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Nutrition Articles: Healthy Eating, Digestion & Wellness

Explore expert-written articles by CARESPACE dietitians and nutritionists on healthy eating, digestion, energy, and prevention. Get evidence-based insights to help you make informed choices and support your overall wellness through nutrition.

Can I Live a Long Life with Disordered Eating?

Can I Live a Long Life with Disordered Eating?

Disordered eating is a widespread issue that affects millions of people. It is characterized by negative attitudes toward food, extreme behaviours related to eating, and an unhealthy obsession with weight and body shape. Unfortunately, disordered eating can lead to serious physical and mental health consequences, including malnutrition, digestive issues, hormonal

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Can You Live a Long Life with Gastritis?

Can You Live a Long Life with Gastritis?

Gastritis, the inflammation of the stomach lining, can cause discomfort, pain, and digestive disturbances. While the symptoms can range from mild to severe, many individuals wonder if having gastritis will affect their lifespan or overall quality of life. The good news is that gastritis, when properly managed, does not necessarily

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Sarcopenia, the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength that often accompanies aging, can significantly impact mobility, independence, and quality of life. While maintaining an active lifestyle and proper nutrition are key strategies to combat sarcopenia, what you avoid eating is just as important as what you include in your diet. Certain foods can exacerbate muscle loss, inflammation, and overall physical decline, making it essential to be mindful of dietary choices. Why Diet Matters in Sarcopenia Muscle health depends heavily on adequate protein intake, balanced micronutrients, and controlling chronic inflammation. Poor dietary habits can accelerate muscle degradation by providing insufficient nutrients or promoting systemic inflammation that interferes with muscle repair and growth. Understanding which foods hinder muscle maintenance is crucial for anyone managing sarcopenia or aiming to prevent its onset. Foods to Avoid with Sarcopenia Highly Processed Foods Foods high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives—such as fast food, packaged snacks, and sugary beverages—contribute to chronic inflammation. This low-grade inflammation can impair muscle protein synthesis, making it harder for your body to build or maintain muscle. Additionally, these foods often lack the essential nutrients needed to support muscle repair. Excessive Alcohol While moderate alcohol consumption might be part of some social lifestyles, excessive drinking can negatively affect muscle health. Alcohol interferes with protein synthesis and reduces testosterone levels, both of which are essential for muscle maintenance. Furthermore, alcohol can impair nutrient absorption, including vitamins and minerals crucial for muscle function. High Sodium Foods A diet high in sodium, common in processed and canned foods, can contribute to hypertension and poor circulation. Reduced blood flow means muscles receive less oxygen and nutrients, slowing down recovery and growth. It can also exacerbate swelling and fluid retention, making physical activity more uncomfortable. Refined Carbohydrates Refined carbs, such as white bread, pastries, and many cereals, cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. This fluctuation can promote fat gain and worsen insulin resistance, which is linked to muscle wasting. Over time, a diet heavy in refined carbs can undermine metabolic health, further complicating sarcopenia management. Trans Fats and Hydrogenated Oils These unhealthy fats, often found in margarine, fried foods, and some baked goods, promote inflammation and oxidative stress. Chronic inflammation damages muscle cells and impairs recovery, making trans fats particularly harmful for those with sarcopenia. How CARESPACE Can Help Managing sarcopenia requires a holistic, coordinated approach that integrates nutrition, exercise, and rehabilitation. At CARESPACE Health+Wellness, our team of physiotherapists, kinesiologists, and dietitians work collaboratively to create personalized, evidence-based plans that support muscle health and overall well-being. Physiotherapists at CARESPACE assess your mobility, muscle strength, and physical limitations. They design tailored rehabilitation programs that focus on building muscle through resistance exercises and functional training, helping you regain strength and improve your daily functioning. Kinesiologists bring their expertise in exercise science to develop safe and effective fitness routines that complement your rehabilitation and nutritional goals. They monitor your progress and adjust your plan to optimize muscle growth and endurance, ensuring you stay motivated and injury-free. Dietitians play a pivotal role in guiding you toward optimal nutrition. They help identify foods to avoid and create customized meal plans rich in high-quality proteins, anti-inflammatory fats, and essential micronutrients that support muscle repair and growth. By addressing dietary pitfalls, they help reduce inflammation and improve your body’s ability to maintain muscle mass. Final Thoughts Sarcopenia is a complex condition influenced by multiple lifestyle factors, but diet remains one of the most manageable aspects. Avoiding foods that promote inflammation, poor metabolic health, and muscle breakdown is critical to preserving strength and independence. With the expert, multidisciplinary support available at CARESPACE, you can receive comprehensive care designed to slow, and even reverse, the effects of sarcopenia through targeted nutrition and exercise strategies. Foods to Avoid with Sarcopenia

Foods to Avoid with Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia, the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength that often accompanies aging, can significantly impact mobility, independence, and quality of life. While maintaining an active lifestyle and proper nutrition are key strategies to combat sarcopenia, what you avoid eating is just as important as what you include in your

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When is Burning Mouth Syndrome Serious?

When is Burning Mouth Syndrome Serious?

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a complex condition that causes a persistent burning sensation in the mouth, often without any visible signs of damage. The discomfort can be localized to the tongue, roof of the mouth, or the inside of the cheeks, and while it may seem like a relatively

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Can You Live a Long Life with High Cholesterol?

Can You Live a Long Life with High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol often carries a bad reputation, especially when levels become too high. For many, hearing the term “high cholesterol” brings immediate thoughts of heart disease, strokes, or other cardiovascular issues. But is it true that having high cholesterol inevitably leads to a shortened lifespan? The answer isn’t quite that simple.

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Foods to Avoid with Eczema

Foods to Avoid with Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It can affect people of all ages and often requires careful management to prevent flare-ups. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing eczema, diet plays a significant role in controlling symptoms.

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Does Fatigue Go Away on Its Own?

Does Fatigue Go Away on Its Own?

Fatigue is one of those things we all experience at some point. Whether it’s after a late night, a stressful week, or a busy period at work, feeling drained can feel like a natural response. But what happens when fatigue doesn’t go away? When you’ve slept enough, eaten well, and

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Will You Have Burning Mouth Syndrome for the Rest of Your Life?

Will You Have Burning Mouth Syndrome for the Rest of Your Life?

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a frustrating and often painful condition that affects the tongue, lips, gums, or the roof of the mouth. The sensation is typically described as a feeling of burning, tingling, or numbness, and it can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Many people who experience

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Will You Have Celiac Disease for the Rest of Your Life?

Will You Have Celiac Disease for the Rest of Your Life?

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the small intestine, triggered by the consumption of gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage that can

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Foods You Should Eat with Tendonitis

Foods You Should Eat with Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a painful condition that can significantly impact your daily life. It is caused by the inflammation of the tendons, which can result in stiffness, soreness, and limited mobility. While there are many approaches to treating tendonitis including physiotherapy and chiropractic care, diet plays a crucial role in reducing

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