Cardiovascular disease is a prevalent condition in Western society. Research suggests that carbohydrates, especially refined sources, are associated with the aforementioned malady in addition to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (Pereira, Almeida, Alfenas, & Cassia, 2014). As high as 50% of total daily calories come from refined carbohydrates in the standard American diet, […]
Read MoreCeliac disease (CD) can be defined as an inherited autoimmune disease estimated to affect 1 out of every 133 asymptomatic people (Gaillard, 2016). Individuals with CD who consume gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and their derivatives) damage absorptive villi of the duodenum, leading to malabsorbtion of important nutrients (Gaill ard, 2016). Non-celiac […]
Read MoreDisparities often exist between what we think we know, and what we actually know. When I performed a nutritional self-assessment during Exercise and Sports Related Nutrition, I thought I had a well-balanced nutritional plan. Following a week of gathering baseline data with myfitnesspal software, I discovered that my conclusions were inaccurate. Throughout the nutritional self-assessment […]
Read MoreLow carbohydrate diets (LCDs) have demonstrated favorable effects on biomarkers such as reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, and improved insulin sensitivity (Ballard et al., 2013). However, do LCDs improve biomarkers as well as performance outcomes compared to grain-based diets (GBDs)? A case study by Rosenkranz, Cook, and Haub (2007) explored this question by placing an elite […]
Read MoreOsteoporosis can be defined as decreased bone mass and a shift in the structure of bone, resulting in a reduced quality of bone (Tufts, 2011). The quality of bone cannot be assessed, however, bone mineral density (BMD) can be screened using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to determine mineral content of bone (Tufts, 2011). […]
Read MoreBrown (2014) stated that overweight and obesity (OO) has doubled over the last two decades. Although genetics play a role in the outcome of such conditions, it would be fallacious to conclude genetic predispositions as a singular impetus behind OO. Environmental factors, specifically the interplay between environment and genetics, are a more likely cause of […]
Read MoreBrown (2014) indicated that overweight and obesity (OO) are conditions among children that are mounting at an accelerated rate. Moreover, approximately 18% of children aged 6-11 are obese with BMIs greater than or equal to the 95th percentile (Brown, 2014). Conditions of overweight and obesity set a foundation for other physiological aberrations such as cardiovascular […]
Read MoreCeliac disease (CD) is a common digestive disorder that affects approximately 1% of European and North American populations (Chang, Burke, & Golub, 2011; Zimmer, 2011). Infants with CD are genetically susceptible and are reactive to foods containing a particular form of protein known as gluten. Such reactions from gluten cause an immune-mediated inflammatory response, damaging […]
Read MoreNational Health and Nutrition Examination Survey has determined that approximately 0.9% of children between 1-5 years of age from 2005-2008 have lead blood levels surpassing 10mcg/dL (Brown, 2014). Due the toxic side affects of lead upon human physiology, it is paramount to control said lead levels. Common sources of lead exposure include airborne sources, […]
Read MoreIron deficiency anemia (IDA) can be defined as a condition frequently marked by a low hemoglobin level (Brown, 2014). It is characterized by the signs of iron deficiency (depleted iron stores, weakness, fatigue, short attention span, poor appetite, weak immune system) in addition to paleness, exhaustion, and a rapid heart rate (Brown, 2014). Women with […]
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