scholarly journals Plant-Based Diets and Hypertension

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 397-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivam Joshi ◽  
Leigh Ettinger ◽  
Scott E. Liebman
Keyword(s):  
Energy Content ◽  
Clinical Trial Data ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Global Epidemic ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Treatment Of Hypertension ◽  
Established Plant ◽  
Evidenced Based

Hypertension is a global epidemic and a risk factor for many adverse outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and death. Lifestyle plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of hypertension, and guidelines from several organizations recommend lifestyle modifications as first-line intervention for hypertensive patients. Data supporting the use of plant-based diets in the treatment of hypertension goes back almost a century. More recently, clinical trial data, including randomized controlled trials, have established plant-based diets as an effective lifestyle intervention for high blood pressure (BP). Plant-based diets differ from the standard American diet in a myriad of ways, with some substances being present in either substantially higher or lower amounts. Although the precise mechanism of a plant-based diet’s beneficial effects on BP is unknown, many of these differences may be responsible. Attributes of a plant-based diet that may lower BP include a lower energy content leading to weight loss, a lower sodium content, an increased potassium content, reduced oxidative stress, higher bioavailability of the vasodilator nitric oxide, and beneficial effects on the microbiome. The evidenced-based benefits of plant-based diets in treating hypertension should lead providers to advocate for this dietary pattern for their patients.

Managing Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes – Challenges and Opportunities

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Lars Rydén ◽  
Linda Mellbin ◽  
Klas Malmberg ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Tolerance ◽  
Clinical Trial Data ◽  
Oral Glucose ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing ◽  
Coronary Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Multifactorial Approach

The prevalence of diabetes and its associated complications, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), has increased over recent years and is expected to continue to rise dramatically. People with diabetes have a poor prognosis, with a substantially increased risk of coronary heart disease, coronary death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and other vascular deaths compared with non-diabetic subjects. Conversely, studies have also shown that many patients with CVD have undiagnosed dysglycaemia and that already impaired glucose tolerance and newly detected diabetes are associated with an impaired prognosis. Thus, screening for such conditions, preferably with oral glucose tolerance testing, should be performed in all patients with CVD. Guidelines advocate a multifactorial approach to the management of prediabetes, diabetes and CVD. This includes lifestyle modifications as well as targets for glycaemic control, blood pressure, lipids, and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Although clinical trial data have demonstrated that target-driven strategies can improve outcomes in patients with diabetes, the implementation and execution of these regimens in clinical practice needs to improve.

Diabetes and Heart Failure: Is it Hyperglycemia or Hyperinsulinemia?

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Triantafyllos Didangelos ◽  
Konstantinos Kantartzis
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Insulin Treatment ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Treatment Of Diabetes

The cardiac effects of exogenously administered insulin for the treatment of diabetes (DM) have recently attracted much attention. In particular, it has been questioned whether insulin is the appropriate treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure. While several old and some new studies suggested that insulin treatment has beneficial effects on the heart, recent observational studies indicate associations of insulin treatment with an increased risk of developing or worsening of pre-existing heart failure and higher mortality rates. However, there is actually little evidence that the associations of insulin administration with any adverse outcomes are causal. On the other hand, insulin clearly causes weight gain and may also cause serious episodes of hypoglycemia. Moreover, excess of insulin (hyperinsulinemia), as often seen with the use of injected insulin, seems to predispose to inflammation, hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Nevertheless, it should be stressed that most of the data concerning the effects of insulin on cardiac function derive from in vitro studies with isolated animal hearts. Therefore, the relevance of the findings of such studies for humans should be considered with caution. In the present review, we summarize the existing data about the potential positive and negative effects of insulin on the heart and attempt to answer the question whether any adverse effects of insulin or the consequences of hyperglycemia are more important and may provide a better explanation of the close association of DM with heart failure.

