A diet free of gluten is one of very few diets that are actually prescribed by doctors – what are the myths and facts?

Director Peter Green of the Celiac Disease Center, based in Columbia University, decided to come forward to confront the various myths surrounding following a gluten-free (GF) diet.

Green, as well as staff at the CDC, are unsure as to why a GF-diet has suddenly become the diet of choice among thousands of Americans, going on to say that diets like paleo, vegan, organic-exclusive, low carbohydrate and others do not actually have medical legitimacy as the GF-diet does.

A diet cutting out gluten is prescribed by doctors to treat celiac disease, a disease where the body cannot tolerate gluten.

Green goes on to confront the popular myth that gluten consumption is the ultimate obstacle to good health and weight loss, citing books, articles, and studies of dubious origins that claim high consumption of gluten is what results in obesity, brain issues, as well as inability to lose weight.

Green and colleagues baffled as to why so many follow a GF-diet without diagnosis

However, Green clarifies that there is little existing scientific evidence that supports the benefits of a diet free of gluten for any individual except those that suffer from celiac disease.

Celiac disease occurs in a very small number of the population – approximately 1% – and is determined by genetics. It results in individuals developing a negative immune-system response to gluten, which is found in foods like rye, barely, and what.

It is estimated that roughly 20% of celiac disease sufferers are actually diagnosed in the United States, the remainder go undiagnosed.

Green goes on to say that nearly 3% of Americans are actively choosing to pursue a GF-diet without having received a diagnosis of celiac disease, and Green and his colleagues “have no idea” why.

The diet combined with a diet low in salt has been deemed to be just as effective in controlling high blood pressure in adults as medication.

A study conducted of over 400 adults suffering from stage 1 HBP discovered that eating a diet low in salt alongside the DASH diet, known to promote heart health, actually lowers blood pressure.Results of the trial reveal that following a particular diet can be as successful, or even more successful, than using anti-hypertensive medication for individuals who have extremely high risks for contracting HBP.

Researcher Dr. Stephen Juraschek stated that dietary intervention should be considered before administering medication to high-risk individuals.

The DASH diet is heavily advocated by medical organizations throughout the United States specializing in heart health, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, poultry, fish, seeds, nuts, whole-grains, and beans.

A mix of the two healthy diets shows great results

Diets that are low in sugar (sodium) are recognized as preventing as well as lowering HBP. The latest study aimed to examine what would happen if the two healthy diets were combined in adults who have early or moderate forms of HBP, and who are considered as at risk of developing more serious types of hypertension.

If blood pressure is allowed to rise out of control, it can lead to a variety of deadly conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, strokes and heart attacks.

None of the study’s participants were in any form of medication or had a current or past diagnosis of poor cholesterol, diabetes, renal insufficiency or heart disease.

The participants who were kept on the DASH diet and consumed low doses of sodium exhibited considerably lower blood pressure, with average baseline systolic pressure of each individual being less than 130.

Researchers hope the study’s results will encourage patients to adhere to a diet low in sodium that is healthy to control blood pressure.

Recent study reveals that dieting individuals can indulge in certain fast food meals from popular chains

Most people wouldn’t think that fast food – hamburgers, french fries, fried chicken and more – is a good complement to a diet. However, a study conducted by NetQuote revealed this may not always be the case.

Although when confronted with the word “diet”, people think of strict regulation and denying yourself indulgent treats, particularly when it comes to restaurants that are known for serving junk food, some of the most followed diets today have fewer restrictions than you think.

Individuals pursuing a diverse range of diets can enjoy their favorite fast food dishes and without “cheating” on their diets, fantastic news to those of us who cannot live without our favorite fast food chain restaurants.

Surprising number of choices for dieters at restaurants with large, varied menus

NetQuote’s study compared the menus of the five most popular chain restaurants: Starbucks, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Chick-fil-a, and Taco Bell to the typical menus of five of the most followed diets: Mediterranean, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and low-carb.

39 dishes from the chain restaurants’ menus were categorized as being low-carb, including such highly purchased items as McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, Cheesy Roll-Ups from Taco Bell, and Wendy’s Sausage & Egg Burrito.

