All articles tagged with #dietary interventions
A study presented at ENDO 2025 found that intermittent energy restriction (fasting twice a week) may be more effective in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity compared to time-restricted or continuous calorie restriction, showing benefits in blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, and adherence.
Research shows that consuming flavan-3-ol-rich foods like tea, chocolate, and apples can modestly lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function, offering a simple, food-based strategy to support heart health, especially for those with elevated blood pressure.
A comprehensive review suggests that regular, moderate coffee consumption can add up to two years of healthy aging, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues, cancer, and cognitive decline. The study highlights coffee's role in promoting longevity and better health during aging, with benefits observed in both men and women. While caffeine is a key component, coffee's over 2,000 bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, contribute to its health benefits. The review calls for further research to understand the mechanisms and identify individuals who may benefit most from coffee's properties.
A study published in The American Journal of Medicine highlights the benefits of incorporating more fruits and vegetables into the diet for individuals with high blood pressure and early signs of kidney and cardiovascular disease. Over five years, participants who consumed more fruits and vegetables showed slower progression of kidney disease and lower systolic blood pressure compared to those receiving standard care. The study suggests that dietary changes can be an effective foundational treatment for hypertension and chronic kidney disease, emphasizing the need for healthcare professionals to recommend and facilitate healthier diets.
A study published in The American Journal of Medicine highlights the benefits of incorporating more fruits and vegetables into the diet for individuals with high blood pressure and early signs of kidney and cardiovascular disease. Over five years, participants who consumed more fruits and vegetables showed slower progression of kidney disease, lower systolic blood pressure, and reduced cardiovascular risk compared to those receiving standard care. The study emphasizes the importance of dietary interventions in managing chronic conditions and suggests that fruits and vegetables could be foundational in treating hypertension and protecting kidney and heart health.
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that many vitamin and mineral supplements, commonly taken by millions, may increase the risk of heart disease and early death rather than provide health benefits. The research, which analyzed 277 trials involving nearly a million people, found that only a few supplements, like fish oil and folic acid, offered cardiovascular protection. In contrast, a combination of calcium and vitamin D was linked to a higher risk of stroke. The study also found limited evidence supporting dietary interventions like the Mediterranean diet in reducing cardiovascular risk.
A study of over 10,000 individuals over six years found that lower levels of butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut are linked to higher risks of serious infections. Enhancing gut microbiome health through dietary interventions could potentially reduce infection rates, with further research needed to explore effective methods for increasing beneficial bacteria.
A compound found in wasabi, known as 6-MSITC, has been found to enhance certain cognitive functions, specifically working and episodic memory, in older adults. In a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, participants who received a 6-MSITC supplement showed significant improvements in memory compared to those who received a placebo. However, no significant improvements were observed in other cognitive areas such as processing speed or attention. This study highlights the potential benefits of dietary interventions, specifically incorporating foods high in 6-MSITC, in supporting cognitive health in the aging population. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects and applications of 6-MSITC in cognitive health.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects millions of people worldwide, causing symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Recent research has shown that individuals with IBD have distinct characteristics in their gut microbiome, offering potential insights into better treatments. Dietary interventions, such as following a healthy diet and lifestyle, have been found to help manage symptoms. Other avenues of research include studying gut immune cells and exploring fecal microbiota transplantation as potential treatment options.
Protein supplements are often suggested for weight loss, building lean muscle mass or repairing broken tissue after an intense workout, but one has to weigh how much one needs in such a circumstance. The average protein requirement for an adult is 0.8 to 1 gm per kg of body weight. Too much protein causes plaque build-up and creates rhythm disturbance in the heart. Protein powders may contain heavy metals, pesticides or other contaminants. If you indeed need protein powder supplementation because of health conditions and a plant diet which doesn’t give you enough, your doctor will tell you the dosage you require to make up for the deficiency in your diet.
A retrospective study investigated the effects of three different dietary interventions (calorie-restricted diet, high protein diet, and 5+2 intermittent fasting) on body weight, BMI, body fat, glucose, and lipid metabolism in 135 obese patients in China. The study found that all three dietary interventions had beneficial effects on weight loss and metabolic disorders. Calorie-restricted diet and high protein diet were effective in reducing body weight and body fat, while 5+2 intermittent fasting was more effective in reducing glucose and lipid metabolism. The study suggests that dietary interventions should be adapted to the dietary habits and social culture of specific regions.