Posts Tagged ‘diabetes’
January 6th, 2011 | 
Author: Every few years there are new diets introduced suggesting that if you count calories you will be more conscious of them, and therefore you will eat less and lose weight. But being conscious of calories is not the same as choosing not to eat as many. Simply acknowledging the calories in that bacon triple cheese burger with extra bacon and chocolate milkshake is not going to negate them. It will not block their artery clogging cholesterol, saturated fat and simple carbohydrates that leave you feeling hungry even though you never burned them off.
A calorie is simply a unit of measure. It is the amount of energy that is needed to raise the temperature of one gram of pure water one degree Celsius. There is nothing magic about the calorie in and of itself. It doesn’t matter what time you eat or what in what order you consume your foods. The calorie will still affect your body in the same way. If you eat too few calories, you will feel hungry and may become sluggish and tired.
Eat too many calories and you will feel sluggish, bloated and possibly unwell. Continually eat too many calories for your own body and you will gain weight. There is no real trick to the concept of the calorie. It is actually quite simple: Your body has a set need for calories to maintain its current weight. If you eat more than your body actually needs to have, the additional calories will be converted first to additional energy and then to fat. More unnecessary calories coming in leads to more fat.
On the other hand, if there are too few calories taken in, the body will be forced to burn its own stores of fat for energy. If the body goes too long without a new source of calories, however, it will stop burning the right fuel and will instead hold onto every single calorie that comes in, making you remain at the same weight even though you are eating far less than before.
The Calorie and the Concept of Hunger and Appetite
The calorie is simple enough to understand, but there is more at work behind the scenes. Complicated processes called hunger, appetite, digestion and metabolism can be influenced by emotions and other outside factors.
Appetite can be influenced by more than just a need for food. The body can feel like it is starving because of emotional, visual or other cues. In fact, the body can be influenced by something as simple as the time on the clock, eating not because you are hungry but because your body is conditioned to expect food at this time every day. Watching other people eat can also make you eat, even when you know that you are not really hungry. Actual hunger rarely prompts the office worker to hit the vending machine mid afternoon, but rather he is driven by his sense of habit.
Real hunger can be a difficult thing to understand, but there is also the concept of misplaced hunger. It is important to understand the difference between real hunger and false hunger or you will end up eating more than you intended and more than you need, even when you are not hungry at all. For some people, thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Imagine that you need eight ounces of zero calorie water and instead eat a three hundred calorie snack. Instead of giving the body what it was asking for, you have given it three hundred calories more than it needed and have also skipped giving it the water it needed in the first place.
But a Carb Calorie Counts for More than a Protein Calorie?
Each gram of fat and carbohydrates has nine calories while each gram of protein calories has four. In addition, the body burns up more energy while digesting protein than it does with either of the other macronutrients. That being said, there are different considerations for which nutrient is needed, when it is needed and how much should be eaten. The brain, the mysterious, complex organ that controls every system and other organ in the body, can only accept and use energy that is generated from complex carbohydrates.
Protein is used to build muscles and skin but also plays a number of other very complex roles in the body. It contributes to cellular creation, the generation of bones, ligaments and tendons and also helps the body to create new chemicals that are used during the digestion, ovulation and even sleep. Protein also plays a role in the cardiovascular system, helping to maintain the pH balance of the blood and keeping the blood pressure regulated.
It is important to get the right number of calories from the right kind of foods. For some people, habit eating and a lack of understanding of real hunger can be a serious problem. Some people become so overwhelmed with the deluge of information that they simply stop eating completely, which is just as bad as overeating to the metabolism. It is important to remember that the body actually does need to get new energy sources every day, in evenly spaced meals, perhaps eating more frequently throughout the day instead of eating two or three large meals and nothing more. Healthy between-meal snacks can be a great way to get the energy you need to keep your metabolism high.
Using protein supplements or protein based snacks can be a great way to accomplish this, helping you to avoid the lure of the vending machine at the end of the hall. Protica, a company famous for its small protein shot, Profect, also offers a number of other protein supplements including two protein candies, Protein Twist and Protein Taffy. Check these and other protein supplement products out on the web site, http://www.protica.com for information on the benefits and available flavors as well as the ways to order your favorites today.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein supplements for cancer patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright
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A diagnosis of kidney disease means more doctor visits, various lab tests, changes in diet, and the likelihood of dialysis or even a kidney transplant in the future, should the disease progress far enough.
Diet and medications can hold this off, perhaps even indefinitely, which shows how very important diet is in maintaining health. Listening to the advice of a nutritionist is supremely important for a kidney patient in any stage of the disease. Sometimes this can slow or even stop the disease from advancing, but in some people, nothing they can do will stop the disease from becoming more serious.
