Kent State Interns

Something that is often told to the dietitian from their patient diagnosed with thyroid disease is that they have trouble losing weight. This occurs because the thyroid affects metabolism. Involuntary weight loss and weight gain is often seen in these patients. It can be discouraging and challenging to improve. Thyroid disease is linked with increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The scary thing is that thyroid disease is often undiagnosed and changes in weight is a common complaint from patients. The thyroid is a major gland of the endocrine system that regulates almost every organ in the body. It monitors fat and carbohydrate metabolism, body temperature, brain development, respiration, cholesterol levels, and more. Thyroid disease can be classified as hyper or hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, high blood pressure, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeat. Hyperthyroidism is typically treated with medication, surgery, or oral radioac...

Analysis of NHANES Data Shows the Relationship Between Fiber and Lung Function The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data was used to compare fiber intake and lung function. There were 1,921 adults who took the survey.  Spirometry was used to accurately  measure lung function rather than self reported measures and a diet recall was taken via an interview.    It was found that adults with higher fiber consumption were more likely to have normal lung function compared to those who had lower fiber consumption. Specifically, fruit and vegetable intake was associated with greater lung function rather than the consumption of whole grains. Those with lower fiber intake had decreased lung function. The findings for this study are important for the prevention of chronic diseases like COPD in patients with a history of smoking. Increasing fiber in the diet is a cost effective dietary intervention that can be utilized in those at risk fo...

Medical nutrition therapy can be tricky for individuals suffering from gastrointestinal distress because each case differs substantially and substances that may irritate one person are not bothersome to another. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics completed a case study on patients with Inflammatory Bowl Disease (IBD) and the effects of a specific carbohydrate diet on the disease state of these individuals.             According to AND’s article, “The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a dietary program that claims to induce and maintain drug-free remission in patients with IBD.” The diet is not considered “low carb” by any means, but rather limits carbohydrate foods to those consisting of only monosaccharaides (glucose, galactose, and fructose). The SCD excludes disaccharides and polysaccharides and is supplemented with homemade yogurt. The diet also includes solid protein foods, fats, high ratio amylose to amylopectin veg...

Protecting Bone Health among Vegans             Research suggests that vegan diets may be protective against chronic illnesses such cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancers. Just like any other diet, concerns with this type of diet do exist, in particular in regards to bone health. Osteoporosis is a chronic debilitating bone condition characterized by reduced bone mineral density, decreased bone strength, and deterioration of bone tissue over time which increases risk of fractures in any stage of life, especially in postmenopausal women. Large previous studies have shown that vegans may be a higher risk for reduced bone density, a major determinant of osteoporosis.                       Recent studies evaluating vegan diets and markers of osteoporosis (i.e peak bone mass, bone mineral density) found that veg...

Dynamics of Diabetes: Diabetes and Cognitive Decline             The issue of the aging population and type 2 diabetes are major public health concerns in the 21 st century. By the year 2050 it is estimated that the number of individuals aged 65 and older will exceed 83 million. In addition, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is expected to dramatically increase, affecting one of three elderly individuals over the age of 65 years old. Furthermore, as the aging process continues cognitive decline is common, ranging from mild cognitive impairment which includes difficulties with memory, verbal communication, and thinking and judgement abilities to dementia, which can be detrimental enough to impede an individual’s ability to function and be self-sustaining on a daily basis.             Previous research has provided a link between cognitive decline and blood glucose contr...