Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Blood Pressure: The Gut-BP Connection
Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Blood Pressure: The Gut-BP Connection Did you know that your gut health can directly impact your blood pressure? High blood pressure (hypertension) affects millions worldwide, and while diet and lifestyle are well-known contributors, the role of gut health is often overlooked. At 121 Dietitian, we believe in empowering you to take control of your health from the inside out. Our self-directed Gut Health Online Course offers everything you need to repair your gut, improve your blood pressure, and boost your overall health. The Gut-Blood Pressure Connection Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These tiny organisms do much more than aid digestion—they influence key processes that regulate blood pressure. Here’s how: Microbiome Imbalance (Dysbiosis): – A healthy gut microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), like butyrate, which have anti-inflammatory and blood-pressure-lowering effects. – When the microbiome is unbalanced (dysbiosis), harmful bacteria release toxins that increase inflammation and impair blood vessel function, leading to higher blood pressure. Leaky Gut Syndrome: – Poor gut health can lead to a “leaky gut,” where harmful substances enter the bloodstream. This triggers chronic inflammation, a key driver of hypertension. Metabolic Dysfunction: – An unhealthy gut contributes to insulin resistance, obesity, and poor fat metabolism—all risk factors for high blood pressure. Gut-Brain Axis: – The gut communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve. A disrupted gut can impair this connection, affecting stress responses and blood pressure regulation. Fix Your Gut to Lower Blood Pressure Repairing your gut can significantly improve your blood pressure and overall health. OMRON X3 Comfort Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor for Home Use, Clinically Validated Blood Pressure Machine Including Use on Diabetics and Pregnancy, Intelli Wrap Cuff for Accurate Results Clinically validated: The OMRON range of blood pressure machines has been validated by respected clinics, based on the latest European Society for Hypertension (ESH) or International Organisation for Standardisation validation protocols. X3 Comfort is also validated for use on diabetics or during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia). Intelli Wrap Cuff: this easy-to-use, pre-formed upper arm cuff, measuring 22-42 cm, takes away the hassle of cuff placement and ensures accurate readings in any position Cuff wrap guide: a major cause of inaccurate blood pressure monitoring is due to incorrect placement, but the Cuff Wrap Guide and body movement detection indicators help you avoid these mistakes BUY TODAY Here’s how our Gut Health Online Self-Directed Course can help: Eat a Gut-Friendly Diet – Learn which foods to eat (and avoid) to restore balance in your microbiome. Our course includes recipes and shopping lists packed with: -Suitable-Fiber Foods: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and specific legumes to fuel beneficial bacteria. Incorporate Probiotics – Discover the power of probiotics, to replenish your gut with beneficial strains. Reduce Inflammation – Follow our step-by-step guidance on anti-inflammatory eating. Stress Management – Stress affects your gut and blood pressure. We teach techniques to reset the gut-brain connection for lasting improvements. Hydration and Movement – Staying hydrated and active supports gut lining repair, digestion, and cardiovascular health—all essential for reducing blood pressure. Why Choose Our Gut Health Online Course? At 121 Dietitian, we’ve designed this course to empower you to take control of your gut health with easy-to-follow steps. Whether you struggle with bloating, IBS, other gut issues and have high blood pressure, this program is for you. – Expert Guidance: Created by Gillian Killiner, a specialist Dietitian with decades of experience. – Comprehensive Tools: Includes videos, recipes, shopping lists, and lifestyle advice. – Proven Results: Many clients report reduced blood pressure, better energy, and improved mood after following our program. – Self-Paced Learning: Access the course anytime, anywhere. Fix Your Gut, Fix So Much More Your gut is at the core of your health. By addressing poor gut health, you’re not only lowering your blood pressure—you’re reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, improving energy, and supporting weight management. Don’t let poor gut health hold you back. Enroll in our Gut Health Online Self-Directed Course today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you. Ready to Fix Your Gut? Take control of your health and transform your life. 