Latest news with #MatthewBadgett
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Five steps to help you avoid the dreaded summer cold
Catching a cold can be a real summer bummer. Getting sneezy and snotty amid sweltering heat and high humidity can make an unfortunate situation even worse. 'Cold viruses circulate year-round, so it's possible to get sick during any season,' Cleveland Clinic primary care physician Dr. Matthew Badgett said in a statement. With the warmer weather also comes a different set of viruses than the winter normal cold and flu season, people head and stay indoors. Staying aware of risk factors can keep you feeling fresh and phlegm-free year-round. Here are five steps to avoid such a fate. A summer cold can really suck. Staying hydrated and getting enough sleep can be the difference between staying at home and taking a trip (Getty) Stay hydrated The summer can make staying hydrated a lot harder than it may be otherwise. Thirst might not kick in until we're already dehydrated, Sarah Adler, a performance dietitian with UCLA Health Sports Performance, warned. Higher temperatures mean more sweat. When we sweat more, we need to increase or water intake to maintain our fluid levels. 'Approximately 60 percent of our body is made up of water,' she explained in a statement. 'So we need to make sure we're replenishing our losses, especially with increased sweating in the summer.' Wash your hands on a summer trip – or bring hand sanitizer Wanna get away? Nothing may beat a Jet2 holiday, but the risk of exposure to viruses and other sources of infection looms large during summer travel. The percentage of Americans taking to the skies and streets is expected to be even higher this year, according to accounting firm Deloitte. Experts say frequent hand washing at airports, in hotels, and really anywhere else can help protect you from the spread of disease – or from spreading disease. People can be infected by touching contaminated surfaces. 'Everybody was really good about carrying hand sanitizer with them and washing their hands through Covid,' Dr. Jill Foster, a professor at University of Minnesota Medical School, told AARP. 'We should really try to up-regulate that again.' Sleep well Sleeping well can be a struggle during the summer season, when the nights are hotter and longer. They're also lighter, thanks to the Earth's tilt and artificial light sources. But, getting enough sleep is critical to protecting your immune health. Your immune system produces proteins known as cytokines when you sleep. They help you to sleep and you need more when you have an infection. 'Not getting enough sleep may lower how much of these protective cytokines are made,' Mayo Clinic said. 'Also, levels of antibodies and cells that fight infections are lowered during times when you don't get enough sleep.' Hands off the face! Wiping your face with your hands may leave you at risk. Experts advise that people frequently wash their hands and carry hand sanitizer (AFP/Getty) This is a good piece of advice for any time of the year. A cold is a cold. You can spread germs and bacteria from surfaces to your nose and mouth by just touching your face. Stay out of the AC, if possible Amid record temperatures, air conditioning demand and use is higher than ever. Making sure your unit is well maintained can prove the difference between a sick summer and fun in the sun. But, try not to spend too much time in there. 'While air conditioning can be a real blessing in the summer heat, it can also create a cold, dry environment that viruses love. Your throat can suffer from the dry environment too,' West Tennessee Health cautioned.
Medscape
14-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Too Much Protein: Hidden Risks for Weight Loss Patients
Although many of your patients may think that increasing protein is the key to fat loss and successful weight management, there's a consensus in the medical community that patients should be aware that there can, indeed, be too much of a good thing. 'I feel like protein intake, although important, is grossly overemphasized in weight loss, and a strong focus on protein can miss other critical goals necessary for weight loss — chief among them [being] caloric restriction but also fiber intake and adequate nutrients,' said Matthew Badgett, MD, internal medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. 'I discuss protein but advise to not overdo it.' While protein is one of the key macronutrients our bodies need to build muscle and repair tissue, patients should know of varying sources. 'Lean proteins are a great option and can come from both animal and plant-based sources like lentils, peas, and other high-protein vegetables,' said Badgett. 'That said, a balanced diet is essential. Carbohydrates and fats also play important roles in energy production, hormone regulation, and overall body function.' Health Consequences of Protein Overconsumption Protein needs vary from person to person; however, consistently consuming excessive amounts of protein can strain the kidneys, especially in individuals with underlying kidney conditions, according to Michael Richardson, MD, family physician with Carbon Health in the Boston area. 'Over time, this strain can lead to permanent kidney damage,' he said. Additionally, if a diet is heavily meat-based, it may lead to a higher intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance, noted Richardson. Another risk associated with too much protein is high cholesterol; this is largely dependent on one's source of protein. 'Diets high in animal protein — especially red or processed meats — often come with increased calories and saturated fats,' said Richardson. 'This can raise your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Incorporating more plant-based protein sources can help reduce these risks and support overall metabolic health.' Protein supplementation through powders added to everyday food items such as smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal can also greatly elevate a patient's daily protein intake. It's important to discuss how these common practices can affect overall nutritional balance. Additionally, be sure to share with your patients that packaged or fortified foods can also cause a spike in protein consumption. 'Companies often add protein powder or soy protein isolate to a variety of products, including protein chips, protein cookies, powders and drink mixes, plant-based meat substitutes, beef jerky, tortillas — especially keto versions — pancake and waffle mixes,' said Theresa Gentile, registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics who is based in Brooklyn, New York. While bringing up how protein can be 'added' to fortified foods, it's also important to suggest foods that are better protein sources than others. 'The source of protein matters: Red meat, especially beef and pork, has been associated with an increase in coronary heart disease,' said Gentile. 'Processed meats, like bacon and sausage, have consistently been linked to a higher risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes.' Gentile said healthier protein choices, including poultry and fish, have been associated with a lower risk for coronary heart disease. 'Nuts, legumes, and soy are also associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes,' she said. Social Media's Role in the Protein Craze Another channel fueling the quest for protein is social media. Some patients may be swayed by their favorite influencers to boost protein consumption to lose weight. 'I see a lot of people coming in with unrealistic protein goals they got off social media sites like Instagram and TikTok, and I also have some patients who want to remain on keto/carnivore diets even after I express my concern,' said Badgett. 'And for many, we discuss optimizing what we can, such as addressing blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol if they plan to stay on the diet.' Ultimately, Badgett said, weight loss requires a calorie deficit and although protein matters, it can be a distraction from the former, if not careful. 'To maintain lean body mass, exercise is more important that protein intake and many patients are not pushing themselves physically and would benefit more from increasing intensity rather than increasing protein intake,' Badgett said. Counseling Patients on Optimal Protein Intake Health goals should be personalized, according to Richardson. 'I always aim to align my advice with my patients' individual goals and lifestyles,' he said. 'When they understand that my recommendations are tailored to them, they're more likely to be engaged and on board with the plan.' Also, health providers should recognize there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to protein intake. 'A patient's needs depend on [their] health goals, whether that's muscle building, weight loss, or simply maintaining a healthy lifestyle,' said Richardson. 'Moderation is key, and so is guidance.' More and more insurance providers are covering nutritional counseling for conditions like obesity. Suggesting this resource could help your patient have a more balanced diet. 'Take a deep look into the patient's diet and lifestyle — this is where the registered dietitian nutritionist's expertise truly shines,' said Gentile of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 'A thorough dietary recall, paired with a lifestyle assessment, can reveal an energy intake that exceeds expenditure or uncover stressors that drive excessive snacking or elevate cortisol levels.' Gentile also suggests physicians emphasize that eating a balanced diet is vital. 'Remember that we need a balanced diet in macro- and micronutrients for our bodies to run properly,' she said. 'Consuming all foods in moderation is key. Eliminating or promoting a specific food group is not a long-term or healthy approach.'
