Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN’s Post

Since it is #WorldDiabetesDay it prompted me to look at my own journey and share with you some of my successes. There have been both ups & downs, but at this point, having done a lot of my own work I have been quite successful in making changes to improve my health. Some of these include taking fewer meds, modifying my eating & exercise habits, & understanding the physiology behind the disease. All of these have resulted in a significant improvement in my blood results. In this post I’ve pulled out a number of my top tips for anyone struggling with diabetes, I hope you find them useful. ➡️ Visit a functional medicine practitioner. I visited Debbie Lewis a few years ago which was my turning point. She offered me advice, conducted thorough investigations, and helped me take charge of my body. ➡️ Take responsibility for your health & well-being, this includes owning your health problems & seeking professional treatment if needed. I did a lot of research about this and landed on Jason Fung's book called The Diabetes Code, which played a significant role in reversing my diabetes.  ➡️ Be mindful of the foods you eat. Although many believe that genetics plays a role in diabetes, it has more to do with the foods we consume, the lifestyle we lead, and our approach to life. Nutrition is a big one to understand, what we have been told about healthy eating is filled with misinformation. I have relied heavily on the recipes from the Ketogenic Kitchen.  ➡️ Closely monitor your condition. Whilst many people diagnosed with diabetes will monitor their condition and do their yearly evaluations, i.e. visual checks, blood pressure, HbA1c readings, neuropathy tests, these might not be enough to ensure a successful outcome. I advocate closely monitoring your condition on a day-to-day basis, paying attention to the symptoms you experience, weight gain, headaches, these will indicate whether you need to make adjustments or changes. I wear a monitor full time and it has helped me to understand which foods I need to avoid, what causes my glucose to spike, I back it up with finger pricks to assess the accuracy. ➡️ Do your research. It's not uncommon for us to turn to medical professionals when we have a question about our health. After all, GPs are there to assist us. However, they don't always have the answers. With this in mind, it's important to do your own research. Though you may be tempted to go by whatever your doctor says because of their status, looking further afield and seeking other sources of information can be beneficial. Remember everyone is different and will need a more bespoke program to follow.  After almost a decade of researching, seeking guidance, and trying various treatments, I am on the road to recovery, I originally had an HbA1c of 18.7, and my latest blood test demonstrates I am prediabetic at 7.2. It did not come easily but it is achievable. I hope that by sharing these tips, you will be able to take charge and lead a healthier life.

I often hear people say to me “my doctor told me I will die if I don’t take a statin, and now I am confused because I read online that it may increase my calcium score.”⁠ ⁠ ⚠️ While statins can be a part of the picture and be life saving for some, this type of language is not conducive to helping anyone.⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ It is important that you surround yourself with qualified healthcare professionals who will explain the situation to you fully so you can understand it and then make a more grounded decision for your health. ⁠ ⁠ 👉🏼 Statins may help stabilize soft plaque meaning it may cause the soft plaque in the arteries to harden. Since the calcium score only detects hardened plaque, the calcium score will rise in this event. ⁠ ⁠ There are many tactics that can help stabilize soft plaque and prevent complications from atherosclerosis and heart disease - and it should always include science based nutrition. ⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ If you are looking for a supportive environment that encourages questions, does not push supplements or a one sized fits all solution, and is there to educate, empower, and help you implement science based nutrition for optimal heart health, consider joining my 6 week heart optimization group program.⁠ ⁠ ❤️ I am here fore you and I would love to help guide you on your heart health journey.⁠ ⁠ 💫 My next program begins on Friday, July 12th and spots are VERY limited! Secure your spot today here: https://lnkd.in/e5eigZgA ⁠ *payment plan options are available.⁠ ⁠ Feel free to message with me with any questions. #coronaryarterydisease #coronaryheartdisease #coronaryangiography #coronarycalciumscore #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #heartattackrecovery #hearthealth #hearthealthy #hearthealthydiet #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyliving #highcalciumscore #hearthealthyrecipes #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartdiseaseprevention #heartdiseasesurvivor #heartdiseasewarrior #heartdiseasesupport #highcholesterol #cardiacbypasssurgery #cardiacrehab #cardiacsurgery #cardiacdiet #heartfailureawareness #heartfailure #heartfailuresurvivor #heartfailurediet

