Latest news with #HeartandStrokeFoundationofCanada
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
11 sneaky ultra-processed foods you should avoid if you're over 50, according to doctor
The health risks associated with ultra-processed foods have been getting a lot of attention recently. Not only have they been associated with higher risk of obesity and several other chronic conditions, but new research is shedding even more light on the negative impact they can have on your health. What's more is that Canadians are consuming more ultra-processed foods than ever, with these products making up 43.4 percent of the daily energy intake of adults 20 and older, according to a recent study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. You may also be surprised to learn that ultra-processed foods also include some surprising items labelled as health foods — it's not just junk food like candy and chips. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Of course, risks associated with ultra-processed foods aren't limited to one age group, body type or socioeconomic demographic. But if you're over 50, you may want to be especially mindful of how much of these all-too-common staples you consume. Read on for more information on the risks — and which foods to avoid on your next grocery run. 'It's important to avoid ultra-processed foods, as there is mounting evidence that they negatively impact the diversity of bacteria in your gut,' said Dr. Michael Schopis, MD, a gastroenterologist at Manhattan Gastroenterology in New York. 'Studies suggest that ultra-processed foods may increase the growth of pro-inflammatory organisms and decrease the growth of protective bacteria in the intestine. Moreover, some studies suggest that ultra-processed foods may impair intestinal barrier function which may ultimately lead to an inflammatory state.' Inflammation isn't all bad — it's your body's response to injury, disease and infection-causing bacteria and viruses, and it aids in healing. But when inflammation persists, it can cause numerous health issues. Aging leads to persistent inflammation, which has been dubbed 'inflammaging." This chronic, low-grade inflammation can impact brain health and lead to frailty. Researchers believe it's also the reason our risk of certain diseases increases with age, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and heart disease. To boot, ultra-processed foods are now known to be responsible for more than a third of heart and stroke deaths in Canada. 'Ultra-processed foods can sometimes be difficult to identify,' says Schopis. 'The simplest way of knowing what's ultra-processed is by reading the nutritional label and looking for the presence of cosmetic or preservative additives that either improve the taste of the foods or extend its shelf-life.' Common ultra-processed ingredients to look for are things like: Additive colours Flavour enhancers Emulsifiers Artificial sweeteners A good rule of thumb is to look for the inclusion of ingredients you don't find in your kitchen. While all processed foods contain additives like these, ultra-processed foods typically contain many more added ingredients. 'Typical foods that fall into this category are sugar-sweetened beverages — think energy drinks or sodas, candies, savoury or sweet packaged snacks — think flavoured chips or cookies, instant noodles, ready-to-heat pizzas or pastas or processed meats,' says Schopis. These are typically considered the worst ultra-processed foods because they tend to be highest in sugar, sodium and saturated fats which can raise cholesterol and lead to obesity. But, if you're over 50, there are several seemingly-healthy staples to also be aware of, including those found in the health food aisle. Research shows that many older adults consume ultra-processed foods regularly for several reasons, ranging from their affordability and convenience, to simply being foods that they've consumed throughout their lives. And, with many Canadians over 50 reporting that they actively try to eat healthy, some may be turning to ultra-processed foods labelled as being natural, healthy or organic without even realizing it. Keep in mind that while the original ingredients in a product may well be natural or organic, the process by which the food was made is what makes it ultra-processed, and in turn, less healthy. Packaged breads Margarines and spreads Cereals Fruit-flavoured yogurt Ready-to-eat meat, seafood and poultry products Plant-based meat Protein bars Protein and energy shakes Meal replacement shakes and powders Instant soups (powdered and packaged) Boxed pasta Availability and affordability may make it difficult to completely avoid ultra-processed food — and some ultra-processed foods are fortified with important vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D and iron, which are crucial for good health. And, let's face it, some of these are just so darn tasty that you can't imagine saying goodbye to them forever. If you're looking to cut back, here are some ways to help you eat better and cut back on ultra-processed foods: Read nutritional labels and avoid foods with lots of additives Limit ultra-processed foods to those with a higher nutritional value Look for healthier substitutes, like plain yogurt over flavoured options Cook yourself more often using whole foods as much as possible
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
11 sneaky ultra-processed foods you should avoid if you're over 50, according to doctor