Lab tests will become a constant need – frequent blood and urine samples are just the beginning. Kidney disease that is serious, may even require a port placed into the body so samples can be drawn without the use of needles each time. The port can also be used to introduce medications into the body, but this measure also requires extra patient care or assistance from family members or even a nurse.
Here are a few of the lab tests involved in kidney disease treatment:
- Serum creatinine measures creatinine, a waste product created by muscle activity. Normally, the kidneys remove this from the body, but it may start to back up in the blood vessels in the case of kidney disease patients. This is often one of the first signs of kidney problems.
- GFR or Glomerular Filtration Rate is a general determination of how well your kidneys are functioning. A GFR of less than 30 is a problem that will need the attention of a nephrologist, or kidney specialist. A GFR that is under 15 is a serious problem, indicating dialysis or a kidney transplant will be necessary.
- BUN or Blood Urea Nitrogen is formed when the body breaks down protein, either from food or from regular metabolic processes. The kidneys would normally filter this waste from the body, but when the kidneys start to fail, urea nitrogen levels rise. This can also happen when the patient simply eats too much protein. Too little protein can cause the BUN level to decrease.
- Urine protein is the accumulation of protein in the patient’s urine. Some protein is necessary for your body to function – it is a major macronutrient. The body uses protein for vast number of functions, and kidneys do the work of filtering it and its byproducts from the bloodstream. When the kidneys are not working properly, protein starts to collect in the patient’s urine. High, consistent and persistent levels of protein in the urine are often another sign of kidney damage or disease.
- Microalbuminuria is a test used on patients who have a high risk of contracting kidney disease, such as those who have high blood pressure or a family history of kidney troubles. This can detect tiny amounts of urine in the bloodstream that most tests will miss.
- Ratio of protein to creatinine is something of a shortcut. Often, a doctor will require a sample of urine (of 24 hours), which can give an accurate measure of how much protein is in the patient’s bloodstream during the course of a given day. This test requires a great deal of patient participation because it requires collecting and refrigerating urine to bring to the lab for testing. The doctor can simply measure the protein to creatinine ratio instead, making it easier for patient and doctor.
- Serum albumin is a protein measurement test based on albumin, a vital body protein. The body uses protein from food to create the hormones, amino acids and enzymes that regulate all sorts of body functions. If the blood albumin content is low, it generally means the patient is either receiving too little protein through the diet or too few calories. The human body is not able to store protein from day to day and needs new sources regularly. Lack of blood albumin can cause a number of health problem, including a reduced immune system.
- Normalized protein nitrogen appearance (nPna) is a test used to determine if the patient has enough dietary protein or has too much protein. This test requires blood and urine samples, and sometimes a food log.
- SGA or Subjective Global Assessment may be a request from the nutritionist rather than the nephrologist. This is used to find signs of nutritional irregularities. First, questions are asked about the patient’s daily diet, and then a weight check is performed, as well as a check of fat and muscles in the face, arms, hands, shoulders, and legs.
- Hemoglobin is one of the components of blood. It is the part of the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body from the lungs. Low hemoglobin is a condition known as anemia. Increasing iron intake and a certain hormone will treat anemia.
- Hematocrit measures how many blood cells the body is currently making.
- TSAT and serum ferritin measure the amount of iron in the body.
- Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) is caused by an imbalance of phosphorous and calcium. PTH levels that are really high can result in bone disease.
- Calcium is a main component of healthy bones. Several types of kidney disease will leach calcium from the blood, so the levels need to be monitored.
- Phosphorous can be dangerous and weaken bones if the levels are too high. The doctor and nutritionist may have to reduce the patient’s amount of this mineral.
- Potassium is another mineral that can cause problems when there is too much consumed. While it is necessary to maintain the muscles, including the heart, an excess will deteriorate the muscles and cause heart irregularities.
Kidney disease patients often need a good source of protein that is low in fat and easily digestible. Profect, a liquid protein supplement from Protica, fits the bill. It is small enough (less than three fluid ounces) to carry easily anywhere, and has only 100 calories. Two servings a day should be plenty for most when supplemented with plant protein sources.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey liquid protein for diabetic patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright
The condition commonly known as cancer actually comprises over 200 different diseases, all with some traits in common. Cancer can affect virtually every part of the body, from the skin to the internal organs. The diseases known as cancer are characterized by abnormal cell division and their ability to invasively spread from one area to another. Cancer is generally named for whatever body part it originates in or the type of tissue it first infects. For instance:
- Adenocarcinomas are found in glandular tissue.
