The Wellness Times

Does it hurt too much to have a normal life? Those with chronic inflammation and pain from autoimmune disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may feel a lack of control during debilitating flare-ups. In addition to abdominal pain/cramping, up to 40% of IBD patients may have inflammation and pain elsewhere, such as in the joints. These severe and frequent symptoms can literally take over every aspect of living. But some short-term options for feeling better may have unwanted serious effects in the long run.

Nutritional support can help. Chronic inflammation sufferers often find that certain foods can aggravate symptoms. Plus, many don't eat well when they feel bad, making things worse. Eliminating potential triggers (lactose, gluten, certain vegetables, animal fat) and keeping a food diary can help. Recurring inflammation can also affect intestinal absorption of nutrients and lead to nutrient deficiencies.

Medical food support might help even more. A unique medical food designed to nutritionally support IBD management provides a specialized combination of nutrients—including turmeric, ginger, and special hops derivatives—that inhibit triggers for inflammation and pain without interfering with healthy functioning. It also provides a low-allergy-potential rice protein base and important nutrients to complement a targeted diet and promote nutrient sufficiency. Better still, it works with your body to reduce symptoms without risk to serous adverse events...to help you feel better longer.

Fat can take over as you age...even if you don't gain weight. Age-related muscle loss—known as “sarcopenia”—impacts strength, power, and physical function, which can increase fracture risk and affect your ability to maintain independent living in old age. It can also weaken your immune system and/or contribute to the development of chronic illnesses associated with obesity and a higher percentage of body fat, such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. How serious is it? In 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) listed it in the top 5 major health risks. And the National Institute on Aging recently named sarcopenia as the number one health concern for the next decade.

You can prevent and reverse sarcopenia. Muscle loss begins around age 40. After age 50, there's an average half-pound muscle loss and a 1-lb. fat gain yearly. But healthy lifestyle choices can reverse this dangerous decline. Like eating low-glycemic-load foods to support a healthy body composition. And regular physical activity—including weight-bearing and resistance exercises—to maintain or increase muscle mass.

Stay lean the right way. There are lots of lifestyle programs on the market, but not all of them live up to their promises. In fact, some may result in weight loss from muscle and can foster sarcopenia development. And many neglect to include targeted nutritional support for your specific concerns.

Personalized nutritional support can help. While genetic factors (like family health history) play a role in developing blood pressure/lipid conditions, they're often preventable, manageable, and even reversible. Leading health organizations now recommend changing lifestyle habits—reducing body fat, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, managing stress, and eating healthy—before trying more aggressive therapeutic agents that can lead to serious adverse events with long-term use. Nutritional recommendations, such as concentrated fish oil supplements and condition-specific medical foods, are designed to make lifestyle recommendations for these conditions work even better...and faster!