Region IX

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 15 June 2022

Nutrition Label We always look for food labels for many reasons. But whatever it is, we always want to effectively and easily understand the information written on those food labels. This is because we wanted to purchase foods that are highly nutritious that can help us choose a healthy diet. On the other hand, the Nutrition facts labels tell us what it is in the foods that we’re eating and help us determine if we eat a well-balanced diet. Every food item should have a label. Listed on the label must be the breakdown of the number of calories, carbs, protein, fat, fiber, and vitamins per serving of the food item. Understanding its content helps us to make healthier choices of foods to purchase for consumption. It is also good to look for different brands of the same food item because some can differ a lot from the others based on the nutrition information. For example, one brand of pasta sauce contains more sugar than the other brand for the same serving size.

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 15 June 2022

B12 Vitamin B12 also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin. It plays an essential role in red blood cell production, cell metabolism, healthy brain and nerve function, as well as the production of DNA which is the molecules inside the cell that carry genetic information. Vitamin B12 is needed by the body but it cannot be produced by the body itself.

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 13 June 2022

Q2 TWG Mtg The Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) Technical Working Groups of the Regional Nutrition and Anti-Hunger Committee (RNAHC) and Early Childhood Care and Development in the First 1000 Days of Life (ECCD F1K) Program virtually conducted its 2nd Quarter Joint Meeting last 7 June 2022 via Google Meet. The meeting highlights the discussion of RA 11148 “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act” including its Manual of Procedure (MOP), Salient Points of the RA 11148 Implementing Rules and Guidelines (IRR), Request for RA 11148 Plans, Programs, Activities to be Incorporated in Regional Line Agencies’ Operational Plans and Budgets for 2023. During the activity, the draft RNAHC resolution Adopting the Implementing Guidelines of the Nutrition Shepherding Project, ECCD F1K Program Status Updates in ZDS as of May 31, 2022, and the 2022 Nutrition Month Theme, Campaign Strategies, and Regional Launching were also presented. The virtual activity was participated by no less than twenty-five (25) nutrition focal persons of the regional line agencies, representatives from the ECCD F1K LGUs, and NNC9 staff.

During the activity, the contribution of the member agencies of the Regional Nutrition and Anti-Hunger Committee (RNAHC) as well as those mentioned in the RA 11148 had been emphasized in the management and total eradication of malnutrition in the region. It focuses more on the concerted interventions that would impact the lives of individuals in the First 1000 Days of Life being the foundation of one's future. Each participant was encouraged to actively take part and uphold their role as stated in the said law so that there will be a whole-of-government approach of addressing malnutrition not just in the region but also in the entire country.

The National Nutrition Council Region IX commits to continue to coordinate with the nutrirtion partner agencies and other stakeholders and spearheads in the implementation of the numerous nutrition interventions, may it be specific, sensitive or enabling, to realize the national and global goals of ending hunger and malnutrition.

NOI Kimberly Tanador, RND

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 14 June 2022

Grains Grains are the seeds of cereal crops such as rice, rye, wheat, oats or barley. They have been a staple food for people for thousands of years.
Nowadays, it is broadly known that foods made with whole grains can make a vital contribution to our wellbeing and health. Whole grains offer benefits linking to the many nutrients. You can get whole grains in oatmeal, whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole rye, spelt, popcorn, whole wheat pasta, and whole wheat ready-to-eat cereals.

Extensive study has examined the link between regular ingesting of whole grain foods and the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer and body weight management. Whole grains are completed by of the entire or whole grain, including the germ, bran, kernel, and innermost part of the endosperm. Each part of the grain is an important role in nutrition.

The Parts of Whole Grains:

Bran is the outermost skin of the seed and guards the endosperm and germ from the water, sun, pests, and disease. It contains B vitamins and antioxidants and fiber.
Germis the part of the plant that sprouts and gives birth to the plant if fertilized. It comprises protein, minerals, B vitamins, and healthy fats.
Endospermis the germ's food source and is the main portion of the grain. It comprises the protein, carbohydrate, and minute amounts of minerals and vitamins.

