WASHINGTON - If that craving for chocolate sometimes feels like it is coming from deep in your gut, that's because maybe it is.
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A small study links the type of bacteria living in people's digestive system to a desire for chocolate. Everyone has a vast community of microbes in their guts. But people who crave daily chocolate show signs of having different colonies of bacteria than people who are immune to chocolate's allure.
That may be the case for other foods, too. The idea could eventually lead to treating some types of obesity by changing the composition of the trillions of bacteria occupying the intestines and stomach, said Sunil Kochhar, co-author of the study. It appears Friday in the peer-reviewed Journal of Proteome Research.
Kochhar is in charge of metabolism research at the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland. The food conglomerate Nestle SA paid for the study. But this isn't part of an effort to convert a few to the dark side (or even milk) side of cocoa, Kocchar said.
In fact, the study was delayed because it took a year for the researchers to find 11 men who don't eat chocolate.
Kochhar compared the blood and urine of those 11 men, who he jokingly called "weird" for their indifference to chocolate, to 11 similar men who ate chocolate daily. They were all healthy, not obese, and were fed the same food for five days.
The researchers examined the byproducts of metabolism in their blood and urine and found that a dozen substances were significantly different between the two groups. For example, the amino acid glycine was higher in chocolate lovers, while taurine (an active ingredient in energy drinks) was higher in people who didn't eat chocolate. Also chocolate lovers had lower levels of the bad cholesterol, LDL.
The levels of several of the specific substances that were different in the two groups are known to be linked to different types of bacteria, Kochhar said.
Still to be determined is if the bacteria cause the craving, or if early in life people's diets changed the bacteria, which then reinforced food choices.
How gut bacteria affect people is a hot field of scientific research.
Past studies have shown that intestinal bacteria change when people lose weight, said Dr. Sam Klein, an obesity expert and professor of medicine at Washington University in St. Louis.
Since bacteria interact with what you eat, it is logical to think that there is a connection between those microbes and desires for certain foods, said Klein, who wasn't part of Kochhar's study.
Kochhar's research makes so much sense that people should have thought of it earlier, said J. Bruce German, professor of food chemistry at the University of California Davis. While five outside scientists thought the study was intriguing, Dr. Richard Bergman at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, had concerns about the accuracy of the initial division of the men into groups that wanted chocolate or were indifferent to it.
What matters to Kochhar is where the research could lead.
Kochhar said the relationship between food, people and what grows in their gut is important for the future: "If we understand the relationship, then we can find ways to nudge it in the right direction."
Your comment about an old HS bad apple -
made me laugh, reminds me of a guy I went to school. He used to sell T-shirts at concerts (the fake one's, not put out by the performer/band); was high most of the time; now he is a copyright attorney - talk about ironic.
APPLE CHIPS NM
nm
Pumpkin and apple pie
And my mother-in-law makes a cherry cream and chocolate cream pie to die for. We go to my parents every year and my mother does all of the baking.
I have an Apple iPod 30 GB.....
and I friggin LOVE it! I've had it for about a year or so now. My stepson has one as well. I use mine everyday while I type for work. I bought a Bose speaker dock. I've got like 1,800+ songs on this thing and I haven't even used up 1/4 of the memory on it. I bought a cable that plugs into most new vehicles so I can listen to my iPod in my vehicle.
My brother has a Zune MP3 player. He seems to like his as well but I don't know much about that brand. I just know I love my Apple iPod and my Bose speaker. The Bose speaker sounds awesome and you can take it outside for parties, etc. I is small enough to put on my desk for work without cluttering it up. Also, when I have my iPod on the Bose speaker....it charges the battery on my iPod.
You can buy cheaper iPod docks than a Bose one, but I really like my Bose!
The Apple Does Not Fall Far From the Tree
I agree with you, Unhappy Camper -
There is little accountability in today's youth as a whole. The kids that are responsible, that know the consequences and live accordingly are the minority. Teens in the military are taught accountability and responsibility if they don't already have those attributes courtesy of their parents.