For individuals following the Mediterranean diet, twenty items are fine to eat: salads from McDonald’s, a panini from Starbucks or chips with cheesy sauce from Taco Bell are all within the frame of accepted meal items.

Vegetarian and pescatarian diet followers have the widest selection of viable meals, with 64 choices for vegetarians and 68 for pescatarians. Vegans have 22 choices, including fruit cups from McDonald’s and salad bowls from Starbucks.

Research reveals that eating a diet rich in so-called “superfoods” can contribute towards combating rheumatoid arthritis

Within the United Kingdom, approximately 10 million individuals are suffering from arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the type that over 8 million patients are afflicted with, caused by worn away joint cartilage.

Nearly half a million of arthritis-afflicted individuals are dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, which is where the immune system ends up attacking and inevitably deteriorating the joints in the body.

Scientists have compiled a comprehensive list of superfoods that have been discovered to help reduce the crippling pain suffered by individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

A lead researcher in the study, Doctor Bhawna Gupta stated that regularly eating vegetables, spices, fruits, and certain fibers can definitively assist patients in managing the harsh effects and symptoms of the disease.

Dr. Gupta also recommends avoiding foods that inflame or aggravate the condition, suggesting patients should try to adhere to a Mediterranean, elemental, elimination or vegan diet instead of an omnivore diet.

Information detailed in report may lead to new strategies for medication development

Research has revealed that keeping healthy and consuming a diet that is Mediterranean – rich in vegetables and oily fish – can reduce and combat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Dr. Gupta also noted that altering diet to deal with managing disease has absolutely no negative risk to the patient, and is cheaper and easier, and in some cases more pleasant than exclusively managing symptoms with medication.

The study emphasized recommending only diets that were scientifically proven to have beneficial effects in the long-term and hoped that the information garnered would be able to potentially contribute to the creation of more effective medications.

Dr. Gupta confirmed that the report stressed the effectiveness and importance of particular phytochemicals and components from food that is proven to benefit individuals dealing with rheumatoid arthritis’s debilitating symptoms.

Individuals who consume a vegan or vegetarian diet may not always be healthier than those who eat meat and junk food

Doctor Bindiya Gandhi stuck to a vegetarian diet for four years of her life but was also the unhealthiest she had ever been

Dr. Gandhi stated she was tired, overweight, and dealing with the effects of a hormonal imbalance. Her diet consisted primarily of grains, bread, and a lot of sweet desserts

Dr. Gandhi’s attitude was that as long as she maintained a regular exercise routine she could eat whatever she liked, and until her father told her to add meat back to her diet things did not change with her health.

After eating meat, Dr. Gandhi discovered her energy and memory improving, as well as the added benefit of weight loss. The reason for this improvement was the following: vegetarian and vegans tend to be deficient in fat as well as key vitamins such as iron, zinc, iodine, vitamin D and B12.

They also usually have very low cholesterol and body weight levels, which can create hormonal imbalances, interfere with menstrual cycles and create “brain fog” – the symptom of feeling less aware and cognitively active than usual.

How to make a plant-heavy diet as healthy as possible?

Dr. Ghandi recommends adding protein shakes to a plant-heavy diet and adding healthy fats such as avocados to avoid the negative side effects of eating limited protein.

She also recommends eating unrefined carbohydrates and whole grain rather than consuming high-carb foods that inhibit weight loss leads to lethargy and fatigue, and hunger which can end up with cravings for sugary foods.

Lastly, Dr. Ghandi warned vegans and vegetarians to be wary of consuming too much dairy and eating, surprisingly, not enough vegetables: individuals should eat up to nine servings per day.

A straightforward, effective diet plan to help you fit into your festive outfit

The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and with it comes the selection of work parties, family gatherings, and parties. The time to start working on your weight loss plan is now, while there is still enough time for steady, safe weight loss.

Not only is it wiser to begin losing those excess pounds now to avoid dangerous, ineffective crash diets close to the holidays, but reaching the ideal weight before the festive party season really kicks off will allow you to indulge in seasonal meals like sweets and chocolates, Christmas puddings, and turkey.

The diet plan requires you to monitor your calorie intake, and consume a lot of protein as well as healthy carbohydrates. It includes vegetables and fruits high in useful minerals and vitamins, and it isn’t restrictive: there are no “forbidden” food groups.

Follow the rules and steadily lose weight

Firstly, carbohydrates shouldn’t be cut out: but you shouldn’t consume any after 6 PM to have fewer calories to burn during the evening when people tend to be less active. Secondly, increase your protein consumption: chicken, nuts, eggs, and fish are all key items to help you feel full and avoid food cravings!

Thirdly, don’t indulge in restaurants: try to have low-fat, healthy meals and avoid desserts and starters. On the same note, don’t overdo it with alcohol: try to keep to a single glass of alcohol on alternating nights.

The diet isn’t about restriction: enjoy your favorite treats, but try to reduce your consumption. For example, if you have an average of 6 biscuits a day, try to cut it down to 3.

Lastly, make sure you get your beauty rest: if you’re tired and stressed out, you may increase your cortisol levels, a stress hormone which can hinder weight loss. Get your 7-9 hours a night!

Research has proven certain diets can prevent the typical spat of winter-related illnesses, from stuffy colds to dry coughs

A nutrient-rich diet can be beneficial for a variety of reasons from weight loss to improved energy levels, but it can also serve as a preventative for the illnesses that crop up during cold, bitter winter months.

November is due to hit record low temperatures, and Australia has recently suffered the most severe flu outbreak in several decades.

Flu, cold, and coughs aren’t the only negative winter effect to deal with: dry, patchy skin and increased rates of depression are also common effects of the gloomy months ahead.

Research has revealed four foods that can help combat these negative “winter effects” and even prevent them.

Avocados are recognized to have a variety of health benefits. A lesser-known one is that it can help to prevent parched skin.

Cold winds can lead to flare-ups of psoriasis and eczema, as well as generally drying out skin. The fats an avocado contains can help with this issue, even consuming half an avocado a day can make a difference.

Certain foods not only help with the effects of winter-related sickness but can also help avoid getting ill entirely

To combat the dreaded stuffed nose, ginger is the best option: ginger is a great addition to any meal and contains gingerol, which can help clear a stuffy nose.

Ginger can also actually offer protection from the virus which causes infections in the respiratory tract. To reap the benefits, a coin-sized ginger piece a week (fresh) should do it.

For dry, scratchy, or sore throats garlic has been proven to decrease cold symptoms, sore throat included 70 percent faster and can reduce the chance of getting sick by approximately 60 percent.

Garlic’s sulfur compounds are known to boost the immune system, which is where its beneficial properties come from.

Lastly, to combat depression, a portion of red meat could be the solution. The amino acids found in meat can boost the body’s so-called “happy hormones” like serotonin and dopamine.

Between one and two portions weekly will help improve your mood.

Research reveals adding apple cider vinegar to your diet can boost weight loss

Apple cider vinegar, as the name connotes, is an amber-colored vinegar that is derived from apples. Versions that are unpasteurized posses an opaque appearance, as well as being thought to possess a variety of benefits for health.

The vinegar was used originally as an ingredient in chutney and salad dressing, but other useful uses have been found.

To create the vinegar, a liquid is forcibly squeezed from apples and then fermented by adding yeast, to create an alcohol.

Afterwards, it is then put through another fermenting stage to produce acetic acid that turns the solution from a liquid into vinegar.

Research has revealed that adding apple vinegar to a healthy diet tends to produce a satisfied feeling of fullness in dieters, thus helping to promote weight loss.

Studies conducted in both the United States and Sweden discovered that individuals who consumed apple vinegar on a daily basis tended to consume fewer calories, participants in the US study consuming 200-275 fewer calories per day.

Researchers suspect that acetic acid, the compound found in the vinegar, is what contributes towards individuals feeling fuller and less inclined to snack on extra calories.

How to incorporate apple vinegar into your diet?

Although there are many ways to consume vinegar, there are certainly more appetizing strategies than others.

A quick and efficient way to take your daily dose is simply drinking it prior to eating: a straight tea-spoon will do the trick.

For those less inclined to take undiluted vinegar, there are other methods, such as adding two large spoons to mix with water.

Natural sweeteners such as stevia can be added, or plain honey, to improve the taste.

Experts suggest committing to including the apple-derived vinegar to your diet in the long term to see visible results.