👉 Join the Gut Health Online Self-Directed Course Now About the Author: Gillian Killiner, RD, is a leading Dietitian specializing in gut health and personalized nutrition. With over 30 years of experience, she’s helped thousands improve their health through evidence-based dietary interventions. If you are unsure of how to change your eating habits, or need help optimising the foods you eat please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition related queries big or small. In the meantime do please check out our 121Dietitian Shop If you have enjoyed this blog we would love you to share this with your family and friends on your social media channels. Why not visit our YouTube Channel for more on keeping your health optimal. Alcohol In our blog Hangover Cures Put To The Test we have looked at the studies on each one in order to determine which one is actually the best. Here are 2 of our 12 findings… Alka-Seltzer for a hangover One of our least favourites, containing a concoction of aspirin, paracetamol and caffeine. It is believed that Alka-Seltzer before heading to bed will leave you feeling revived and hangover-free in the morning. Research at Leeds Metropolitan University revealed that while they can help a headache and neutralise excess stomach acid, the main benefits are probably from the effect of drinking the water that they are dissolved in. They aren’t recommended for sensitive stomachs. Artichoke extract for a hangover Believed to help the liver process alcohol, there is conflicting findings on the effect of Artichoke extract. The journal Phytomedicine showed that a supplement of 400mg extract of artichoke leaf extract helped stomach problems, and there is anecdotal evidence that it reduces indigestion, an upset stomach and nausea. Experts however at King’s
Eating Well on a Budget: 5 Nutrient-Rich Hacks for Optimal Health Redesign
Eating Well on a Budget: 5 Nutrient-Rich Hacks for Optimal Health Eating on a budget. Well, I don’t know about you but I seem to be working harder and feeling poorer. Every time I go shopping the price of food has gone up. It’s a real worry, not just for now, but for our families’ future health, young and old. In the midst of challenging economic times, prioritizing a nutritious diet may feel overwhelming. However, maintaining a healthy eating plan is so important for safeguarding your overall health and well-being. While it may seem difficult, there are thankfully some practical strategies and resources available to help you achieve this goal without breaking the bank. By being aware of proper nutrition and exploring affordable options, you can ensure that everyone consumes the essential nutrients they need while navigating through these tough times. As a registered Dietitian with over 26 years of experience, I understand the concerns regarding budget constraints and its potential impact on food choices. That’s why I wish to share five practical and budget-friendly ideas to ensure you’re getting sufficient energy, protein, and antioxidants without breaking the bank. Embrace Affordable Protein Sources Protein is a vital nutrient that helps repair and build tissues and keeps you feeling full and satisfied. However, it can be very expensive or very poor quality depending on what you buy. Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. It is responsible for repairing and building tissues, supporting muscle growth, and aiding in the production of enzymes and hormones. Additionally, protein can help regulate appetite by promoting feelings of fullness and satisfaction. However, the cost and quality of protein sources can vary significantly depending on what you buy. It’s important to be mindful when selecting protein-rich foods or supplements to ensure you are getting the most value for your money while also prioritizing quality. When it comes to purchasing protein, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the source of protein matters. Animal-based proteins such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products tend to be more expensive compared to plant-based sources like legumes (beans, lentils), tofu, tempeh, nuts, and seeds. Additionally, it’s crucial to pay attention to the quality of the protein you consume. Some cheaper options might contain additives or fillers that lower their nutritional value. Opting for leaner cuts of meat or choosing whole food sources can help ensure you’re getting high-quality protein without unnecessary additives. Checking product labels before purchasing will allow you to strike a balance between affordability and ensuring optimal nutritional value from your chosen source of protein intake. Economical good protein sources which can be added to bulk out a meat meal include lentils, beans, chickpeas. Quorn and tofu or are excellent on their own or in addition to other proteins. These plant-based options are cost-effective and rich in fibre, essential for gut health. Additionally, consider buying 100% frozen chicken or canned oily fish for more affordable animal protein choices. Nut butter, Eggs, and cottage cheese are also good value proteins to use in meals and snacks. John West Mackerel Fillet In Tomato 125g x 10 John West Mackerel Fillet In Tomato John West Mackerel Fillet is rich in omega 3. Skinless & boneless. John west mackerel fillet in tomato 125g x 10 Rich in omega 3. Skinless & boneless. Harness the Power of Frozen and Canned Produce While fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent, frozen and canned varieties can be more budget-friendly without compromising nutrition. These options are harvested at their peak and retain essential nutrients. Look for canned fruits in juice and vegetables with no added salt to minimise unnecessary additives. You can also buy in bulk during sales and store them for extended use. I spend more money than I would like on fresh fruit and vegetables but