Interesting article I read in my hometown paper about an underage drinking party where over 25 kids were arrested for illegal possession of alcohol. One of the cops interviewed said out of the 25 parents that had to come and pick up their children, only one, ONE, told their child they got exactly what they deserved and that consequences would result. The others were mortified that their kids were being held, humiliated, and treated like criminals, then berated the cops for having nothing better to do, etc. We wonder why there are problems? The kids want the privileges of being an adult, but not the responsibility, thanks to mom and dad. One cop summed it up precisely. He said when he was a teen, he and his friends did not fear getting caught by the police, they were more afraid of getting caught by their parents.
item 182937
It all helps!
You know I started using GoodSearch for the group I was interested in and then ended up volunteering. I would not have thought I coulde have such a good time working for free, LOL!
See if this helps.....
I have had a heel spur, on the right that I use for my foot pedal, ouch! Bottom line, it eventually just went away and I was told this is the case sometime. If you are having some kind of foot pain (I was having electrical like currents when I walked on my left foot, no other time) and 1 lady here on MTstars suggested wearing arch supports. I had spent years trying to get some assistance and that finally was my answer. I could hug her neck!! I would definitely try the arch supports, inexpensive and might be the answer.
Thank you so much! It really, really helps to know someone gets it (sm)
I don't know that I am handling it so well. I am scared to death but I am trying to just keep moving forward anyway. I know it is time. I know I can't fix it.
I don't know if it helps to know
you're not the only one in this situation. I don't have any financial magic wands lying around unfortunately. What I've been doing for medical care, since I'm also uninsured, is seeing a nurse practitioner at a school-based clinic in my community that operates on a sliding scale, so I only have to pay $20. per visit. The NP does my Pap smears and lab work, writes my scrips, and refers me for other diagnostics like yearly mammos. She put me on LexaPro for depression about 2 years ago, which probably saved my sanity and my life.
Are there community-based clinics where you live? You probably need an antidepressant, at least for the short term. It will enable you to make constructive decisions and see that the future is not the bleak dead end it appears to be right now.
Take care of yourself.
if this helps
Credit Unions are less slimy than banks, or you could just skip it altogether and take your money out every time you get paid.
My church collects birthday party decorations, plates, etc. I would go you the church nearest you and ask for some help with the birthday parties.
eating out of the
Colorado - we buy a half a grass fed beef for the freezer and that lasts a year. We buy a lot of the vending snacks at Sam's because we have teenagers that need food for their back packs or they will eat out because they are gone all day. We do not ever eat out unless it is a birthday and then we spend $100.00 on a nice restaurant. We have a garden for herbs, onions, garlic, etc.
Eating Out - About the Same as You
We usually get take out on Friday's because I don't cook on Fridays (it's my day off so to speak). Then we go out on Saturday nights just my husband and myself and our best friends and usually spend about $40+ depending on where we go. The kids get together with their kids and they usually get some sort of take out. Then on Saturdays we usually either eat lunch out (fast food) and then Sundays either lunch or dinner out (fast food - I hate to say sometimes it's both). We have been trying to cut down the Saturdays and Sundays as far as the fast food goes. My daughter who is a vegetarian doesn't usually get much from the fast food restaurants so our bill usually isn't that large (About $10). We always use coupons, though (buy 1 get 1 free - we have what is called Entertainment Books that the schools usually sell). My husband will cook, and I hate to say he cooks better than I do.
Try eating ...
I have this problem as well. Stick with whole wheat/whole grain breads (buns) and whole wheat pasta rather than white. When you eat white flour products or any type of food with high glycemic index levels, it will be worse. (It's like burning pine ... whoosh!) Also, always have protein along with other foods.
You can Google glycemic index and find out which foods are better & worse to eat.
Eating Out
Not including lunch (which I generally eat out 3 or 4 days a week) how often do you have dinner out?
We eat out (or order in) way more than I want to, but DH thinks it is easier for me to do so than to cook. We eat restaurant food probably 4 or 5 nights a week, you?
I take a 20 minute nap and that helps when I get like this.
.
I think it helps to plan.
