PETER'S PRINCIPLES - Feb 11 -
15, 2007
Jill from Sterling Heights wants to know which low-fat food program is the healthiest.
Jill, make sure your low-fat food routine is rich in one food source -- carbohydrates.
At least seven prominent medical associations have come to the same conclusion. Under new guidelines -- a healthy diet should have less than 10 percent saturated fat -- and no more than 30 percent total fat. Also, more than 55 percent of total calories should come from carbohydrates! Finally, no more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol should be consumed each day and salt intake should be limit to less than one teaspoon (2000mg).
That may sound a little bland so to add a little variety, add at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day!
Marv from Waterford gets up several times a night to eat and can't seem to stop himself.
Marv, you may suffer from night-eating syndrome!
One percent of the U.S. population has the disorder. Up to 25 percent of the obese suffer from it, and obesity is one of America's biggest health concerns. Those with the syndrome are up as many as four times a night -- taking in up to 50 percent of their daily calories before sunrise!
The latest research show that sufferers might have high levels of the hormone, leptin and show low levels of melatonin. Melatonin helps regulate sleep patterns.
Now that scientists have clues they're researching the disorder and that could mean better sleep for millions!
Carl from Ferndale takes the supplement DHEA regularly. He's heard it could pose prostate health risks and emails for more information.
Carl, DHEA does have prostate pitfalls you need to know about! DHEA is popular with weight trainers because they believe it increases testosterone levels. Older adults often take KHEA to prevent muscle loss and boost sex drive. But DHEA is now being linked to prostate enlargement and cancer!
One problem is that the supplement also increases levels of a substance called ADG -- which is a byproduct of DHEA. Another drawback is that you have to take WAY TOO MUCH DHEA to boost testosterone levels for it to be practical. Some studies show up to fifteen hundred milligrams a day is necessary for even a measurable increase in testosterone levels.
When you take in that much DHEA estrogen levels are also raised -- countering the testosterone benefits. The bottom line is that DHEA just isn't worth the risk or expense!
Kim from Lenox Township is a long-time smoker who wants to know the life span for folks who manage to kick the habit in middle age.
Kim, I did the research and in this case it's never too late to get a nicotine-free new lease on life!
Most studies now show that long-term smokers lose up to ten years off their lives -- depending on how much they smoke and for how long. An interesting study out of Oxford University highlights the importance of quitting regardless of your age! It followed 35,000 doctors over the course of 50 years, as I just mentioned the long-term smokers died an average of 10 years sooner than their non-smoking colleagues. BUT the study also shows that quitting can put years back onto your life expectancy! Quitting between the ages of 30 to 60 can add anywhere from 3 to 10 years back onto expected life span.
Life expectancy has increased dramatically over the last century -- but that trend doesn't hold true for folks who insist on making smoking a part of their lives.
Mike from Westland has heard bout the benefits of running and wants to know more!
Mike, if you're looking for a way to maximize your next run, going retro could be just the ticket!
In fact, running backward is a FANTASTIC way to burn calories. Research shows it uses 40 to 120 percent more energy than running forward! Another advantage is for folks trying to recover from a leg injury. Walking backwards puts less strain on ligaments than forward motion. But caution should be used with a retro-run. The elderly or anyone with a balance problem should continue with forward motion.
For most, running backwards to get ahead healthwise could be just what the doctor ordered!
Do you have a question you've been working on? Send me an email!
