Celiac disease is a condition that is receiving much more attention these days. Up until 2003, there was still uncertainty as to whether it should be classified as a condition on its own. However, a better understanding about the condition and public awareness means that celiac disease is now getting the recognition particularly in the media. But celiac disease is more than just gluten intolerance or a wheat allergy. The range of foods that can be a problem to a person suffering with celiac disease can extend well beyond what is thought to be a trigger.

Ideally every person with celiac disease should consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for a comprehensive eating plan that is individually tailored to the patient’s personal and cultural taste preferences. Unfortunately this is not always possible and many patients are misled into believing that they can safely consume many foods that are actually not suitable.

continue reading Everyday Foods To Avoid In Celiac Disease

Losing weight should be a priority for every person who is overweight or obese irrespective of their age. Similarly maintaining a healthy body weight is a constant undertaking. Both weight loss and weight management are due to the balance of calories – the calories consumed in foods and the calories burned through physical activity. There are various other factors that contribute to weight gain but in the end, being overweight or obese is primarily due to consuming more calories than required by the body on a daily basis.

There are new weight loss fads and slimming diets that are constantly emerging. Some are based on sound scientific principles while others are not. Similarly, some are very effective in assisting a person to lose weight. All too often though, there are fad diets that utilize extreme practices and may only help a person shed a few pounds for a short while but thereafter the pounds return and sometimes even a little more than the original weight. Poor decisions in terms of weight loss programs largely stems from misconceptions, myths and mistakes.

continue reading 7 Common Weight Loss Mistakes and Myths

Define Beriberi

Beriberi is a condition that arises with deficiency of the vitamin known as thiamine, less frequently referred to as vitamin B1. It arises with consuming diets that are low or deficient in thiamine, conditions that affect absorption of thiamine or increased utilization or loss of thiamine. It is one of the commonly seen deficiencies among alcoholics and with extreme dieting. However, beriberi can occur in any person of any age. Thiamine deficiency affects the entire body with the nerves, heart and blood vessels being the most affected over time. Beriberi is easily treated with thiamine supplementation.

continue reading Beriberi (Vitamin B1 Thiamine Deficiency)

What is scurvy?

Scurvy is a condition that arises with a severe lack of vitamin C in the diet. The deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) impacts on various organs and tissues in the body since vitamin C is an important micronutrient for health. It is important to note that scurvy arises only with a severe and prolonged deficiency of vitamin C and in some cases it can be serious enough to cause death. However, a better understanding of the pathophysiology has made scurvy easy to treat with simple measures like dietary modification and supplementation. Within days to weeks the symptoms resolve and there may be no permanent complications.

continue reading Scurvy (Severe Vitamin C Deficiency)

What is riboflavin?

Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is an essential enzyme. It is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and facilitates many metabolic reactions in the body. This non-toxic enzyme is important for producing energy in cells, functioning of other enzymes, and normal production of amino acids and fatty acids. Riboflavin is also necessary for the production of glutathione, which is a very important anti-oxidant used by the body for blocking free radical damage.

continue reading Riboflavin Deficiency