Healthful Bites

Aroma(food)therapy

In the past year or so, I’ve come across quite a few articles about Sensa, a calorie-free food sprinkle that claims to speed up feelings of fullness, thus decreasing intake. The explanation behind Sensa relies on the body’s recognition of aroma and taste; makers claim that the sprinkle increases the taste of the foods you eat.

While I’m majorly skeptical about this “diet plan” ($40-60/month for what seems like glorified salt? Thanks, but no thanks), researchers are legitimately studying anti-hunger scents. These smells would supposedly make diners feel full quicker, decreasing the amount of food they consume—much like Sensa.

In the future, foods may be manufactured to release such traces so that we all stop sooner. But this idea also raises the question: what about those people who need to eat large quantities? And how far are we willing to go to mess with food products for weight loss? It seems that overeating is often related to emotional issues, which would never be sorted out with an external whiff fix.

What are your thoughts on the smelling/appetite quelling link?

(Photo from Family Styles)

A Smiling State

Not surprisingly, thinking that you’re healthy, happy and well is linked to an optimistic attitude. But do you know where the most happy people live? The south, according to new research published in the journal Science. Scientists say that environmental factors, such as amount of sun, cleanliness of air, etc. are related to an upbeat nature. I can totally understand that—when the weather is nice, my attitude follows suit!

Here’s a rundown of the top five happiest states:

1. Louisiana
2. Hawaii
3. Florida
4. Tennessee
5. Arizona

The data studied was from several years ago, so scientists suggest that there may have been changes since then. Still, it’s interesting to note that generally the most positive people seem to live in the same region. The least happy state? New York, the study found.

What factors do you think play into good mental health and/or happiness?

(Photo from Well Rounded Kids)

Water cooler conversation starter, or for this one, an are you serious?: a female competitive weightlifter in Chile started unexpectedly giving birth—yes, really—while practicing in her gym. She had been feeling ill, but had no idea that she was pregnant. The baby boy was born six months along. Happily, Mom and son are doing well!

Dilly-Dally at Dinner

Countless studies have reported the effects of eating slower. Taking your time at the table increases satisfaction, allows your brain and stomach to register the food consumed and can help you to avoid eating out of necessity when in a group (hey, if everyone else is still eating, I better go for seconds)!

Slowing down while eating is also important because it gives time for your body to release hormones that make your stomach feel full, so says new research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. During the study, participants ate ice cream either quickly or slowly—the poor quick eaters left feeling less full and probably had killer ice cream headaches too!

Prior to this study, scientists had known that hormones play a role in feeling full. The new bit of knowledge gained from this study is that the rate at which you eat can affect the amount and timing of hormone release.

They eat so fast, do you think competitive eaters feel full afterwards?

(Photo from si.com’s Extra Mustard Blog)

Texting’s Not Always the Enemy

Lately the war against text messaging has hit the road, and texting has been dealt some major negative PR. But healthcare workers are teaming up with a technology program called CareSpeak to give some positive press to text messaging.

Adherence to medications increases when a patient is texted with reminders, reports research from Mount Sinai Hospital discussed in the New York Times. Teens especially benefit from this service, as in the past, this population has had a hard time making health issues “hit home.” Since teens often feel invincible, medication often falls by the wayside. This can be a huge issue among young transplant patients, the NYT article explains. (Plus teens are much more comfortable with cell phone technologies than, say, seniors).

CareSpeak texts reminders to patients when it is time to take their medicine and this simple message increases the likelihood that medicine is taken. Patients can tailor the messages to arrive at the time that is best for their schedules and are required to respond to the message, confirming that they took their medication, within one hour. If CareSpeak doesn’t hear back, the healthcare professional or parents will be contacted. While this seems a little bit “tattle tale,” I really appreciate the fact that this program is preventative (making sure patients take their medicine) rather than reactive and totally treatment based (we’ll just deal with the problem that comes from skipping medicine after the patient feels the effects of med-neglect).

Cool things to watch related to this program: developers are hoping to send photos of the pill patients should take along with the message and refill reminders may also become a part of the text plan.

What do you think: is this be pesky or practical?

(Image from Neighborhood Crime Map)

Water cooler conversation starter: Are good sprinters born or made? Hard to say, but researchers at Penn State suggest that long toes and an optimal ankle tendon length can make runners more successful sprinters. Do you think genetics or training has a larger role in your innate athletic abilities?