Doctors Say Your Unexplained Weight Loss Might Be Hinting at a Larger Health Problem
Conditions like hyperthyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis could be at play. If you’ve ever noticed a sudden drop in weight after an illness, you’ve experienced unintentional weight loss fluctuation. But if you can’t point to something that may have caused the change on the scale, losing weight without trying or unexplained weight loss can be very scary. Unintentional weight loss refers to a reduction in body weight that occurs without conscious effort or intention, says Carlo Manzana, M.D., a family medicine physician with PlushCare. “From a medical standpoint, this is typically characterized by a significant and rapid decrease in weight, usually around 5% of total body weight within a span of six to 12 months.” Meet the Experts: Lydia C. Alexander, M.D., chief medical officer at Enara Health and president-elect of the Obesity Medicine Association; Mir Ali, M.D., bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center; Linda Anegawa, M.D., F.A.C.P., a double board-certified physician in internal medicine and obesity medicine and former medical director at PlushCare; and others. It is normal for weight to fluctuate, typically between five to 10 lbs, and can be due to how much you’re eating, drinking, and moving in a given time period, explains Mir Ali, M.D., bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center. But any more than that, and you haven’t changed your diet, it could be a sign of something bigger, he adds. In fact, unexplained weight loss could be an early sign of a serious health condition, says Kerry Hildreth, M.D., an assistant professor of geriatric medicine at the University of Colorado. So if you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss, it’s best to see a doctor. They can then ask questions associated with the symptoms and potentially perform a blood test or imaging test depending on your symptoms, says Linda Anegawa, M.D., F.A.C.P., a double board-certified physician in internal medicine and obesity medicine and former medical director at PlushCare. Here, doctors share the health issues that could explain why you’re losing weight so suddenly. What causes unexplained weight loss?
2022-06-03T17:39:31Z
Struggling With Acid Reflux? These Foods and Drinks Could Help
Honestly, some of our favorite foods are on this list. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and causes regurgitation or heartburn, which feels like a burning sensation in your chest or throat. If this happens regularly, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can be diagnosed by a doctor. But what’s causing this uncomfortable burn in the first place? Certain foods, like red wine, coffee, red meat, chocolate, peppermint, pasta sauces, fried foods, and heavier “comfort” meals can relax your lower esophageal sphincter—the tiny valve at the base of your esophagus—causing it to open when it shouldn’t. When this happens, the acid that should stay in your stomach can sneak up into your chest, explains Niket Sonpal, M.D., adjunct assistant professor of clinical medicine at Touro College Of Osteopathic Medicine in New York. So, what soothing foods for acid reflux should you eat—and what should you avoid? Meet the experts: Niket Sonpal, M.D., adjunct assistant professor of clinical medicine at Touro College Of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, Robin Foroutan, M.S., R.D.N., owner of Nutrition by Robin, Bradee Rojas, M.S., R.D., C.D.C.E.S., metabolic and bariatric surgery program coordinator at Inspira Health, Julie Stefanski R.D.N., C.S.S.D., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics While certain foods can cause acid reflux, others can help tame it. Ahead, find the best beverages and foods for acid reflux, as well as what to avoid to keep your esophagus fire-free. Plus, learn our best lifestyle tips to help ease acid reflux. Foods to eat for acid reflux
2023-04-05T17:08:08Z
Feeling Bloated? These Foods Help, According to Nutrition Experts
Diversify your plate with these nutritious picks and say goodbye to post-dinner discomfort. When your belly is distended and hard—whether it’s that time of the month or you overindulged at dinner—the last thing you want to do is eat more. But there are, believe it or not, some foods that help ease bloating, according to experts and research. Meet the Experts: Marissa West, ACE-certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist and founder of West Kept Secret, Cindy Kasindorf, certified nutritional health counselor and founder of Remedy Organics, and Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Bloating can be caused by consuming foods that produce more gas than others, contain a high salt content, eating or drinking too quickly, or consuming carbonated drinks,” explains Marissa West, ACE-certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist and founder of West Kept Secret. “It can also be caused by a lactose intolerance, dairy aversion, or another health condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease.” Depending on the cause of your bloat, certain foods can help you get relief by reducing inflammation, activating the release of digestive enzymes, or coaxing the bloat through your digestive tract with water and fiber. Check out the below options and keep them at the ready for the next time discomfort strikes.
2023-05-01T17:18:52Z