- Sarcomas are found in connective tissue.
- Adenosarcomas can be found in both gland tissues and connective tissues.
- Leukemias are cancers that affect blood cells.
- Lymphomas affect the lymph nodes.
- Around 85% of all cancers consist of solid tumors.
Reproductive cancers make up about 50% of all cases in women. These types include breast cancer or pelvic area cancers. The second most common cancer-related death for women is caused by lung cancer, but the primary cancer-related causes of death for women are breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. The key to overcoming them is to catch them early, so testing is important. There are also some diet choices that can reduce the risk of cancer. Even after cancer is diagnosed, diet can be helpful during treatment.
Some Common Symptoms of Cancer
These warning signs are not perfect indicators of cancer, but they are signs to watch for so you may be checked by a doctor just in case they occur:
- A notable change in bladder or bowel habits
- A sore that does not appear to be healing
- Any unusual bleeding or discharge
- A thickening or a lump anywhere on your body
- Chronic indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
- Changes in a wart or mole
- A persistent cough or an unusually hoarse voice
None of these are a definite sign of cancer, and some cancers develop without any warning at all, existing for years or even decades before detection. It is important to be tested regularly for various cancers, even if the course after detection is merely to wait and see.
Cancer Screenings
Here are some tests the American Cancer Society recommends for those without other significant risk factors. Those with an increased risk, including a family history of certain cancers, should follow the advice of a doctor.
- Men and women should both begin flexible sigmoidoscopy at age fifty, with further checks every three to five years.
- Men and women should also start a fecal occult blood test (tests for bowel cancer) starting at age fifty and repeated yearly.
- Digital rectal exams should start at age forty for everyone and be performed yearly.
- Pap tests should be done by all women who are either sexually active or over the age of eighteen. This checks the cervical cells for cancer. The intervals for these tests should be determined by the woman’s doctor.
- Women eighteen to forty should have pelvic exams every one to three years, while women over forty should have one every year.
- After menopause, women should have endometrial tissue samples taken. The doctor will determine the frequency after the first time.
- Breast self-examinations should be performed once every month by women once they reach the age of eighteen. A doctor can show the correct way to perform one.
- Mammography should be performed beginning at age 50 and repeated every one or two years – more for a woman determined to be at high risk.
Food Choices That Help Prevent Cancer
The American Cancer Society recommends several foods to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
- Soy beans or dried beans contain plant estrogen, which helps prevent against some pelvic cancers and breast cancer.
- Tomatoes, carrots, and red peppers contain a healthy amount of vitamin C. They also contain carotenoids, which guard against prostate cancer.
- Greens and cruciferous vegetables are good at reducing the risk of some cancers more common in men, including esophageal, lung, rectal, stomach, and colon cancers. They may even reduce the risk of certain other cancers, such as breast, bladder, pancreas, and larynx cancers.
- Olive oil is known to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
- Milk and milk products reduce the risks of both breast and colon cancers.
- Salmon and other oily fish can help ward off cancer in general.
Other Food Combinations that Can Reduce Cancer Risk
- Ground flaxseed contains lignans, fiber, and plant-sourced omega-3s. Eat this with berries, cottage cheese, or soybeans to help ward against breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. Just mix a few berries and tablespoon of ground flaxseed into a serving of low-fat cottage cheese.
- Stir-fry some of your favorite vegetables in a little bit of quality olive oil to better absorb nutrients and protect yourself against certain types of cancers.
- Get a good tea that you enjoy, like white, green, black, red, or herbal and some silken tofu to make a delicious dessert. After brewing the tea, let it cool to room temperature. Blend soft tofu to an extra cream consistency, and then stir a half cup to a full cup of tea into it. You can add some berries for flavor or add some raw almonds. It can be served at room temperature or chilled if you prefer a firmer texture. This has elements that may stop cancer before it even appears.
- Regular low-fat dairy products and foods with vitamin D can lower the likelihood of the appearance of colorectal cancer.
The Importance of Protein
Protein is also very helpful in combating cancer, either in preventing it or helping with treatment. The antibodies in your immune system are composed of protein, so you’ll need it to keep your immune system strong. Protein also builds muscle and aids the body in renewing itself, so it will even contribute to your overall health. Profect, a liquid protein shot from Protica, is a source of protein that contains 25 grams of protein per serving. At less than three ounces per serving, you can take it wherever you need to go. Not only does it provide a shot of necessary protein, it contains all the vitamin C and 10% of the vitamins B you will need during your day.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein drinks for dialysis patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright
Kidney disease is a whole new world for the person who contracts it. Everything that you eat has to be changed and carefully monitored. Some stages of kidney disease require the patient to ingest less protein, but later stages will require more protein than average once the dialysis treatment has begun. Everyone needs to have protein, not just those with kidney disease. It is vital for life. You need the right amount of protein, no matter what the condition of your kidneys, in order to remain as healthy as possible and even slow the progression of the disease. Even if you are very ill, your weakened state leaves you more prone to infections, which the proper levels of protein can fight off.
