About 1 in 3 American teens have prediabetes, putting 8+ million at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke - but lifestyle changes can reverse it.
Hi Erin, Severe early-onset obesity is linked to an earlier and more severe risk of chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, prediabetes, and premature death. Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine described severe obesity in young children as a “canary in the coal mine for the health of future generations.” The best infant formulas are made primarily of corn syrup and are associated with a higher risk of obesity in the first five years of life; breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of obesity.
Research published in Pediatrics shows that the trend is increasing once again, with severe obesity reaching 2% among young children in 2020. In the United States, 1 in 5 children and adolescents is obese. Among young people aged 2 to 19, the prevalence of obesity was 19.7% between 2017 and 2020, or 14.7 million people affected. Early childhood obesity is a strong predictor of obesity in old age: 90% of children who are obese at age 3 remain obese in adolescence.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 32.4% of people worldwide and is the most common cause of liver transplantation in adults under 50. NAFLD also affects up to 9.6% of American children aged 2 to 19 years.
Liver ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the liver and other abdominal organs. The test is non-invasive, meaning no incisions or injections are needed, and is considered one of the safest imaging techniques available.
Liver ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the liver and its surrounding structures. It is one of the most common diagnostic tools used to assess liver health, detect abnormalities, and monitor liver conditions. This test plays a crucial role in diagnosing a variety of liver-related diseases, including fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver tumors.
2) Excess abdominal fat (people of normal weight can develop fatty liver disease if they have "visceral obesity," meaning they have a lot of fat around their waist).
3) Insulin resistance.
4) High intake of refined carbohydrates.
5) Consumption of sugary drinks.
6) Impaired gut health.
Any of these situations will cause your liver to begin accumulating fat between its cells, inflaming them. This is what we know as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Among the consequences of having fatty liver disease are developing fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. In some cases, the health situation becomes so complicated that the only treatment option is a liver transplant.
PRINCIPLES OF NUTRITION IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
Severe early-onset obesity is linked to an earlier and more severe risk of chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, prediabetes, and premature death. Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine described severe obesity in young children as a “canary in the coal mine for the health of future generations.” The best infant formulas are made primarily of corn syrup and are associated with a higher risk of obesity in the first five years of life; breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of obesity.
Research published in Pediatrics shows that the trend is increasing once again, with severe obesity reaching 2% among young children in 2020. In the United States, 1 in 5 children and adolescents is obese. Among young people aged 2 to 19, the prevalence of obesity was 19.7% between 2017 and 2020, or 14.7 million people affected. Early childhood obesity is a strong predictor of obesity in old age: 90% of children who are obese at age 3 remain obese in adolescence.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 32.4% of people worldwide and is the most common cause of liver transplantation in adults under 50. NAFLD also affects up to 9.6% of American children aged 2 to 19 years.
We need to nourish our bodies and brains with good carbohydrates. Glucose is the most important substrate for proper brain function and development, with increased glucose consumption related to the need to create new brain structures and connections. Alterations in glucose homeostasis are inevitably associated with changes in the development of the nervous system. A diet for managing diabetes requires a diet high in low-glycemic-index vegetables. The carbohydrates in low-glycemic-index (GI) foods are digested and absorbed more slowly. This slow release of glucose into the bloodstream has been shown to be much more beneficial for the body, from improved energy levels to better control of type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Postprandial glucose, along with related hyperinsulinemia and lipidemia, has been implicated in the development of chronic metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease. Chronic postprandial hyperglycemia is a hallmark of insulin resistance and can induce oxidative stress, the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and lipid peroxidase products, leading to endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and the expression of inflammatory genes. The phytochemicals in fruits and carbohydrates in general minimize hyperglycemia.
Research shows that those who skip or delay breakfast are more likely to experience mood swings. Skipping breakfast can increase the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, decreased cognitive performance, and frailty.
Increased activity and a diet consisting primarily of carbohydrates with a low glycemic index and high fiber content are more likely to reduce hunger and provide greater satiety, leading to a favorable energy balance that combats diabetes by helping to lose excess body fat. Adequate levels of ghrelin, the hormone that, along with leptin, regulates appetite and satiety, can hinder weight loss if not properly controlled. There are factors that can influence ghrelin production, such as sleep and stress, which increase ghrelin; proteins, which decrease ghrelin; and soluble fiber, which decreases ghrelin. Exercise regulates ghrelin.
