This issue combines a number of different articles and topics, building on previous work in this practice-based journal, especially cooking, and includes a book review focusing on sports nutrition for dietitians.
Thompson has done a review of nutrition support for postbariatric surgery patients. Her review is comprehensive and shows limited research to clarify nutrition support practice in the postbariatric population. Given the lack of appropriate guidelines for postbariatric surgery patients, she recommends an individualized approach for patients.
In a review of the literature by Hutcheon, 4 natural products were assessed for their effect on managing irritable bowel syndrome. Of the 4 products, a single-strain probiotic, a probiotic composite and peppermint oil appeared to reduce irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. However, limited evidence on the fourth product, aloe vera, raises questions of its effectiveness. More research should be done on the efficacy and safety of aloe vera for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
Teaching cooking and nutrition education to youngsters has been spurred on by the obesity trends in the United States. Cooking Up Energy uses a 10-week educational program to shape food behavior and potentially influence long-term weight status in a small group of 7- to 13-year olds. Weight status in first-year participants showed no significant changes by involvement in the program although some trends were favorable.
Heiss and Tollefson conducted a pilot study to measure glycemic response after consuming a candy bar. There was a blood glucose spike postingestion at baseline without any exercise but no spike with 30 minutes of walking. They conclude that light walking for 30 minutes might be beneficial and recommend future research to examine whether light exercise after candy or sugary snacks would influence long-term metabolic and health outcomes.
Interest in pre- and probiotics was also addressed in a survey conducted by Rasmussen et al. More than 250 health care providers responded to an online questionnaire about their knowledge, perceptions, and use of probiotics and prebiotics. Respondents were more familiar with probiotics than with prebiotics; however, they did not recommend them routinely to patients.
Dietetics education is facing new challenges with masters' preparation for all new Registered Dietitian Nutritionists by 2020. An innovative Masters of Dietetics Studies program is the focus of an article by Isenring. Using medical nutrition therapy case studies, workshops and prereadings, she tested 2 tools, online questionnaires and a discussion board to stimulate critical thinking. To facilitate deep learning, the students favored online questionnaires to "process knowledge and be able to apply acquired knowledge to real life."
Licorice is commonly consumed by a subgroup of the general population and is also contained in food products, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. This article by Elbaum and Johnson reviews the literature on licorice-induced hypertension and present a case report.
Another case example looks at the progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a patient with metabolic syndrome. Zelig et al highlight the role of evidence-based nutrition intervention in treating the case.
Hong reviews the signs and symptoms and clinical management of hyponatremia, which is a condition often overlooked in hospital patients. One of the major causes is inappropriate secretion of antidiuretics hormone. A case study is presented that encourages early and appropriate treatment liberalizing rather than restricting sodium intake.
The editorial board is grateful for your submissions and is planning a nutrition assessment issue. We hope that some of you will consider a submission for this issue or would like to review one of the manuscripts. Please contact us at mailto:[email protected].
-Judith A. Gilbride, PhD, RDN, FAND
Editor