Author name: aventino

January 2025 – Dr. Andrea Bezzeccheri, Cardiologist Excessive eating and uncontrolled alcohol consumption aren’t merely disruptions to daily routines. They can profoundly impact your cardiovascular health, raising the risk of developing severe conditions or worsening pre-existing heart diseases. The effects of diet on cardiovascular health An unbalanced diet, through intricate neuro-hormonal and inflammatory pathways, can impair the normal functioning of your heart and blood vessels. Here’s how an unhealthy lifestyle contributes: 1. Hypertension Hypertension is a primary risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, peripheral artery disease, and heart failure. 2. Dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis 3. Insulin resistance and diabetes The impact of excessive alcohol consumption on the heart Consistent and excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on your cardiovascular system, causing or worsening various conditions: 1. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy Heavy drinking can directly damage the heart muscle, leading to a dilated and weakened heart, known as alcoholic cardiomyopathy. This reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, resulting in heart failure. 2. Arrhythmias Even a single episode of excessive drinking can cause arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. These irregular rhythms increase the risk of stroke and heart failure. 3. Hypertension Alcohol elevates blood pressure, significantly increasing cardiovascular risks. 4. Inflammation and vascular damage Alcohol can provoke systemic inflammation and directly harm blood vessels, accelerating atherosclerosis and increasing the likelihood of coronary artery disease. How dietary and alcohol excesses worsen existing heart conditions For those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, dietary and alcohol excesses can exacerbate symptoms and complications: Strategies to protect the heart from excesses Prevention plays a pivotal role in mitigating cardiovascular risks. Consider these strategies: 1. Regular physical activity Moderate aerobic activity for 150–300 minutes weekly, along with resistance exercises twice a week, offers numerous benefits: 2. Balanced nutrition 3. Moderation in alcohol consumption 4. Regular health monitoring Conclusion Excessive eating and alcohol consumption can have a profound impact on your heart health. Understanding these risks and embracing preventive measures are essential for maintaining cardiovascular well-being and extending disease-free years. For a thorough evaluation or personalized advice, I would be delighted to welcome you to my office.  Schedule an appointment with me, Dr. Andrea Bezzeccheri, cardiologist at the Aventino Medical Group, and together, we will find the best way to take care of your heart.

January 2025 – Dr. Alessio Maiorino, Endocrinologist Holidays are synonymous with fun and conviviality, but they often come with the risk of overindulging in complex carbohydrates (such as pasta, bread, and rice) and simple sugars. These eating habits not only stress the body but also deeply impact the endocrine glands, which are responsible for regulating metabolism. Let’s explore how our body reacts. What role do endocrine glands play when you overeat? When we consume excessive amounts of food, especially complex carbohydrates and sugars, our endocrine system activates a series of hormonal responses. Each gland involved plays a unique yet interconnected role. 1. Pancreas: the regulator of blood sugar The pancreas plays a central role in the absorption of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins through its exocrine function (producing digestive enzymes) and in managing blood glucose levels through its endocrine function.After sugar-rich meals, this gland produces insulin to lower blood sugar levels. However, excessive consumption forces the pancreas into overdrive, increasing the risk of insulin resistance. This condition, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, can lead over time to the development of type 2 diabetes. 2. Hypothalamus: hunger and satiety under pressure The hypothalamus, located in the brain, regulates hunger and satiety signals through hormones such as leptin and ghrelin.A diet high in sugars can disrupt these signals, reducing the responsiveness of satiety centers to normal daily caloric intake, creating a dangerous vicious cycle. 3. Adrenal glands: the response to metabolic stress The adrenal glands release cortisol, known as the “stress hormone.”An unbalanced diet can chronically increase cortisol levels, contributing to the accumulation of visceral fat. This type of fat is not just an aesthetic concern; it significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases. 4. Thyroid: the core of basal metabolism Thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) regulate basal metabolism.Frequent overeating can interfere with thyroid function, slowing down metabolism and promoting weight gain. Additionally, increased systemic fat tissue “sequesters” a significant portion of these hormones, making them less available in circulation. What is reactive hypoglycemia? After a meal rich in refined sugars, the pancreas’s heightened insulin production can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels two to three hours later, a condition known as reactive hypoglycemia. This condition manifests with symptoms such as: How to protect the endocrine system To mitigate the negative effects of overeating, it’s essential to adopt strategies that support the proper functioning of the endocrine glands: When should you consult an endocrinologist? If you experience persistent symptoms such as: It’s important to consult an endocrinologist. Endocrine imbalances can significantly affect quality of life, but timely medical intervention can help restore balance. Conclusion Remember: mindful eating habits and attention to your body’s signals are essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism, not just during the holidays but all year round. For more information or personalized advice, I would be delighted to welcome you at Aventino Medical Group.Book your appointment here: together, we’ll find the best solutions to care for your health.