Salty food could be responsible for high levels of bloating
A recent study from researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that bloating can come down to the amount of salt in your diet.
The researchers re-analysed data from the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension-Sodium trial (DASH-Sodium), which primarily set out to determine the effect of dietary sodium and other factors on blood pressure. However, the trial also included data on the participants’ reports of bloating and has led researchers to the conclusion that salt has an effect.
The findings were reported in the article named, “Higher salt intake can cause gastrointestinal bloating” and found that 36.7 percent of the participants, which was in-line with national surveys on bloating. The researchers found, through analysing data from the trial, that high-sodium versions of the diet increased risk of bloating by 27 percent compared to low-sodium diets.
Heart health linked with where fat is stored in the body
Previously, studies had proposed that cardiovascular health was associated with body mass index (BMI), but new research from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine suggests that it is actually to do with where fat is stored in the body.
The study, which is reported on in the article “Cardiovascular risk linked not to weight, but to body fat storage” looked at women over the age of 50 and their heart health in relation to where they carry weight versus their BMI. The researchers found a pattern where high BMI was less of an indicator for poor heart health than the “apple” body shape, in which women store fat around their middle. The research found that these women had more than three times the risk of a cardiovascular condition than the women studied who had a “pear” body shape, in which they have a low percentage of fat around their middle and high percentage around their legs. Body weight did not seem to affect this risk.
While more research needs to be done, as this study involved post-menopausal women only, the findings suggest that more than BMI needs to be taken into account when assessing cardiovascular disease risk.
The potential health benefits of tahini
Tahini is a savoury paste made from toasted, ground sesame seeds, and used in a variety of Mediterranean dishes. It can be used as a dip, spread or condiment and also boasts numerous health benefits.
According to the article, “What Is Tahini? Ingredients, Nutrition, Benefits, and Downsides” despite being relatively low in calories, at 89 per tablespoon, it is a good source of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Providing 27% of the recommended daily amount of copper, which contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the normal functioning of the nervous system, connective tissues and some other vital bodily functions, tahini can be very healthy indeed.
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Alison is Director and Founder of Metabolics who writes about Metabolics updates, events and natural healthcare. Her experience and passion for natural supplements and healthcare comes from her years of experience as a practising osteopath, having founded Metabolics in her search for high quality, natural products in her own work. Alison has been a qualified and practising Osteopath since 1981 and regularly gives seminars on a range of healthcare subjects to the wider practitioner community helping share her knowledge and experience.