Which one surprises you the most? Comment below!⁠ ⁠ Atherosclerosis is a complex multifactorial disease and we must look at the entire picture in order to stop its progression. ⁠ ⭐️ These conditions drive the atherosclerotic process due to blood vessel aggravation, inflammation, insulin resistance, and an increase in oxidative stress.⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ We must control and manage these conditions effectively in order to slow and potentially stop the atherosclerotic process. ⁠ ❤️ The good news is that science based nutrition can manage and control these conditions which means you can reduce your risk of plaque formation and heart disease related complications! It is important to take a whole person approach to heart health and understand how these conditions correlate in order to address them appropriately to reduce your cardiovascular risk. Work with an Registered Dietitian (RD) who can personalize the science to support you, integrate it into your busy lifestyle and explain the reasoning behind their recommendations so you can be an active, empowered and knowledge participant in your heart health. ⭐️ As a RD who specializes in heart disease, I thoroughly review my 1 on 1 clients medical records, blood tests, CT scans, echo reports, medications, and supplements PRIOR to meeting with them for our nutritional evaluation. ⭐️ We then meet over a 90 minute initial nutrition evaluation where I ask a lot of questions to comprehensively evaluate their nutrition and lifestyle to assess what is preventing them from reaching their goals. We talk about their lifestyle, stress, sleep, exercise details, nutrition pre and post exercise, nutrition timing, nutrition preferences, nutrition details, etc. ⭐️ This allows me to create a realistic, personalized and sustainable plan for them to meet their goals, optimize their heart health, and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. ⭐️ If interested in learning more about my 1 on 1 counseling services, visit my website at entirelynourished.com. Sign up for a 15 minute complimentary discovery call to discuss working together! https://lnkd.in/eNspAByQ ❤️ I would love to help guide you on your heart health journey through personalized, science based nutrition. #coronaryarterydisease #coronaryheartdisease #coronaryangiography #coronarycalciumscore #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #heartattackrecovery #hearthealth #hearthealthy #hearthealthydiet #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyliving #highcalciumscore #hearthealthyrecipes #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartdiseaseprevention #heartdiseasesurvivor #heartdiseasewarrior #heartdiseasesupport #highcholesterol #cardiacbypasssurgery #cardiacrehab #cardiacsurgery #cardiacdiet #heartfailureawareness #heartfailure #heartfailuresurvivor #heartfailurediet

🚀 Exciting News! 🚀 I'm pleased to share that I’ve recently reviewed and edited a new article for Klarity titled "Pineapple's Role in Heart Health." 📝🍍 Working on this piece has provided me another opportunity to deepen my expertise in medical content while further developing my editorial skills. Here’s a snapshot of what I’ve gained: Skills Enhanced: 📚 Advanced Medical Research: I delved into the latest studies on cardiovascular health and nutrition, strengthening my ability to source and interpret scientific data effectively. 🧠 Analytical Thinking: This project pushed me to refine my critical analysis skills, ensuring that the connections between diet and heart health were backed by solid evidence. ✍️ Precise Communication: I worked on translating complex medical information into clear, accessible content, making the science behind pineapple's benefits easy to understand for all readers. 🔍 Content Accuracy: As always, attention to detail was paramount—every fact, figure, and statement was meticulously checked for accuracy and relevance. Key Takeaways from the Article: 🍍 Cardiovascular Benefits: Pineapples are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes like bromelain, which may support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving circulation. 🍍 Nutritional Impact: Incorporating pineapples into a balanced diet can be a simple yet effective way to contribute to cardiovascular wellness. 🍍 Scientific Support: The article explores how ongoing research reveals new ways that pineapple consumption might benefit heart health. For anyone passionate about nutrition and heart health, I encourage you to check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eUG9wGwY Thank you to the Klarity team for their continued trust in my editorial skills. Let’s keep advancing health and wellness through informed choices! #MedicalResearch #HeartHealth #Nutrition #Pineapple #Wellness #Health #MedicalWriting #KlarityHealth #EditorialSkills #ScientificEditing #HealthCommunication #NutritionScience #CardiovascularHealth #HealthyLiving #ContentDevelopment #HealthcareWriting #EvidenceBased #Wellbeing #HealthBenefits #MedicalContent

