Tracking food leads to losing pounds

Without following a particular diet, overweight people who tracked daily food consumption using a free smartphone app lost a significant amount of weight in a new study. The results were achieved using automated, free tools, rather than expensive in-person interventions, suggesting a possible low-cost route to effective weight loss.

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Thirty years of fast food: Greater variety, but more salt, larger portions, and added calories

Despite the addition of some healthful menu items, fast food is even more unhealthy for you than it was 30 years ago. An analysis of the offerings at 10 of the most popular US fast-food restaurants in 1986, 1991, and 2016, demonstrates that fast-food entrees, sides, and desserts increased significantly in calories and sodium and entrees and desserts in portion size over time.

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Talking to NCCIH Program Staff Can Be Beneficial

In this blog post, NCCIH’s outreach communications program manager Anita McRae-Williams discusses how to engage with Division of Extramural Research (DER) program staff.

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Cellular alterations increase vulnerability of obese and diabetic individuals to infection

A study identifies changes to neutrophils that appear to explain why people suffering from obesity and type 2 diabetes are more likely to contract infectious diseases.

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Infants exposed to corticosteroids in utero are smaller at birth

Infants exposed to antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACT) to accelerate lung maturation have a clinically significant reduction in birth size, according to a new of study of 278,508 births.

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Golean Detox USA Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Golean DETOX Capsules Due to Presence of Undeclared Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein

Golean Detox USA, Charlotte, NC recalls all lots within expiry of Golean DETOX capsules due to undeclared sibutramine and phenolphthalein.

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AEDs: How These Devices in Public Places Can Restart Hearts

If cardiac arrest occurs, rapid treatment with a medical device called an automated external defibrillator, or 'AED' for short, can be life-saving. Learn how FDA works to help ensure they are safe and effective.

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For Women: The FDA Gives Tips to Prevent Heart Disease

Learn more about the safe and effective use of FDA-approved drugs and devices for the treatment and prevention of heart disease — the number one killer of women.

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FDA-Approved Devices That Keep the Heart Beating

Cardiovascular devices (or 'heart' devices) such as pacemakers and defibrillators have extended and improved the lives of millions of people worldwide. Learn how the FDA regulates these devices, when to seek medical attention for potential heart issues, and how to report problems.

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Ultrasound can assess bone health, increase early screening for osteoporosis

The findings could lead to lower costs and increased screening for populations at-risk for bone diseases, which study authors say extends well beyond postmenopausal women. Prior research has demonstrated strong correlations between education level and socioeconomic status and bone quality. Because of its low-cost, mobility and safety, ultrasound is a promising tool for assessing more people, across multiple demographics.

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Is the most effective weight-loss strategy really that hard?

Dietary self-monitoring is the best predictor of weight-loss success. But the practice is viewed as so unpleasant and time-consuming, many would-be weight-losers won't adopt it. New research shows for the first time how little time it actually takes: 14.6 minutes per day on average. The frequency of monitoring, not the time spent on the process, was the key factor for those in the study who successfully lost weight.

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Immunotherapy for egg allergy may allow patients to eat egg safely long after treatment

After completing up to four years of egg oral immunotherapy (eOIT) treatment, certain participants were able to safely incorporate egg into their diet for five years.

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Apply for a Supplement to Promote Training on NCCIH-Funded Awards

Learn more about training and career development opportunities on NCCIH’s Training Opportunities webpage.

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Scientists uncover how high-fat diet drives colorectal cancer growth

A new study suggests that high-fat diets fuel colorectal cancer growth by upsetting the balance of bile acids in the intestine and triggering a hormonal signal that lets potentially cancerous cells thrive. The findings could explain why colorectal cancer, which can take decades to develop, is being seen in younger people growing up at a time when higher-fat diets are common.

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Junk food is linked to both moderate and severe psychological distress

The study revealed that California adults who consumed more unhealthy food were also more likely to report symptoms of either moderate or severe psychological distress than their peers who consume a healthier diet.

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Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses

FDA is proposing to update the requirements for sunscreens to make sure they're safe and effective for regular, lifelong use and provide the protections that consumers expect. In the meantime, consumers should continue to use broad spectrum sunscreens with SPF values of at least 15 and other protective measures as directed.

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An intricate interaction: Dietary fatty acid intake influences hypertension risk

Hypertension is an important public health problem that can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. Here, the relationship between dietary intake of n-6 fatty acids and hypertension, using blood pressure measurement and a diet history questionnaire. A research team found that increased dietary intake of n-6 fatty acids positively impacted hypertension, but that this benefit was limited to individuals without impaired glucose tolerance.

