A Flavorsome and Comforting Chicken Chili Recipe for Fall Dinners

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

As the summer fades into fall, here is a comforting and delicious recipe for chicken chili to add to your dinner rotation.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/katie-lee/chicken-chili-3869708

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Listeria, What You Should Know

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

There have been products such as deli meats, vegetables, dips and salsas, and plant-based milk recalled due to a recent listeria outbreak.

Listeria or Listeria monocytogenes, is a species of pathogenic or disease-causing bacteria found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animal feces. It can survive and even grow under refrigeration and other food preservation measures.

Most people encounter listeria or listeriosis as a foodborne illness as it can be found in hot dogs, deli meats, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits especially melons, and unpasteurized dairy products. These foods have the highest risk of listeria contamination. However, any food that is improperly handled or prepared can be affected.

The listeria bacteria is unique compared to other types of bacteria because it survives and multiplies in low temperatures, including refrigerators and freezers. It can multiply to dangerous levels during storage. It also doesn’t change the smell, taste, or texture when it contaminates food like other bacteria.

Most people get listeriosis from eating contaminated foods. The listeriosis incubation period (the time between when you first get infected and when you first show symptoms) varies. It usually takes one to two weeks. But it can be as short as a couple of days or as long as three months.

The symptoms of a listeria infection include:

Fever
Chills
Muscle aches
Nausea
Diarrhea

If the listeria infection spreads to your nervous system, symptoms may include:

Headache
Stiff neck
Confusion or changes in alertness
Loss of balance
Convulsions

Those at risk of severe infection from listeria include:

Pregnant women
People older than 65 years old
People with weakened immune systems
People suffering from chronic diseases

A blood test is often the most effective way to determine whether you have a listeria infection. Samples of urine and spinal fluid may also be tested.

The treatment of listeria infection varies depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms. Most people with mild symptoms require no treatment at all. More serious listeria infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Some ways to prevent a listeria infection include:

1) Keeping things clean- wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before and after handling or preparing food. After cooking, use hot, soapy water to wash the utensils, cutting boards, and other food preparation services.

2) Scrub raw vegetables- clean raw vegetables with a scrub brush or vegetable brush under plenty of running water.

3) Cook your food thoroughly- Use a food thermometer to make sure your meat, poultry, and egg dishes are cooked to a safe temperature.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a listeria infection you can see a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001. If you or someone you are with are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Food Dos and Don’ts for Sleep

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

We all enjoy a snack before bed. Sometimes those snacks can keep us awake or help us sleep.

Certain nutrients and hormones in foods help promote sleep. Tryptophan, found in turkey and fish, stimulates serotonin production. Melatonin, found in milk and cherries, makes you sleepy. Potassium found in bananas and magnesium also found in bananas and almonds help promote muscle relaxation.

Simple carbs and saturated fats in foods represent the danger zones of pre-sleep snacks. Both can reduce serotonin levels and can be difficult to digest.

With that in mind, here are some additional food dos and don’ts to consider before bedtime.

Some food do’s before bedtime:

Peanut butter on whole-grain bread.
Lean cheese on whole grain crackers.
Fortified cereal and milk.
Herbal teas like chamomile and mint.
Yogurt

Some food don’ts before bedtime:

Sweets and sugar
Dark chocolate
Fast food
Caffeine

Lastly, alcohol can make you sleepy but it can cause a restless night of sleep, and certain spicy foods we eat are hard to digest and may cause you to wake up.

Maintaining a well-balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates across all meals and not just at night can promote healthy sleep and help you wake up refreshed.

If you still have trouble falling asleep or getting a restful night’s sleep, you should speak with your doctor as there may be an underlying medical issue. Jamaica Hospital’s state-of-the-art sleep center can help diagnose and treat various sleep disorders. For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

Summer Fruits for Diabetics

Posted on June 21, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

It can be difficult for diabetics to stay away from tempting sweet treats that can raise their blood sugar. It may sound cliché to call fruit, “nature’s candy”, but fruit can be a much healthier alternative to keep your blood sugar levels low while satisfying those cravings.

Here are some delicious fruits to add to your diet:

Apricots
Grapefruit
Grapes
Cherries
Blueberries
Honeydew melon
Kiwi
Papaya
Nectarines
Tangerines

Here are some fruits to have in moderation:

Apples
Bananas
Cantaloupe
Avocado
Blackberries
Oranges
Strawberries
Plums
Raspberries
Peaches
Pears
Mango

Fruits are an essential part of a nutritious diet. It is important to note that not all fruits may be good for people living with diabetes. Eat them in moderation, consider their glucose index levels, practice portion control, and always monitor your blood sugar.

A Simple and Delicious Shrimp, Mango, and Avocado Salad Recipe

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Are you looking to spice up your meals this summer? Here is a recipe for a delicious shrimp, spiced mango, and avocado salad with a refreshing citrus dressing.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/shrimp-spiced-mango-and-avocado-salad-with-citrus-dressing-recipe-1913723

The Health Benefits of Flavonoid-Rich Foods

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Flavonoids are compounds found naturally in many fruits and vegetables that can reduce inflammation and protect your body against various types of toxins. They provide these benefits by regulating cellular activity and improving your resistance against free radicals, which cause damage to surrounding cells.

There are six types of flavonoids, each of which provides different benefits to your health and can be found in certain foods. They include:

Flavanols: This type of flavonoid has particularly strong antioxidant properties that can help protect your body against symptoms of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. They can be found in foods such as broccoli, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, peaches, berries, grapes, and kale, as well as liquids such as tea and red wine.

Flavan-3-ols: The most commonly-consumed type of flavonoid, flavan-3-ol, can lower your risk of several forms of cardiometabolic disease, including (but not limited to) hypertension (high blood pressure), insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol). Flavan-3-ols can be found in tea, chocolate, apples, pears, and berries.

Flavones: Flavones are notable for their ability to help reduce inflammation in the body. They can typically be found in parsley, red peppers, celery, chamomile, and peppermint.

Flavanones: Like flavones, flavanones have anti-inflammatory properties; additionally, they are strong antioxidants and can help you to control your cholesterol and weight. They are generally found in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit.

Isoflavones: These flavonoids can help to control hormonal balance, potentially improving problems such as anxiety and depression, as well as symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. Isoflavones can be found in soy products and certain legumes, such as fava beans, chickpeas, pistachios, and peanuts.

Anthocyanins: Anthocyanins can boost your protection against a variety of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, neurological disease, and cancer. They can be found in berries and berry products, including red and purple grapes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and red wine.

The registered dieticians at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center are ready to help you plan a diet that can reduce your risk of disease, maintain a healthy weight, and improve your overall health. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call (718) 657-7093.

3 Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Posted on July 27, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Olive oil is used in a wide variety of meals, including everything from salads to pasta dinners and sautéed dishes. Although it is calorie-dense, containing approximately 120 calories per tablespoon on average, olive oil is considered a healthy fat. It is included as a staple component in diets such as the Mediterranean diet, which has been indicated through research to promote weight loss and help prevent serious health problems such as heart attacks, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Even on its own, olive oil provides several significant health benefits. Some of these include:

Anti-inflammatory properties: Chronic inflammation is associated with numerous conditions, including cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis. Olive oil contains a substantial volume of antioxidants, which can effectively help to fight inflammation in the body. Some of these antioxidants include oleocanthal, which can produce an effect similar to a small percentage of an adult dose of ibuprofen, and oleic acid, the main fatty acid contained in olive oil.

Cholesterol control: Olive oil is also capable of preventing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, from oxidizing. Oxidized cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, which refers to the buildup of cholesterol along artery walls. Atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and blood clots.

Antibacterial effects: There are a significant number of nutrients contained in olive oil that can kill harmful bacteria, particularly Helicobacter pylori, which lives in the stomach and can cause ulcers and cancer.

To get the full benefit of these effects, you’ll need to make sure you’re buying extra virgin olive oil, which retains more of the properties and compounds contained in olives than more refined types of olive oil. Even if the label on a bottle of olive oil says “extra virgin,” it may not necessarily be correct; check the ingredient list to make sure it doesn’t contain any other refined oils.

If you’re looking to make healthy adjustments to your diet to prevent chronic disease or other health problems, you can get professional guidance from a registered dietician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

How a Plant-Based Diet Can Help Your Heart Health

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Plant-based diets, which prioritize foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole grains with only small, occasional servings of animal protein, are associated with a lower risk of heart disease at any age. However, not everyone may fully understand what a healthy, nutritious plant-based diet looks like.

A wide variety of foods can fall under the “plant-based” umbrella, with many options not necessarily providing significant benefits to your heart health. Some foods, such as white rice and white bread, are highly processed, meaning that you will not receive many of the necessary nutrients to promote better heart health from them. Other foods that are best avoided include those that are high in sugar, sodium, and extra additives.

A plant-based diet does not have to involve cutting out all meat. You can make beneficial changes for your heart health by keeping your overall meat consumption at a moderate level and by eating healthier types of meat. It is recommended that you stick to unprocessed red meat and poultry, as well as limit your meat portions to approximately three 3.5-ounce servings each week.

Fish can also be a healthy, beneficial element of a plant-based diet. Similarly, however, you should keep your intake at a moderate level, meaning that you should limit your fish consumption to two servings of approximately 3 ounces of fish per week. Fatty fish such as salmon, herring, and mackerel can be a particularly beneficial addition to your diet.

Remember that what you eat is not the only thing that matters when it comes to your heart health; you also need to monitor how much you eat and how physically active you are. Make sure to stay within the recommended number of calories for you to consume each day and to follow an exercise routine that incorporates strength and aerobic activities three days per week.

If you experience heart problems or may be at risk of heart disease, you can schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100.

What is an Elimination Diet?

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Foods that you’re allergic to can cause you to experience a variety of symptoms, including gas, bloating, nausea, or diarrhea. While these types of problems are rarely life-threatening allergic reactions, they can cause significant discomfort and disruption in your daily life. However, you may not know for certain which exact foods are causing these reactions. An elimination diet can help you identify them.

Elimination diets involve removing, then later re-adding, certain foods from your diet which are suspected to be the cause of allergic reactions. This diet is typically only maintained for a brief period of up to six weeks.

An elimination diet is typically divided into an “elimination” phase and a “reintroduction” phase. During the elimination phase, potential allergens are removed from your diet. These typically include foods such as:

Nuts
Seeds
Legumes
Dairy products
Starchy foods
Caffeinated drinks
Spices
Meat
Fish
Sugary products
Certain fruits and vegetables

During the reintroduction phase, you once again start to eat each food group you’ve cut out of your diet. Each of these groups is individually re-introduced over the course of up to three days, providing adequate time to watch for potential symptoms.

Different versions of the elimination diet, such as the low-FODMAPs diet (which targets short-chain carbohydrates), only remove specific food groups. Alternatively, varieties such as the fasting elimination diet, which involves only drinking water for up to five days, may be more extreme than the standard version.

No matter which version of the elimination diet you plan to try, you should only do so under the supervision of a medical professional. The re-introduction of food allergens can potentially cause anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that causes airways to swell and restricts your breathing. Extreme varieties such as the fasting elimination diet can be especially dangerous to your health without the guidance of a doctor.

If you suspect you have a food allergy and plan to follow an elimination diet, schedule an appointment with a registered dietician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Nutritional Services Department by calling (718) 206-7056.

3 Diet Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

Posted on December 19, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

The holidays can be a challenging time, especially when you’re trying to lose weight or have a condition such as diabetes that requires you to stick to specific dietary guidelines.

Many celebrations with family and friends include plenty of indulgent meals and treats that can potentially set your weight loss goals back, or otherwise negatively impact your health.

Although holiday gatherings may present certain challenges, there is no need to stress yourself out about sticking to your diet. A few key guidelines that emphasize moderation and patience can help you navigate your way through this part of the year in a way that preserves your health and allows you to focus on enjoying your time with your loved ones. These include:

Arriving with (and sticking to) a plan: Before your holiday gathering begins, determine ahead of time how much food you intend to eat. This may vary depending on your individual dietary restrictions and weight goals; if possible, find out what kind of food is being prepared ahead of time. If a particular option would be ideal for you, make it known to the hosts of the gathering ahead of time or prepare it yourself. Once you’ve determined the types and amounts of food you plan to eat, stick to that plan throughout the day.

Drink plenty of water: You will find your food to be much more filling when you drink lots of water. Try to drink roughly one glass of water each hour; you may find this easier by drinking one cup of water before your meal, one cup during the meal, and one cup afterward.

Talk to your loved ones: Remember that the main point of your holiday gathering is to spend time with the people you love and enjoy their company. Instead of absent-mindedly picking at hors d’oeuvres, focus on having conversations with the people around you and participating in the moment.

If you struggle to manage your diet during the holidays or any other part of the year, a nutritionist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center may be able to help. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.