Ask the Experts

Teenager with constipation

Question: My teenage daughter has issues with constipation. Please suggest some dietary solutions to avoid this from happening.

Fahmida Jafri, Dietician and Head of Nutrition responds, “Constipation is a common problem in teenagers, owing to their dietary habits which includes foods rich in refined sources and lack of sufficient water intake. Fiber or roughage in the diet helps to regularize bowel movement. Consumption of foods containing insoluble fibers such as leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds as well as whole grains can help alleviate constipation. Fruits and vegetables help form soft and bulky stool. Plenty of fluids must be a part of one’s diet and be sure to include vegetable soups, fruit shakes and plain water copiously in daily diet. Replace refine breads, processed foods and high fat meats with whole grains, dried fruits, nuts, and dried beans to help resolve the constipation. Moreover, increase activity levels though gentle exercises and regular short walks. And limit caffeinated foods.” From pediatric questions to general medical queries, our panel of experts is here to answer your questions.

The link between chocolate and acne

Q. Is there a link between chocolate and acne? As an adult, every time I eat chocolate, I get pimples. Please explain.

Melissa Mathias, R.D, C.D.E, Clinical Dietitian responds, “Is it the milk or sugar or cocoa in chocolate that is linked to acne? These associations have been studied for decades, however, unfortunately we still do not have a clear answer due to lack of large studies. Some small studies concluded that chocolate exacerbate acne in men with acneprone skin through mechanisms like increasing inflammation and promoting bacterial colonization. Whereas other studies concluded that there is no link between chocolate and acne and that more studies are required to confirm if there is a link. There is compelling evidence showing that high glycemic load diets may exacerbate acne. Hence, moderation is the key. If you’re going to have a chocolate, choose dark chocolate. Additionally, it would be worth reviewing the intake of other sugary foods in the diet throughout the day.”

Diabetic neuropathy

Question: What are the hidden signs of diabetic neuropathy in the foot?

Dr. Vittorio Iantorno, Consultant Neurosurgeon responds, “The UAE has one of the world’s highest prevalence rates of diabetes at 16 to 18 percent. In addition, approximately 40.7 percent of adults (aged 20 to 79 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus are unaware that they have the condition. Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the world. Early diagnosis is important as diabetic neuropathy can damage any nerve in the human body. Diabetic skin lesions are also the major cause of foot amputation. This condition can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications if a person does not get treatment for their diabetes. As 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes are suffering from diabetic neuropathies, neuropathy may be present even before diagnosing diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy symptomatology includes numbness, loss of feeling or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes mainly hands and feet. Tingling or burning sensation and dull ache mainly hands and feet; sharp/ electric shock type pain, pin prick sensation or cramps; increased sensitivity to touch, for some people, even a bedsheet’s weight can be painful, and/or palsies, disorders of speech and failure of cerebral nerves.”

SHARJAH

We serve healthy food & promote local farming...

The vision of Healthy Farm Eatery is to provide the best possible eating experience for its customers, with fresh ingredients sourced from farms in the UAE. We strive to provide fresh, healthy, and nutritious food in a relaxed and friendly environment. We source most of our ingredients from local, organic farms ensuring their customers are always enjoying fresh, quality produce. Their goal is to create a place where people can go to relax and enjoy healthy food without feeling guilty about it. Chef Luca personally sources fresh ingredients from farms in the UAE and has even started to grow his own vegetables on his farm. He believes that this is one way he can help people live happier and healthier lives. He also gets involved with his community by participating in UAE's vision for food security and reducing food miles (which means less pollution). At Healthy Farm Eatery, we believe in the power of local farm produce. That's why we personally source all of our ingredients from farms in the UAE. We love knowing that our customers are supporting their local farmers and that they're getting access to fresh, healthy food that hasn't been shipped from across the globe. We also believe in a healthy lifestyle—and we understand how important it is for your diet to be personalized for your unique eating habits and health needs. That's why our dishes are prepared with your individual health goals in mind. We know that eating out can be intimidating if you're trying to stick to a certain diet or avoid certain foods. For those of us who have special dietary needs, it can feel like restaurants are out to get us—but at Healthy Farm Eatery, we have a chef whose passion is helping people cook delicious food that fits their personal health needs. Chef Luca is committed to making sure every customer feels welcome and comfortable at Healthy Farm Eatery; he wants them to know that he cares about their welfare as much as they do!