A lack of protein can be very detrimental. Your muscles are made of protein, which means that when your body is lacking protein sources from food, it will start to break down your muscles instead. This will cause your health to decline further, resulting in loss of energy, a slower recovery from injury, swelling, anemia, and changes in both blood pressure and heart rate.
A series of lab tests are performed, both to determine kidney disease and to establish which stage you are in. One such test measures the amount of protein in your system. An albumin test is performed monthly and given a close look since being low on albumin is a danger to health. It can cause extended hospital stays and an earlier death in patients who must undergo dialysis. About 3.6 ml/dl is considered to be a low level of albumin. If you have levels that low, you will most likely be instructed to take a protein supplement to ensure that you get enough protein in your day-to-day life. Your body (or anyone else’s) does not store protein, so you need to supply it through diet.
Protein comes in two types: complete and incomplete. Which type a certain protein is depends upon the amino acids that compose its structure. Nine of these amino acids are known as essential amino acids because they body cannot manufacture them on its own. They must be supplied by an outside source. Any animal-based protein will contain all nine essential amino acids, while the large majority of plant-based proteins are incomplete because they lack at least one of the essential amino acids. Soy is a notable exception, being both a complete and plant-based source of protein.
How much protein you need to have in your diet will vary greatly from person to person. You will have to consult your doctor and a nutritionist to determine your specific dietary needs, based on your stage of kidney disease, general health and general level of activity. Dialysis does not mean that your life is functionally over. Most dialysis patients lead an active life, with many of them holding full-time jobs and participating in whatever activities they love in their spare time.
All of your protein does not have to come from food. There are always protein supplements available for when food sources are just not enough or when your diet does not permit certain food sources of protein. Today, there are many protein supplements that can be delicious and effective without costing a large amount of money. Protein supplements were once known for being thick and terrible-tasting, so much so that many found them literally impossible to swallow. Thankfully, this is no longer the case.
A dialysis patient will have a more difficult time finding the right protein supplement because of the restrictions on fluids and other nutrients, namely potassium and phosphorous. You can find protein supplement drinks that are specifically tailored for dialysis patients, which are low in potassium and phosphorous and low volume, so that they can fit easily into the level of fluids allowed. Protein supplements come in other forms too, of course. You will need to consult with your dietician before making a final choice, however, just to make sure that it is appropriate for your particular needs.
Protein powders are another form of protein supplement and they come in four kinds – egg, rice, soy, and whey. Here are some things that you should know about protein powders:
- Protein powder mixed into a drink still counts against your fluid restriction, so it may be the only drink that you have for some time.
- There may be other restricted ingredients in the powder.
- If you have allergies, beware. Whey and soy in particular sometimes cause reactions. Rice, on the other hand, is hypoallergenic and should be safe for just about anyone.
Protein powders do not always have to be used with liquids. Many of these powders can be mixed into food instead, such as pudding. Whatever the case, it is still important to consult a dietician before trying anything new.
Protein supplements come in many forms beyond powders, including protein bars, puddings and protein supplement shots. One of the latter is a form of liquid protein from Protica called Profect. Profect is distinctive because of its size and ease. It is less than three fluid ounces, but it contains 25 grams of protein in that tiny serving and no added fat or sugar. Not only that, but Profect also contains all of the vitamin C that you will need for the day and 10 percent of the B complex vitamins. Since it is temperature-stable, Profect can also be stored in the car or carried around all day long without having to store it in a refrigerator.
Another source of protein to look into is the protein bar. These have to be scrutinized extra carefully, however, because some of them have ingredients that are best avoided by many people. Avoid protein bars that have added fat or sugar, especially if you are restricted in how much of either ingredient you may consume. Calorie count is not always a concern for kidney patients, but for many it is, so the ingredients of anything that is eaten must always be kept in mind. Avoiding complications by avoiding unhealthy foods is a relatively easy way to stay in optimum shape.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for renal care patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright
Our kidneys do a lot of work to help keep us healthy. They are responsible for filtering out waste from our blood. They release hormones that regulate blood pressure. Our kidneys process more than 18 gallons of blood each and every hour of the day, and filter more than half of the fluids we take in. Unfortunately, our kidneys are susceptible to a number of ailments, from simple kidney infections to kidney stones to chronic kidney disease, which can ultimately lead to renal failure.