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Kingston Pharma, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of All Lots of DG™ Baby Gripe Water Due to Undissolved Ingredient, Citrus Flavonoid

Kingston Pharma, LLC is voluntarily recalling all lots of “DG™ Baby Gripe Water herbal supplement with organic ginger and fennel extracts” to the consumer level due to the presence of an undissolved ingredient, citrus flavonoid.

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The Lypla1 gene impacts obesity in a sex-specific manner

Susceptibility to obesity, insulin resistance and other cardio-metabolic traits may also be dependent on a person's sex. An international research team studied sex differences and sex-specific interaction with the genetic background in cardio-metabolic phenotypes. The researchers discovered, among other things, a sex-specific obesity locus of the Lypla1 gene, which is associated with human obesity.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2DNQ6vk

Hormone therapy may increase cardiovascular risk during gender transition

People receiving hormone therapy during gender transition had an elevated risk for cardiovascular events, such as strokes, blood clots and heart attacks. Findings underscore the importance of counseling and close monitoring of transgender patients receiving hormone therapy.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2Gxjt91

More protein and fewer calories help older people lose weight safely

A high-protein, low-calorie diet helps older adults with obesity lose more weight, maintain more muscle mass, improve bone quality and lose 'bad' fat, according to recent results.

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Diet could help runners beat stomach issues

Research indicates that cutting out specific foods can alleviate the gastrointestinal issues some people experience when they exercise, with over two-thirds of people involved in a new study reporting an improvement.

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Diet drinks may be associated with strokes among post-menopausal women

In a large observational study, women who reported drinking more than one diet soda or other artificially sweetened drink a day had a higher risk of strokes caused by a blood clot. The association between diet drinks and stroke risk was stronger in obese women and in African-American women.

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Genetics May Be a Factor in African-American Cigarette Preferences

New NCCIH-funded research suggests genetic factors drive African American preference for mentholated cigarettes.

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Interval training may shed more pounds than continuous moderate intensity workout

Interval training may shed more pounds than a continuous moderate intensity workout, suggests a pooled analysis of the available evidence.

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Webinar To Assist Applicants for Grants To Study Specific Cannabis Components

Interested in an NCCIH grant opportunity to identify and develop novel strategies – like cannabinoids – to treat acute and chronic pain? Read this blog post and learn more here.

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New Analysis Finds Increases in Non-Cancer Pain Prevalence and Opioid Use for Non-Cancer Pain Management Among U.S. Adults, Despite Decreases in Pain-Related Health Care Visits

Between combined years 1997/1998 and 2013/2014, the number of U.S. adults experiencing non-cancer pain increased by 25 percent, and yet during this same period there was a decrease in visits to health care providers for pain, a small decrease in prescription pain medications overall, but a large increase in the use of opioids, especially strong opioids. Individuals from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Social & Scientific Systems, and Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Center for Medical Informatics analyzed data from a national survey.

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Two decades of data reveal overall increase in pain, opioid use among U.S. adults

NCCIH-funded research shows rise in number of U.S. adults with at least one painful health condition between 1997/98 and 2013/14, & that use of strong opioids more than doubled among adults with severe pain-related interference.

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Diets consisting of fewer calories improve cell performance

Animal experiments have shown that caloric restriction causes cellular changes that can prevent diseases.

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Accelerated risk of mobility loss for people aged 60+ tied to excess weight/inactivity

The combination of excess weight/obesity and an inactive lifestyle represents a powerful joint risk factor for developing mobility loss after age 60, according to a new study.

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The Importance of Research on Health and Well-Being

As I’ve dived into my role as Director at NCCIH, one of the things that’s made me so energized about the position is the smart, pragmatic thinking embedded within the Strategic Plan NCCIH adopted in 2016. It’s a twofold cogent recognition of: 1) the very real challenges faced daily by patients and their health care providers, and 2) the opportunities the research community has to offer much-needed evidence to inform decisions about patient care.

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Protein released from fat after exercise improves glucose

Exercise training causes dramatic changes to fat. Additionally, this 'trained' fat releases beneficial factors into the bloodstream.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2Glt6HJ

Changes in lung cells seen almost immediately after contact with low-molecular weight PAHs

A new study shows cancer-promoting changes in lung cells as soon as 30 minutes after exposure to low-molecular weight PAHs, adding further evidence that regulators may be underestimating the risk of these compounds.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2Glt1Ur

Grocery-store based nutrition education improves eating habits

Hypertension affects over 60 million adults in the United States and less than half have their condition under control. A new study found that grocery store-based nutrition counseling was effective in changing dietary habits of patients being treated for hypertension.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2GkQBk7

Watch Out for False Promises About So-Called Alzheimer’s Cures

Unfortunately, when faced with a serious health issue, even the most rational person can be led to believe implausible claims.

