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.
David A. Wiss, MS, RDN, CPT. Nutrition Interventionist. Food Addiction. Substance Abuse. Eating Disorders. Weight Management. Sports Nutrition. General Wellness. Professional Integrity. www.NutritionInRecovery.com
Monday, April 29, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
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
Saturday, April 20, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
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.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
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.
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.
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