I consider these an investment for my families health. They are our natural treat foods so my money is not spent on biscuits, cakes, sweets etc a big expense also but devoid of healthy nutrients and inflammatory. Bulk Up with Whole Grains Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat pasta are inexpensive and nutrient-dense. They provide lasting energy and essential vitamins and minerals. Buying in bulk is often cheaper, and these staples can be the foundation of many budget-friendly meals. Whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, and whole wheat pasta, are not only delicious but also highly beneficial for our overall health. These nutrient-dense foods offer a myriad of advantages that make them a valuable addition to any diet. One of the key benefits of whole grains is their affordability. Compared to processed and refined alternatives, whole grains are often more budget-friendly. Purchasing them in bulk can lead to even greater savings, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their grocery budget. In addition to being cost-effective, whole grains provide lasting energy. They are rich in complex carbohydrates that break down slowly in the body, providing sustained fuel throughout the day. This makes them an ideal option for individuals seeking long-lasting energy without experiencing sudden spikes or crashes. Whole grains are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They contain B vitamins like thiamin, niacin, and folate which play a crucial role in metabolism and maintaining healthy brain function. Additionally, they are a great source of minerals such as magnesium and selenium which contribute to various bodily functions including bone health and immune system support. Finally, incorporating whole grains into your meals can be incredibly versatile and cost-effective. With a little creativity in the kitchen, you can use these staples as the foundation for numerous budget-friendly dishes. From hearty grain bowls to wholesome pasta salads or nourishing porridges – the possibilities are endless. Organic Buckwheat Flakes 1kg (BWFO) Organic Buckwheat Flakes from the Netherlands. Buckwheat flakes make a useful addition to those who wish to make their own muesli. BuyWholefoodsOnline is not owned by or affiliated with Amazon or Whole Foods Market Create
Wegovy – New Diet Drug
Wegovy – New Diet Drug 121 Dietitian is excited by the launch of the New Diet Drug Wegovy for weight loss and obesity. A game changer for weight loss, but not without consequences. If you decide this is for you, you need to ensure you get the maximum results possible. As weight loss experts 121 Dietitian wants the best for you, we are seeing a massive push on online prescribing. What support do you get with this????? In most cases, it is lip service and not personalised. These drugs are not a quick fix, they are expensive, require 18 months of time commitment and stop working when you don’t inject. So what can you do? How to get maximum results with Wegovy- new diet drug If you decide Wegovy is for you. You may be surprised to read that the only way to get maximum results is by working with a Specialist. Dietitians like us here at 121 being the gold standard! Wegovy is not the golden ticket to weight loss. We know and have many years of experience assisting thousands of people with optimising their diet and health for life. Wegovy what you need to know As a Dietitian for nearly 30 years, I have watched many drugs come and go regarding weight loss. Wegovy is one of the newer kids on the block. Big breakthroughs have been the headlines over the years and many people eager to get their hands on the latest launch, pay big bucks for something they know nothing about. Creating drugs to allow for a substantial amount of weight loss without serious side effects is the dream for many pharmaceutical companies and many attempts have been made. In this blog, I hope to provide you with all you need to know about these medications the positives and negatives of taking these drugs and what alternative may work better for you long term. How Do These Anti-Obesity Drugs Work? In normal digestion, the gut secretes hormones after food intake, stimulating insulin secretion. These pharmaceutically created peptides (Wegovy) mimic these same gut hormones and provide more GLP-1 to flood the system and allow for additional weight loss. Wegovy and Mounjaro work differently in the body but both keep you fuller for longer by delaying gastric emptying, increasing insulin sensitivity, decreasing glucagon, and reducing high glucose levels. Both drugs reduce triglycerides, LDL and raise HDL cholesterol, along with reducing blood pressure. Who is eligible for Wegovy? Wegovy is intended for use by adults aged 18-75 who have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above AND a weight-related health condition such as (asthma, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, fatty liver disease, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, a history of certain cancers, osteoarthritis or gout, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Side effects of Wegovy – New Diet Drug Something that is often overlooked or underplayed is the side effects of drugs. For Wegovy and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) include nausea vomiting abdominal pain