Review of Constipation Treatment Methods with Emphasis on Laxative Foods

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 675-688
Author(s):  
Shamsi Abbasalizadeh ◽  
Behzad Ebrahimi ◽  
Aslan Azizi ◽  
Rogaye Dargahi ◽  
Maryam Tayebali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Lifestyle Factor ◽  
Flax Seed ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Daily Exercise

Constipation is a common public health concern experienced by all individuals during their life affecting the quality of life. In this paper, we aimed to provide an overview of the existing evidence regarding the role of food ingredients, including bran, prune, fig, kiwifruit, and flax-seed in constipation treatment. We searched Scopus, Pub Med, and Science Direct by using the keywords, “laxative foods” and “constipation”, for searching studies assessing laxative food ingredients and their beneficial effects on constipation treatment and/or control. Lifestyle modifications such as increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake and daily exercise are the proposed first line treatments for constipation. Optimizing ‘diet’ as an efficient lifestyle factor may contribute to the well-being of patients. The use of laxative food ingredients including bran, prune, fig, kiwifruit, flax-seed, probiotics, and prebiotics is a convenient alternative to cope with constipation. According to previous findings, laxative food ingredients could be considered as effective treatments for subjects suffering from constipation. Many studies have assessed the pharmacological and non-pharmacological roles of these ingredients in treating constipation, however, their importance has not been thoroughly investigated.

scholarly journals Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)—A Condition Associated with Heightened Sympathetic Activation

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 4241
Author(s):  
Revathy Carnagarin ◽  
Kearney Tan ◽  
Leon Adams ◽  
Vance B. Matthews ◽  
Marcio G. Kiuchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Metabolic Dysfunction ◽  
Sympathetic Activation ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common liver disease affecting a quarter of the global population and is often associated with adverse health outcomes. The increasing prevalence of MAFLD occurs in parallel to that of metabolic syndrome (MetS), which in fact plays a major role in driving the perturbations of cardiometabolic homeostasis. However, the mechanisms underpinning the pathogenesis of MAFLD are incompletely understood. Compelling evidence from animal and human studies suggest that heightened activation of the sympathetic nervous system is a key contributor to the development of MAFLD. Indeed, common treatment strategies for metabolic diseases such as diet and exercise to induce weight loss have been shown to exert their beneficial effects at least in part through the associated sympathetic inhibition. Furthermore, pharmacological and device-based approaches to reduce sympathetic activation have been demonstrated to improve the metabolic alterations frequently present in patients with obesity, MetSand diabetes. Currently available evidence, while still limited, suggests that sympathetic activation is of specific relevance in the pathogenesis of MAFLD and consequentially may offer an attractive therapeutic target to attenuate the adverse outcomes associated with MAFLD.

scholarly journals Prevalence of overweight, obesity and its associated risk factors among school children aged 6-16 years of Biratnagar

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay Kumar Sah ◽  
Arun Giri ◽  
Rupak Acharya
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Private Schools ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Global Epidemic ◽  
Treatment And Prevention

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a ‘global epidemic. Overweight and obese children are at higher risk for developing long-term chronic diseases like hypertension. With globalization bringing more lifestyle modifications, adolescents are exposed to multiple risk factors including obesity, diet, academic stress, lack of physical work apart from hereditary risk factors. Early diagnosis of obesity and hypertension is an important strategy in its control, effective treatment and prevention of complications. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of and the factors associated with childhood overweight/obesity among school childrenMaterial and Methods It is a school based cross sectional study done in schools of Biratnagar. School going children aged 6 to 16 years from 10 different schools of Biratnagar were taken as study population. Five were private schools and five were government schools. All the school going children aged 6 to 16 years were included in the study. Children with any chronic illness were excluded from the study.Results A total of 1900 students were included between age group of 6 to 16 years. The prevalence of overweight, obesity and hypertension were 2.9%, 1.8% and 6.1%.Conclusion Overweight, obesity was significantly associated with hypertension. Students studying in private schools and family income > Rs.10,000 were strongly associated with overweight, obesity and hypertension. Family history of hypertension was also associated with overweight/obesity.Journal of Nobel Medical College Vol.5(2) 2016; 22-25

Diabetes After Hormone Therapy in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Case-Cohort Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (20) ◽  
pp. 2061-2069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rola Hamood ◽  
Hatem Hamood ◽  
Ilya Merhasin ◽  
Lital Keinan-Boker
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Hormone Therapy ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Diabetes Risk ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Increased Risk

Purpose Breast cancer treatments have been associated with an increased risk of multiple health-related adverse outcomes, but the relationship with diabetes remains unclear. This study investigated the association between hormone therapy and diabetes risk in breast cancer survivors. Patients and Methods We performed a case-cohort study of 2,246 female survivors recruited from the Leumit health care fund who were diagnosed with primary nonmetastatic invasive breast cancer in 2002 through 2012. A 20% random subcohort was sampled at baseline, and all diabetes cases were identified. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were estimated by weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results Of 2,246 breast cancer survivors, 324 developed diabetes over a mean follow-up of 5.9 years. The crude cumulative incidence of diabetes that accounted for death as a competing risk was 20.9% (95% CI, 18.3% to 23.7%). In multivariable-adjusted models, hormone therapy was associated with increased diabetes risk (HR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.26 to 4.55; P = .008). The hazard for tamoxifen use (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.19 to 4.26; P = .013) was less pronounced than the use of aromatase inhibitors (HR, 4.27, 95% CI, 1.42 to 12.84; P = .010). Conclusion Active hormone therapy is a significant risk factor of diabetes among breast cancer survivors. Although cessation of treatment is not recommended because the survival benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks, preventive strategies aimed at lifestyle modifications may minimize the risk.

scholarly journals Nonpharmacological Modulation of Chronic Inflammation in Parkinson’s Disease: Role of Diet Interventions

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Kalampokini ◽  
Anouck Becker ◽  
Klaus Fassbender ◽  
Epameinondas Lyros ◽  
Marcus M. Unger
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Chronic Inflammation ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dietary Interventions ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Proinflammatory Response ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Mediators Of Inflammation

Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as an important pathophysiological feature of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent evidence suggests that neuroinflammation in PD might originate in the intestine and the bidirectional communication between the central and enteric nervous system, the so-called “gut-brain axis,” has received growing attention due to its contribution to the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Diet targets mediators of inflammation with various mechanisms and combined with dopaminergic treatment can exert various beneficial effects in PD. Food-based therapies may favorably modulate gut microbiota composition and enhance the intestinal epithelial integrity or decrease the proinflammatory response by direct effects on immune cells. Diets rich in pre- and probiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phenols including flavonoids, and vitamins, such as the Mediterranean diet or a plant-based diet, may attenuate chronic inflammation and positively influence PD symptoms and even progression of the disease. Dietary strategies should be encouraged in the context of a healthy lifestyle with physical activity, which also has neuroimmune-modifying properties. Thus, diet adaptation appears to be an effective additive, nonpharmacological therapeutic strategy that can attenuate the chronic inflammation implicated in PD, potentially slow down degeneration, and thereby modify the course of the disease. PD patients should be highly encouraged to adopt corresponding lifestyle modifications, in order to improve not only PD symptoms, but also general quality of life. Future research should focus on planning larger clinical trials with dietary interventions in PD in order to obtain hard evidence for the hypothesized beneficial effects.

scholarly journals Grape Seed Procyanidins in Pre- and Mild Hypertension: A Registry Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianni Belcaro ◽  
Andrea Ledda ◽  
Shu Hu ◽  
Maria Rosa Cesarone ◽  
Beatrice Feragalli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Membrane Lipids ◽  
Oxidized Ldl ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Grape Seed ◽  
Registry Study ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Phagocytic Cells ◽  
Doppler Flowmetry ◽  
Beneficial Effects

