Eating Disorder Pro

Wheat – The Staff of Life or the Kiss of Death?

Dr. J Renae Norton — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:48:53 +0000

“I’ve been treating eating disorders (ED’s) and obesity for nearly 25 years and have always had good outcomes. My rate of success improved dramatically, however, when I discovered the critical role that processed food plays in causing as well as in preventing recovery from Anorexia, Bulimia, Bulimarexia, (a combination of the two) Binge Eating Disorder (BED,) Emotional Eating and Obesity. To this end, I find it of great importance to provide both my patients and readers with relevant nutrition information to aid in their recovery. You can view all my Nutrition, Fitness, and Health articles here.“

Today’s wheat is not the same wheat eaten during biblical times, when wheat was referred to as the “Staff of Life”. The wheat consumed in the United States today is a product of many, many years of hybridization with the purpose of creating a greater yielding crop that is resistant to heat, drought and cold, making it a more lucrative crop for industrial farmers. (Shouldn’t “industrial farmer” be an oxymoron?) Besides being cheap and plentiful, it is virtually impossible for humans or animals to digest without significant health consequences.

How did the Staff of Life become the Kiss of Death?

The first variety of wheat, called Einkorn, was grown by man more than 12,000 years ago. Einkorn is a fairly simple plant with only 14 chromosomes. Today’s wheat is much more complex, it has 42 chromosomes. This is how we arrived to the type of wheat we consume today:

During the mid-18^th century, there were 5 different varieties of Triticum Aestivum (commonly known as Bread Wheat), today there are 25,000 varieties.

It is no secret that the number of calories consumed by Americans has increased. A study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition documented a 440 calorie per day increase from 1977 to 2006 in 28,400 children and 36,800 adults. That is an extra 3080 calories per week. It only takes 3500 extra calories to gain a pound. At the same time that calorie intake began to increase, a new variety of wheat was introduced into the American food system. This wheat was unique, because it contained a protein called gliadin. According to Dr. William Davis, author of The Wheat Belly, gliadin “exerts opiate-like effects”. Gliadin binds to the opiate receptors in the brain but instead of resulting in a “high” that would typically be experienced with the use of an opiate drug, gliadin causes us to experience food cravings (for wheat products as well as for other foods). This explains why so many Americans began gaining weight around this time.

Dr. Davis has also seen a link between wheat consumption and the development of eating disorders. He recently published an article stating that “we know that when people with celiac disease remove all wheat/gluten from the diet, calorie intake goes down 400 calories per day. We know that normal volunteers administered an opiate-blocking drug, such as naloxone or naltrexone, reduce calorie intake by around 400 calories per day. We also know that people with eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder, reduce calorie intake, yup, 400 calories per day when injected with an opiate-blocking drug. We also know that a drug company filed its FDA application in 2011 for naltrexone, a drug already on the market for heroin addiction, to be prescribed for weight loss.

Einkorn, the original wheat, can still be purchased today and may be an alternative for those looking for a wheat replacement. A company called “Jovial Foods” sells organic einkorn flour, organic einkorn berries, and einkorn-based cookies and pasta. Jovial Foods grows their einkorn on five different organic farms in Italy. All the ingredients in their products are completely non-GMO. As an added bonus, they use palm fruit oil in their cookies! None of their foods contain excitotoxins, MSG, high fructose corn syrup, or any other concerning food additives. You can buy their products directly from their website, or in some stores.

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Medical Advice Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.

News You Can Use – May 6-13

Dr. J Renae Norton — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:55:09 +0000

“As an Eating Disorder Professional, I know that many of my clients that are in treatment for Anorexia, Bulimia, Bulimarexia, Binge Eating Disorder or Obesity are overwhelmed by all the information in the news about our health. In hopes of relieving some of the stress this can inflict on both my patients and readers, I’ve highlighted some of the weekly health news that was of particular interest to all of us at The Norton Center for Eating Disorders and Obesity. From my eating disorder and obesity treatment center in Cincinnati, here is your news update for the week of May 6 – May 13 2012!”

How to Be Happy Without the Perfect Body
Don’t Lose Sleep Over Weight
Major Overhaul of US Life Urged to Cure Obesity
Long Commutes Linked to Obesity
Eat Your Way to Better Brain Health|
What You Don’t Know About Organic Milk
Why Are We Eating So Much More Than We Used To?

Were there any news articles that you saw this week that really grabbed your attention? Leave a comment with a link. If the article helped you, it will likely help some of my other readers!

Coconut Oil: Refined vs. Unrefined, Expeller-Pressed vs. Cold-Pressed, Virgin vs. Extra Virgin

Dr. J Renae Norton — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:02:01 +0000

Today there are a lot of varieties of Coconut Oil on the store shelf, trying to figure out what type to purchase can quickly become quite confusing. What are the differences between the different varieties available? What type of coconut oil yields the greatest health benefits?