The interaction between flavonoids and the target proteins of the insulin signaling pathway characterizes the bioactivities of flavonoids, such as anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties. Nutrients such as resveratrol from grapes, berberine in goldenseal and barberry, anthocyanin extracts from purple plants, curcumin from turmeric, and flavonoids from citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, and red onions, as well as green tea, cocoa, and spices like thyme and mint, are rich in flavonoids and play a significant role in improving insulin resistance at the molecular level and reducing the risk of diabetes and obesity.
Thanks, Dorlis. For those with high cholesterol: Much better than taking statins is the Cholesterol Lowering Capacity Index (CRCI), a standardized score that quantifies the effectiveness of a food or nutraceutical product in reducing LDL cholesterol. This concept is inspired by similar indices in nutrition, such as the glycemic index (which ranks carbohydrate-containing foods according to their glycemic response) and the ORAC score for antioxidant capacity. The CRCI integrates multiple factors: the presence and levels of compounds with proven cholesterol-lowering efficacy, the efficacy of these compounds based on evidence (from clinical trials or meta-analyses), their bioavailability in the food matrix, and any synergistic interactions when combining various ingredients. The result is a single scale (for example, from 0 to 100, or a categorical classification such as "low/moderate/high capacity") that can be assigned to a food or supplement. In principle, a higher CLCI score would indicate a greater expected reduction in LDL cholesterol when the product is consumed regularly as directed. Table 1 (linked above) lists many of these compounds and their effectiveness. For the construction of the index, we incorporated the following:
1. Plant sterols/stanols: Average LDL cholesterol reduction of approximately 10% with 2 g/day. These would deserve one of the highest base scores (as few food ingredients achieve this effectiveness).
2. Soluble viscous fiber: LDL cholesterol reduction of approximately 5-7% for every 3 g of β-glucan or 10 g of psyllium. Therefore, fiber could contribute approximately five points per effective dose in a product.
3. Berberine: LDL cholesterol reduction of approximately 10-15% with approximately 1 g/day. Baseline score of approximately 10 points for a full 1g serving (smaller amounts are reduced proportionally).
4. Soy protein/isoflavones: LDL cholesterol reduction of approximately 3-7% per 25g of soy protein. The baseline score is low (e.g., approximately 3-5 points) for a serving with high soy protein content.
5. Bergamot extract: LDL cholesterol reduction of approximately 8-15% with usual doses. The baseline score can be around 10 points for a standard dose of bergamot polyphenols.
6. Garlic extract: LDL reduction of approximately 5% (up to 10%). Baseline score of approximately 3-5 points for a full daily dose (e.g., approximately 0.5-1g of garlic extract). 7. Artichoke extract: LDL reduction ~5%. 3–5 points for a typical dose.
8. Omega-3 (high dose): Primarily for triglycerides; the effect on LDL is neutral or slight.
I definitely need to take my enzymes.
Hi Erin, Severe early-onset obesity is linked to an earlier and more severe risk of chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, prediabetes, and premature death. Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine described severe obesity in young children as a “canary in the coal mine for the health of future generations.” The best infant formulas are made primarily of corn syrup and are associated with a higher risk of obesity in the first five years of life; breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of obesity.
Research published in Pediatrics shows that the trend is increasing once again, with severe obesity reaching 2% among young children in 2020. In the United States, 1 in 5 children and adolescents is obese. Among young people aged 2 to 19, the prevalence of obesity was 19.7% between 2017 and 2020, or 14.7 million people affected. Early childhood obesity is a strong predictor of obesity in old age: 90% of children who are obese at age 3 remain obese in adolescence.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 32.4% of people worldwide and is the most common cause of liver transplantation in adults under 50. NAFLD also affects up to 9.6% of American children aged 2 to 19 years.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38105679/ (2023).-
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/153/1/e2023063799/196209/Severe-Obesity-in-Toddlers-A-Canary-in-the-Coal (2023).-
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8043694/ (2023).-
Liver ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the liver and other abdominal organs. The test is non-invasive, meaning no incisions or injections are needed, and is considered one of the safest imaging techniques available.