The health risks associated with ultra-processed foods have been getting a lot of attention recently. Not only have they been associated with higher risk of obesity and several other chronic conditions, but new research is shedding even more light on the negative impact they can have on your health. What's more is that Canadians are consuming more ultra-processed foods than ever, with these products making up 43.4 percent of the daily energy intake of adults 20 and older, according to a recent study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. You may also be surprised to learn that ultra-processed foods also include some surprising items labelled as health foods — it's not just junk food like candy and chips. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Of course, risks associated with ultra-processed foods aren't limited to one age group, body type or socioeconomic demographic. But if you're over 50, you may want to be especially mindful of how much of these all-too-common staples you consume. Read on for more information on the risks — and which foods to avoid on your next grocery run. 'It's important to avoid ultra-processed foods, as there is mounting evidence that they negatively impact the diversity of bacteria in your gut,' said Dr. Michael Schopis, MD, a gastroenterologist at Manhattan Gastroenterology in New York. 'Studies suggest that ultra-processed foods may increase the growth of pro-inflammatory organisms and decrease the growth of protective bacteria in the intestine. Moreover, some studies suggest that ultra-processed foods may impair intestinal barrier function which may ultimately lead to an inflammatory state.' Inflammation isn't all bad — it's your body's response to injury, disease and infection-causing bacteria and viruses, and it aids in healing. But when inflammation persists, it can cause numerous health issues. Aging leads to persistent inflammation, which has been dubbed 'inflammaging." This chronic, low-grade inflammation can impact brain health and lead to frailty. Researchers believe it's also the reason our risk of certain diseases increases with age, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and heart disease. To boot, ultra-processed foods are now known to be responsible for more than a third of heart and stroke deaths in Canada. 'Ultra-processed foods can sometimes be difficult to identify,' says Schopis. 'The simplest way of knowing what's ultra-processed is by reading the nutritional label and looking for the presence of cosmetic or preservative additives that either improve the taste of the foods or extend its shelf-life.' Common ultra-processed ingredients to look for are things like: Additive colours Flavour enhancers Emulsifiers Artificial sweeteners A good rule of thumb is to look for the inclusion of ingredients you don't find in your kitchen. While all processed foods contain additives like these, ultra-processed foods typically contain many more added ingredients. 'Typical foods that fall into this category are sugar-sweetened beverages — think energy drinks or sodas, candies, savoury or sweet packaged snacks — think flavoured chips or cookies, instant noodles, ready-to-heat pizzas or pastas or processed meats,' says Schopis. These are typically considered the worst ultra-processed foods because they tend to be highest in sugar, sodium and saturated fats which can raise cholesterol and lead to obesity. But, if you're over 50, there are several seemingly-healthy staples to also be aware of, including those found in the health food aisle. Research shows that many older adults consume ultra-processed foods regularly for several reasons, ranging from their affordability and convenience, to simply being foods that they've consumed throughout their lives. And, with many Canadians over 50 reporting that they actively try to eat healthy, some may be turning to ultra-processed foods labelled as being natural, healthy or organic without even realizing it. Keep in mind that while the original ingredients in a product may well be natural or organic, the process by which the food was made is what makes it ultra-processed, and in turn, less healthy. Packaged breads Margarines and spreads Cereals Fruit-flavoured yogurt Ready-to-eat meat, seafood and poultry products Plant-based meat Protein bars Protein and energy shakes Meal replacement shakes and powders Instant soups (powdered and packaged) Boxed pasta Availability and affordability may make it difficult to completely avoid ultra-processed food — and some ultra-processed foods are fortified with important vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D and iron, which are crucial for good health. And, let's face it, some of these are just so darn tasty that you can't imagine saying goodbye to them forever. If you're looking to cut back, here are some ways to help you eat better and cut back on ultra-processed foods: Read nutritional labels and avoid foods with lots of additives Limit ultra-processed foods to those with a higher nutritional value Look for healthier substitutes, like plain yogurt over flavoured options Cook yourself more often using whole foods as much as possible
Global News
18-06-2025
- Health
- Global News
As Canada's only ‘sugar tax' ends, a study suggests it may have been effective
A new study suggests Newfoundland and Labrador's tax on sugar-sweetened drinks may have dissuaded people from buying and drinking the beverages. The study tracked beverage sales in the province before and after the so-called 'sugar tax' was implemented in September 2022. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada sponsored the study. It says per-capita sales of sugar-sweetened drinks declined by 11.6 per cent in Newfoundland and Labrador after the tax came into effect, compared with a 6.7 per cent drop in the Maritimes, where there was no levy. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The researchers also surveyed more than 1,200 people before the tax and more than 2,000 people after and found 24 per cent of respondents said they were less likely to buy sugary drinks. The sugar tax became a frequent sticking point in the provincial legislature, with the Opposition Progressive Conservatives calling repeatedly for its repeal. Story continues below advertisement Liberal premier John Hogan announced last month the government would repeal the tax on July 1. Study co-author Rachel Prowse says she'd like the province to reconsider that decision. 'I think that it was premature to remove the tax based on public opinion, because I haven't seen any information that an evaluation was done,' the assistant professor at Memorial University in St. John's, N.L., said in an interview. 'They could really be sitting as a leader for health in Canada at this time.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
18-06-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
As Canada's only ‘sugar tax' ends, a study suggests it may have been effective
