Weekly News

Week Ending May 16, 2022

Gaps in Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccination Among Hepatitis C Antibody-Positive Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
“Vaccination for both hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis B (HBV) is recommended in hepatitis C infection (HCV). Among HCV antibody-positive persons experiencing homelessness, we identified high rates of HAV (34%) and HBV vaccine (35%) eligibility, highlighting critical gaps in HCV preventative services. Following education, 54% and 72% underwent HAV and HBV vaccination, respectively.”

Closing Racial Gaps in Hepatitis C Screening and Treatment
“Hepatitis C is an inflammatory liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It’s passed via contact with blood from someone who already carries the virus. While hepatitis C is contagious and may not present any symptoms, it’s often treatable. Screening can identify the presence of HCV and can lead to life-saving treatment.”

CDC Gives New Information About Mysterious Hepatitis Cases in Children
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are continuing to investigate a mysterious outbreak of hepatitis in young children that has taken five lives so far in the U.S. The agency said in a recent telebriefing that they’re looking at 109 cases across 24 states and Puerto Rico. The U.K. Health Security Agency has reported at least 169 cases as of May 3.”

Missouri launching statewide effort to eliminate hepatitis C
“Missouri is kicking off a statewide effort to eliminate the most common blood-borne infection —hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that, left untreated, can lead to liver disease and cancer. According to CDC estimates, 2.4 million people in the U.S. are living with hepatitis C, and half of them may not know they’re infected.”

DOJ Complaint Flags HCV Drug Denials for People With Addiction
“A complaint filed with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that Alabama’s Medicaid program is illegally denying curative drug treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to people with substance use disorder.”

5 Science-Backed Self-Care Tips for People with Hepatitis C
“Hepatitis C (hep C) can be a scary diagnosis at first, especially if you don’t know much about it. If you’re living with hep C, an infection impacting the liver that develops from the hepatitis C virus (HCV), there are treatment options and lots of ways to take care of yourself.”

Getting Social Support for Your Hepatitis C and Substance Use Disorder Recovery
“Society may often stigmatize hepatitis C infections from the hepatitis C virus because of the context of drug misuse and addiction that links them. This can place a lot of emotional stress on people living with hepatitis C and a substance use disorder.”

Week Ending May 16, 2022

How Nutrigenomics May Impact the Way You Eat
“Choosing what to eat and the steps you need take to achieve your health goals can be overwhelming. With so many diets out there and numerous experts who all have different opinions, how can you determine what’ll work for you? Nutrigenomics provides some clarity.”

6 Natural Antihistamines to Help With Allergies
“Antihistamines treat seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever. A lot of people take antihistamine medications, but some natural antihistamines are available, as well.”

Is Acupuncture Any Help for Depression?
“Acupuncture is what’s known as a complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapy that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body to stimulate the central nervous system.”

5 Ways To Make Your Nighttime Routine More Meaningful 
“No matter your work schedule, you probably know how difficult it can be to maximize the remaining hours of the day. After you’ve done all of the necessary tasks like making dinner, picking up the house, or maybe getting in some evening movement, you’re left with little time to yourself. Yes, you could spend that time scrolling on your phone or watching television (and sometimes that’s exactly what we need), but other times you may crave something a bit more meaningful. “

Being Unable to Afford Healthy Food Can Raise Diabetes Risk
“Young adults who struggle to afford food face an increased risk of diabetes later in life, possibly due to the long-term effects of eating cheaper, less nutritious food.”

It’s Time to Reframe Chronic Pain
“Persistent headaches and back pain. Achy bones, especially feet and hands. Gnawing, cramping guts. Whole-body soreness. So many people live with various flavors of chronic pain, and often go months or years without finding relief.”

Alternative medical care still has its place. Here is why
“While Ayurveda can have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in combination with standard, conventional medical care, it should not replace the latter, especially when treating serious conditions”

How To Harness The Power Of Your Dreams, From A Psychologist
“Every night when you sleep and dream, you’re gifted the opportunity to deepen your connection to your own psyche and the spirit world. I (and many cultures through time) believe that spirit speaks to us when we sleep, and if we listen closely enough, we’re guided in what action to take in our waking lives.”

