Geoffrey Redmond, MD, of the Hormone Center of New York, spoke on common yet distressing hormonal conditions that impact women’s physical and emotional health as well as the nutritional and metabolic implications of these conditions. In addition to PMS, menopause, hypothyroidism, low body weight and sexual dysfunction, Dr. Redmond also spent a lot of time discussing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Body image was also discussed.
Elizabeth Goldenberg MPH, RD, CDN of the Bariatric Surgery Center of New York Presbyterian Hospital, gave an overview of several types of popular bariatric surgery performed at the hospital. She talked a lot about nutritional anemias as well as fertility and pregnancy post-op. While I didn’t love the way she talked about pregnancy potentially “sabotaging” weight loss, I think it’s a valid concern and one that needs to be spoken about. As my friend Liz’s mom puts it, when you have a baby, “your cargo shifts.” Any woman, whether she’s had bariatric surgery or not, worries about that.
Last but not least, Suzanne Simpson, RD of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, discussed celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. After explaining the symptoms and effects of the disease, she explained how to follow a gluten-free diet, including alternative starches, safe foods, and hidden sources of gluten. In addition to weight control (a lot of gluten-free products are high in calories but low in nutrients), she talked about complications of not following the diet. I think my favorite part of the presentation was when Simpson compared the nutrient density of gluten-free foods to that of gluten-containing products.
I know quite a few people with celiac disease, so I always keep my ears perked for interesting new information to pass on. The next day at Whole Foods, I was so excited to see an array of gluten-free breakfast cereals available, I actually took a picture.
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