Thrive MD Nutrition Blog

Dental hygiene plays a critical role in overall health. Poor oral health can contribute to systemic health issues, while maintaining good oral hygiene supports overall well-being. Here’s how the two are interconnected: Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease (periodontitis), which has been linked to cardiovascular conditions like heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries. Inflammation caused by gum disease may increase the risk of these conditions. People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease due to high blood sugar levels. Conversely, gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, creating a two-way relationship. Oral bacteria can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing respiratory infections, pneumonia, or worsening chronic conditions like COPD. Gum disease has been associated with preterm births, low birth weight, and other complications during pregnancy. Chewing is the first step in digestion, and poor dental health can impair your ability to chew food properly. Moreover, oral infections can spread to the digestive tract. Best practices for good dental hygiene include brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach, using a  mouthwash or oil pulling daily can support beneficial oral bacteria

Takis are a popular spicy snack made from rolled corn tortillas coated with intense flavorings. While they’re known for their bold taste, some of the ingredients and their potential effects have raised concerns. Here’s a breakdown: Key Ingredients Corn Masa Flour – Base of the snack, made from ground corn. Vegetable Oils (such as palm and/or soybean oil) – Used for frying, high in saturated fats which contributes to higher cholesterol levels Seasoning Mix: Salt – High sodium content can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney issues. Citric Acid – Provides tangy flavor, but excessive intake can cause irritation in the mouth or stomach. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – Enhances flavor but may cause sensitivity reactions in some individuals. Artificial Colors (Red 40, Yellow 6) – Associated with potential behavioral issues in children, such as hyperactivity, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Chili Powder & Other Spices – Can cause stomach irritation or heartburn in sensitive people. The MSG, high sodium and intense flavors may lead to overeating and dependency on processed foods. Sugar – Adds sweetness but contributes to calorie intake without nutritional value. Preservatives (BHT, TBHQ) – Extend shelf life but have been linked to potential

Oranges are nutrient-rich fruits that offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.  Have you ever considered the benefits of an orange as a snack? Basic nutrition: Calories: ~60 Carbohydrates: ~15 grams Sugars: ~12 grams (natural sugars) Fiber: ~3 grams (supports digestion and gut health) Protein: ~1 gram Fat: Negligible (~0.1 grams) Vitamins Vitamin C: ~70 mg (more than 90% of the recommended daily intake)                Boosts the immune system and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin A: ~5% of the daily value (as beta-carotene)                Supports eye health and skin health.  Folate (Vitamin B9): ~40 mcg (10% of the daily value)                Important for cell growth and DNA synthesis. Thiamine (Vitamin B1): ~0.1 mg (6% of the daily value)                 Helps convert food into energy. Minerals Potassium: ~240 mg                 Helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. Calcium: ~52 m                 Supports bone health and muscle function Magnesium: ~13 mg                 Important for

Ultra-processed foods are widely considered harmful because of their potential negative effects on health. These foods are industrially formulated with ingredients not commonly used in home cooking, such as artificial flavors, colorings, preservatives, and high levels of refined sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt. Ultra-processed foods are often calorie-dense but low in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Consuming these foods regularly can lead to nutrient deficiencies and imbalanced diets. Studies have linked ultra-processed food consumption to higher risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease. Ultra-processed foods are designed to be hyper-palatable, making them easy to overeat. This can lead to overconsumption of calories and weight gain. These foods often lack dietary fiber, essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Artificial additives and emulsifiers may also negatively impact gut health. Some studies have found associations between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and a greater risk of cancers, possibly due to chemical additives, preservatives, or contaminants formed during processing. Consuming ultra-processed foods can crowd out healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, leading to a less balanced and diverse diet. Opting for minimally processed, whole foods—such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean proteins—can provide better

GRAS stands for “Generally Recognized as Safe,” a designation given by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to substances that are considered safe to use in food products based on a long history of common use or scientific evidence. The GRAS designation has raised several concerns due to the lack of independent oversight. Companies can determine whether a substance is GRAS themselves without needing approval from the FDA. This process, known as “self-affirmation,” relies on the company’s own evidence that a substance is safe. Some substances classified as GRAS may have been approved based on outdated safety data or research that no longer reflects modern scientific understanding. GRAS substances are often not subjected to long-term human studies. The safety of a food additive may be assumed based on short-term animal studies or limited human data. Our understanding of food additives, chemicals, and their impact on human health changes over time. However, once a substance is GRAS, it may continue to be used without reassessment, even if new scientific evidence emerges indicating potential harm. Some artificial food dyes, preservatives, and chemicals used in food products are GRAS but have been linked to health issues in recent years. For example, the

The microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes—that live in and on the human body. These microbes play crucial roles in processes like digestion, immune function, and even mental health. The microbiome is particularly abundant in the gut, but it also exists on the skin, in the mouth, and in other mucosal areas. The human microbiome is highly diverse, and the composition of these microbes can vary between individuals. A balanced microbiome is essential for good health, while disruptions or imbalances (a condition known as dysbiosis) have been linked to a variety of health problems, including gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, autoimmune diseases, and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Research into the microbiome is ongoing, with scientists exploring how diet, lifestyle, antibiotics, and other factors influence the microbial communities within our bodies.