A Harvard nutritionist and brain expert avoids these 5 types of foods that can make you ‘tired and stressed’
“While many conscientious eaters think constantly about the food we’re eating — how it will affect our hearts, the environment and most of all, our waistlines — we rarely think about its impact on our brains, mood and energy levels.”

Can meditation and mindfulness exercises reduce stress?
“Meditation is known to reduce blood pressure as well as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, according to studies evaluated by the National Institutes of Health. It may also ease symptoms of anxiety and depression and may help people with insomnia.”

Week Ending May 9, 2022

Why I Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccination to All My Patients
“Each year, more than 20,000 people in the United States contract acute hepatitis B, with healthcare costs of more than a billion dollars. As many as 40% of them have complications. Hepatitis B can lead to chronic hepatitis infection and liver cancer, and 15%-25% of those infected will die prematurely of cirrhosis or liver cancer. This is needless suffering and death.”

PPI use should be limited to appropriate indications, lowest effective dose in cirrhosis
“Although proton pump inhibitors were linked with an increased risk for infection and decompensation in patients with cirrhosis, they may still be of benefit in those with prior gastrointestinal bleeding, according to published data.”

Need Hep C Treatment But Can’t Afford It? A Quick Guide
“Hepatitis C, or hep C, is a type of viral infection caused by contact with the blood of someone with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus causes your liver to become inflamed, which can lead to symptoms like yellowish skin or eyes, dark pee, gray poop, and abdominal pain.”

Your Post-Treatment Hepatitis C Future: What to Expect in the Long Run
“The earlier you treat hepatitis C, the less it affects your body over time. Your liver may be able to heal itself if you receive treatment in the initial stages of the disease. There are currently many types of antiviral treatments that can cure hepatitis C in a matter of weeks, and they may lead to improved symptoms and physical and mental well-being.”

Vertical hepatitis C transmission more common than assumed, study finds
“The rate of vertical hepatitis C transmission is nearly 25% higher than commonly assumed, according to a reanalysis of data from more than 1,700 children born to mothers infected with the virus. The study also found, however, that the rate of spontaneous clearance within 5 years of birth is underestimated.”

What to Know About Treating Both Hep C and Substance Use Disorder
“Hepatitis C is a liver infection that you can pass on through contact with blood that carries the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Even though young people who inject drugs can often have the highest chance of infection, less than 5 percent of this population gets treatment for hepatitis C.”

$5M in Federal Funds to End HIV and Hepatitis C Among American Indians
“Efforts to end HIV and hepatitis C among American Indians and Alaska Natives just got a $5 million boost in new federal funding, according to an announcement on HIV.gov. The money will help achieve the goals of the national Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States initiative and the National HIIV/AIDS Strategy.”

Hepatitis Outbreak in Children: What to Know
“The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified more than 20 severe cases in the United States, specifically in Alabama, Delaware, Illinois, New York, and North Carolina. In Wisconsin, one infant died of the disease. Of the worldwide cases, 17 have required a liver transplant.”

Week Ending May 9, 2022

Non-Drug Therapy Can Help Insomnia in Cancer Survivors, But More Research Is Needed in Those Undergoing Treatment
“Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to improve insomnia in cancer survivors; however, research is lacking in whether it benefits patients with advanced-stage cancer and those undergoing active treatment, according to results of a study presented at the 47th Annual Oncology Nursing Society Congress.”

3 Ways To Harness The Healing Power Of Nature — And How To Give Back In Return
“There’s no denying that our health is intrinsically connected to the health of the planet. Without clean air to breathe, nutritious foods to eat, and biodiversity to keep the ecosystems functioning, we would cease to exist.”

