Genetic and Environmental Factors of Addiction and Chronic Disease - Snapshot of my Research and Writing

The relationship between substance abuse and nutrition is not well understood. Alcoholism and drug addiction is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While certain physiological markers such as family history or blood enzyme levels (objective data) can be used to determine risk factors for alcoholism/addiction, the role of environmental and behavioral influences (subjective) are more difficult to evaluate. An individual with a genetic predisposition to substance abuse may not develop alcohol or drug dependence, while someone without a family history may slide into a cycle of abuse. Physical health and nutrition is similarly complex, influenced both by genetics and the environment. Many individuals with a family history of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension do not develop these chronic diseases, while others without a known genetic link develop these conditions secondary to dietary intake or other factors.

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Purpose, Diet, Career, Coherence, Integrity, Desire, Discipline

“The core of your life is your purpose. Everything in your life, from your diet to your career, must be aligned with your purpose if you are to act with coherence and integrity in the world. If you know your purpose, your deepest desire, then the secret of success is to discipline your life so that you support your deepest purpose and minimize distractions and detours.”

~ David Deida

Food Addiction

Are you curious to learn more about Food Addiction? Please check out my latest peer-reviewed publication on the Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group Spring 2013 Newsletter.

Have some time to watch the video of an interview addressing Food Addiction? Myself and therapist Alyson Stack discuss nutrition in recovery and some of the controversies on the topic. Click here and scroll down to the video from Klean Radio.

Substance Abuse and Malnourishment - Snapshot of my Research and Writing

Malnutrition associated with substance abuse can be either primary or secondary. Primary malnutrition occurs when substance abuse displaces, reduces, or compromises food intake. Secondary malnutrition occurs when the substance of abuse causes alterations in the absorption, metabolism, utilization, and excretion of nutrients due to compromised oral, gastrointestinal, circulatory, metabolic, and neurological health. Malnutrition impacts all body systems including the immune system, leading to an inadequate response to disease. While the negative effect of alcohol on nutritional status has been well described, the mechanisms behind illicit drug-induced malnourishment remain largely unknown. It is difficult to differentiate between primary and secondary malnourishment within drug-addicted populations. In addition, there are ethical and legal challenges in conducting controlled trials using illicit substances, as well as difficulties with patient follow-up. Most of the data that links nutritional deficiencies to substance abuse is speculative, underpowered, and retrospective. 

Why Dietitians Should be Required to Have Master's Degree

Being a Registered Dietitian is one thing. Having a Master's Degree in Nutrition is another. One without the other creates a major deficiency but having both creates a strong dietitian. Many RD's (now we are using the term RDN- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) do not have an advanced degree and I can't help but feel like it does the field a disservice. Going to graduate school gives people the tools to interpret research findings and to write scholarly papers.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has been exploring the possibility of making all Dietetic Internships coordinated programs which require the intern to get a Master's Degree. I seriously hope this plan gets implemented. Too many RD's without Master's Degree bring the bar down for those of us who did a dietetic internship as well as a graduate school program.