Refined Coconut Oil vs. Unrefined Coconut Oil

Refined (Commercial Grade) Coconut Oil is both tasteless and odorless. It is the most processed coconut oil on the store shelf. It goes through a pretty intensive process that deodorizes and bleaches the oil. Sometimes Refined Coconut Oil is hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated, which results in the creation of trans-fats.

Unrefined Coconut Oil has a richer flavor than Refined Coconut Oil. The oil is minimally processed, which results in an oil that has a much higher nutrient content (proteins, vitamins and anti-oxidants).

The Winner? Unrefined Coconut Oil

Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil vs. Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil

Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil involves squeezing the coconut oil out of the coconut meat in a screw-like machine. The pressure and friction in the expeller can lead to temperatures of around 99°C. At this temperature there are some, albeit minimal, nutrients lost.

Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil involves pressing the coconut milk out of the coconut meat at low temperatures, usually below 60°C. By utilizing this method the greatest amount of nutrients are preserved.

The Winner? It’s a close one but Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil wins.

Virgin Coconut Oil vs. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Surprisingly, according to Tropical Traditions, “there is no official classification or difference between ‘virgin’ and ‘extra virgin’ as there is in the olive oil industry, since the two oils are completely different in fatty acid composition, harvesting procedures, and terminology.” The classification of “extra virgin coconut oil” is completely arbitrary.

The Winner? It’s a tie!

Overall Results? Unrefined, Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil with Unrefined Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil being a very close 2nd.

Sources:
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/what_is_virgin_coconut_oil.htm
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/unrefined-coconut-oil.html
http://goldenbarrel.blogspot.com/2012/01/truth-about-coconut-oil.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/318185-refined-vs-unrefined-coconut-oil/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/287991-what-is-the-difference-between-expeller-pressed-coconut-oil-cold-pressed-coconut-oil/

Photo Used Under Creative Commons License, Flickr User Alex the Great.

News You Can Use – April 29-May 6 2012

Dr. J Renae Norton — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:01:01 +0000

“As an Eating Disorder Professional, I know that many of my clients that are in treatment for Anorexia, Bulimia, Bulimarexia, Binge Eating Disorder or Obesity are overwhelmed by all the information in the news about our health. In hopes of relieving some of the stress this can inflict on both my patients and readers, I’ve highlighted some of the weekly health news that was of particular interest to all of us at The Norton Center for Eating Disorders and Obesity. From my eating disorder and obesity treatment center in Cincinnati, here is your news update for the week of April 29 – May 6 2012!”

My Kid Likes Junk Food. And That’s Ok.
Obesity is Bankrupting America, Disease Costs Soar
Fast-food Diet Increases Risk of Depression by 50%
8 Best Sodas
Burger King is Going Cage-Free
Losing Weight When Obese Can Prevent or Cure Diabetes, Whatever the Initial BMI, Study Suggests

Were there any news articles that you saw this week that really grabbed your attention? Leave a comment with a link. If the article helped you, it will likely help some of my other readers!

Sugar Consumption Among US Children and Teenagers

Dr. J Renae Norton — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:46:25 +0000

photo used under creative common license

“For the past 10 years, I have noticed a connection between childhood obesity, eating disorders, and the increasing complications of both in my clinical work as well as in my research. As part of my mission to shed light on these problems, particularly as they relate to US children, I find it important to provide both by readers and clients with relevant informative articles.”

Recently, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released a data brief which examined the consumption of “added sugar” among American children and teenagers. On average, today’s children and teens obtain 16% of their daily calories from added sugar; the USDA recommends that no more than 5-15% of daily calories come from a combination of added sugar AND solid fats. CDC defines added sugar as “all sugars used as ingredients in processed and prepared foods such as breads, cakes, soft drinks, jams, chocolates, ice cream, and sugars eaten separately or added to foods at the table”. Examples of added sugars include white sugar, brown sugar, raw sugar, corn syrup, corn syrup solids, high fructose corn syrup, malt syrup, maple syrup, pancake syrup, fructose sweetener, liquid fructose, honey, molasses, anhydrous dextrose, crystal dextrose, and dextrin. Other key findings from the study include:

Non-Hispanic white children and teenagers consume more added sugar than Mexican-American children and teenagers
There was no difference in consumption by income among children and teenagers
More added sugar calories are coming from foods than beverages
More added sugar is consumed at home rather than away from home

Although it is unrealistic to remove all added sugar from our children’s diets, there are several dietary changes that can be made that will greatly reduce sugar consumption:

Cut out sugary sports drinks, soda and flavored milk.
Cut out artificially sweetened foods. “Diet” foods, such as diet soda, tend to increase cravings for sugary foods.
Replace sugary foods with foods that are low in added sugar. This can include fresh fruit, small amounts of unsweetened dried fruits and unsweetened cacao nibs.
Avoid foods that contain sugar, corn syrup, or high fructose corn syrup. Look for foods that contain “no added sugar”, “reduced sugar, or that are “low in sugar”, just make sure that the sugar hasn’t been replaced with an artificial sweetener.
Avoid processed foods that are marketing as being “low fat”. When food manufacturers remove fat from a product, they often add in more sugar to compensate for the reduction in flavor and texture.
Avoid products that contain “hidden” sources of sugar such as, flavored yogurt, processed cereal, granola bars, dried (sweetened) cranberries, energy bars, fruit snacks, sweetened apple sauce, ketchup, flavored instant oatmeal, fruit spread, store-bought salad dressings, store-bought bread.

Diets high in added sugar reduces the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Reduced levels of BDNF has been linked to reduced memory function, learning disabilities, depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s Disease (HD), dementia, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder (BED). Decreased levels of BDNF negatively affect leptin and insulin signals in the brain, resulting in an increased tendency to overeat.

There are several simple lifestyle changes that can be made to increase and maintain brain levels of BDNF:

The most effective way to increase BDNF levels in the brain is through aerobic exercise. After exercising, levels of BDNF surge. Exercise regularly and BDNF levels remain increased.
BDNF can also be increased through dietary changes. Acetyl-L-Carnitine, omega-3 fatty acids (such as those found in fish oil), pantethine (found in foods like dairy, eggs, sweet potatoes, peas, spinach, and mushrooms), blueberries, and the curry spice curcumin have all been shown in increase or maintain BDNF levels.
Anti-depressants are proven to increase BDNF levels in the brain, so if prescribed anti-depressants be sure to take them as directed.

Sources:

BDNF Prevents and Reverses Alzheimer’s Disease
Consumption of Added Sugar Among US Children and Adolescents
What Eating Too Much Sugar Does to Your Brain
Gene With a Thousand Faces
How Exercise Benefits the Brain
Chronic Sugar Intake Dampens Feeding-Related Activity of Neurons Synthesizing a Satiety Mediator, Oxytocin
Tips for Reducing Your Child’s Sugar Intake

The Connection Between Eating Disorders, Obesity and Our Food Supply

Dr. J Renae Norton — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:49:31 +0000

I was recently asked by the folks at Fooducate to write an article for their blog readers about how eating real (clean) food helps those with eating disorders overcome their challenges. It was such an honor to be able to share my work with their readers!

Be sure to visit the Fooducate blog to read my article “The Connection Between Eating Disorders, Obesity and Our Food Supply”

Recipe – Asian Daikon Relish

Dr. J Renae Norton — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:20:07 +0000

In my experience, clients that are in treatment for bulimia, binge eating disorder, anorexia or bulimarexia are typically faced with an increased risk of inadequate nutrition. To this end, I try to provide my clients and readers nutritious and delicious recipes to enjoy both during and after their recovery journey at ‘The Norton Center for Eating Disorders & Obesity’.

Daikon radishes aid in the digestion of fats and carbs due to their high enzyme content. Research has also show that it helps to increase enzymes in the body that defend again cancer-causing agents. Daikon radishes are also high in vitamin c, phosphorus and potassium.

Asian Daikon Relish

Dice into small squares:
1 part organic carrot
1 part organic cucumber
1 part organic or non-organic daikon radish

Cover with:
3 parts organic rice vinegar or white vinegar
1 part cold-pressed olive oil
1 tsp. Himalayan Pink Salt
1 tsp. organic garlic salt
1 tsp. organic garlic pepper

Best on days two and three, but delicious anytime!

photo used under creative commons license, flickr user mr and mrs stickyfingers

Eating Disorder and Obesity Therapy Tool: Eating Organic on a Budget

Dr. J Renae Norton — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:23:49 +0000

“Making informed nutrition and fitness-related decisions can be somewhat overwhelming for those in therapy for eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, bulimarexia, binge eating disorder) and obesity. To this end, I’ve compiled a set of handouts to provide handy reference guides to both my readers and clients. You can view all my Nutrition and Fitness Handouts here. Be sure to check back frequently, as I am always adding new handouts to my list!”

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has recently published a list of conventionally-grown produce that are highest in pesticide residue, and a list of conventionally-grown produce that are lowest in pesticide residue. Foods that are highest in pesticides should either be avoided or purchased organic; foods that are lowest in pesticides are not as necessary to purchase organic.

