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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Traveler Says Us Food Is Making Them 'Sick,' Internet Has Strong Opinions
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An American traveler's viral Reddit post about the stark contrast between food in the United States and Italy has ignited widespread discussion about diet, health and food quality in the U.S. The post, titled "Travel made me realize US food is making me sick," was shared by u/Temporary-Night-275 in the r/Vent subreddit. The post, which details the traveler's experience after returning from a trip to Italy, has amassed 30,000 upvotes and hundreds of comments since it was posted on June 4. The poster, who is in their 20s but did not share their name, told Newsweek that they live in the Midwest and work in health care. "I'm just so mad at the food in the US," the poster wrote. "I left for two weeks to Italy. My mood was better, my awareness was better. I could eat wheat (I'm extremely gluten intolerant and it messes with my autoimmune disease if I eat it among a multitude of other symptoms) with gluten pills with minor bloating. "I had some of the best food, best health feelings—other than muscle soreness from walking so much—I've ever had in my life. It's made me have so much resentment for U.S. food. I mean even my skin cleared up quite a bit overseas." Dr. Sandip Sachar, a New York City dentist with a background in nutrition studies, told Newsweek: "It is quite possible the Reddit poster's experience was accurate and has validity." Sachar explained: "Italy does not add fluoride to its public water supply. Unlike countries such as the United States, where water fluoridation is a public health measure to prevent tooth decay, Italy has never implemented artificial water fluoridation programs. "Despite not adding fluoride to its water supply, Italy does not have significantly higher caries [tooth decay] rates compared to the U.S. within similar socioeconomic populations." She added that diet and culture likely play a role: "Food isn't rushed or eaten on the go." A 2018 study in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine highlighted broader concerns about American dietary habits. The study said "that most chronic diseases that afflict Americans are predominantly lifestyle induced; and the belief is that the vast majority of heart attacks and strokes could be prevented if people were willing to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors." The study noted: "Over the past 50 years, the health of Americans has gotten worse, and now 71 percent of Americans are overweight or obese…today, eating processed foods and fast foods may kill more people prematurely than cigarette smoking." Stock image of a table spread with various American-themed foods, including hot dogs, burgers and potato chips. Stock image of a table spread with various American-themed foods, including hot dogs, burgers and potato chips. Getty The traveler explained in the viral post: "I eat pretty healthy—I love snacking on veggies. It just makes me so mad that having any kind of sugar is just too much here [the U.S.]. Sugar and wheat and whatever else is just so much harder on my body here than Italy." The poster told of how was initially "too nervous" to try gluten while abroad, after not having had it in 10 years. However, when they did, the reaction was mild. The poster told Newsweek: "I didn't wake up the next day feeling like I got hit by a bus. I didn't have the skin irritation. I didn't have massive weight gain, just bloating and cramping. "When I took my gluten enzymes, it basically resolved the effects in a couple hours. And this was after eating pizza, bread and pasta. Everything I ate just tasted not only better, but just better quality. It's really hard to explain. I just could tell it was cleaner." Reflecting on life back in the U.S., the poster said: "Overall, since [my travels], I have adopted some foods from overseas and try to buy organic and imported [foods]. I have continued to feel better, but there's only so much I can do when organic costs more…all I can say there is definitely a difference in quality, taste and overall feeling from the foods I had [abroad]." Food in Italy vs. the US Sachar told Newsweek: "Italy's traditional Mediterranean diet is low in added sugars. It is high in fiber, healthy fats, like olive oil, and antioxidants. Generally speaking Italian food is based on more real, minimally processed food." She added: "In the U.S., high sugar and salt is found in everything from cereals to sauces. Sugar is fuel for Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria most responsible for tooth decay. Sugary foods also cause rapid glucose spikes, triggering a strong insulin response. "Over time, this can contribute to insulin resistance, fat storage, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and increased inflammation. Excess sugar also disrupts the gut microbiome." Comparing breads, Sachar said: "Italian bread is usually made with just three to four ingredients—flour, water, salt, and yeast." In contrast, much of American bread contains dough conditioners (e.g. azodicarbonamide), emulsifiers, added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives to extend shelf life and synthetic vitamins (fortified), she said. Sachar noted that traditional Italian and European breads often undergo long fermentation (12 to 48 hours), making them easier to digest and reducing the glycemic index. "Most commercial breads in the U.S. do not go through this long fermentation process because speed is prioritized." Cultural attitudes toward food also differ significantly. "Meals in Italy are slower, social, and often cooked at home. Food isn't rushed or eaten on the go. Lunch breaks are usually one to two hours long. Children grow up learning better eating habits. Portions are smaller too. In the U.S., convenience and speed is considered a priority. Processed foods and takeout are therefore widespread," Sachar said. 'The Quality of Our Food Is Garbage' Reddit users responding to the viral post shared their own experiences of struggling with American food. "When I first moved to the U.S. I gained 60 whole ass pounds," wrote u/Ok_Profile_9278. "My habits didn't actually change much, but everyone I know who's come here from a different country has a similar story to tell." U/Platypus_31415 echoed this: "I spent three weeks in the U.S. and it took me three to four months to recover. It's the land of the free: free to sell crap to the customers." Another commenter, u/SureAd5625, pointed to a deeper problem: "The issue isn't even the type of food. It's what's in our food. Other countries have diets that are extremely carb heavy and you'll still see people that are skinny…and relatively healthier. The quality of our food is gaaaaarbage." Another noted that lifestyle plays a role. "It's also our very sedentary and car-dependent lifestyles," said u/Corguita. "When you walk and move more to get to places naturally, there's a whole lot of things that come with that. When you just drive from one place to another, you don't burn as many calories, you don't digest as well." Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Time Business News
13-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Jaw Pain – Why Is My Jaw Hurting and How to Get Rid of the Pain
Jaw pain is more than just an inconvenience—it can disrupt your ability to eat, speak, and sleep, affecting your overall quality of life. At Sachar Dental NYC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating jaw pain with cutting-edge, personalized care in New York City. Illustration of TMJ inflammation for jaw pain treatment Jaw pain can stem from multiple factors as stated below. The most common cause of jaw pain is TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). TMJ Disorders (TMD) – Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull, can lead to pain, clicking, and restricted movement. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – Chronic clenching and grinding of teeth can put excessive strain on jaw muscles, joints and teeth , often occurring subconsciously during sleep. Bite Misalignment – An uneven bite can create tension in the jaw from uneven load when chewing, leading to discomfort and pain over time. Arthritis – Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing inflammation and pain. Muscle Tension and Stress – Habitual jaw clenching, often due to stress, can contribute to persistent pain from sore muscles. Dental Issues – Tooth infections, gum disease, erupting wisdom teeth or abscesses can cause radiating pain in the jaw area. Injury or Trauma – A direct impact or accident can damage the jaw joint or surrounding muscles, leading to chronic discomfort. The symptoms of TMD can vary in severity and nature. If you experience any of the following, seeking professional evaluation is crucial: Pain or soreness of the jaw muscles Clicking or popping, of the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth Pain or soreness of the jaw when chewing or biting down Frequent headaches or ear pain Jaw stiffness or locking of the jaw Ringing in the ears Pain in all the teeth that comes and goes A bite that seems off first thing in the morning When treating jaw pain, the first step is accurate diagnosis, followed by an appropriate treatment plan to address the specific issues causing the jaw pain. A thorough clinical exam and x-rays will help to diagnose the cause of the jaw pain. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. For example, if the jaw pain is due to a wisdom tooth trying to erupt, extraction of wisdom tooth may be recommended. If the jaw pain is due to an abscess or gum infection, antibiotics and gum treatment may be recommended. Treatment for TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: For those suffering from teeth grinding or TMJ disorders, custom-made oral appliances may be recommended. These appliances can help prevent excessive pressure on the jaw joint and reduce muscle strain and protect teeth from damage caused by bruxism. These appliances are custom fabricated by a trained Dentist NYC or TMJ specialist like Dr Sandip Sachar at Sachar Dental in New York City. If a misaligned bite is contributing to your TMD, an occlusal bite adjustment may be needed. This procedure reshapes specific teeth to create an even bite, alleviating stress on the jaw muscles and joints from uneven load. Massage therapy can help to relieve muscle tension. Heat and cold therapy can help to reduce inflammation Botox is an effective, minimally invasive treatment that relaxes overactive jaw muscles. This reduces tension and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders and bruxism. Botox injections are usually effective for 3-6 months. If the TMD is caused by misalignment, orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign can help reposition teeth, leading to a balanced bite and reduced strain on the jaw joint and muscles. For stress-related TMD that is caused by teeth grinding, incorporating relaxation methods like mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises can prevent habitual clenching and the resulting muscle fatigue. The main cause for bruxism or teeth grinding is stress and anxiety. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to alleviate acute TMD pain while undergoing other treatments. If missing or damaged teeth contribute to TMD, restorations such as crowns, bridges, or implants can help restore a proper bite function and eliminate discomfort. Dr Sandip Sachar is a skilled and trained TMJ Specialist in NYC with over 20 years of experience. Dr Sachar\ combines knowledge and expertise with state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive TMJ pain relief. Experienced Specialists – Dr. Sachar and our team of Best Cosmetic Dentist NYC has extensive knowledge and experience in the treatment of TMJ disorders, bruxism, and bite correction. Advanced Diagnostic Tools – We use cutting-edge imaging and diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the exact cause of jaw pain. Personalized Care Plans – Each treatment is customized to address the patient's unique condition and lifestyle. Minimally Invasive and Holistic Approach – We focus on non-surgical, conservative treatments to promote natural healing and long-term relief. Convenient NYC Location – Our centrally located office ensures easy access to top-quality dental care in New York City. If you're experiencing persistent jaw pain and discomfort, don't wait—schedule a consultation today. We offer effective solutions to help you regain comfort and improve your quality of life. Contact us now to book your appointment and explore the best jaw pain treatment options for you! Read MORE about TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) on our services page. Sachar Dental NYC 20 East 46th Street Rm 1301 (Between 5th Ave & Madison Ave) New York, NY 10017 212-752-1163 TIME BUSINESS NEWS
