel depressed and low because someone has said something and taunted you because you are over-weight or any mishaps and misunderstandings, sugar level will surely go high. It is for these reasons a diabetic has to be cared of especially so that he is not hurt in any way or anything that might create tension in the mind. So many problems can be reduced if weight is reduced.

Here is another practical example how losing weight controls diabetes. When you are slim and healthy, don’t you feel confident and happy? This feeling of happiness and energy creates a mysterious level of energy in the mind and that soothes the tensed nerves and helps to control diabetes. You will feel healthier and happier when your weight is under control and that will in turn reduce your diabetes problems too.

Striking The Right Balance Is Important

Maintaining balance in whatever you do is very crucial. Whether you are planning to join the gym to reduce diabetes or cutting back on calories to reduce weight to control blood glucose, there must be a balance. Keep an eye on the level of glucose while you lose weight. It should neither get high nor too low while you change your food habits and lifestyle. This is the reason why a dietician must be consulted when you start on a weight lose diet or exercises to reduce weight.
Experts are of the opinion that cutting 500 calories a day is generally safe for an individual with diabetes. It however depends largely on the glucose level and how much you need to lower it. It is best to reduce calorie-intake from proteins, carbohydrates and fats in order. An adult increases weight when there are excess carbohydrates in the body that are not used up because of diabetes. So selecting the right carbs to maintain health without adding extra pounds to the body is of major importance.

What Your Diet Should Consist Of

Since carbs are the biggest effect on blood glucose, you have choose carbs that have more of fiber and less of sugar and starch in them. The fibers in what are called the good carbs are absorbed more slowly into the blood stream that reduces the risk of blood sugar spikes. Watch the carbs is the main advice of doctors when you start on a weight loss plan.
Your diet should consist of complex carbs like whole-grain bread, dark green vegetables and fruits with more of fibers and less of calories. Sugary carbs should be avoided for the greatest reason that they are broken down fast in early digestion process and if not used immediately are stored as fat around the abdomen. So avoid having the sliced white bread. Rather enjoy the whole wheat bread with peanut butter which will not harm a diabetic. However, remember cutting down lots of carbs can be dangerous. When the body lacks the carbs to burn fuel, metabolism changes into ketosis wherein the fat that is consumed is burned in its place. You may feel less hungry and eat less but such a situation is harmful for health in the long-term. Hence maintaining balance in your weight-loss diet is absolutely crucial to stay healthy. A nutritionist can offer maximum help regarding your meal plan.

Other Ways To Lose Weight For Controlling Diabetes

It has often been found that all diabetics do not have a lot of carbs or eat a lot that increases their weights. There may be other factors that cause weight gain. So exercises can be of great help in such instances. Consulting the doctor about the glucose level and the exercises that are suitable for reducing weight, you can start on a regular fitness routine. Take the advice of an experienced physical instructor who can design the perfect exercises suitable for you. You need to reduce the extra pounds around the belly specifically to control diabetes and your blood glucose level.