Christine Sexton (MPH, RD)

Beginner’s Guide To Beating Pseudomembranous Colitis (C. diff Colitis): Explained in Plain English

Christine Sexton (MPH, RD) — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 04:30:26 +0000

Pseudomembranous colitis refers to inflammation in the gut that is associated with an overgrowth of C. diff bacteria. This condition can cause very uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms that are very serious if not managed properly. Unfortunately, pseudomembranous colitis is becoming more common with people often experiencing it more than once. This article explores what to eat and drink during a C. diff infection, and what diet can help prevent pseudomembranous colitis from recurring. What Is Pseudomembranous Colitis (C. diff Colitis)? Pseudomembranous colitis is a type of inflammation in the large intestine (also called the gut or colon). Unlike a similar condition called microscopic colitis, it’s caused by an overgrowth of C. diff (Clostridium difficile) bacteria. One of the main causes of pseudomembranous colitis is excessive antibiotic use. Antibiotics are prescribed to kill harmful, infection-causing bacteria. Unfortunately, they also kill beneficial gut bacteria, creating a void in the[Discover More...]

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SALES-FREE Forskolin Review: Does This Weight Loss Pill Work? (Updated for 2019)

Christine Sexton (MPH, RD) — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 09:09:40 +0000

Forskolin has been touted as “lightning in a bottle” and a “miracle flower” for weight loss. But does it really live up to the hype? This is a sales-free review of forskolin and whether it could help you lose weight. What is Forskolin? Forskolin is a compound found in Coleus forskohlii, a tropical plant in the mint family. The plant is native to India, and grows wild in many countries in Southeast Asia (1). It’s been used since ancient times to treat asthma, bronchitis, constipation, heart problems and other conditions (2, 3). However, it became much more well-known in 2014 after Dr. Oz praised it as a “miracle” weight loss pill. Forskolin is sold as an over-the-counter supplement usually containing 10-20% forskolin extract (often called pure forskolin). Manufacturers claim that it suppresses appetite and helps with weight loss. Summary: Forskolin[Discover More...]

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The Beginner’s Guide To A Protein-Sparing Modified Fast (PSMF)

Christine Sexton (MPH, RD) — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 07:09:07 +0000

A wide range of diets and eating patterns have gained popularity in recent years. High-protein diets in particular are popular because of how effective they are. The Protein-Sparing Modified Fast is no exception. This article explains what the diet it is and who may be appropriate to give it a go. What is a Protein-Sparing Modified Fast (PSMF)? A Protein-Sparing Modified Fast (PSMF) is a very low-calorie diet designed to help you lose a lot of weight quickly. “Protein-sparing” refers to the diet’s main goal, which is to maintain muscle mass while losing fat. It has been around since the 1970s, when physicians began researching the diet as a way to help severely obese patients lose weight. The term now refers to many varieties of very low-calorie diets, many undertaken without medical supervision. This is very risky, as we will[Discover More...]

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What Is Maltitol and Is It Safe? A Thorough Review for Non-Scientists

Christine Sexton (MPH, RD) — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 07:41:33 +0000

Maltitol is an ingredient often found in low-calorie and sugar-free foods. But is it a healthy sugar alternative? This article will explain what maltitol is, why it’s used and whether you should avoid it. What is Maltitol? Maltitol is a type of sugar alcohol, also called a polyol, that is used as a sweetener. It doesn’t contain alcohol in the sense that alcoholic beverages do. Rather, sugar alcohol refers to its chemical structure. Maltitol is found naturally in small amounts in some fruits and vegetables, chicory leaves and roasted malt. It can also be manufactured by adding hydrogen to maltose, a sugar found in starches like corn, potatoes and wheat. In food processing, it’s often made from corn starch. Why Use Maltitol? Maltitol is a low-calorie sweetener used in processed foods and drinks. It’s a useful replacement for table sugar[Discover More...]

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What Is Maltodextrin and Is It Dangerous? A Succinct Review For Non-Scientists

Christine Sexton (MPH, RD) — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 22:01:20 +0000

Have you ever noticed the word “maltodextrin” in the ingredient list on a package of food? It’s a very common ingredient, but is it safe? This article will explain exactly what maltodextrin is, why it’s in so many foods and whether or not you should avoid it. What is Maltodextrin? Maltodextrin is a white powder used as a food additive. It can be made from any starch, including corn, wheat, rice, potato and tapioca. It’s made through a process called hydrolysis, which uses water and enzymes or acids to cut starch molecules into smaller pieces. Short chains of sugars make up these pieces. After hydrolysis, it’s purified and spray-dried to make a powder (1). Even though sugar molecules make up maltodextrin, it doesn’t taste sweet. In fact, most people cannot taste it at all (2). Summary: Maltodextrin is a food[Discover More...]

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Candida and Diet: Splitting Fact from Fiction

Christine Sexton (MPH, RD) — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 09:17:19 +0000

Candida is a fungus that can grow in the human body. A condition called Candida Overgrowth Syndrome is said to occur if levels in the gut become too high. But is it actually a real condition, and does diet play a role? This article explores the current research. What is Candida? The Candida genus includes more than 20 species of yeast that are able to cause infections in humans (1). It’s commonly present in the digestive tract and mucous membranes of the nose, throat and reproductive organs. The most common species is Candida albicans (C. albicans), which is estimated to be present in the mouth or throat of up to 40% of healthy adults (2). About 70% of healthy adults also have yeasts, mainly Candida species, in their guts (large intestine or bowel) (3). Summary: Yeasts of the Candida genus are common[Discover More...]

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