ST. JOHN'S – A new study suggests Newfoundland and Labrador's tax on sugar-sweetened drinks may have dissuaded people from buying and drinking the beverages. The study tracked beverage sales in the province before and after the so-called 'sugar tax' was implemented in September 2022. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada sponsored the study. It says per-capita sales of sugar-sweetened drinks declined by 11.6 per cent in Newfoundland and Labrador after the tax came into effect, compared with a 6.7 per cent drop in the Maritimes, where there was no levy. The researchers also surveyed more than 1,200 people before the tax and more than 2,000 people after and found 24 per cent of respondents said they were less likely to buy sugary drinks. The sugar tax became a frequent sticking point in the provincial legislature, with the Opposition Progressive Conservatives calling repeatedly for its repeal. Liberal premier John Hogan announced last month the government would repeal the tax on July 1. Study co-author Rachel Prowse says she'd like the province to reconsider that decision. 'I think that it was premature to remove the tax based on public opinion, because I haven't seen any information that an evaluation was done,' the assistant professor at Memorial University in St. John's, N.L., said in an interview. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. 'They could really be sitting as a leader for health in Canada at this time.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This Canadian beauty queen couldn't believe she was having a stroke at 23: ‘The possibility...was completely out of the question'
Samantha Gomez never imagined she'd have a stroke — even when she was actively experiencing one. One morning in February of 2017, Gomez was hustling around the house getting ready for work. It was a routine morning for the 23-year-old — except it was taking her longer than usual to shower and get dressed. Things took a turn in the kitchen, when she went to pour herself a bowl of cereal. 'I completely missed the bowl,' Gomez, now 32, tells Yahoo Canada. 'At that point, my coordination was completely out the window.' After she tidied up the cereal that littered the countertop, Gomez turned her attention to starting her car. But she couldn't find the keys. 'I still did not clue in that something was wrong, I was just so rushed to get to work,' she remembers eight years later. Gomez called her now-husband, Rob, to ask if he took her keys, but the words weren't coming out right. 'I kept asking him, 'Where are my limes?' Instead of saying 'keys,' I kept saying 'limes,'" she says. On the other end of the phone, her partner was getting concerned. Upstairs, her dad overheard Gomez getting upset. I kept asking him, 'Where are my limes?' Instead of saying keys, I kept saying Gomez 'My dad came downstairs and said 'What's going on?'" Gomez recalls. 'That's when it dawned on me something was wrong. No one is understanding me.' As her dad called 911, panic settled in. By the time an ambulance arrived at the Bradford, Ont. home, Gomez could not speak at all. 'My speech was completely gone,' she says. 'I felt sick, nauseous and very very confused.' It turns out Gomez was experiencing the first symptoms of a severe ischemic stroke. A blood clot or blockage was disrupting blood flow to the brain, and it was affecting her speech and coordination. After being rushed to the nearest hospital, and then transferred to another, doctors confirmed the diagnosis: at just 23, Gomez had suffered a stroke. After recovering, Gomez participated in the 2018 Mrs. Universe Canada pageant, a platform she used to bring much-needed awareness to strokes — especially in young people. Even in the midst of her own medical emergency, a stroke was the last thing on her mind. 'The awareness for strokes, especially in young people, it's just not there,' Gomez says. 'The possibility of having a stroke was completely out of the question.' The reality is, strokes can happen to people of any age. According to a new report funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, about one in 20 strokes in Canada occur in people under 45, and emerging evidence points to young women being at higher risk than young men. Even babies and toddlers can have strokes, though diagnosis of stroke in newborns and children is often delayed. 'Stroke is not a condition of elderly people anymore,' says Dr. Aleksandra Pikula, chair of stroke prevention and cerebrovascular brain health at the University of Toronto and the Krembil Brain Institute at Toronto Western Hospital. Pikula says stroke cases in younger people — particularly those under 45 — have increased by nearly 15 per cent in the decade. Stroke is not a condition of elderly people Aleksandra Pikula 'That's a pretty dramatic number,' she says. 'This young population also has a much higher rate of traditional risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, alcohol use and drug use.' This is the case globally, the doctor says, including in high-income countries like Canada, the United States and in Europe. 'We can dissect that into what's happening specifically for women, and we are seeing that women aged 35 and younger have 44 per cent more likelihood to have an ischemic stroke than their male peers,' she adds. Researchers are trying to understand why, with some studies looking at the link between oral contraceptives and stroke. 'It seems that explains part of it,' Pikula agrees. 'We see that combined oral contraceptives can triple the risk of some types of ischemic stroke in young women.' She also adds that risk factors for stroke are even higher for women who smoke, have migraines with aura, have high blood pressure or have abdominal obesity. Prevention is key, Pikula says, and she advises people of all ages to to be checked for common risk factors for stroke and heart conditions, given that up to 80 per cent of strokes are preventable with lifestyle changes — which include healthy nutrition, stress management and around 20 minutes of daily physical activity. While Pikula says "signs of strokes are pretty unified between men and women," she adds that there are some "typical presentations for women." "They come with more headaches, with more confusion, with more dizziness, with more chest tightness," she explains. Sometimes, those symptoms can be dismissed if classic stroke symptoms aren't as severe. 'If you're doubting if this is something serious or not, it's better to be checked, so call 911,' Pikula says. 'Every single minute counts.' More than three in 10 Canadians cannot name any signs of stroke, according to the latest Heart and Stroke poll results. FAST is a simple way to remember signs of stroke: Face – is it drooping? Arms – can you raise both? Speech – Is it slurred or jumbled? Time to call 9-1-1 right away.