The foods that are highest in pesticide residue include:

Apples
Celery
Strawberries
Peaches
Spinach
Nectarines – imported
Grapes – imported
Sweet bell peppers
Potatoes
Blueberries – domestic
Lettuce
Kale/Collard greens

The foods that are lowest in pesticide residue include:

Onions
Sweet Corn – should be purchased organic, if you are concerned with GMOs
Pineapples
Avocado
Asparagus
Sweet peas
Mangoes
Eggplant
Cantaloupe – domestic
Kiwi
Cabbage
Watermelon
Sweet potatoes
Grapefruit
Mushrooms

You can download the EWG’s printable shopping guide at their website.

Sources:

http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/

Childhood Obesity + Food Addiction

Dr. J Renae Norton — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:03:00 +0000

As shown in my Childhood Obesity Infographic, the childhood obesity rate in the United States has increased by 500% since 1970 and it shows no sign of slowing. It is predicted that 43% of our nation’s population will be obese by 2018. Are our country’s children becoming addicted to food? Is it possible that food addiction is playing a role in the seemingly uncontrollable childhood obesity epidemic?

According to Mark Gold, chief of addiction medicine at the University of Florida’s McKnight Brain Institute, food addiction involves:

Eating too much despite the consequences, even dire consequences to health
Being preoccupied with food, food preparation and meals
Trying and failing to cut back on food intake
Feeling guilty about eating and overeating

Although there are many factors that contribute to children becoming addicted to food, one of the most common causes are diets that consist primarily of processed foods. It is estimated that 90-95% of processed foods today contain food additives. In the past 40 years, we have seen an increase in food additives that are known for their addictive properties. For example, since 1948 the amount of MSG that has been added to processed foods has doubled every decade. In a 60 Minutes interview Givaudan, one of the largest producers of food additives in the world, openly admitted that the main purpose of food additives is to cause consumers to develop a strong desire for the foods. The company executive even agreed with Morley Safer’s word “addiction” in describing the strength of this desire.

What amount of food additives are our children consuming? Consider this:

180 days of every year 31 million children in our country eat a processed fast food breakfast and processed fast food lunch in the school cafeteria
84% of parents take their kids out to eat fast food at least once every week
30 years ago children ate one snack a day. Today’s children eat 3 snacks a day, with 1 in 5 children eating 6 snacks a day. According to the most recent NHANES III analysis, the most popular snacks for children aged 6 -11 in order of preference are:

o Soft drinks

o Salty snacks such as potato chips, corn chips and popcorn

o Cookies

o Non-chocolate candy

o Artificially flavored fruit beverages

o Whole milk and chocolate milk

o Two percent/reduced fat milk

o White bread

o Chocolate candy

o Cake

o Ice cream

o Fruit

More processed food is consumed in the United States than any other country. In 2009, 787 pounds of rocessed food was consumed per capita. In comparison, the same year 602 pounds of fresh food was consumed per capita.

Food addiction can be prevented by becoming educated as parents about the role food additives play in food addictions and why children’s foods in particular are targeted.

Food addiction is a treatable disorder, with family-based behavioral therapy being the most successful treatment. Therapy often focuses on family lifestyle changes, weight-related behavior, parenting skills and setting achievable goals. Family-based therapy that incorporates Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is thought to have an even higher success rate. If you are unsure,or if you or your child is affected by food addiction, check out the Yale Food Addiction Scale and discuss the results with your doctor.

Sources:
http://projectjennifer.com/2011/08/most-popular-childrens-snacks/
http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2010/04/04/business/04metrics_g.html?ref=business
http://my.counseling.org/2011/03/31/prevention-and-treatment-of-food-addiction/
http://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_oliver.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7389748n

News You Can Use – April 22 – 29 2012

Dr. J Renae Norton — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:25:54 +0000

“As an Eating Disorder Professional, I know that many of my clients that are in treatment for Anorexia, Bulimia, Bulimarexia, Binge Eating Disorder or Obesity are overwhelmed by all the information in the news about our health. In hopes of relieving some of the stress this can inflict on both my patients and readers, I’ve highlighted some of the weekly health news that was of particular interest to all of us at The Norton Center for Eating Disorders and Obesity. From my eating disorder and obesity treatment center in Cincinnati, here is your news update for the week of April 22 – April 29 2012!”

As America’s Waistline Expands, Costs Soar

Self-Compassion Could be the Next Best Weapon in the Battle Against Eating Disorders

Science, Health, Medical News Freaking You Out? Do the Double X Double-Take First

Binge Eating Disorder Continues to Rise Among Men

The Connection Between Eating Disorders, Obesity and Our Food Supply

How the Best Natural Beauty Products Can Help You Lose Weight

Finding Balance in Eating and Exercise

This or That – Fish Oil vs Fish for Healthy Hearts

Familiarity with Television Fast-Food Ads Linked to Obesity

Were there any news articles that you saw this week that really grabbed your attention? Leave a comment with a link. If the article helped you, it will likely help some of my other readers!