It’s good to remember that getting and remaining healthy is a journey that requires the help of many health professionals. Take a look at what these health professionals do on a daily basis and how they work together as a team.
By: Nikki Nies
While each health profession would like to think they are the most important aspect of a multi disciplinary team. It’s not the case. The human body wasn’t made to be evaluated in parts, but as a whole system. As a whole system, when patients are sick it’s important to evaluate them as a whole. Monitoring the entire body takes many experts and nutrition is heavily impacted by other health professionals outcomes and/or indirectly impacts other body systems. During one of internship’s seminars we got to meet other health professionals within the health care field who we might interact and rely on one day. We were presented with a case, asking us how we as health professionals would play role in the treatment and also what other health professionals we may be able to help or who we would rely on for our treatment.
Recently, Dr. Oz had a segment on yacon syrup as the newest, greatest weight loss treatment. This syrup has been described as raisin/fig like in taste, yet the efficacy of this latest syrup as a weight loss treatment is questionable. This syrup should be limited to 1 teaspoon before meals, with no more than 1 tablespoon consumed daily. Too much yacon syrup can lead to bloating, nausea and/or diarrhea.
The molasses like syrup, yacon syrup derives from the yacon plant in the Andes mountains. Present day Bolivian, Peruvian and Brazilian citizens tout this syrup as a low-calorie (20 calories/tablespoon), low sugar food that has helped with diabetes and kidney and digestive issues.
The syrup has inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and is high in fiber.Once FOS hits the gut, it helps promote good bacteria, which has been credited for helping to maintain a healthy weight, contain anti-inflammatory properties and…
**Disclaimer: The following post is by no means disregarding the very real ubiquitous nature of allergies and eating disorders. While I try to write a variety of topics, the point of this post was to other more aware of “new trends” and the unfortunate concept of masking an eating disorder with a default allergy. As with all posts, my intention is to encourage healthier behaviors. If you do decide to read the following post, please read with a grain of salt.**
There isn’t much scientific research explaining the mechanisms behind the possible link between declaring one has an allergy to a particular food or food group, when in fact it’s masking a more serious condition. An eating disorder. There’s a new wave of bloggers and speakers, sharing their story on how they were able to successfully disguise their restrictive eating with the claims of allergies. General practitioners…
Bulimia nervosa can be a serious, life threatening condition that consists of a cycle of bingeing and compensatory behaviors, such as self induced vomiting, taking laxatives, going on crash diets, exercising and/or fasting to overturn the effect of bingeing. There is a constant battle between wanting to remain slim and a certain weight and not being able to say not to foods. This disorder is often called “bingeing and purging” technique to alleviate calories consumed.
Quick Test:
Are you obsessed with your body and your weight?
Does food and dieting dominate your life?
Are you afraid that when you start eating, you won’t be able to stop?
Do you ever eat until you feel sick?
Do you feel guilty, ashamed, or depressed after you eat?
Do you vomit or take laxatives to control your weight?
The more times you answered “yes” to the above questions, the more likely you may have bulimic like behaviors.
I don’t know any one who hasn’t succumbed to society’s definition of what’s beautiful. Unfortunately, bulimia often results in the desire to lose weight and dieting. However, the stricter the dietary restrictions are, the more likely one will become preoccupied and/or obsessed with food.
Signs and Symptoms Bingeing and Purging:
Lack of self-control when eating: eating even when full to the point of discomfort and pain
Extreme concern of body shape and weight
Withdrawal from usual activities and friends
Continued exercise despite injuries
Dry or loose skin
Creation of schedules and rituals to make time for bingeing and purging
Using laxatives, diuretics or enemas
Eating unusually large amounts of food with no obvious change in weight
Alternating between overeating and fasting: has the “all or nothing” mentality
Secrecy regarding eating: goes out alone on food runs; eats in the kitchen; is always “full”
Uses saunas to “sweat out” water weight
Goes to the bathroom after meals: may run the water to disguise the sound of vomiting
Smells of vomit: the bathroom or the person may smell like vomit; may try to cover up the odor with perfume, air freshener, mouthwash
Calluses or scars on the knuckles or hands: from the induced vomiting
Discolored teeth (i.e. yellow, ragged or clear) from exposure to stomach acid when vomiting
Weight fluctuations: due to bingeing and purging
“Chipmunk” cheeks
Impact of Bulimia on Person:
Dehydration due to vomiting
Electrolyte imbalance due to vomiting or use of diuretics or laxatives
Lethargy
Cloudy thinking
Kidney failure with low potassium levels
Ab Pain
Bloating
Swelling of extremities
Broken blood vessels in the eyes
Chronic sore throat/hoarseness
Swollen cheeks and salivary glands
Weakness and dizziness
Mouth sores and tooth decay
Acid reflux
Ruptured stomach and/or esophagus
Amenorrhea
Chronic constipation
Treatment:
There’s no quick fix treatment to help those with bulimia. It’s often a heavily layered disorder that requires a team of professionals to help those battling with bulimia. With the many causes of eating disorders, such as major life changes, history of trauma or abuse, poor self esteem and body image, treatment will be an ongoing process.
Bulimia impacts 1-2% of adolescent and adult women, however, there is help waiting to provide the necessary guidance needed.
Not only is the word ugly such a cruel, mean word, but to throw that word around to describe some one is one of the lowest lows. With a country obsessed with image and beauty, there’s too much emphasis on outward beauty. Lizzie Velazquez, a 24 year old women, has been labeled as the ugliest women in the world.
Lizzie’s only 1 of 3 Americans that has a rare disorder that does not allow her to lose weight and made her blind in her left eye. While she could be down about her situation, she has turned it into an opportunity to talk about her struggles and ability to overcome bullying.
Lizzie’s story is an inspiration for all. I would be lying if I said I didn’t care about what I look like, but spending more time honing in on innate traits can help someone be more confident and comfortable in his or her skin. Check out Lizzie’s motivational speech and next time you’re feeling sorry for yourself, look to her for strength!
No DEED Goes Unnoticed 