How to boost your attention and ability to function with meditation, exercise and sleep
“Whether you’re driving a car with children yelling in the backseat or trying to read a book in a coffee shop while someone talks loudly on their phone, attention is essential for navigating and interacting with the world.”

How Gardening Can Improve Your Health
“When it comes to warm-weather activities that are good for your health, you probably think of walking, hiking or running. But there’s another beloved pastime that holds a lot of benefits with a bonus to boot: Gardening.”

New Report Reveals Surprising Insights into How Exercise Goals and Habits Change with Age
“Age Bold, Inc. (Bold), a digital health company delivering science-based exercise programs for balance and fall prevention, joint pain management, and healthier aging has announced the findings of its latest survey revealing the current state of exercise, health, and aging among older adults nationwide.”

8 Daily Habits to Boost Mental Health — and Signs It May Be Time to Get Support
“Mental health is a widely discussed concept, these days. You might notice discussions about mental health online, in conversation, on your favorite show, or any number of other places.”

Can tea prevent cancer and improve overall health?
“Leading scientists in the field of tea research recently met virtually at the Sixth International Scientific Symposium on Tea and Human Health to discuss the current state of knowledge and the gaps in understanding about the benefits of tea. Researchers discussed many topics at the symposium, which included the potential beneficial effects of tea on cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and the prevention of cancer.”

The Intricate Tie Between Negative Emotions & Gut Health, From A Therapist
“Have you noticed that symptoms like stomachache, headache, gassy belly, or muscle pain might co-occur on days when you feel more frazzled? Like when you wake up with a mild headache, physical discomfort can set you up for a day of impatience, irritability, and overall frazzle-brain. It can feel and sound as if your body were a discordant instrument of noisy discomfort.”

Milk Thistle Promotes Brain and Liver Health, Detoxification & More*
“Among the wide array of herbal remedies that have captured the attention of humans, a distinct violet-hued flower with spikes has been fondly called upon for its detoxifying benefits. The story of milk thistle begins long ago. Tales from hundreds and thousands of years ago report its favored use.“

Why You Should Try Bedtime Yoga
“For the estimated 70 million adults who experience chronic sleep issues, bedtime yoga may be an effective addition to your nightly routine.1 Yoga is a mindfulness practice that connects the mind and body through intentional breathing, physical postures, and meditation.”

Week Ending May 2, 2022

WHO Reports 169 Cases of Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Origin in Children
“The World Health Organization has reported 169 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in kids ages 1 month to 16 years old.1 The reporting comes as of April 23.”

Hepatitis C Treatment Is Effective for People 65 and Older
“Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has changed the face of treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Modern treatment is safe, generally well tolerated and cures most treated individuals. But its effectiveness and safety in older people, who make up a large proportion of the population with HCV, warrants further investigation.”

Hep C Without Symptoms? You Still Need to Get Treated
“Not experiencing any of these symptoms? Some cases of hep C clear on their own in a few months, but it’s still important to talk with your doctor ASAP to determine a proper treatment course that’s right for you.”

Mutational spectrum of hepatitis C virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C determined by single molecule real-time sequencing
“The emergence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with resistance-associated substitution (RAS), produced by mutations in the HCV genome, is a major problem in direct acting antivirals (DAA) treatment.”

Does Hepatitis C Virus Treatment by Directly Acting Antivirals Obligate Shifting Patients with Type 2 Diabetes from Oral Hypoglycemic Drugs to Insulin Therapy?
“Achievement of sustained virologic response using interferon free, directly acting antivirals-based regimen was associated with significantly lower HbA1c 12 weeks after the end of therapy. The type of treatment used for type 2 diabetes (oral drugs or insulin) did not affect improved glycemic control observed after achieving sustained virologic response.”

Week Ending May 2, 2022

Rodgers, Banks, & Wenstrup Lead QALY Ban to Affirm Every Person’s Life has Value
“Today, House Energy and Commerce Republican Leader and Republican Study Committee Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers, RSC Chairman Jim Banks, and RSC Member and GOP Doctors Caucus Co-Chair Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M, introduced The Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, important legislation that would expand access to life saving cures and prevent discrimination against Americans with disabilities.”

