DIET: A KEY PART OF YOUR TREATMENT

NUTRIENTS THAT CAN WORSEN A CONDITION

• Excessive consumption of certain nutrients can exacerbate specific medical conditions. Here are a few instances:
  • Sodium and Hypertension:
    • Canadians typically exceed the recommended daily sodium intake, with an average of over 3,400 mg per day. This excess sodium elevates the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) and can impede patients in achieving their treatment objectives.
    • The majority of sodium in our diet is derived from processed foods like fast food, ready-made meals, processed meats, canned soups, bottled dressings, prepared sauces, condiments, and salty snacks such as chips and crackers.
    • It is essential for everyone, particularly individuals with or at risk of high blood pressure, to reduce salt consumption.
  • Carbohydrates and Diabetes:
    • Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin (type 1 diabetes) or when the body’s use of insulin is impaired (type 2 diabetes). Consuming foods rich in carbohydrates, which are converted into sugars during digestion, leads to an excessive rise in blood sugar levels, especially if insulin cannot function properly.
    • Carbohydrates can be found in grains, fruits, legumes, dairy products, sugary foods, certain vegetables, and many processed foods.
    • Individuals with diabetes, particularly those reliant on insulin for disease management, should closely monitor their carbohydrate intake.
  • Saturated Fats and Cardiovascular Diseases:
    • Dietary fats are crucial, but not all fats are created equal. Excessive intake of saturated fats can raise levels of LDL-cholesterol in the bloodstream. Elevated LDL-cholesterol can contribute to the formation of deposits in blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
    • Saturated fats are predominantly present in animal products like red meat and full-fat dairy items, as well as numerous processed foods. Some research suggests that saturated fats from plant sources, such as coconut oil, may not affect blood cholesterol levels in the same manner.
    • Individuals who have experienced cardiovascular events or are at risk of such events should focus on a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats.

NUTRIENTS THAT CAN HELP WITH A CONDITION OR PREVENT IT

Inadequate consumption of specific nutrients can also result in various health issues:

1. A deficiency in dietary fiber can lead to constipation.
2. A diet lacking in calcium elevates the risk of osteoporosis.

In such scenarios, augmenting your dietary intake of the deficient nutrient, whether it’s fiber or calcium, becomes a pivotal aspect of your treatment or preventive measures.

ELIMINATING A FOOD COMPONENT

Occasionally, even a well-balanced diet can give rise to health issues. Individuals with conditions like celiac disease (gluten allergy) or other food allergies (such as peanuts, milk proteins, or eggs) are required to completely abstain from any foods containing the allergen to which they exhibit hypersensitivity, despite these items being otherwise healthy dietary options.

MODIFYING YOUR DIET TO ATTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT

Multiple studies have demonstrated that obesity contributes to the development of numerous chronic diseases and cancer. Moreover, excess weight exacerbates the pain associated with osteoarthritis in load-bearing joints such as the hips and knees.

To mitigate your health risks, it is imperative to aim for and sustain a healthy weight. Modifying your dietary habits is instrumental in achieving this objective. It’s crucial not to succumb to the allure of detox diets, as they do not constitute a healthy approach to weight loss.

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ARE THERE TO HELP

If you have—or are at risk of developing—a disease that requires a modified diet, you would be wise to consult a registered dietician.

In addition to supporting you in your efforts to improve your diet, your pharmacist is always there to answer any questions you have about your treatment.