My Blog

COFFEE!

What are the benefits/risks?

Does it count towards my fluid requirement or doesn’t it?

There are lots of good things that have been discovered about coffee. It is full of antioxidants (these are compounds that inhibit oxidation- protecting cells against free radicals that can cause damage).

Many studies have shown that it MIGHT protect brain health (protection from some neurodegenerative diseases), It MIGHT lower depression, and also MIGHT contribute to longevity. It also MIGHT lower your risk of Type II Diabetes and also MIGHT support liver health.

Studies have shown it can improve heart health (though some who have ongoing heart issues are advised to stay away from it- ask your dr. ), it can improve performance levels- cognitively or in athletic performance.

Who should avoid coffee? Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding can have 200 mg or less. People with high blood pressure, those who have insomnia and those with anxiety may find it causes more anxiety and jitters- all are advised to avoid it.

Is decaf ok? Yes. It still offers many of the same benefits, though 97% of the caffeine is required to be removed in order to call it caffeine free, so just be aware that you might still get a small amount of caffeine in your decaf.

And yes, it can count towards your fluid requirements. That’s old news where you may have heard it doesn’t.

Hopefully this clears up any coffee confusion you may have had! Enjoy!

Sources: healthline.com, Harvard.edu

So… A little teenage birdie told me that there is a tiktok trend to drink pineapple juice after wisdom teeth surgery because it can help with reducing swelling and helps with healing.

Is this true? Well, maybe. The problem is, there has not been any conclusive evidence showing that this helps with wisdom teeth healing Bromelain, the enzyme in pineapple juice has been utilized as a medicine and has been shown to help reduce swelling and inflammation in other things (rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammation in the body, such as lungs).

There are quite a few dentists who do recommend the pineapple juice. It seems that it might not be overly harmful if someone is having 6-8 oz.

Caution should be used though, as bromelain can interact with certain antibiotics such as amoxycillin, and can actually increase the side effects and amount of this drug in the body.

Other medications that can negatively interact with bromelain are any medications that slow blood clotting such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin, Plavix, diclofenac, naproxen, dalteparin, heparin, indomethacin, ticlopidine, warfarin and more.

My advice? Ask your dentist or oral surgeon what their thoughts are before you have the surgery. It seems like it probably can’t hurt and might actually help, unless you are taking some of those medications.

What are some benefits to 6-8 oz (the highest recommended amount of juice per day)? Pineapple juice is high in vitamin C, has B vitamins B6 and thiamin, folate, Vitamin A and beta carotene.

Sources:  emedicinehealth.com and webmd.com

Hi everyone- I'm back doing blogs.  Yes, I've made myself a schedule- we're all human, we all get caught up in other stuff.  I'm going to try and post or put something up for your viewing pleasure every Thursday. 

I saw a segment on one of the morning  shows that was discussing people losing weight from having a way low amount of carbs- only about 45 grams a day!  Of course if you restrict anything you lose weight but I don't see this lasting over time.  I think keeping them in check is wise, but going that low- yikes. A lower carbohydrate diet (but not this low, in my opinion)  may work for some people who have diabetes and are able to get their blood sugars under control who do this under the close supervision of their doctor and dietititan. 

But for the rest of us, this new research fails to mention our microbiome.  There have been multiple studies (and scientists are still researching) how having good gut bacteria can help prevent certain illnesses, and protect the immune system. You can get this bacteria from whole grain foods.  In addition, whole grain carbohydrates add FIBER which helps with constipation.

Athletes need more carbs for that quick energy for longer length sports such as distance running, biking etc.  Glucose which comes from carbs is required for that activity.  

Many times when people restrict carbs at meals they end up compensating for it later by craving sweets- the body tries to get them one way or another!  If this sounds like you make sure to add whole grain carbs if possible at each meal.  

Hopefully I've convinced you that carbs are not all bad, and do have an important role in our diets. 

Sooo- my take on this?  Make sure each meal and has all the important elements- carbohydrate, protein, fat, fruit and/or vegetable and sometimes dairy.  Try and mostly use whole grains such as whole wheat, bran, whole grain corn.  Notice I said "mostly".  Not every item you eat has to be whole grain.  For instance, if I'm having an Italian dish I want regular pasta- this way I will enjoy the meal more.  Occasional treats and snacks are ok as well!  Enjoy that birthday cake with everyone at the party.  In addition-  make sure you're getting about half your body weight in protein grams.  A 100 lb. person would need approx. 50 grams protein per day.  This is an easy way to approximate if you are having enough protein with your carbs and fat.  

If you are overdoing it with carbs, or anything for that matter, try and eat slow, pay attention to portions.  Start out with less, than add more as needed.  Each meal should contain at least 1- 2 carbs (more for many depending on activity level, height and weight). 

Hopefully this clears up some of the confusion!