Liver ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the liver and its surrounding structures. It is one of the most common diagnostic tools used to assess liver health, detect abnormalities, and monitor liver conditions. This test plays a crucial role in diagnosing a variety of liver-related diseases, including fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver tumors.
https://www.apollohospitals.com/es/diagnostics-investigations/liver-ultrasound .-- https://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2529-850X2020000400004.--- There are several factors that can cause or contribute to the development of fatty liver disease, such as:
1) Obesity.
2) Excess abdominal fat (people of normal weight can develop fatty liver disease if they have "visceral obesity," meaning they have a lot of fat around their waist).
3) Insulin resistance.
4) High intake of refined carbohydrates.
5) Consumption of sugary drinks.
6) Impaired gut health.
Any of these situations will cause your liver to begin accumulating fat between its cells, inflaming them. This is what we know as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Among the consequences of having fatty liver disease are developing fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. In some cases, the health situation becomes so complicated that the only treatment option is a liver transplant.
PRINCIPLES OF NUTRITION IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
https://www.intechopen.com/online-first/1199119 .---
ADVANCEMENTS IN UTILIZING NATURAL COMPOUNDS FOR MODULATING AUTOPHAGY IN LIVER CANCER: MOLECULAR MECHANISMS AND THERAPEUTIC TARGETS
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/13/14/1186 .---
THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF NATURAL PRODUCTS ON LIVER CANCER AND THEIR POTENTIAL MECHANISMS
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/11/1642.---
NATURAL PRODUCTS AS HEPATOPROTECTIVE AGENTS—A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF CLINICAL TRIALS
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11280762/ .-
Severe early-onset obesity is linked to an earlier and more severe risk of chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, prediabetes, and premature death. Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine described severe obesity in young children as a “canary in the coal mine for the health of future generations.” The best infant formulas are made primarily of corn syrup and are associated with a higher risk of obesity in the first five years of life; breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of obesity.
Research published in Pediatrics shows that the trend is increasing once again, with severe obesity reaching 2% among young children in 2020. In the United States, 1 in 5 children and adolescents is obese. Among young people aged 2 to 19, the prevalence of obesity was 19.7% between 2017 and 2020, or 14.7 million people affected. Early childhood obesity is a strong predictor of obesity in old age: 90% of children who are obese at age 3 remain obese in adolescence.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 32.4% of people worldwide and is the most common cause of liver transplantation in adults under 50. NAFLD also affects up to 9.6% of American children aged 2 to 19 years.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38105679/ (2023).-
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/153/1/e2023063799/196209/Severe-Obesity-in-Toddlers-A-Canary-in-the-Coal (2023).-
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8043694/ (2023).-
We need to nourish our bodies and brains with good carbohydrates. Glucose is the most important substrate for proper brain function and development, with increased glucose consumption related to the need to create new brain structures and connections. Alterations in glucose homeostasis are inevitably associated with changes in the development of the nervous system. A diet for managing diabetes requires a diet high in low-glycemic-index vegetables. The carbohydrates in low-glycemic-index (GI) foods are digested and absorbed more slowly. This slow release of glucose into the bloodstream has been shown to be much more beneficial for the body, from improved energy levels to better control of type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Postprandial glucose, along with related hyperinsulinemia and lipidemia, has been implicated in the development of chronic metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease. Chronic postprandial hyperglycemia is a hallmark of insulin resistance and can induce oxidative stress, the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and lipid peroxidase products, leading to endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and the expression of inflammatory genes. The phytochemicals in fruits and carbohydrates in general minimize hyperglycemia.
Research shows that those who skip or delay breakfast are more likely to experience mood swings. Skipping breakfast can increase the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, decreased cognitive performance, and frailty.
Increased activity and a diet consisting primarily of carbohydrates with a low glycemic index and high fiber content are more likely to reduce hunger and provide greater satiety, leading to a favorable energy balance that combats diabetes by helping to lose excess body fat. Adequate levels of ghrelin, the hormone that, along with leptin, regulates appetite and satiety, can hinder weight loss if not properly controlled. There are factors that can influence ghrelin production, such as sleep and stress, which increase ghrelin; proteins, which decrease ghrelin; and soluble fiber, which decreases ghrelin. Exercise regulates ghrelin.
