PETER'S PRINCIPLES - Jan 21-25, 2008
Vickie from Novi has been hearing disturbing reports about the dangers of high protein diets and emails for more information.
Vickie, the long term damage caused by high protein diets seem to outweigh the potential benefits. New studies show that even trained athletes can become dehydrated on the diets -placing a major strain on the kidneys and other organs. A recent studies examined the effects of high protein diets on the body's hydration. During the study participants consumed thirty percent of their food intake from things like steak-eggs- and prateln bars. Blood tests several weeks into the study show that an increasing amount of protein led to dehydration and eventual stress on the kidneys. The best rule of thumb is to keep your intake of protein to 1/4 - 1/2 gram per pound of ideal body weight, but in doing so you must drink 1/2 your ideal body weight in water per day. It's key!
Walt from Southgate e-mails for inspiration to give up his favorite edible vice, red meat!
Walt, i recently came across some research you may find interesting! Chemicals called hetero-cyclic-amines or h-c-a's are generated when cooking red meat. Studies have shown that h-c-a's may trigger the growth of cancer cells. Scientists are now looking at the link between eating red meat and hodgkins lymphoma.. A disease that attacks the lymphatic system. Eating red meat has also been linked to colon and rectal cancer. The latest research concludes that the safest way to go is to only eat small portions of red meat. Red meat can be an important part of a well balanced diet containing a wide variety of food. For most of us there's nothing wrong with an occasional steak or burger. The key is knowing when to say when!
Jill from Auburn Hills emails for the low down on caffeine consumption.
Jill, the fact is that most of us can drink up to 3 cups of coffee a day with no problems! Caffeine is found in beverages like coffee, tea and many kinds of pop. It's a mild psycho-active substance that stimulates the nervous system. It can also boost the effects of some pain relievers and is added to some drugs. Caffeine has been linked to many health problems, but these claims have been found to be mostly untrue. This is especially true when habits like alcohol consumption and smoking are factored in. Studies show that drinking 5 to 8 cups of un-filtered european style coffee a day can raise blood pressure, but most coffee sold in the us is heavily filtered. If you experience nervousness or stomach upset, cutting consumption should do the trick.
Walt from Madison Heights is getting on in years. He's heard about a new brain pacemaker and writes for more information.
Walt, you're talking about a new device that's giving new hope to millions with parkinsons disease! Parkinsons is a disease that causes progressive degeneration of the brain neurons that control movement. It eventually leads to tremor- halting speech- and difficul tv walking. Now an electron can be implanted in the brain to make parkinsons more bearable. It does this by delivering pulses of electric stimulation to specific areas of the brain. The pacemaker could also be beneficial for other brain disorders! More on this important new development as information comes in!
Stan from St. Clair Shores works out on stationary bicycles and rowing machines and wants to know why that isn't considered a weight bearing exercise.
Stan, a weight bearing exercise is any sustained exercise you do on your feet working against the pull of gravity. This includes walking, running, stir-climbing, step aerobics, dancing and weight training. Cycling and rowing, do involve some working against resistance, but only have a modest effect in preventing bone loss. Still, you should continue the workouts you like, just don't count them as bone healthy activities. See if you can integrate two or three sessions a week of weight bearing activity into your routine.