Missed our Nutrition Education Event with Maurice Castelijn? You didn't! Log on to watch the webinar, at the Nutrition Education Annual Event 2024. Here, I discussed the five keys of the Flex5 lifestyle, focusing on evidence-based practices that will help you achieve optimal health. Whether you're a healthcare professional, nutritionist, or just interested in preventive health, don't miss this opportunity to empower yourself with valuable information. We discussed some of my own motivations for wellness, how nutrition professionals and medical doctors can collaborate better, and how to tackle a few health trends. P.S. Don’t forget to claim your smart CPD certificate after completing the webinar! https://bit.ly/3xkejIW

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and someone that knows firsthand what weight management struggles look like, add to that no thyroid and mid-life stress and changes, I know the temptation of easy weight loss. BUT, and there is always a BUT, weight loss does NOT equal health. I am the strongest and most flexible have ever been, including when I was on my "goal weight". Be careful, love yourself, and make sure your goals and actions steer you towards real health! https://lnkd.in/gkdxUxf5

Have you seen the recent headlines around the study claiming that Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) can cause cardiovascular death?! Recently, an observational study proposed a link between TRE and an increased risk of cardiovascular death, a conclusion that quickly rippled across news outlets, causing a mix of concern and confusion. However, it's crucial to approach such findings with a critical eye, as highlighted by Dr. Peter Attia in his insightful newsletter. Dr. Attia, whose expertise I deeply respect, categorizes the study's results as "meaningless," pointing out significant flaws in its methodology and presentation. The study, which lacks peer review, hastily connects TRE with cardiovascular risks without adequately accounting for variables that could skew its outcomes, particularly pre-existing health conditions among participants. Dr. Attia's analysis underscores a vital aspect of consuming scientific research: the importance of methodology and the context within which studies are conducted and reported. The frenzy of headlines surrounding this study serves as a reminder of how quickly unvetted conclusions can be sensationalized, often at the expense of nuanced truth. The benefits of time-restricted eating have been supported by numerous studies, showcasing its potential in enhancing metabolic health, among other advantages. It's essential to differentiate between research that offers solid, scientifically-backed insights and studies that, due to their observational nature and methodological limitations, cannot establish causation or conclusive results. As a proponent of health and wellness, I appreciate Dr. Attia's dedication to presenting a holistic view and dissecting the intricacies behind health studies. It's a practice we should all adopt—questioning, learning, and seeking the full story before forming our conclusions. In a world inundated with information, becoming discerning readers and critical thinkers is more important than ever, especially when it concerns our health. Let's commit to deeper investigation and dialogue, ensuring that our health decisions are informed by comprehensive and reliable evidence. https://lnkd.in/ehfAi6c5 To your vitality, Lizanne

I am excited to meet all of you who have signed up for the upcoming Nutrition Foundations for Better Health - Back to Basics in Opelika, Birmingham, Prattville, Pensacola, Huntsville and Chattanooga! We are less than a week away from the first one of the year in Opelika, Alabama at the Opelika Public Library. Following are some answers to questions that I have received. 1. Are any seats left in Opelika? Yes! There are seats left and you can sign up at www.NFBH.health up to the morning of the event. There are also still seats available at the upcoming classes as well. 2. Is this class going to be mainly about weight loss? The short answer is "No", the long answer is...This course is NOT a weight loss seminar. It is a comprehensive course that dives into micronutrients and macronutrients (their function, food sources, deficiency symptoms and toxicity symptoms), how nutrition can affect not only our physical health (bone health, oral health, muscle health, cardiovascular health...you get the gist) but also our mental health. It also focuses on disease prevention and/or maintenance, social media and how it has changed how we learn about nutrition, common nutrition myths...and more! All evidence based, of course. 3. Is lunch provided? Lunch is not provided, but we will take an hour lunch break. You can enjoy a local restaurant or feel free to bring a lunch and stay at the library. For a detailed schedule, please visit www.NFBH.health If you have a question that was not answered here, please email me at [email protected]! See you soon!

