bone health

Healthy Lifestyle Tip ~ Are Vegetarians at Higher Risk for Hip Fracture?

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Vegetarians, Pay Attention to Getting the Right Nutrients for Bone Health

  • Data from a recent study found that people following a vegetarian diet were at a higher associated risk for hip fractures compared to participants who ate meat or fish.
  • People following a vegetarian diet can ensure they eat a well-balanced diet that contains all the essential nutrients to reduce their risk of experiencing bone fractures.

W​hat people eat influences multiple aspects of their well-being. Not eating meat is a popular dietary choice and may offer several health benefits. However, researchers are still seeking to understand the potential risks of following a vegetarian diet.

A recent​ study  in the UK examined the risk for hip fractures among people who ate meat, pescatarians, and vegetarians. Researchers chose to combine the vegan and vegetarian groups because only a few participants were vegan. Researchers accounted for many confounders, including the participants’ sex, ethnicity, regular use of nutritional supplements, activity level, smoking status, and alcohol consumption. They then looked at the associated risk for hip fractures among these different nutrition groups.

The findings indicated that people who followed a vegetarian diet were at a 50% higher risk of experiencing a hip fracture compared to meat-eater groups and pescatarians.“Vegetarians can speak with their doctor or registered dietitian to ensure that they’re eating a balanced diet and meeting their nutrient requirements. Having a varied diet with plenty of plant protein like beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds, as well as dietary or supplementary sources of iron, B12, and vitamin D can help support having an optimum nutrition intake and for bone health.” — D​r. Emily Leeming

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Health Tip of the Day ~ Should You Drink Diet Soda?

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Pros & Cons of Drinking Diet Soda

Pros of drinking diet soda:

      1. Low in calories: Diet soda contains fewer calories compared to regular soda, which is beneficial for those trying to lose weight or maintain their weight.
      2. May help with weight loss: Studies have shown that replacing regular soda with diet soda can result in weight loss, as it reduces the overall calorie intake.
      3. May be a good alternative for people with diabetes: Since diet soda does not contain sugar, it can be a good option for people with diabetes who need to watch their sugar intake.

Cons of drinking diet soda:

      1. Artificial sweeteners: Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, which have been linked to health problems like headaches, nausea, and even cancer in some studies.
      2. May increase cravings for sweet foods: Some studies suggest that drinking diet soda may increase the desire for sweet foods, which could lead to overeating and weight gain.
      3. May be bad for bone health: Some research has linked drinking diet soda with lower bone density and increased risk of fractures, possibly due to the phosphoric acid in the soda.
      4. Can contribute to dental problems: The acidic nature of soda can contribute to tooth decay and erosion, which can lead to dental problems over time.

Overall, while diet soda may be a good option for those trying to reduce their calorie intake, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming artificial sweeteners and acidic beverages. As with any food or beverage, moderation is key.

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