constipation diarrhoea There is a concern of 4.5 x higher intestinal obstruction in 25,000 people studied. Fatigue and headache are also very common, mainly as doses increase. Other common side effects include: feeling lightheaded excess passing wind gastroesophageal reflux injection site reactions hair loss hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes Less common side effects have been noted with these drugs including allergic reactions gallstones (which can occur with a large amount of weight loss) the potential of medullary thyroid cancer You are also at risk of acute kidney injury. In rare cases, there can be serious side effects, such as pancreatitis or anaphylaxis. A list NOT to be ignored. How is Wegovy Given and Practical Considerations Wegovy (Semaglutide), is in a prefilled self-injection delivered under the skin in the arm, abdomen or thigh. 0.25 mg for a month, increasing monthly to a maximum dose of 2.4 mg in the 5th month. It takes a year to 18 months to have full effect. As with any medication, there are positives and negatives and I have spent most of the last 15 years in my clinics trying to reduce my patient’s medication lists where possible! I am aware however that some medications are beneficial, and it is a major hope that these drugs will genuinely assist in weight loss for the select individual. One thing for sure is that they do seem to be a better option than bariatric surgery which is a blog for another day! Currently, the hype is big and no doubt we will find out more as time goes by, but for now, I prefer to recommend you don’t get swept up too soon and spend extortionate amounts of money without doing the following first. Wegovy -Work with a Dietitian Obesity is a complex, chronic disease with multifactorial causes, and taking a drug and expecting life-changing weight loss is too simplistic. For those seeking to improve their health and lose weight and really stuck these drugs may be a short sharp kickstart but no more. It is clear from the research that when people stop taking Wegovy/Ozempic, they rapidly regain the weight. It is very expensive and there are important issues that need to be highlighted regarding everyday considerations like how alcohol impacts blood sugar control, fasting, health risks and other medication interactions. Verdict on Wegovy – New Diet Drug As a Dietitian, I have been asked repeatedly about weight loss drugs. I always consider all options and for the greater good of all who may be thinking about using these and believe in working on lifestyle, diet and fitness interventions first or alongside any targeted medication. I am concerned that vulnerable people who are really in need of significant weight loss may need to stay on Wegovy indefinitely in order to maintain any weight loss achieved, and this definitely raises concerns about long-term use. As 121 Dietitian offer weight loss services it is something for you to consider. You can invest in a 121 Dietitian programme, the
Gallstones Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid
How common are gallstones? Gallstones are very common and there are many gallstones diets out there. It’s estimated more than 1 in every 10 adults in the UK has gallstones, although only a smaller number develop unpleasant symptoms. Here at 121 Dietitian we see and assist patients each week with gallstones. This blog is to help you if you have symptoms and are needing trusted advice for a gallstones diet. What are Gallstones? There are two types of gallstones: The most common are cholesterol gallstones, made up of excess cholesterol in the bile. Less common pigment gallstones are made up of excess bilirubin. The processing of these stones being made takes place in the gallbladder which is a small sac below the liver. The stones can be very small like gravel to single large stones. Interestingly gallstones can cause no symptoms in two out of three people who have them. If you do experience symptoms you may find problems such as upper right abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice), inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and gallbladder inflammation with paler stools and diarrhoea. Surgery is the treatment offered for people whose gallstones cause symptoms. A combination of diet and lifestyle factors and genetics are likely the cause of gallstone formation. Who is at risk of Gallstones? Women people over 40 overweight people Gallstones are also more likely if: Your bile contains too much cholesterol The outlet from your gallbladder is blocked or infected You have an underlying health condition – diabetes, liver disease, or sickle cell disease You have a family history of gallstones What can flare up a gallbladder? When we eat food, our digestion requires the gallbladder to actively squeeze bile salts, phospholipids, cholesterol, conjugated bilirubin, electrolytes, and water out of the gallbladder and down the bile duct to the small intestine. If you have an inflamed gallbladder anything in the stomach can trigger this action and irritate it. We know the gallbladder has to squeeze harder when there is fat in the stomach so anything fried, greasy, fatty, pizza, pastries, will upset the gallbladder. Symptoms of a Gallbladder attack Gallstones may lead to your gallbladder becoming inflamed (cholecystitis), which can cause: Pain below your