The interaction between flavonoids and the target proteins of the insulin signaling pathway characterizes the bioactivities of flavonoids, such as anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties. Nutrients such as resveratrol from grapes, berberine in goldenseal and barberry, anthocyanin extracts from purple plants, curcumin from turmeric, and flavonoids from citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, and red onions, as well as green tea, cocoa, and spices like thyme and mint, are rich in flavonoids and play a significant role in improving insulin resistance at the molecular level and reducing the risk of diabetes and obesity.
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3941498/v1 (2024).---
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00425/full (2023).--
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2022.1047545/full (2022).--
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-789X.2012.01011.x (2012).--
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453022002397 (2023).--
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/11/2453 (2024).--
https://files.elfsightcdn.com/20e367de-ea7e-4890-839b-09b896f6023a/4118ce5c-8411-4f32-a8da-3fde06f9fad3/GI-Obesity.pdf (2023).----
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12902-023-01377-4 (2023).--
https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/74341/ (2019).—
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0260106020984861 (2021).--
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-018-0066-5 (2028).--
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10510410/ (2023).--
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12902-023-01377-4 (2023)
https://www.nolimitsfitnessfl.com/what-is-the-satiety-index .----
https://optimisingnutrition.com/satiety-index/ .---
https://ernaehrungsdenkwerkstatt.de/fileadmin/user_upload/EDWText/TextElemente/Ernaehrungswissenschaft/Naehrstoffe/Saettigung_Lebensmittel_Satiety_Index.pdf.----
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/15-incredibly-filling-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3 .----
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0039128X11003515?via%3Dihub .---
https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.0010062 .--
As always, food for thought! Thank you for berberine! No more meds needed! I am now free of any prescribed meds at 84!
Thanks, Dorlis. For those with high cholesterol: Much better than taking statins is the Cholesterol Lowering Capacity Index (CRCI), a standardized score that quantifies the effectiveness of a food or nutraceutical product in reducing LDL cholesterol. This concept is inspired by similar indices in nutrition, such as the glycemic index (which ranks carbohydrate-containing foods according to their glycemic response) and the ORAC score for antioxidant capacity. The CRCI integrates multiple factors: the presence and levels of compounds with proven cholesterol-lowering efficacy, the efficacy of these compounds based on evidence (from clinical trials or meta-analyses), their bioavailability in the food matrix, and any synergistic interactions when combining various ingredients. The result is a single scale (for example, from 0 to 100, or a categorical classification such as "low/moderate/high capacity") that can be assigned to a food or supplement. In principle, a higher CLCI score would indicate a greater expected reduction in LDL cholesterol when the product is consumed regularly as directed. Table 1 (linked above) lists many of these compounds and their effectiveness. For the construction of the index, we incorporated the following:
1. Plant sterols/stanols: Average LDL cholesterol reduction of approximately 10% with 2 g/day. These would deserve one of the highest base scores (as few food ingredients achieve this effectiveness).
2. Soluble viscous fiber: LDL cholesterol reduction of approximately 5-7% for every 3 g of β-glucan or 10 g of psyllium. Therefore, fiber could contribute approximately five points per effective dose in a product.
3. Berberine: LDL cholesterol reduction of approximately 10-15% with approximately 1 g/day. Baseline score of approximately 10 points for a full 1g serving (smaller amounts are reduced proportionally).
4. Soy protein/isoflavones: LDL cholesterol reduction of approximately 3-7% per 25g of soy protein. The baseline score is low (e.g., approximately 3-5 points) for a serving with high soy protein content.
5. Bergamot extract: LDL cholesterol reduction of approximately 8-15% with usual doses. The baseline score can be around 10 points for a standard dose of bergamot polyphenols.
6. Garlic extract: LDL reduction of approximately 5% (up to 10%). Baseline score of approximately 3-5 points for a full daily dose (e.g., approximately 0.5-1g of garlic extract). 7. Artichoke extract: LDL reduction ~5%. 3–5 points for a typical dose.
8. Omega-3 (high dose): Primarily for triglycerides; the effect on LDL is neutral or slight.
https://commons.und.edu/nurs-capstones/389/ (2025).—
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/16/2648 (2025).--