Diet Diary - Diet Diary

With the obesity epidemic that grips us today, there is the need to find new solutions to this disease that has become a major public health concern.

One of the solutions that have been searched and which were publicized in the media is tummy fat reduction and actually reducing stomach capacity and thus to promote satiety. This is done with surgery for obesity, i.e an operation to remove part of the stomach. Another new option without surgery, is to place a balloon inside the stomach that produces a constant feeling of fullness, so that a person consumes less food and thus helps lose fat pounds quickly.

The deflated balloon is inserted through the mouth and guided through an endoscope into the stomach. Once there, the ball is filled with serum with a blue dye in an amount between 400 to 600 cc. that is trapped inside the balloon through a valve that prevents it being empty. The technique is performed as an outpatient procedure with mild sedation. The ball floats freely in the stomach and prevents the excessive intake of food. During the first weeks are very frequent nausea and vomiting because the patient does not adapt to adequate food to their new situation. It is recommended to be withdrawn within six months to prevent stomach acid weakens the walls of the ball and be able to deflate. The balloon is removed with tweezers by the same endoscopic procedure was placed.

Weight loss depends on the initial weight of the person, ranging from 10 to 20 kg on average at the end of 6 months. This sure beats fighting weight loss the hard way via solid exercise and strict diets to even manage to lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks. This is only effective if incorporated into a coordinated program of behavior modification, food and lifestyle. If the patient has not been able to understand these requirements, safely recover partially or totally lost kilos. In general, 30-50% of patients regain their lost weight within 6 months after removal of the ball. At the end of the day, if we are not an impediment to eat normally, it is usual that in the long term recover lost kilos. The difficulty of treating obesity is to lose weight in a few months, but the long-term maintenance. And in this, there is no guarantee that a treatment with a balloon for 6 months will do much long term. In any case, the indication of the placement of an intragastric balloon must be made by a qualified professional, an expert on obesity, which will evaluate the disease in its full context, the real prospects of success, attention to possible complications and subsequent follow-up after ball placement and withdrawal.

This technique is also not entirely free of complications, although uncommon, can be very serious, especially if the balloon is deflated and progresses into the intestine with the possibility of intestinal obstruction, which is a severe disease that requires urgent surgical intervention

Ever wonder why that diet plan your friend swears by does nothing for you? Blame it on your genes! We are all characterized by the genes we carry, and the way we metabolize and utilize calories from different foods also differs from person to person. So how can you formulate a diet plan best suited to your body?

According to the blood type diet plan conceived by Dr Peter J D'Adamo, the simplest way to effective weight loss and better health is through your blood group. By eating food that is right for your blood group, you can ensure better health, more energy and less susceptibility to certain diseases.

Broadly, human beings have one of these blood groups - A, B, AB or O. The very same genes that determine your blood group also cause your digestive abilities to be different from those of other blood groups. The foods that you eat are essentially perceived as chemicals by your body. Depending on your blood type, your body may accept or reject the specific proteins in your food called lectins. If lectins that are incompatible with your blood type are consumed, they tend to aggregate in various organs of the body and cause damage to your digestion, immunity and ability to metabolize foods.

Type O stands for the 'oldest' blood group in the human lineage. Thus the digestive system of this blood group type bears the hallmarks and memories of ancient times. In terms of diet, people with O group blood need more proteins from poultry, lean meat and fish and fewer carbohydrates from cereals, breads and legumes. Iodine-rich foods from sea fish etc. are also good for O blood type. People with O blood group are more prone to insulin resistance and weight gain. This is often aggravated by the intake of corn and wheat. Legumes like kidney beans, lentils etc. can also hamper calorie utilization in this blood group and cause weight gain. Vigorous exercise is often good for people with this blood group.

Type A comes from our farmer ancestors. This group needs more of vegetables, soy protein, cereals and fruits like pineapples that improve the utilization of calories. This blood group is usually low in stomach acids. Foods that this group should avoid to prevent weight gain include meats and dairy foods and legumes like kidney beans. This group also needs mild regular exercise to stay in shape.

Type B individuals usually need a balanced diet that is low in fat and a mix of both animal and plant origin foods. They are more prone to insulin resistance and fluctuations of blood sugar levels. The type B group thrives best on dairy, lean meat, green vegetables, eggs, liver etc. Corn, wheat, lentils, peanuts or sesame seeds cause weight gain in this group. These carbohydrate rich foods can aggravate insulin resistance and worsen diabetes. Moderate exercise is often the best for the type B group.

Type AB is genetically the newest blood group. This group has good and bad effects of both A and B types. On one hand, they have lower levels of stomach acids, and on the other they have a tendency to secrete less insulin that causes lower blood sugar levels after a meal. Soy foods like tofu, green vegetables, fruits like pineapples and sea foods rich in iodine are good for this group. To lose weight, this group should avoid smoked and cured meat, wheat, kidney beans etc. Frequent and small meals are helpful for this group. Relaxing and calming exercises are also beneficial.

Although some scientists are skeptical about the blood type diet plan, Dr D' Adamo, physicians, naturopathic doctors and nutritionists staunchly stand by it - By eating right and sticking to a diet plan that suits your blood type, you will be able to steer clear of diseases and live longer, that too in good health!