ribs on the right-hand side Pain in your back and right shoulder Fever Nausea Biliary colic If gallstones pass down your bile duct into your duodenum, you will experience a painful condition known as biliary colic. The pain is usually felt in the upper part of your abdomen, in the centre, or a little to the right, and often occurs about an hour after a meal that has a particularly high-fat content. The pain can be so severe that some people report they feel like they’re having a heart attack. Also, people can feel sick and may vomit. Gallbladder and Obesity If you are overweight or obese, losing weight will be really beneficial. Avoiding highly restrictive plans when you have gallstones is essential, as rapid weight loss has been associated with developing more gallstones. A safe weight loss of 1-2 lbs(0.5 to 1 kg) per week is what you want. 121 Dietitian’s specialist programmes provide you with a personal, safe and enjoyable lifelong plan. What diet can I eat when I have gallstones? It is best to have smaller, more frequent meals and best not to fast for long periods. Choosing small amounts of fats like olive oil can assist the smooth regular contractions of the gallbladder. Eat more foods that are high in fibre these can be fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish and wholegrain carbohydrates like Brown Rice and Quinoa, and lower-fat dairy products. Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugar. What foods to avoid if you have gallstones? Avoid eating too many foods with a high saturated fat content as cholesterol is involved in forming gallstones. These include: meat pies. sausages and fatty cuts of meat. butter, ghee and lard. cream. hard cheeses. cakes and biscuits. food containing coconut or palm oil. What is best to drink with gallstones? Water is ideal for drinking as it dilutes and detoxifies impurities that impact your gallbladder. If you are experiencing an attack and you are not eating, drinking some protein water can assist with additional plant-based protein. Alcohol is very interesting in regard to gallstones. Research has found that a moderate alcohol intake may help reduce the risk of gallstones, although researchers aren’t sure how this happens. It is always necessary to note that even though it is thought drinking in moderation may lower the risk of gallstones, excess alcohol consumption can increase the risk of many health conditions. What foods help heal gallstones? Fresh fruits and vegetables. Whole grains (whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oats, buckwheat flakes) Lean meat, poultry, and fish. Low-fat dairy products. Finally on the natural options Getting active when you can is really important. Regular exercise is beneficial for your overall health. It can also help you maintain a moderate weight and prevent gallstones. Ensuring you keep stress to a minimum and sufficient sleep are both important for assisting or reducing gallstone formation, attack, weight and health. Our 121 Wellness shop provides essentials to help you. Medical treatments for gallstones If natural recommendations do not treat gallstones effectively, then medications or surgery may be required. Medication for gallstones Ursodeoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid may be used to treat smaller gallstones. These medications can take time to work (up to 2 years) and if stopped gallstones may return. Surgery for gallstones Cholecystectomy is the name for gallbladder removal surgery. Removing the gallbladder ensures that the gallstones cannot re-form. If you are unsure of how to change your eating habits or need help optimising the foods you eat please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition-related queries big or small. In the meantime please check out our 121Dietitian Shop If you have enjoyed this blog we would love you to share this with your
High Blood Pressure Diet – Top Tips
Blood Pressure Diet What is hypertension and why is a Blood Pressure diet so important? It is something many of us never think about, but it keeps you alive and it is important to stay in a healthy range! In this blog, we cover all you need to know and how to improve it. Blood pressure is when your heart pumps blood through your arteries, putting pressure on the artery wall. This naturally goes up and down with your normal daily activities. A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg What do blood pressure numbers mean? Blood pressure is recorded with two numbers: The first number is called systolic blood pressure. This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number is called diastolic blood pressure. This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. If you have never had this checked yourself you may have seen a Dr on TV using a cuff and stethoscope on patients to listen to their arm! This is checking blood pressure. An electronic blood pressure monitor is the up-to-date way of checking your home blood pressure: What is High Blood Pressure? High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when your blood pressure is higher than normal. The higher your blood pressure means you are at greater risk of heart disease heart attack heart failure stroke Not what you want to be hearing. High blood pressure also increases your risk of developing the following health problems Kidney disease