Whole grains offer many health benefits. Here are just a few examples of what research that had been linked to whole grain consumption:

Helping in blood glucose control thereby preventing the risk for diabetes.
Decreasing the risk for stroke and heart disease from increased antioxidant intake.
Reducing colon cancer.
Decrease fasting insulin levels and increasing folate levels
Reducing hypertension
Less abdominal fat

Here are tips in adding more whole grains in your diet:

Swap white bread or rice and pasta with a whole grain variety.
Enhance barley in soups, stews, or stir fry dishes.
As a substitute of using refined waffle mixes, pancake or muffin use a whole wheat mix or make your own.
Use whole bread crumbs or whole grain cracker in recipes.
Eat whole grain cereals.
Use wheat flour or oatmeal when baking sweets.
Have popcorn - with less or no added butter and salt.
Use whole corn breads and whole corn meal and muffins.
Try whole white wheat bread if you want milder flavour or a softer texture.

At the end of the day, the general quality of your diet has more of an effect on health. Whether or not grains can fit into your diet depends on your discrete concerns and needs. But for most people choice that whole grains can and even should be comprised as part of a balanced diet.

PNFP- Karla P. Calapardo, RND

References:

Understanding Whole Grains

https://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-living-101-understanding-whole-

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 13 June 2022

Obesophobia, also known as pocrescophobia, is a fear of gaining weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Many people are concerned about their weight and frequently go on diets. Obesophobia, on the other hand, causes people to go to extremes, such as undereating, starving, over-exercising, or avoiding food-related activities. They may be afraid of gaining weight even if they are underweight or malnourished. Obesophobia, like all phobias, is a type of anxiety disorder, according to Kirsten Nunez. Phobias are irrational fears of a specific object, location, or situation. You might go to great lengths to avoid gaining weight if you're afraid of it. This may increase your risk of developing an eating disorder or indicate that you already have one.

To begin, what exactly is a phobia? According to Yvette Brazier, the term 'phobia' is frequently used to refer to a fear of a specific trigger. However, the American Psychiatric Association recognizes three types of phobia (APA). Specific phobia, social phobia, and agoraphobia are examples of phobias. A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder in which a person has an extreme, irrational fear of a situation, living creature, place, or object. When someone has a phobia, they will frequently shape their lives to avoid situations that they perceive to be dangerous. The perceived threat outweighs any actual threat posed by the terror source. Phobias are treatable mental illnesses.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, many people obsess over their weight and appear to be on a diet all of the time. That isn't always Obesophobia. Obesophobia causes people to go to extremes to avoid gaining or losing weight. They may bring their own food everywhere so they can control what they eat, criticize themselves excessively, eat very small portions of food, exercise excessively, avoid eating-related activities, and spend a significant amount of time and money on attempts to look, feel, or be thinner, including surgeries. Moreover, the Cleveland Clinic states that people who suffer from Obesophobia may become underweight or malnourished. However, the fear of gaining weight keeps them focused on the possibility of gaining weight. Obesophobia affects people who are aware that their fear is irrational but unable to control it. Obesophobia can lead to body dysmorphic disorder, depression, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among other mental health issues.

If Obesophobia is affecting your daily life, Kirsten Nunez recommends speaking with a medical professional. If you have intense anxiety when thinking about weight gain, obsession with weight loss, frequent dieting, avoiding social activities with food, or a negative body image, see a doctor. If you're restricting food intake, obsessively counting calories, exercising excessively, or vomiting on purpose, see a doctor. These signs and symptoms could point to an eating disorder as a result of Obesophobia. How is Obesophobia diagnosed? A psychological evaluation will be performed to determine if you have Obesophobia. They may also inquire about your symptoms, assess your eating habits, and investigate your medical, psychiatric, and social histories. If they believe you have an eating disorder or are at risk, they will almost certainly recommend treatment. Obesophobia is usually treated with the help of mental health professional. The goal is to reduce your risk of developing an eating disorder by managing your fear of weight gain. If you have Obesophobia as part of an eating disorder, treatment will likely be similar.

Obesophobia can cause severe anxiety symptoms and lead to other anxiety or eating disorders, so it's crucial to discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider. If you suffer from Obesophobia, you may try to avoid gaining weight by engaging in unhealthy behaviors. Excessive exercise, food restriction, or frequent dieting are examples of this. Even though Obesophobia is linked to eating disorders, it's critical to seek medical help if you suspect you have it.

PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas, RND

References:

Obesophobia: Fear of Gaining Weight

Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD — Written by Kirsten Nunez on February 18, 2020

https://www.healthline.com/health/obesophobia

Obesophobia (Fear of Gaining Weight)

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22575-obesophobia-fear-of-gaining-weight#:~:text=Obesophobia%2C%20or%20pocrescophobia%2C%20is%20an,or%20avoiding%20activities%20involving%20food.