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Higher sodium intake associated with increased lightheadedness in the context of the DASH-sodium trial

Researchers found that higher sodium intake, when studied in the context of the DASH-Sodium trial (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), increases lightheadedness. These findings challenge traditional recommendations to increase sodium intake to prevent lightheadedness.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2GC5nSO

Vitamin D and immune cells stimulate bone marrow disease

The bone marrow disease myelofibrosis is stimulated by excessive signaling from vitamin D and immune cells known as macrophages, reveals a research team. These findings could help to develop alternative treatments that do not target problem genes.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2TEzgpn

NCCIH welcomes five new members to advisory council

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), part of the National Institutes of Health, welcomes five new members to the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Integrative Health (NACCIH). This council serves as the principal advisory body to NCCIH, the lead federal agency for research on complementary and integrative health.

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Study examines aspirin use to prevent colorectal cancer

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded that aspirin reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by 40 percent as well as recurrence of advanced polyps, which are a major risk factor. To explore whether high risk patients are adhering to USPSTF guidelines, researchers analyzed data from structured interviews with 84 patients and found that less than half (42.9 percent) reported taking aspirin. These findings pose major challenges that require multifactorial approaches by physicians and patients.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2GvIMaC

Putting female mosquitoes on human diet drugs could reduce spread of disease

Researchers report that they have identified drugs that can reduce mosquito hunger for blood. Because movement of female mosquitoes from human to human -- male mosquitoes do not consume blood -- is the means by which mosquito-borne infections are passed along, researchers have theorized that reducing the frequency with which female mosquitoes feed is one way to lessen the spread of disease.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2SjT1pC

A New Year’s Message from NCCIH’s Director: Helene Langevin, M.D.

It is my great pleasure to welcome the New Year as the director of NCCIH and to share some thoughts on my personal vision for the Center. It has been my longstanding conviction that integrative health care is more than just the sum of conventional and complementary health approaches. When combined, these approaches can provide a frontier of new insights into the physiology of health and the pathophysiology underlying diseases and disorders. 

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Flaxseed fiber ferments in gut to improve health, reduce obesity

Research in mice suggests that fermentation of flaxseed fibers in the gut changes the microbiota to improve metabolic health and protect against diet-induced obesity.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2SsabRi

Excessive weight gain in early childhood affects teenage heart health

Excessive weight gain in children under two years can lead to cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in teenage years including increased cholesterol, being overweight and having fat around the middle, finds new research.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2MQ7V0R

Novel enzyme discovered in intestinal bacteria

Researchers have discovered a key enzyme for formation of harmful hydrogen sulfide in the human gut by Bilophila bacteria.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2t8xgtR

Weight loss surgery changes the way our bodies sense food

How bariatric surgery helps people with obesity and diabetes is related to changes in the way the gut senses food and nutrients after the operation, researchers report. They found that following surgery, altered patterns of digestion and absorption lower in the gut trigger production of higher levels of gut hormones, especially glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which in turn causes higher insulin production.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2TzXLE4

Quality of overall diet is key to lowering type 2 diabetes risk

New research shows that a high-quality diet defined by low intake of animal foods such as red meat, and high intake of plant foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and reduced intake of sweetened beverages could be associated with reduced risk of diabetes.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2DU1Wp4

Healthy diet can ease symptoms of depression

An analysis of data from almost 46,000 people has found that weight loss, nutrient boosting and fat reduction diets can all reduce the symptoms of depression.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2WGUPYk

New wisdom about high cholesterol treatment for adults aged 80 and older

A team of researchers decided to learn more about whether current triglyceride-level guidelines make sense for people aged 80 and older.

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Upcoming Technical Assistance Webinars for the Centers for Advancing Research on Botanicals and Other Natural Products (CARBON) Program

New funding opportunity announcements present opportunities for new research related to botanicals and natural products. Find out more here.

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Persistent low body weight in young kids increases risk for anorexia nervosa later, study finds

A new study has found that a persistent low body mass index (BMI) in children, starting as young as age 2 for boys and 4 for girls, may be a risk factor for the development of anorexia nervosa in adolescence.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2RxbKso

The dangers of hidden fat: Exercise is your best defense against deep abdominal fat

Researchers analyzed two types of interventions -- lifestyle modification (exercise) and pharmacological (medicine) -- to learn how best to defeat fat lying deep in the belly.

from Diet and Weight Loss News -- ScienceDaily http://bit.ly/2DN9IAN