7 stretches to improve flexibility and reduce aches and pains
“Improving flexibility helps with circulation, reduces aches and pains, and leads to better mobility during day-to-day activities. As we get older, our bodies fall into habitual patterns.”

These 6 Organs Detox Your Body — Here’s How To Support Them Daily
“The concept of “doing” a detox is floated around regularly, but the truth is that your body naturally works hard to detox itself 24/7. Certain organs in your body (six in total!) have specialized processes that help get rid of unnecessary metabolites and unwanted toxins while keeping everything else in good working order.”

Being in Nature: Good for Mind, Body and Nutrition
“In late 2020, Canadian doctors made headlines for “prescribing nature,” or recommended time outdoors based on research that suggests people who spent two or more hours in nature per week improved their health and wellbeing.”

Automated nutrition app can help people follow healthier diet
“People could benefit from fully automated personal nutritional advice, as a new research paper shows that an app improved healthy diet in clinical trials.”

What are some natural treatments for osteoarthritis?
“Some people with osteoarthritis (OA) find relief from natural treatments, such as physical therapy and acupuncture. Many experts recommend a combination of drug-based and natural treatments for people with OA.”

A Guide to Essential Oils for NSCLC
“Essential oils are a type of complementary therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They aren’t a traditional treatment like surgery or chemotherapy. However, some of these oils might help with managing symptoms like sleep or anxiety while you’re undergoing treatment.”

What is the macrobiotic diet?
“The macrobiotic diet is a strict diet that claims to reduce toxins. It involves eating whole grains and vegetables and avoiding foods high in fat, salt, sugar, and artificial ingredients.”

Can Complementary Therapies Ease Cancer Treatment Symptoms? What the Science Says
“After Marianne Sarcich underwent treatment for breast cancer in 2016, she called an acupuncturist in hopes of easing her cancer-related anxiety—but made sure to be upfront”

What the Science Says About the Health Benefits of Vitamins and Supplements
“From multivitamins and melatonin to fiber and fish oil, Americans who are trying to boost their health and immunity have a plethora of supplements to choose from. An estimated 58% of U.S. adults ages 20 and over take dietary supplements, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,”

How To Create A Personalized Wellness Routine That Actually Works For You
“When it comes to addressing health and well-being goals, I often see people attempt to fix everything at once. They stock up on all the latest books, sign up for a gym membership, and pack enough kale in their crisper drawer to feed a small country.”

GOOD NUTRITION IS THE BEST MEDICINE
“Diets high in fat, sodium, sugar, and processed and fast foods are linked to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and certain cancers. By tweaking your diet, you can prevent those chronic conditions or improve your health and treatment outcomes for those conditions.”

Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day?
“Breakfast is often described as the most important meal of the day, but is skipping this morning meal really detrimental to health? Newer research suggests this may not be as bad as many of us believe. In this Honest Nutrition feature, we take an in-depth look at breakfast and whether skipping it is really harmful.”

What The Experts Want You To Know Before You Try Cupping
“Cupping therapy has been one of the most buzzed-about alternative treatments in the wellness space for years now.”

Week Ending April 25, 2022

Fact Check: Is There a Connection Between COVID Vaccines and Hepatitis C?
“In a viral tweet from last week, Dr. Peter McCullough, a Texas cardiologist and frequent purveyor of COVID-19 misinformation, claimed that there is a connection between the COVID-19 vaccine and hepatitis C.”

Recommendations for Adenovirus Testing and Reporting of Children with Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians and public health authorities of a cluster of children identified with hepatitis and adenovirus infection. In November 2021, clinicians at a large children’s hospital in Alabama notified CDC of five pediatric patients with significant liver injury, including three with acute liver failure, who also tested positive for adenovirus.”