Vision problems, retinal changes Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction Circulatory problems, including peripheral artery disease (leg pain when walking) Atrial Fibrillation – Abnormal heart rhythms Vascular dementia Aortic Aneurysm – vessel swelling in the abdomen So how common is High Blood pressure? Nearly 1/2 the population in America have high blood pressure and in the UK it is not far behind with 1 in 3 adults (around 16 million) having high blood pressure (a reading of 140/90 or higher). This rises to at least 1 in 2 over-65s. Unfortunately, most people will never know they have high blood pressure as it is known as the silent killer. If you do have the following symptoms: Headaches, anxiety, nosebleeds, and palpitations do get them checked out as these can be signs of high blood pressure. Why do we get High Blood pressure? The top risk factors for high blood pressure include: Being overweight/obese – The more you weigh the more blood flow is required to the tissues to supply nutrients and oxygen. Blood vessels increase and so does the pressure inside your arteries. Too much salt (sodium) in your diet – your body retains fluid when there is too much sodium in your diet. This causes the arteries in your body to narrow. Both increase blood pressure. Too little potassium in your diet -Potassium is important to help balance the sodium in your cells. Potassium causes the smooth muscle cells in your arteries to relax, which lowers blood pressure. Not being physically active – Exercise lowers blood pressure by increasing blood flow through all the arteries of the body. This leads to the release of natural hormones and cytokines relaxing blood vessels. Lack of physical activity also increases the risk of being overweight which as we know now is a risk factor in itself. What lifestyle change lowers blood pressure the most? Weight loss for high blood pressure Weight loss is one of the most effective lifestyle changes for controlling blood pressure. If you’re overweight or have obesity, losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce blood pressure. Blood Pressure diet – Nutrient-rich foods Many people embark on trying to lose weight for multiple reasons, many due to health, and they hit a brick wall after a few weeks or months. Following macros, friends’ recommendations, or very kcal-restricted diets. They start with the best of intentions, but if they are not focused on the long game the diet becomes boring, and tasteless and can lead to far more problems than they started with. I have written about this in other blogs and also have several videos on my YouTube channel about weight loss, macros and intuitive eating. The focus for blood pressure is getting key nutrients in each day potassium, calcium and magnesium are just a few. These nutrients help control blood pressure. While building these in, reducing sodium, saturated fat and added sugars is critical. Salt/Sodium and High Blood Pressure Salt/sodium intake is directly correlated to high blood pressure and is found in so many processed foods – both sweet and savoury. Adults should eat no more than 6g of salt a day (2.4g sodium) – that’s around 1 teaspoon in all the foods and fluids you consume. Children aged: 1 to 3 years should eat no more than 2g salt a day (0.8g sodium) Bacon, sausages, ham, meat pies, sausage rolls, pizza, crisps, bread….. are all high-salt processed foods. One slice of pan-fried pork bacon alone has 194 milligrams of sodium! Thankfully there are no special foods required to reduce your blood pressure, just focus on eating a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Including low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and unrefined oils. 121 Dietitian programmes are created especially for you to ensure you get all of the correct nutrients and still make it tasty and enjoyable lifelong. How did we design our Blood Pressure Diet? DASH The DASH eating plan was designed from the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension clinical study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in 1997. This study found that populations who consume diets rich in vegetables and fruits have a lower blood pressure than those whose diets are low in vegetables. In addition to fruits and vegetables, dietary fibre, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and protein were all essential. All these important nutrients are the cornerstone of our 121 specially designed programmes! Drinking less alcohol Having more than two drinks per day
Coeliac disease – how a dietitian can help