Even if that would be for 7 days. I like to somewhat plan, and then deviate when needed. Staples are pretty much always on hand. For something different, I'll look at cookbooks and write down the ingredients adding them to my shopping list. I think having a list and pretty much knowing what you want to cook each day is a good way to save money and curb overspending on none-such items. I am battling with getting my kids to eat more fruits and veggies, so I am having that struggle (should be eating more rice and not so many potatoes). Good luck.... Hope this helps :)
I have a teenage daughter; we live in the Midwest, just outside the Twin Cities. Being fashionable can be so hard, especially on a budget. So I hope this will help... :)
As far as hair, definitely a little longer hairstyle, but not too long... yes, shaggy is in, but it has to be a groomed shaggy.
For clothing, the boys in this area in that age group are wearing anything from casual preppy with brands like Abercrombie, Hollister, and American Eagle, to skateboard punk, with brands like Volcom, etc. Also, "rock" T-shirts are in.
I support my children off my income as a QA person, so it can be hard to get those pricier brand name items. Target has a lot of nice things that are very fashionable and look like the higher end brands without the cost. Also, we have a store called Plato's Closet nearby. It is like a consignment shop, but they purchase the used clothes directly from people instead of on a pay you if it sells basis, and they are SUPER picky... they only pick the best items in great condition that are CURRENT and TRENDY. If you have something like that in your area, it is a GREAT resource... Also, TJ Maxx carries designer items at lower prices, usually they are overstocks. I buy for my daughters this way, and they get tons of compliments on their wardrobes... no one would ever know that I spent probably LESS than I would have if I bought their clothes from Walmart.
Good luck!!! Have fun with the makeover! :)
time is what helps
The first year is the hardest. You have to go through the first xmas, the first birthday, etc. It slowly gets a little easier. My dad died 11 years ago and I still miss him. Sometimes the littlest thing will remind me of him and I just will start crying. I found reading books on the stages of grief helped. Take care.
Yep...taking something for that which helps a lot though (sm)
Trouble sleeping, etc. Mostly get a restless feeling during the day...bored, want to do something different, need to think about multiple things at once. Want to hear the TV and work and still daydreaming about other things at the same time!
I know a lot about this - hope this helps
The first question I need to ask you is if DCFS will be keeping the case open on the 16 MO since they stepped in and the g'ma agreed to take the 3 children. This is important because if there is an open case, you will need to go through them to get legal custody (you shouldn't have a problem since the g'ma asked for your help). If you get the 16 mo, since you are within 5 generations related to the child, you would be considered kinship care, not foster care. You could then apply for TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy Families) which would give you a small stipend per month (how much depends on the state where you live). The child would be considered a household of 1 and have no income, thus qualifying for this benefit. In addition, the child would get Medicaid and WIC benefit. WIC would drop when the child starts school and then would receive free meals at school. Since you know the child has some issues, Medicaid will pay for services, including any counseling for the child and for you. You would have to cooperate with the state in getting a child support order to help pay the state back for these services.
There is a federal law that requires the state to place the kids with relatives first and special attention given to a sibling situation, trying to keep all the kids together when possible. The law also requires that the state (if a case is open) to help the parents reunite by providing drug rehab, parenting classes, regular visitations, etc. BUT, if the child(ren) are kept in the system for 15 out of 24 months and the parents are not reunified by this time, the state is to find adoptive families. They consider relatives adopting first, but if relatives won't/can't adopt (you would lose all the state benefits), they try to place with non-relative adoptions, again trying to keep all the siblings together.
You would not be considered foster care unless you went through the FC system and the classes and became certified. States give more help and money to FC parents, but you also have no guarantees that once the child becomes attached to you (and you to the child), that you would get to adopt the child after the 15/24 rule...so you risk losing the child being a FC parent.
I am in the process of adopting my granddaughter. Drugs didn't come into play until she was over 2 years old, but she remembers that her mom dumped her on me and we just finished 10 months of counseling to deal with those issues (she is 4 now).
If you want to write me privately, I'd be glad to help. It really is a challenge.
