Frank Hu, MD, PhD at Nutrition Pro 2015: Translating Genetic Information in Nutrition Practice Dr. Frank Hu of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discusses the role of genetic information, prediction of chronic disease, and nutrition interventions for improved health. This presentation comes from Nutrition Pro 2015 and contains valuable information for clinical translation of genetic information for improved nutrition practice. Genes play only a small role in our overall health outcomes. Other genetic determinants, such as…

by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN Cellular oxidative stress, the balance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants, may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic diseases.1 A nutrient-dense dietary pattern, particularly one containing fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, confers antioxidant activity in the body. This is important because prior research has demonstrated that increasing the amount of antioxidants in the diet is associated with reductions in cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and all-cause mortality.1 However, data linking antioxidant intake and effects…

Cardiovascular function can be strategically supported via targeted nutritional factors that support nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, which is essential for healthy endothelial function and blood flow. Arginine, citrulline, cocoa polyphenols, folate, vitamin C, and magnesium help protect and maintain NO synthesis, and therefore, preserve healthy endothelial function and blood flow. This endothelial health animation video shows how various nutritional factors impact the NO synthesis pathway. Understanding these biochemical insights will help leverage targeted, personalized nutrition therapies to optimize endothelial health…

by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN The global burden of diabetes is staggering, with an estimated 422 million adults living with the chronic disease.1 This prevalence has almost doubled since 1980 alongside the rise in obesity and has been dubbed the “diabesity” phenomenon.1 Diabetes and its myriad comorbidities (heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, limb amputation, vision loss, and pregnancy complications) translate into substantial economic losses to the person affected by the disease, health systems and national economies.1 Effective…

by Robert Silverman, DC, MS, CNS   When your joints ache, don’t open the medicine cabinet for a pain pill. Instead, head to the grocery store to find healthful—and delicious—foods the support joint health instead. Sweet Potatoes The deep orange color of a sweet potato comes from the rich supply of beta-carotene it contains. Beta-carotene is the natural precursor of vitamin A (retinol). When you eat a sweet potato, your body converts some of the beta-carotene into vitamin A. The rest…

by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN Updated clinical practice guidelines from the 2017 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions and co-published in Hypertension1 and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology2 by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and AHA, revealed a new blood pressure (BP) classification system and updated hypertension (HTN) treatment recommendations, with a clear emphasis on lifestyle approaches. How will these guidelines affect clinical decision-making? These updated, more conservative ACC/AHA criteria will translate into millions of newly diagnosed patients with HTN, shifting many…

Diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic issues are on the rise worldwide and are strongly associated with obesity. A growing body of research indicates that the ketogenic diet and keto-adaptation may play a role in mitigating metabolic dysfunction and related chronic disease concerns. In this talk, ketogenic diet researcher and expert Jeff Volek, PhD, RD emphasizes a case method approach for managing chronic health issues—specifically, via carbohydrate restriction and ketosis. Dr. Volek is a Professor in the Department of Human…

by Lewis Chang, PhD  One-year results from a new long-term clinical trial demonstrate that, compared with the usual guideline-based care, a more aggressive weight management program implemented at primary care practices can effectively help patients achieve type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission [1]. Researchers from Newcastle University (Newcastle City, UK) and University of Glasgow (City of Glasgow, UK) conducted a cluster-randomized trial (Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial, or DiRECT) at 49 primary care practices in Scotland and Northeast region of England. A total of…