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients with sickle cell disease at the Korle-Bu teaching hospital
“Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a blood borne infection that remains potentially transmissible through blood transfusions. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common inheritable haemoglobinopathy in Ghana that requires multiple blood transfusions as part of its management. The SCD patient is therefore at a high risk of HCV infection; however, data on the occurrence of HCV in SCD patients has not been documented in Ghana. This study sought to determine the prevalence and genotypes of HCV infection in SCD patients.”

In a deadly drug epidemic, harm reduction saves lives
“According to the latest report from the CDC, an estimated 105,752 people died of drug overdoses in the 12-month period ending October 2021. In Florida alone, 7,617 people died of drug-related death in that same time period. These staggering numbers prove that the drug epidemic is deadlier than ever right now.”

Week Ending April 25, 2022

What Is Polarity Therapy?
“If you’re looking for an intervention that combines counseling, bodywork, and lifestyle changes, you may want to learn more about polarity therapy.”

How Often You Should Exercise
“Regular exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle. But you might be wondering how much exercise you need in a given week to get the most benefits.”

Live Whole Health #119: Mindful moment
“The average person has more than 6,000 thoughts in a single day. That’s a lot of thinking! There are so many distractions in our lives. Even with the chaotic pace of our days, there are quick and simple ways to focus on being mindful.”

How to eat healthy on a budget: 7 tips from experts on foods to eat and diet hacks amid cost of living crisis
“Buying food and drink is 5.9% more expensive on average than it was in 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics, with the poorest households set to be hardest hit”

Nutrition equity: How to give nutrition advice to diverse families
“If nutrition advice were easy to follow, the number of children with type 2 diabetes and obesity would be going down, not up. But as many pediatricians and nutritionists know, food cravings, picky eaters, and hectic schedules pose serious challenges. Add language barriers, a lack of accessible food choices, or food insecurity to the mix, and healthy nutritional habits become even more difficult to sustain.”

Recognizing and treating disorders of gut-brain interaction
“The clinical scenario above (names altered for privacy) is surprisingly common for gastroenterologists. These doctors of the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, colon, pancreas, and liver are well trained to identify and treat conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that occur from diseases caused by inflammation, infection, or cancer.”

What Are Alternative, Complementary, and Integrative Health Approaches?
“Nearly one-third of Americans say they use alternative health approaches, also known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).  And if you’ve ever attended a yoga class, taken a breath to destress, or received a massage, you can count yourself as someone who’s tested out this approach. Here’s a look at what these terms mean, their potential benefits, and how to find the right practitioner for you.”

Pain Task Force Updates White Paper on the Role of Acupuncture for Acute Pain
“The majority of reviews indicate that acupuncture therapy may effectively reduce acute pain and has the potential to decrease reliance on opioids. These white paper findings, by the Academic Consortium Pain Task Force, were published in Pain Medicine.”

Integrative approaches to common GI disorders
“Treatment for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease (CD), and colitis are limited when it comes to standard medications and other conventional medical interventions. The only real known cure for CD, for example, is a gluten-free diet for life, and irritable bowel syndrome is often treated by adding fiber to a child’s diet, bowel training, and other nonpharmacologic approaches. With this in mind, Alexandra Russell, MD, from Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee, offered a lively and informative discussion of alternative treatments to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with various GI disorders in children.”

Week Ending April 18, 2022

Accessible, Nonstigmatizing Care Clinic Had Better Hepatitis C Outcomes
“Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that can cause chronic illness and fatal liver damage. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that over 14000 people died of hepatitis C in 2019, and as many as 2.5 million people are estimated to be living with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).”

Hepatitis C Is Widespread but Rarely Treated in Postpartum Medicaid Beneficiaries With OUD
“Nearly one-third of pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries who have opioid use disorder (OUD) and are screened for hepatitis C test positive for the virus, according to results of a study led by investigators from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.”

Provider education, point-of-care antibody testing benefit patients with HCV
“A range of interventions improved testing, linkage to care and treatment initiation in patients with hepatitis C, according to a study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.”