When we talk about science based nutrition for heart attack prevention, we are talking about addressing all potential causes of heart disease. ⁠ ⁠ We are aiming to:⁠ - Stabilize existing plaque ⁠ - Prevent promotion of more plaque formation⁠ - Improve blood vessel health so your heart can do its job better and more efficiently⁠ - Avoid heart failure and its progression⁠ ⁠ We are also looking at optimizing: ⁠ - Cardiometabolic labs (all of them matter - from lipids, LDL, apoB, triglycerides to hgA1c, glucose to inflammatory markers like hsCRP, and uric acid, etc)⁠ - Underlying inflammation, whether from gut issues to abdominal centered weight, etc.⁠ - Exercise aptitude and stamina⁠ - Nutrient adequacy - getting all the nutrients you need for your body to do its job without straining any organs⁠ - Blood pressure and vascular health to keep arteries healthy and happy⁠ - Energy balance to ensure proper weight management ⁠ ⁠ ❤️ And when we take this comprehensive approach, we are truly reducing your risk of heart attacks and strokes! ⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ Join me in my next 6 week heart optimization group program on July 12th where I dive into the science based nutrition to optimize your heart health. It includes 6 weeks of live lectures (that are also recorded if you cannot make it live) along with a private community and group where you can get all your questions answered and you can start implementing these strategies to reduce your risk!⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ I’ve decided to add an extra special bonus for anyone that joins my next 6 week heart optimization group program and I’ll be sharing more details about that with my email list soon. ⁠ ⁠ ❤️ Wanna be the first to find out? Join my email list here: https://lnkd.in/eAEbtf_E #atherosclerosis #bloodvessels #inflammation #heartdisease #heartattacksurvivor #heartattack #plaque #coronaryarterydisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartdiseaseprevention #heartattackprevention #calciumheartscan #cardiovasculardisease #cardiovascularhealth #highbloodpressure #highbloodpressurediet #highcholesterol #highbloodsugar #hearthealthydiet #hearthealth #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyliving #highcholesteroldiet #highcholesterolproblems #cholesterollowering #cholesterolcontrol #cholesterolawareness #cardiacrehab #cardiacrehabilitation #cardiacbypass

Join Lester Hightower, a technology entrepreneur, and Beth McNally, a clinical nutritionist, for an inspiring presentation offering a parent's perspective on implementing therapeutic carbohydrate reduction/low-carb nutrition strategies to manage their respective child's type 1 diabetes. Lester shares how Dr. Bernstein's “Diabetes Solution” revolutionized his family's approach to managing diabetes through a simple, low-carb diet, offering hope for maintaining normal blood sugar levels.   As a founding member of the The Rivere Foundation Foundation, initiated from a desire to help his child with type 1 diabetes (T1D) achieve stable blood sugars, and reach others, Lester emphasizes the organization's focus on advocacy and education. This commitment aims to provide individuals and families with the resources needed for preventing diabetes complications.   He also touches on his son Andrew's journey, diagnosed at five, who has successfully managed to maintain an A1C average of 5.0% through to his college years and into an extremely active and challenging athletics and basketball. Beth McNally, a clinical nutritionist and mother, recounts her experience with type 1 diabetes following her son Lachlan's diagnosis in 2015.   Beth offers insights into navigating the complexities of diabetes, focusing on making critical information accessible to families. She highlights the benefits of a therapeutic carbohydrate reduction/low-carb nutrition strategy, evidenced by Lachlan's consistently healthy A1C levels and his achievements as a high-performing athlete, recently making the Olympic trials swim team.   Beth also addresses the broader challenges of managing type 1 diabetes and advocates for open-mindedness and education in adopting therapeutic carbohydrate reduction to support children's growth and health. This presentation was part of the incredibly important Symposium for Metabolic Health last month in Boca Raton, & it’s now available for viewing on the Low Carb USA YouTube Channel as part of a playlist that will soon include more than 15 comprehensive and educational videos on the topic of type 1 diabetes management.  “Beth McNally and Lester Hightower - Parent Perspective” presentation link - https://lnkd.in/gx8s4ySC Type 1 diabetes playlist link - https://lnkd.in/gzTuBVz... #TherapeuticCarbohydrateReduction #t1dnutrition #type1diabetes #type1diabetesawareness #type1diabetessupport #diabetesawareness #diabetesmanagement #diabetesawareness #diabetescare #DiabetesWellness #drbernstein #DiabetesSolution #type1diabetes #t1dnutrition #lowcarb #lowcarbhighprotein #TherapeuticCarbohydrateReduction #NormalBloodGlucose #normalbloodsugar #letmebe83