Autoimmune Disease | Diet vs Disease

Is Adrenal Fatigue Actually Real? A Sales-Free Look at Symptoms and Treatment

Joe Leech, Dietitian (MSc Nutrition & Dietetics) — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 06:16:49 +0000

Feeling stressed? Trouble sleeping? Craving sugar and gaining weight? Some may diagnose this cluster of symptoms as Adrenal Fatigue… but is it actually a real condition? This is a sales-free look at the facts. What is Adrenal Fatigue and the Function of Adrenal Glands? Adrenal fatigue refers to a cluster of common symptoms one might experience when under long-term mental or emotional stress. It’s also known as Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, HPA Axis Disregulation or Hypoadrenalism. The concept was introduced in 1998 by chiropractor and naturopath James Wilson. Since then it has become very popular among alternative health practitioners. The adrenal glands – small organs above the kidneys that produce certain hormones – help to manage stress. But they are said to grow tired or fatigued when overworked for a long period of time. As a result they produce inadequate amounts of hormones[Discover More...]

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Does Diet Affect Eczema Treatment?

Erin Peisach (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) — Mon, 22 May 2017 15:00:25 +0000

There are many recognized triggers of eczema. However, the role that diet plays is a murky area of research. This article reviews the current evidence surrounding eczema treatment. What is Eczema? Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, red, and swollen patches of skin. Unlike psoriasis, eczema most often appears on the inside of the elbows and knees. There are numerous types, but infantile eczema is the most common developing in 1 in 5 infants (1). However, know that eczema can affect anyone at any age. In fact, 334 million people worldwide were said to have eczema in 2013, and 10-30% of people in the U.S (2). Unfortunately, rates have increased by 2 to 3-fold in Western countries over the past few decades (3). Summary: Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition, and rates[Discover More...]

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Psoriasis Treatment: Does Your Diet Matter?

Kimberly Yawitz (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) — Tue, 16 May 2017 11:23:11 +0000

Psoriasis is complex to treat. In fact, Physician Paul Bechet once said it’s “the antidote to a dermatologist’s ego” (1). It’s an autoimmune disease that causes chronic pain and itching that can severely impact on quality of life. Many foods and supplements are rumored to help with psoriasis treatment. But does research support these claims? This article examines the evidence surrounding the relationship between diet and psoriasis. What is Psoriasis and Its Symptoms? Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes patches of skin to become inflamed and scaly. It affects up to 4% of the world’s population (2). Symptoms occur in flares, and include itching, pain, and skin lesions. Psoriasis may also cause pitted fingernails and toenails, as well as mouth sores. There are six types of psoriasis. Each type causes a distinctive rash: Plaque psoriasis. Image source. Guttate psoriasis. Image[Discover More...]

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Are Nightshade Vegetables Bad for You? An Evidence-Based Look

Kimberly Yawitz (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 08:23:27 +0000

Many argue that nightshade vegetables causes various health issues. But are they actually unhealthy to eat? This article explores the current research. What Are Nightshade Foods? Nightshades are plants in the Solanaceae family. There are more than 3000 varieties, a handful of which are staple fruits, vegetables and herbs in our diet. Common nightshade foods include: Nightshades are also used in many sauces and seasoning blends, including ketchup, hot sauce, steak sauce, curry seasoning and garam masala. Summary: Only a small selection of all nightshades are edible. The most common in the diet include tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, potatoes, chilis and many seasoning blends and sauces. Why the Concerns About Nightshade Vegetables? Few studies have directly linked nightshade consumption to negative health outcomes. That said, many believe they cause inflammation or toxicity. Most arguments are based on certain chemicals found in nightshades,[Discover More...]

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Celiac Disease and Celiac Disease Diet: The Beginner’s Guide

Amanda Williams, Dietitian — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 08:41:22 +0000

Around 1 in 100 people have celiac disease worldwide (1). The only known treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, which is not easy to do. This article takes a detailed look at managing celiac disease and how to do a gluten-free diet. What is Celiac Disease? Celiac disease (also called coeliac disease) is an autoimmune condition that can damage the small intestine. Specifically, the small intestine has many small projections (villi) along it, which help absorb nutrients from food. In celiac disease these are damaged and nutrients can’t be absorbed properly. Normal villi vs. celiac disease villi in the small intestine. Image source. Click to enlarge. Celiac disease causes the immune system to see gluten as a threat, attacking both the gluten and the villi of the small intestine. Therefore, people with celiac disease need to avoid foods containing gluten. Gluten is a[Discover More...]

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The Best Diet For Rheumatoid Arthritis: Reviewing The Evidence

Kimberly Yawitz (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 08:13:17 +0000

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. It affects up to 1.3% of the population worldwide, mostly women. New research indicates that diet may influence traditional treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. This article summarizes the current science and recommendations. What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis affects the structure and function of the joints. A membrane called the synovium lines the joints, creating space and fluid for lubrication and movement. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the synovium. This leads to an inflammatory immune response that causes pain, joint deformity and disability as it progresses (1). The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown, but genetics and health of our gut bacteria appears to play a strong role. That said, those who carry the genes may never develop the disease. Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which[Discover More...]

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