Should Medical Staff Still Be Tracked to Protect Patients Against Hepatitis C?
“New Hampshire lawmakers are pondering whether to continue keeping a registry that tracks medical technicians, reports The Associated Press. A 2014 law established the registry after a traveling lab technician at Exeter Hospital caused an outbreak of hepatitis C virus, infecting 32 people in New Hampshire, seven in Maryland, six in Kansas and one in Pennsylvania.”

Week Ending April 18, 2022

Can Produce Prescription Programs Turn the Tide on Diet-Related Disease?
“As the farm bill process ramps up and some hope to expand the use of Produce Rx programs, new research seeks to assess the impact of this “food as medicine” tactic.”

Prevention: The benefits of exercise are more expansive than you think
“It might surprise you that getting physically stronger can improve one’s mental health, too, but that’s the experience of people who begin to walk or work out. The initial goal might be to increase arm strength or to lose weight, but the mental health benefits become obvious over time.”

‘Promising evidence’ that osteopathy may relieve musculoskeletal pain
“There’s “promising evidence” that osteopathy, the physical manipulation of the body’s tissues and bones, may relieve the pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions, finds a review of the available clinical evidence, published in the open access journal BMJ Open.”

Grappling With the Science of Touch-Based Healing Practices
“Developed in the early 1980s by Colorado nurse Janet Mentgen, Healing Touch is rooted in the idea that near-body or light touch can support the body’s ability to heal. While it remains on the fringe of mainstream medicine, the Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloane Kettering and more than 30 percent of America’s Veteran Administration (VA) hospital system have incorporated healing-touch therapies into conventional treatment to comfort patients.”

Why and How To Start an Elimination Diet
“Sometimes, the foods you love don’t love you back. When your body responds to your favorite foods with symptoms like bloating and diarrhea, you may start regretting some of your food choices.”

Supporting Healthy Eating in Your Patients: A Nutritionist’s Advice
“Often in western medicine, the mind and body are treated separately—as if they are entities that do not deeply rely on one other to work well. We are not disembodied heads resting on top of a separate body. The mind and the body are interconnected and need to be addressed as a whole.”

How Nature Supports Immunity, Longevity & Brain Health — Backed By Research
“We hesitate to call nature a “tool” you can use to benefit your health—as that greatly underestimates the amazing capacities of the world around us—but we also can’t ignore the sheer number of healing benefits associated with getting outside.”

Study explores perceptions of and preferences for complementary and integrative medicine options for chronic headache
“A new study from researchers with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Regenstrief Institute is one of the first to explore the perceptions and preferences of both patients and their healthcare providers regarding the use of complementary and integrative medicine treatments in conjunction with mainstream medicine for chronic headache.”

Flow state, exercise and healthy ageing: 5 unexpected benefits of singing
“Singing with others feels amazing. Group singing promotes social bonding and has been shown to raise oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”) and decrease cortisol (the “stress hormone”).”

Physical activity reduces depression risk in adults, study finds
“Adults who engage in recommended levels of physical activity are less likely to develop depression, an analysis published Wednesday found.”

On Nutrition: Another look at the Dirty Dozen
“Did you ever think that strawberries, spinach and kale would be called “filthy”? Or leafy green vegetables “repeat offenders”? That’s exactly how these especially nutritious fruits and vegetables are described in a recent article in USA Today.”

Happiness Is a Salad: Strong Correlations Between What We Eat and How We Feel
“Many of us — in the West, at least — seem to suffer from what psychologists call the “Unhealthy = Tasty Intuition”: we subconsciously assume that healthy foods are not as tasty, enjoyable, or satisfying as unhealthy foods.[1] This belief seems to lead to a particular dislike for vegetables[2] and, although it is not shared by everyone — specifically, not by people who enjoy eating and are interested in health[3] — recent research suggests that, due to rapid globalization and urbanization, the beliefs that we have about food are converging across many different cultures.”