Gastroenterologist discusses rational nutrition in the New Year’s Eve podcast "Heinrich Terahertz"
The guest of the 24th episode of St Petersburg University’s popular science podcast was Mariia Prashnova, Associate Professor in the Scientific, Clinical and Educational Centre of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at St Petersburg University. As a gastroenterologist and nutritionist, she shared insights on the principles of proper nutrition, common myths, and the nuances of traditional New Year’s dishes.
In medicine, nutrition is often divided into two categories: rational and irrational. The rational diet traditionally aligns with the Mediterranean diet, while the Western diet, characterised by a high intake of simple carbohydrates and refractory fats for quick energy, falls under the irrational category.
The key principle of rational nutrition is diversity, with a strong emphasis on consuming a variety of foods, particularly vegetables and fruits. In this way, we obtain not only the essential proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (macronutrients) required for life, but also additional benefits in the form of various vitamins and minerals (micronutrients).
Mariia Prashnova spoke about the Healthy Eating Plate, known as the Harvard Plate, useful and harmful approaches to managing heartburn, and recent medical trends. One notable trend focuses on guiding patients with various pathologies towards the most rational diet, avoiding programmes that impose prolonged restrictions on specific foods. Such diets can often do more harm than good.
When discussing New Year’s menus, alcoholic beverages deserve special attention. The gastroenterologist advises caution with all alcoholic drinks, as they contain toxins and can lead to poisoning.
The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) actively promotes the understanding that no amount of alcohol is entirely safe. Instead, the concept of a conditionally safe dose is introduced, as its effects depend on multiple factors, including genetics. For women, it is recommended not to exceed 20 grams of pure ethanol per day (approximately a small glass of champagne), while men should limit their intake to 30 grams.
Mariia Prashnova, Associate Professor in the Scientific, Clinical and Educational Centre of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at St Petersburg University, a gastroenterologist and nutritionist
Mariia Prashnova has been diagnosing and treating liver pathologies and various gastrointestinal diseases for more than 10 years. In addition to her medical practice, she teaches at the Scientific, Clinical and Educational Centre of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Institute of Medicine at St Petersburg University. She is a member of the St Petersburg Hepatological Society, the St Petersburg Society of Gastroenterologists, Hepatologists, and Dieticians, the St Petersburg Botkin Society of Therapists, and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL).