What Are Net Carbs and Should I Count Them?
Both dietary fiber and sugar alcohols are thought to have little or no impact on blood sugar, which is why those numbers aren’t included in a net carb count.FiberDietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the human body does not digest. It’s considered extremely healthy, and is mainly found in fruit, grains, legumes, and vegetables, especially when they...
NIH Spending Cuts on ‘Indirect Costs’ Could Halt Lifesaving Research
A push by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to slash funding for “indirect” research costs like lab equipment and computers could delay or end lifesaving medical studies all over the country, scientists say.“These funds keep the lights on — literally and figuratively,” says Harlan Krumholz, MD, a professor and the director of the Center for Outcomes Research and...
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Manage Heart Disease Risk
Ankylosing spondylitis is characterized by inflammation in certain joints, mainly the sacroiliac joints (where the spine attaches to the pelvis), the spine, and the hips. This inflammation causes symptoms such as low back pain and stiffness.The same inflammation that causes this pain may also be responsible for the elevated heart risks seen in people with AS. Specifically, the inflammation...
Understanding Organ Transplantation: Procedure and Recovery Guide
With the help of family, friends, and possibly a social worker at your hospital or through an organ transplant organization, you’ll want to gather information about transplant centers that fit your needs. Things to consider include the facility’s location, whether it’s covered by your insurance, and whether it offers support groups.The Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network (OPTN) has a...
Phone Apps for People With IBD
For people with IBD, loneliness and social isolation can lead to more hospital stays, shorter lifespans, and depression, research finds. Social media apps like MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam can help people with UC stay connected and feel supported without judgment or stigma.The app builds community by allowing participants to post photos, share updates, and encourage each other. The app also lets members give and...
The Best Types of Fiber for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
“Overall, people with IBD should incorporate all types of fiber in their diet.” That said, if you’re experiencing a flare, it helps to limit certain types of fiber until your symptoms improve. These include:Insoluble FiberInsoluble fiber does not hold onto water and is often referred to as “roughage.” It helps push food through the GI tract more quickly, resulting in...
Air Pollution Decreases Mental Concentration, Study Finds
The ability to interpret emotions or focus on performing a task is hampered by even brief exposure to air pollution, a new study finds.“Our work shows that short-term exposure to air pollution can significantly impact upon several dimensions of cognition,” says coauthor Francis Pope, PhD, an environmental scientist and professor at the University of Birmingham in England.“In particular, it...
Canned Tuna From Trader Joe’s, Costco, Walmart Recalled for Botulism Risk
Canned tuna sold at popular retailers like Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Walmart has been recalled by the manufacturer, Tri-Union Seafood, because of faulty easy-open lids. These could leak over time or let in the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which if consumed can cause botulism, according to a company announcement posted Monday on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.C....
Surgery for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis surgery generally describes cutting into the plantar fascia, or the tissue affected by the condition, in order to relieve tension and promote healing.“The original theory of plantar fascia surgery was to take a piece of plantar fascia out and stimulate a healthy healing response to get a normal plantar fascia,” says Lance M. Silverman, MD, an orthopedic...
6 Pasta Alternatives for Your Next Meal
Whatever kind of pasta you choose, it’s important to keep portions in mind. The serving size recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is just a half cup cooked, which is about 1 ounce (oz) dry. It’s not hard to exceed that amount, especially in a pasta entrée.For reference, a more typical portion of 2 oz of dry white pasta...
