Nov J Nutrition 2012
Thanksgiving food for thought from Roc
A light meal before the big one.
1. Processed food has much higher level of carbs, lower levels of PUFA, potassium, and vitamin D. Though this symposium sponsored in part by food processing organizations concluded that processing level of foods was “a minor determinant” of nutrient content of food, their results show many reasons to “eat local” unprocessed food whenever possible.
2. Gut microbiome starts with vaginal birth and breastfeeding – The gastrointestinal microbiota plays an important role in maintaining host health by preventing the colonization of pathogens, fermenting dietary compounds, and maintaining normal mucosal immunity. Particularly in early life, the composition of the microbiota profoundly influences the development and maturation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) mucosa, which may affect health in later life. However, recent studies have demonstrated that the colonization and/or contact of the fetus with the maternal GIT microbiota may start in utero. After vaginal birth, the colonization of the neonate GIT continues through contact with maternal feces and vaginal bacteria, leading to a relatively simple microbial community that is influenced by feeding type (breast vs. formula feeding). Probiotics. It is well known that administering probiotic bacteria to adults alters the GIT diversity (84) and provides health benefits (85, 86). Specific lactobacilli and bifidobacteria have traditionally been recognized as potential health-promoting microbes in the human GIT and are, therefore, broadly used as probiotic supplements in foods. The beneficial effects of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria consumption are likely to involve inhibition of pathogen adherence to the mucosa, improvement of barrier function of the intestinal mucosa, production of bacteriocins, increased mucosal IgA production, and reduced mucosal proinflammatory cytokine secretion (87). Prebiotics. The addition of oligosaccharides resistant to digestion in the small intestine (prebiotics) to the diet of pregnant mothers is possibly a safer alternative than probiotic consumption for influencing the maternal GIT microbiota population for the benefit of the neonate (121). Synbiotics. Recently, the co-therapy of probiotics with prebiotics (synbiotics) in pregnant women and their infants was tested to assess the prevention of allergic diseases. It prevented atopic eczema, increased resistance to respiratory infections, and reduced IgE-associated atopic dermatitis (131, 132).
3. Maternal fish oil beneficial to children’s language ability at age 5 (and mercury in fish caused no harm).
4. Exercise effects on bone mineral density in older adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials – The findings from our meta-analysis of RCTs support the efficacy of exercise for increasing lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density in older adults.- Marques et al, AGE , Volume 34, Number 6 (2012), 1493-1515
5. Thanks to the Juvenon newsletter: Five Ways To Avoid Thanksgiving Overeating Don’t skip meals on the big day. Exercise. Add something healthy to your plate. Eat your favorite dish. Drink water. By Ann Lindemann, Senior Health Writer.
*To review the disclaimer. *To ask Nutrition Investigator (Roc) a question.
Roc Ordman for appointments or phoning pls email 24hrs ahead
Professor, Biochemistry, Beloit College, fall schedule
Classes 10-12MWF; 1-3TR; 9-12T
http://chemistry.beloit.edu/Ordman/
Although the gift of gab is indeed important, being a good listener provides even more of an advantage to being influential, new research shows. pg. 20 Scientific Am. Mind Nov/Dec 2012 Happy holidays!