The efficacy of a standardized grape seed procyanidins extract (GSPE, Enovita) to decrease blood pressure when associated with nondrug intervention (diet and lifestyle modifications) was investigated in a controlled registry study involving 119 healthy, pre- and mildly hypertensive subjects. Two dosages of Enovita were evaluated (150 and 300 mg/die), using blood pressure and heart rate as the primary endpoints and complementing these observations with a laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) investigation of the microcirculation state and an evaluation of the plasma oxidative status. After four months of treatment, a statistically significant higher, and dose-dependent, improvement in all endpoints was observed in the treatment groups compared to that of the control, with blood pressure normalizing in 93% of the higher dosage (300 mg) treatment group. Taken together, these observations suggest that GSPEs have beneficial cardiovascular effects that complement current intervention strategies in the hypertension area. The effect on blood pressure adds to the beneficial effects of GSPEs on the cardiovascular disease (CVD) phenotype associated with the oxidation of membrane lipids (endothelial dysfunction, formation of oxidized LDL, and activation of phagocytic cells).

scholarly journals n-3 PUFA: bioavailability and modulation of adipose tissue function

2009 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Kopecky ◽  
Martin Rossmeisl ◽  
Pavel Flachs ◽  
Ondrej Kuda ◽  
Petr Brauner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Insulin Signalling ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Cardiac Events ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Metabolic Switch ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Glucose And Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Tissue Lipids ◽  
Amp Activated Protein Kinase

Adipose tissue has a key role in the development of metabolic syndrome (MS), which includes obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and other disorders. Systemic insulin resistance represents a major factor contributing to the development of MS in obesity. The resistance is precipitated by impaired adipose tissue glucose and lipid metabolism, linked to a low-grade inflammation of adipose tissue and secretion of pro-inflammatory adipokines. Development of MS could be delayed by lifestyle modifications, while both dietary and pharmacological interventions are required for the successful therapy of MS. The n-3 long-chain (LC) PUFA, EPA and DHA, which are abundant in marine fish, act as hypolipidaemic factors, reduce cardiac events and decrease the progression of atherosclerosis. Thus, n-3 LC PUFA represent healthy constituents of diets for patients with MS. In rodents n-3 LC PUFA prevent the development of obesity and impaired glucose tolerance. The effects of n-3 LC PUFA are mediated transcriptionally by AMP-activated protein kinase and by other mechanisms. n-3 LC PUFA activate a metabolic switch toward lipid catabolism and suppression of lipogenesis, i.e. in the liver, adipose tissue and small intestine. This metabolic switch improves dyslipidaemia and reduces ectopic deposition of lipids, resulting in improved insulin signalling. Despite a relatively low accumulation of n-3 LC PUFA in adipose tissue lipids, adipose tissue is specifically linked to the beneficial effects of n-3 LC PUFA, as indicated by (1) the prevention of adipose tissue hyperplasia and hypertrophy, (2) the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis in adipocytes, (3) the induction of adiponectin and (4) the amelioration of adipose tissue inflammation by n-3 LC PUFA.

Diet and Brain Health: Which Role for Polyphenols?

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Castelli ◽  
Davide Grassi ◽  
Raffaella Bocale ◽  
Michele d'Angelo ◽  
Andrea Antonosante ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Dietary Polyphenols ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
The Relationship

Background: The aging of western societies is leading to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of chronic conditions, threatening the health status and then the sustainability of our healthcare systems. In particular, dementia is being increasingly recognized as a public health priority, given its enormous socioeconomic burdens further amplified by the absence of treatments really effective in improving the clinical course of the disease. Methods: The question of whether some degree of cognitive deterioration is an inevitable part of aging or should be considered as a pathological pre-stage of dementia is currently debated. This is a field in need of research because accelerated brain aging as well as further decline in cognition might be preventable in the early stages of cognitive impairment. Herein, we discuss evidence from clinical and experimental studies on the role of polyphenols in preserving cognitive performance across life. Results: In recent years, the possibility of favorably influencing the cognitive trajectory through promotion of lifestyle modifications has been increasingly investigated. In particular, the relationship between nutritional habits and brain health has attracted special attention. Dietary polyphenols exhibit a strong potential to promote brain due to their efficacy in protecting neurons against oxidative stress-induced injury, suppressing neuroinflammation and in ameliorating cardiovascular risk factor control and cardiovascular function thus counteracting neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Conclusion: Emerging evidence suggest that dietary polyphenols, in particular flavonoids, may exert beneficial effects on the central nervous system thus representing a potential tool to preserve cognitive performance throught senescence.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document