There is a website for people in this situation and I have gotten tremendous support from the people there. Go to www.grandsplace.org and read some of the resources there.
I'm not the only one with a child like this. What I did learn from the child psychologist is that I have 2 other children who react normally to discontentment. Yes, they get angry and occasionally fight, but not to the extent that this one does.
I have threatened to call the police but never have. Maybe 1 of these times I will. I sympathize with you in your plight. I hope things continue to go well for you and your son. Thank you.
Hope this helps. sm
http://www.myhomeremedies.com/static/fleas-and-ticks.html
I wish I had an eating disorder
for one think it would be pretty cool. I just want to get more attention from my man, friends and family members who don't pay enough attention. When I pick up the mags I see all the thin models like Nicole Ritchie and Ms. Hilton. They are stars for being super thin. I know I can't reach that fame but if I look thin I know I will have more options. I know some of you won't agree with me but that is the way society is going. Get thin or die trying. Eating Disorder
My 22-year-old niece has an eating disorder. Her Cardiologist sent her home to die. She is in a wheelchair now. The doctors give her less than 6 months to live. Be careful for what you wish for. Skinny is NOT worth dying for. Your post is so sad.
Eating ice like crazy!?
I'm in a phase of craving cold water and ice like crazy these days. Anybody know what that means, besides perhaps anemia? I was anemic a while back, but got that taken care of and don't see any reason I should be again. I've been cutting back on sugar and dieting a little bit, wondering if that could be it?
Whatch'all think?
something is eating my roses -
just put three rose bushes out - all had buds and blooms. Today I walk out and all buts and blooms have been bitten off. What is this and how do I stop? I know there are squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits. Who is doing it? (If it is chipmunks I am up against a wall - there must be a million).
try eating something for breakfast - even if just
toast - to get your metabolism going. Eat a bigger meal at lunch and a smaller meal at dinner. Do you find yourself eating more less-healthy foods than before? If you get hungry, drink 8 ounces of water before you eat to help fill you up. Eating more in the evening means you aren't getting a chance to work off those calories. Good luck.
what are they eating off your porch?
mine come to suet feeders.
eating problem
I'm glad you are aware of the possibility of an eating disorder - it is SO hard to tell with kids - the way they joke around about things - but sometimes joking is the way they address it - just glad you recognize the possibility. . Hugs to you and yours. .
Eating habits
Out of curiousity, what are your eating habits? I usually eat every 2 hours or so during the day. I have a protein shake at 7:30 and then ham and eggs at 9:30. It's possible you had sugar with your breakfast in coffee or tea and it's worn off or the food you ate gave you a boost but has worn off. Try having a snack at that time and see if it helps.
how do you know if you have an eating issue sm
i have so many emotions running through my mind every single day, but not going to get into all of them here. i hope i don't have an eating issue/disorder, but sometimes i wonder. i grew up in a strict household (my dad was immature and always telling me i was fat and needed to lose weight). i'm an average size 5 foot 7 girl. i'm 36 now and constantly think about food, how many calories something has, fat content. i gain weight easily. i just get so tired of worrying about what i'm going to eat, cause it'll make me fat. sometimes i will sneak eating food, because my husband will say things like "do you really need that?" and he's just trying to help. but what i really think is i want is to join WW and have group support from other people that are going through the same thing. my husband can drink about six sodas a day, eat whatever and he doesn't gain weight. he doesn't exercise. it just makes me sad that i have to work so hard to not be huge. i'm about 165. i would like to get down to at least 150 or maybe less. my parents used to tell me when i was little not to waste food (we were poor so wasting food was like wasting money).
i'm sorry, i'm rambling on, but i really don't have anyone to talk to. sometimes i think i'd like to see a counselor. (i have never seen a counselor) i have other issues that bother me but won't get into it.
thanks for listening, just wondered if anyone else has food issues. i'm a healthy person. i don't smoke or drink. never did drugs. i try to eat healthy. i especially overdo it in stressful situations. yesterday i ate a little less than a pint of butter pecan ice cream. then i felt crappy the rest of the evening.
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THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