Everything you need to know about phobias

Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD — Written by Yvette Brazier — Updated on November 26, 2020

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249347

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 14 June 2022

Folate is a B vitamin that your body requires for proper functioning. According to the Cleveland Clinic, folate is especially important for pregnant women. Folate deficiency is caused by a lack of folate in the body. Fatigue, weakness, mouth sores, and neurological problems are some of the symptoms. According to Jacquelyn Cafasso, if you don't get enough folate in your diet, you may develop a folate deficiency. In just a few weeks, not getting enough folate can cause a deficiency.

John Hopkins Medicine explained that the red blood cells transport oxygen to all parts of the body. Anemia occurs when your blood cannot deliver enough oxygen to all of your tissues and organs. Your body cannot function properly without enough oxygen. Megaloblastic anemia is caused by a lack of folic acid. The red blood cells in this condition are larger than normal. These cells are in smaller numbers. They're also oval rather than round and these red blood cells do not always live as long as regular red blood cells. According to Jacquelyn Cafasso, the symptoms of folate deficiency are often subtle. Fatigue, gray hair, mouth sores, tongue swelling, growth issues, and peripheral neuropathy are among them (the result of damage to one or more groups of nerves). Anemia caused by a lack of folate manifests itself as persistent fatigue, weakness, lethargy, pale skin, shortness of breath, and irritability.

Several complications can occur if you don't get enough folate. Folate deficiency during pregnancy, according to the Cleveland Clinic, can lead to serious complications. Folate is necessary for your baby's brain and spinal cord development. Neural tube defects are severe birth defects caused by a lack of folate. Spina bifida and anencephaly are examples of neural tube defects. Folate deficiency can also lead to placental abruption, which occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus. Furthermore, your baby may be born prematurely (premature birth) or with low birth weight. Low folate levels during pregnancy have also been linked to the development of autism in children.

Furthermore, a lack of folate can result in folate deficiency anemia. Anemia occurs when your body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen to your body's tissues. Anemia caused by a lack of folate can also result in the production of abnormally large red blood cells that don't function properly. Infertility and certain cancers are other side effects of a lack of folate. Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, depression, dementia, and decreased cognitive function. What causes a lack of folate? Folate is a vitamin that is water-soluble. It dissolves in water and does not accumulate in fat cells. According to Jacquelyn Cafasso, this means you should keep taking folate because your body cannot develop a reserve. Excessive amounts of water-soluble vitamins are excreted in the urine. The main cause of folate deficiency is a diet low in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fortified cereals. Furthermore, overcooking your food can deplete the vitamins. If you don't eat enough folate-rich foods, your body's folate levels can drop dramatically in just a few weeks.

Some people have a genetic mutation that prevents their bodies from converting dietary or supplemental folate to its usable form, methyl folate, in a timely and efficient manner. Folate deficiency can be caused by gastrointestinal conditions that affect absorption. Crohn's disease, celiac disease, certain cancers, and severe kidney problems requiring dialysis are among them. Alcohol also prevents the absorption of folate. It also increases the amount of folate excreted in the urine. Folate deficiency is treated by increasing folate intake through diet. Folate or folic acid supplement is also an option. Those who have the MTHFR gene mutation, which affects folate absorption, must take methylated folate to avoid deficiency. Folate is frequently found in supplements alongside other B vitamins. These vitamins are also known as B complex vitamins.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a daily dose of 400 micrograms of folate is recommended. Folate supplements are recommended for women who may become pregnant. Folate is essential for fetal growth. To avoid folate deficiency, eat a balanced diet. Leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach, Brussels sprouts, peas, citrus, fruits, such as bananas and melons, tomato juice, eggs, beans, legumes, mushrooms, asparagus, kidney, liver meat, poultry, pork, shellfish, wheat bran, and fortified cereals are all high in folate.

The bottom line is Folate is a vitamin that aids in the formation of red blood cells and DNA in the body. It is particularly important for pregnant women because it aids in the development of the unborn child. While folate deficiency is uncommon, it can result in serious consequences like birth defects and anemia. As a result, it's critical to consume a diet rich in folate-rich fruits, vegetables, and other foods. You could also take a folic acid supplement. Your healthcare provider can help you determine how much folate you should consume each day.

PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas, RND

References: