Association between high consumption of phytochemical-rich foods and anthropometric measures: a systematic review.

Phytochemical-rich foods consumption may be a valid nutritional strategy to reduce the risk of weight gain and obesity. The phytochemical index (PI) is a simple and nonspecific method to evaluate the phytochemical intake, defined as the percentage of dietary calories derived from foods rich in phytochemicals. We aimed to conduct a systematic review to evaluate whether high consumption of phytochemical-rich foods evaluated by the PI is associated with lower values of anthropometric measurements. The available literature suggests that the PI seems to be inversely associated with body weight and waist circumference. Analyzing the longitudinal changes in anthropometric variables, individuals with high intake of phytochemicals gained less weight and fat mass when compared to those with lower PI. Our findings suggest that higher PI is associated with lower body mass index, waist circumference and adiposity. Whether the results are a reflex of a lower calorie intake or the anti-obesity properties of phytochemicals remains to be elucidated.

Acute effects of isocaloric meals with different fiber and antioxidant contents on inflammatory markers in healthy individuals.

Chronic inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of many chronic diseases. Dietary fibers and antioxidants may exert anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to determine whether meals with different fibers and antioxidants may elicit a different response in inflammatory markers in healthy volunteers. On 3 separate days, subjects (n = 8) consumed one of three isocaloric meals with different antioxidant (vitamin E, selenium and ß-carotene) and fiber content (high, intermediate and low) in a randomized crossover design. Blood samples were collected at different times: 0 min (before the meal), and 30 and 240 min after the meal. Plasma interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, glucose and insulin content were evaluated at each time point. There were no significant differences for any of the parameters at baseline. Furthermore, plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were unchanged at the 30- and 240-min time points whatever meal consumed. Moreover, the cytokine responses to glucose and insulin intake were not significantly different between experimental conditions. In conclusion, isocaloric meals with different fiber, ß-carotene, vitamin E and selenium contents do not acutely affect inflammatory markers in healthy young males.

Diet-Induced Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis and Clinical Outcomes: A Review.

Low-grade metabolic acidosis is a condition characterized by a slight decrease in blood pH, within the range considered normal, and feeding is one of the main factors that may influence the occurrence of such a condition. The excessive consumption of acid precursor foods (sources of phosphorus and proteins), to the detriment of those precursors of bases (sources of potassium, calcium, and magnesium), leads to acid-base balance volubility. If this condition occurs in a prolonged, chronic way, low-grade metabolic acidosis can become significant and predispose to metabolic imbalances such as kidney stone formation, increased bone resorption, reduced bone mineral density, and the loss of muscle mass, as well as the increased risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis. Considering the increase in the number of studies investigating the influence of diet-induced metabolic acidosis on clinical outcomes, this review gathers the available evidence evaluating the association of this disturbance and metabolic imbalances, as well as related mechanisms. It is necessary to look at the western dietary pattern of most countries and the increasing incidence of non-comunicable diseases for the balance between fruit and vegetable intake and the appropriate supply of protein, mainly from animal sources, so that it does not exceed the daily recommendations.

Controversies of antioxidant vitamins supplementation in exercise: ergogenic or ergolytic effects in humans?

The aim of this commentary was to discuss the last studies regarding the effect of antioxidant vitamins supplementation on oxidative stress in exercise in humans. The inclusion criteria encompassed published studies done in adult males and females between 2006 and 2013. The keywords used in the search engine were: endurance athlete, diet, oxidative stress, physical activity, diet, nutrition, antioxidant, antioxidant status, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, ß-carotene and combinations. Twelve studies were identified and organized according to the methodology and results of supplementation: ergogenic, ergolytic, partial or no difference between groups. The results of these studies showed no effect on physiological parameters and activity of antioxidant enzymes (n = 07), better response of the placebo treatment (ergolytic effect; n = 02), partial results (n = 01) and ergogenic results of antioxidant supplementation (n = 02). It is concluded that supplementation with antioxidant vitamins has controversial effects to oxidative damage induced by endurance exercise. The discordances among the studies are presented and discussed.

Nutrição clínica funcional: uma visão integrativa do paciente / Clinical functional nutrition: an integrative view of the patient

A nutrição clínica funcional é uma ciência integrativa fundamentada em evidências científicas, cuja prática engloba a prevenção e tratamento de doenças, com foco na avaliação de aspectos genotípicos e bioquímicos individuais e sua susceptibilidade para o desenvolvimento de doenças. Por meio de cinco princípios básicos (individualidade bioquímica, tratamento centrado no paciente, equilíbrio nutricional/biodisponibilidade de nutrientes, saúde como vitalidade positiva e teia de interconexões metabólicas), permite o desenvolvimento de condutas personalizadas voltadas para o equilíbrio funcional e nutricional do organismo e modulação de fatores que predispõem a desequilíbrios e doenças, promovendo a saúde como vitalidade positiva. A presente revisão visa descrever e discutir os conceitos da nutrição funcional, compreendendo a importância e aplicabilidade dos seus princípios no planejamento de condutas dietéticas individuais.

Avaliação do potencial alcalinizante das águas minerais comercialmente disponíveis em território brasileiro / Alkalizing potential evaluation of commercially available mineral waters in Brazil

OBJECTIVE:To characterize the profile of commercially available mineral waters in Brazil (from national and international sources) by calculating the potential renal acid load (PRAL). METHODS: We evaluated 308 commercially available mineral waters in the five Brazilian macro regions. The content of sulfate, chloride, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium from mineral waters were obtained to calculate the PRAL, using Remers & Manz formula, adapted for mineral waters. RESULTS: From the 308 mineral waters collected, 256 were included in this analysis. We found a great variability in the composition of mineral waters according to the source and country of origin. All the components analyzed were present in greater quantities in the mineral waters from international sources and differed significantly from the values found in the mineral waters from Brazilian sources, with the exception of potassium and sodium (Mg: 1,9 vs 6,8, p=0,0008; Ca: 5,78 vs 32,9, p=0,001; SO4: 0,9 vs 13, p<0,0001; Cl: 1,49 vs 12, p=0,0019, mineral waters from Brazilian sources versus international sources, respectively). The PRAL value of mineral waters from Brazilian sources was also statistically different (-0,39 vs -1,39; p=0,0025). The potential basifying / acidifying effects of the mineral water evaluated by PRAL did not correlate with the pH value. The magnesium and bicarbonate content were the major predictors of a negative PRAL - the higher the content thereof, lower the PRAL. CONCLUSION: The mineral waters from Brazilian sources have a low grade of mineralization and the vast majority (n=201) have a PRAL value considered neutral

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o perfil de águas minerais comercialmente disponíveis em território brasileiro (provenientes de fontes nacionais e internacionais) através do cálculo do potencial de carga ácida renal (PRAL). MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 308 águas minerais comercialmente disponíveis nas cinco macrorregiões brasileiras. O conteúdo de sulfato, cloreto, sódio, potássio, magnésio e cálcio das águas minerais foram obtidos para cálculo do PRAL, que foi realizado através da fórmula de Remer e Manz, adaptada para águas minerais. RESULTADOS: Das 308 águas minerais coletadas, foram incluídas 256 nesta análise. Foi encontrada uma grande variabilidade na composição das águas minerais de acordo com a fonte de extração e país de origem. Todos os componentes analisados apresentaram-se em maior quantidade nas águas minerais de fontes internacionais e diferiram significantemente dos valores encontrados nas águas minerais de fontes brasileiras, com exceção do potássio e sódio (Mg: 1,9 vs 6,8, p=0,0008; Ca: 5,78 vs 32,9, p=0,001; SO4: 0,9 vs 13, p<0,0001; Cl: 1,49 vs 12, p=0,0019, fontes brasileiras versus fontes internacionais, respectivamente). O valor de PRAL das águas minerais de fontes brasileiras também foi diferente (-0,39 vs -1,39; p=0,0025). O potencial alcalinizante/ acidificante das águas minerais avaliado pelo PRAL não esteve correlacionado com o valor de pH. O magnésio e bicarbonato apresentaram-se como os principais preditores negativos do PRAL ­ quanto maior o teor destes, menor o PRAL. CONCLUSÃO: As águas minerais de fontes brasileiras possuem baixo grau de mineralização e a maioria (n=201) com valor de PRAL considerado neutro

Agua alcalinizante y con alto contenido de magnesio: los posibles efectos beneficiosos para la salud / Alkaline water and with high level of magnesium: possible benefits for health

Introducción: el consumo de dietas con un potencial alcalinizante ha sido asociado con varios efectos beneciosos sobre la salud. El potencial alcalinizante de un alimento en particular puede evaluarse mediante el cálculo del PRAL, una fórmula que tiene en cuenta el contenido de sulfato, fosfato, cloruro, sodio, calcio, potasio y magnesio de los alimentos. Objetivos: revisar la literatura para vericar el efecto del magnesio y alimentos/agua con potencial alcalinizante para la salud. También evaluar la capacidad de un filtro comercial para hacer el agua más alcalinizante y aumentar su contenido de magnesio. Materiales y métodos: se utilizaron cuatro filtros y el PRAL se calculó para todas las muestras; los valores se expresaron como media ± desviación estándar. Resultados: se encontró un aumento en el pH (IC 95%: 2,702 a -2,548; p<0,0001) y una reducción en el valor de PRAL (IC 95%: 1,418 a 2,081; p<0,0001). El magnesio fue el mayor predictor de un valor de PRAL alcalinizante dado que hubo un incremento estadísticamente significativo (IC 95%: 54,00 a -39,16; p<0,0001) en el contenido de magnesio después del proceso de filtración independiente de la fuente de agua. Conclusiones: la mayoría de los estudios sugiere que el consumo de alimentos alcalinizantes se asocia con una reducción de la resorción ósea y la inhibición de la actividad de los osteoclastos. El consumo de magnesio se relaciona con un menor riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular, diabetes tipo II y determinados tipos de demencia como la enfermedad de Alzheimer.

Introduction: the intake of alkalizing potential diets has been associated with various bene¬cial effects on health. The alkalizing potential of a particular food can be evaluated by the PRAL calculation, a formula considering the content of sulfate, Phosphate, chloride, sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium in food. Objectives: to check the scientific literature to verify the effect of magnesium and food/water with alkalizing potential for health. The capacity of a commercial filter to make water more alkalizing and increase the content of magnesium was also evaluated. Materials and methods: four filters were used and PRAL was calculated for all samples, and the values were reported as mean ± standard deviation. Results: an increase in pH was observed (CI 95%: -2,702 to -2,548; p<0,0001) and a reduction in the PRAL value (CI 95%: 1,418 to 2,081; p<0,0001). Magnesium was the major predictor of an alkalizing PRAL value, since there was a statistically significant increase (CI 95%: -54,00 to -39,16; p<0,0001) in the content of magnesium after the independent filtration process of water source. Conclusions: most of the studies suggest that the consumption of alkalizing water is associated with a reduction in bone resorption and inhibition of osteoclast activity. The consumption of magnesium is associated with a less risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and certain types of dementia such as Alzheimer.

O uso de metáforas em terapia narrativa: facilitando a construção de novos significados / the use of metaphor in narratives therapy: making easy the construction of new meanings

Na busca por compreender o uso de metáforas em conversações terapêuticas, realizamos entrevistas com quatro terapeutas narrativos. Procedemos então a uma análise de discurso com ênfase na poética social (Shotter, 2000), ressaltando momentos marcantes na conversa com os participantes. A metáfora foi considerada elemento essencial por todos os terapeutas entrevistados. Consistente com a teoria, encontramos que as metáforas fizeram-se presentes em todos os momentos do processo terapêutico. Dentre as vantagens do seu uso, destacamos: oferecer um recurso de linguagem para o cliente narrar suas histórias à sua própria maneira; facilitar o entendimento do terapeuta; facilitar o relato de experiências difíceis pelo cliente; ampliar possibilidades existenciais pela construção de novas narrativas.(AU)

In the quest for understanding the use of metaphors in therapeutic conversations, we conducted interviews with four narrative therapists. Then we carried out a speech analysis with emphasis on social poetics (Shotter, 2000), highlighting arresting moments in conversation with the participants. The metaphor was considered an essential element for all therapists interviewed. Consistent with the theory, we found out that the metaphors were present at all times of the therapeutic process. The advantages of their use include the following: to provide a language feature for the client to tell stories on his own way; to facilitate the understanding of the therapist; to facilitate the reporting by the client of difficult experiences; and to expand existential possibilities, through the construction of new narratives.(AU)

Nutritional status of Brazilian elite swimmers.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the body composition, dietary intake, use of nutritional supplements, and biochemical status of 8 Brazilian male elite swimmers, aged 18-21 years, participants at a national swimming competition. Data from the athletes were obtained through a 4-day food record, a fasting blood sample, and anthropometric measurements. The anthropometric results showed that body composition was compatible with sport category. The dietary assessment showed an adequate ingestion of calories, vitamins, and mineral, with the exception of calcium, for which only half of the sample reached the recommendation. The results also indicated low carbohydrate and high protein and cholesterol intakes. Of the swimmers, 62.5% and 25% consumed synthetic aminoacids and antioxidants supplements, respectively. The biochemical indices of the nutritional status were within normal limits in all swimmers, with the exception of creatine-kinase, which was above the recommended level, indicating muscle degradation probably due to poor carbohydrate intake. In conclusion, the results suggest the importance of nutritional education to promote a balanced intake, provide all nutrients in optimal amounts, inhibit unnecessary ingestion of nutritional supplements, maintain ideal performance, and improve the swimmers' health status.

Nutrição e atividade física / Nutrition and physical activity

Objetivo: Revisar informações sobre nutrição de crianças e adolescentes fisicamente ativos. Método: Levantamento bibliográfico usando as bases de dados Medline e Lilacs, a partir dos unitermos esportes ou atividade física nutrição e criança ou adolescente. Resultados e Conclusão: A participação de crianças e adolescentes em atividades esportivas é importante para o processo de crescimento e desenvolvimento, o qual deve ser avaliado periodicamente, enquanto a dieta deve fornecer quantidades de energia e nutrientes suficientes para que o jovem atleta alcance todas as suas necessidades. A alimentação deve ser adequada às diferente fases de treinamento, pré, durante e pós-competição. A hidratação deve ser planejada cuidadosamente, uma vez que crianças apresentam uma termorregulação menos eficiente que os adultos e podem desidratar mais rapidamente, principalmente durante a prática esportiva. Atletas do sexo feminino podem apresentar alterações menstruais e desenvolvimento ósseo inadequado, decorrentes de excesso de treinamento associado à ingestão energética inadequada. Distúrbios alimentares são relatados entre alguns grupos de atletas. A prática esportiva deve ser estimulada como parte do tratamento de crianças com excesso de peso