COELIAC DISEASE How can a specialist dietitian help optimise people diagnosed with coeliac disease? This is a great question and one that is asked every day by enquiring patients. Here at 121 Dietitian we have helped thousands of people, many diagnosed with coeliac disease. It can be overwhelming to learn of such a diagnosis and it can be difficult to know who to turn to. Thankfully we are the experts in optimizing health for all conditions and we have a dedicated programme that takes all the worry and stress away! WHAT IS COELIAC DISEASE? Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered in those people who are genetically at risk. This trigger causes your immune system to attack your own tissues when you eat gluten. The gastrointestinal tract is the targeted organ for this attack and the consequences are many. Interestingly 35-40% of the general population have the genes that predispose a person to celiac disease, but only around 1% of the general population develop the autoimmune disorder. SYMPTOMS There are several classical symptoms and a few more not so common, so if you feel you have an issue with Gluten you may find this helpful in getting a diagnosis. The most well-known symptoms of coeliac disease include diarrhoea (pale foul smelling fatty stools) fatigue bloating weight loss stomach ache Other not so well know coeliac disease symptoms include: indigestion constipation itchy rash nerve damage (B vitamin deficiencies) malnutrition – not getting enough nutrients from food, infertility problems – women with coeliac disease can have difficulty becoming pregnant disorders that affect coordination, speech, and balance (B vitamin deficiencies) Children with coeliac disease: have all the above symptoms along with nausea and vomiting may not grow at the expected rate and may have delayed puberty. And some people do not have any notable symptoms and this diagnosis comes as a complete surprise. IMPORTANT COELIAC STATISTICS 1 in 100 -people worldwide are affected by coeliac disease In Europe: Germany, The Scandinavian countries, Ireland, and the United Kingdom population have a higher prevalence of coeliac disease ~ 1000 to 1500 per 100,000 individuals Women to men ratio 3:1 Of patients diagnosed with Coeliac disease 50% still report symptoms while following a gluten-free diet (this is where 121 Dietitian can help) Family members 1 in 10 also have coeliac disease If you are diagnosed with coeliac disease you have a x 2 increased risk of coronary artery disease You have an increased risk of small bowel cancers x 4. COELIAC DISEASE TESTING Coeliac disease diagnosis can be made by your GP. They will take a history of your symptoms and arrange a blood test to check for antibodies that are present in the blood of people with coeliac disease. You need to keep eating gluten foods otherwise you may have an inaccurate blood test result. If this is +ve you will then be referred to a gastroenterologist to confirm this with an endoscopy and a biopsy. They will also be looking for blunt villi. Villi are finger-like projections in the gastrointestinal tract required for nutrient absorption, and when flattened do not have enough surface area to absorb sufficient nutrients. COELIAC DISEASE TREATMENT As this is an autoimmune disease – Gluten a protein found in grains is the trigger, coeliac disease is treated with a gluten-free diet. If you have been experiencing symptoms for a while with malabsorption you may need vitamins and minerals to be replaced. A specialist Dietitian who is trained in gastrointestinal diseases is the best person to assist you with optimising your diet and health for the long term. COELIAC MEDICAL TREATMENTS Coeliac disease unfortunately does not have a cure. So a strict gluten-free diet will help control symptoms and prevent long-term complications. What can often be a problem is when people have none to mild symptoms, or their symptoms go away within a few weeks of the diet, they can continue to eat or sneak some gluten and over time if not addressed serious complications can occur. Many years ago my patients often presented as very underweight, anaemic, exhausted, and having multiple nutrient deficiencies. Today this is not always the case. Many people are now being diagnosed who come to see me eating an unhealthy poor quality diet. Some carry excess weight and are nutrient deficient from this and less so from malabsorption. The worst for these people is that, if not educated in the right choices, they replace their poor gluten diet with gluten-free processed unhealthy choices. Unhealthy choices lead to the consumption of insufficient nutrients causing the patient to feel poorly and gain further weight. It is really important to therefore ensure that your gluten-free diet is designed to suit you and is wide in variety, healthy and balanced. Overall it has been fantastic that there has been an increase in the range of available gluten-free foods in the past 10 years. But the negative to this is that it is now possible to eat a diet full of unhealthy choices instead of focusing on a healthy and varied gluten-free diet. WHAT FOODS TRIGGER COELIAC DISEASE? Foods and fluids that contain Gluten include: Wheat and derivatives of wheat such as: Durum Emmer Couscous Semolina Spelt Farina Farro Kamut Einkorn wheat Rye Barley Triticale Malt including, malted milk, milkshakes, malt extract, malt syrup, malt flavouring, malted barley flour, malt vinegar Brewer’s Yeast Wheat Starch that has not been processed to remove gluten to below 20ppm Oats are contaminated in processing and packaging so are not allowed even though they do not naturally contain gluten. GLUTEN FOOD EXAMPLES The following are examples of popular foods containing gluten -so these are no longer suitable to eat – lifelong. bread pasta cereals cakes and pastries biscuits or crackers pies gravies, stocks and sauces beer WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE WITH COELIAC DISEASE EATS GLUTEN? I advise and treat hundreds of newly diagnosed and refractory Coeliac patients. It is a common fear that when not in control of the cooking they are going to