There are many symptoms of renal failure. Many patients have vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Others find that their urine is foamy or bubbly and that they urinate often during the night. Other symptoms include blood in urine, difficulty urinating, weight loss, pale urine and increased urination. Some of the risk factors for chronic kidney disease include hypertension, gout, diabetes and family history, and there are some ethnic groups, such as African-American, Hispanic, Native American and Pacific Islander, who are more susceptible to chronic kidney disease.
Kidney failure can be caused by a number of things, and often, chronic kidney disease that leads to kidney failure is fatal. Some of the factors that can cause kidney failure include dehydration, the use of diuretics, an obstruction of renal veins or arteries, major infections, muscle breakdown (called rhabodmyolysis) and hopuvolemia, which is a low blood volume which can be caused by extreme blood loss.
More than 26 million Americans are affected by chronic kidney disease and millions more are at risk of developing it. The best way to keep this disease in check is to be diagnosed in the earliest stages when the disease is at its most treatable. Many patients with chronic kidney disease are also at risk of developing heart disease, which is a major cause of death for chronic kidney disease patients. When chronic kidney disease progresses to its final stages, it can lead to kidney failure.
Proper Nutrition is Necessary for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
It is essential that patients with chronic kidney disease follow a diet that has been planned specifically for their needs, one that has been created by a physician, dietitian or nutritionist. In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, patients actually need less protein than the average, healthy person (normally, 35% of the daily caloric intake should come from protein). In the final stages, they need more because dialysis depletes the body of protein, which is needed to help rebuild tissues.
All About Protein
Protein is a macronutrient that everyone needs in their diets in order to survive. It is comprised of chains of amino acids and contains hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon. Protein is a dietary source of energy and is necessary for the building, maintenance and repair of muscles and other tissues. Studies have shown that a number of serious health issues and diseases could be prevented by getting enough of the right proteins in our diets, and those who are in renal failure need different amounts of protein at different stages of their disease. There are two types of amino acids, essential and non-essential.
Essential Amino Acids – There are eight essential amino acids. They are called essential because they are amino acids that the body needs but cannot produce itself. Essential amino acids must come from dietary sources as well as protein supplements. The eight essential amino acids are: leucine, methionine, isoleucine, lysine, valine, threonine, phenylanine and tryptophan.
Non-Essential Amino Acids – These are amino acids that the body needs and can manufacture itself. The 14 non-essential amino acids are: l-arginine, glycene, apartic acid, glutamine, alanine, asparagines, histidine, cysteine, taurine, serine, cystine, proline, threonine and glutathione.
There are two different types or proteins: complete proteins and incomplete proteins. Complete proteins contain all 22 of the essential and non-essential amino acids. Incomplete proteins do not contain all of the amino acids, but when eaten in combination, can provide the nutrients needed.
Protein Supplements Can Help
Many patients in renal failure, especially those who are in the final stages, require much more protein than the average person. Because they also must maintain low-calorie, low-fat diets, many physicians and dietitians recommend that patients use protein supplements. Not only are they loaded with the protein that patients need for tissue recovery and energy, they also have plenty of other vitamins and nutrients.
There are a number of different types of protein supplements available, in addition to protein capsules (which can be taken any time with your favorite liquid, such as water, milk or juice.) The most popular types of protein supplements are protein powders, liquid proteins and protein shots.
Protein Powders: Protein powders are a popular choice for many people, probably because they are so versatile. There are many unflavored protein powders (many of these are made from rice or soy protein) that can be used in just about any recipe to add protein to every meal. There are also protein powders available in a number of delicious flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, berry, and fruit punch, which can be used to make great-tasting shakes, smoothies and slushies that can be used for meal replacements.
Liquid Protein Supplements: Liquid protein supplements can be purchased in a form that is used to mix with a number of drinks, such as juice or milk. There are also liquid protein supplements that are pre-mixed in ready-to-drink, pre-measured servings that are extremely handy because they can be taken anywhere. Some of these supplements are available in such flavors as chocolate and vanilla.
Protein Shots: These are another portable form of liquid protein supplement. These small and delicious shots of liquid protein have 25 to 30 grams of protein per serving, so even drinking one in a day will provide half of the recommended daily intake. One of the more popular protein shots available today is Profect, by Protica. This 2.9 fluid ounce drink provides 25 grams of protein and only 100 calories, as well as being low in fat and carbohydrates. Profect is available in many delicious flavors, such as Blue Raspberry and Grapefruit-Mango, and contains 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, as well as 10% of the daily recommended amount of the B complex vitamins.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for bariatric patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright