Archive for the ‘Heart Disease’ Category

New research by University of Calgary, Faculty of Kinesiology researcher Dr. Raylene Reimer has shown that in rats if fed high protein diets when they are babies, and then fed a typical Western diet as adults, are more likely to become obese, have heart disease and diabetes than rats fed a high fiber diet.

This may explain the rapid increase in obesity in Western society, a pace which has exceeded that of evolution of our DNA. The major change has been a switch from low calorie/low nutrition diet of hunter gatherers to a high calorie/high fat “Western” diet.

There is building evidence that our childhood diet and even our mother’s diets while pregnant may have an impact on our gene expression, possibly putting us at risk for obesity, diabetes and heart disease. The high protein diets do nothing to the actual DNA themselves, but may change the expression of the metabolism and obesity genes themselves. High fiber diets in contrast result in expression of other genes like pro-glucogon that result in decreased food intake.

Reimer’s study published in the current Journal of Physiology (London,) compares three groups of baby rats. One group was fed a high protein diet, one group was fed a high fiber diet and a third group was fed a control diet. When the rats became adults, they were switched to a high fat, high sugar diet similar to a typical western diet.

Reimer says that “This study clearly indicates that diet composition alone can change the trajectory of circulating satiety hormones and metabolic pathways that influence how we gain weight or control blood sugar as adults.”

What’s the bottom line? Pregnant mothers should follow the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG), “Nutrition during Pregnancy” guidelines, and mothers should feed their children a high fiber diet rather than a high protein diet. See the original press release here.

Welcome to my new blog “Shape up!” As a sports medicine physician, an athlete and a huge proponent for preventative health, I am naturally interested in bringing practical fitness and well being knowledge to you, my readers. In my years in the medical world, I have noticed that much of the focus of medical training and patient care is based in “reactive” medicine- that is, the problem has occurred, and the goal of therapy is damage control, and if possible to cure.

Many of the cases I see clinically, I realize could have been prevented or controlled with healthy living based in regular physical activity, stress reduction, striving to be at an optimum weight and healthy nutrition. Unfortunately obesity is an epidemic that results in numerous health risks and conditions and is a direct result of poor nutritional choices and a lack of physical activity as well as genetic predispositions. I hope to, in small part, prevent obesity and promote physical activity in you, my readers.

Please understand that Kosmix, and myself are not liable for anything that may happen to you and that this blog does not substitute for regular medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your personal physician or health care provider. Never delay seeking medical treatment based on anything you read or see on this blog. Your use of or reliance on any information on this blog is solely at your own risk.  Please consult with your health care provider before attempting anything described in this blog and call 911 in case of emergency.

My hope is to present the latest news in the world of exercise, fitness, obesity and preventative health, as well as “core topic” posts about common sports medicine problems that I see in my clinic. Hopefully we can together learn and promote the underlying truth that “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!” The result is more cost-effective health care for you and the country, and a happier, productive life. I hope you enjoy my posts, and I am open to feedback. Let’s “Shape Up!”

–Sincerely, Rowan Paul, M.D.