Thrive MD Nutrition Blog

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 Some substances classified as GRAS may have been approved based on outdated safety data or research that no longer reflects modern scientific understanding.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.

 Many women struggle with fertility, causes including endometriosis, PCOS, structural abnormalities and age.  Focusing on good health, addressing nutrient deficiencies, and eating a healthy whole foods diet can have a big impact on fertility.  Compare the human body to a tree. If the tree is not watered well or is not planted in nutrient dense soil, the tree does not grow as well, does not fill with leaves or produce healthy fruit. Our digestive system is like the roots of a tree, and diet has an impact on female fertility. We know that the consumption of trans-fatty acids, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars negatively affects female fertility. In contrast, a diet rich in dietary fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, vegetable protein, vitamins, and minerals—has a positive effect on female fertility.

Trading in some refined carbohydrates for healthy proteins in your breakfast will help better control your blood sugar.  By contrast, starting the day with refined carbs sends your blood surging—and quickly crashing, leaving you feeling tired and hungry only a few hours after eating. I experimented with this myself and saw the difference.  With a high protein breakfast, I wasn’t feeling “hangry” around 11am.  Consider trying higher protein breakfast options and see if you feel different.  High protein breakfast options include – Greek yogurt or oatmeal topped with chopped nuts and fruit, a breakfast burrito with egg and black beans, nut-butter with banana or apple, and avocado toast with a fried egg on top.

I have loved reading Good Energy, by Casey Means MD.  She tells of her transition following medical school, while training as an Ear Nose and Throat specialist to a realization that our health care system is really a “sick care system”.  She challenges the conventional view of healthcare and presents a case for a metabolic approach to longevity, health and weight management. This approach makes us look at our priorities in life.  If we want health, we must focus on what we put in our body, how we take care of our body, and how we support stress in our life. The results….feeling both physically strong and mentally strong!