PETER'S PRINCIPLES - August 13-August 17, 2007
Peggy from Royal Oak emails saying she's just been diagnosed with colitis and her doctor told her more people are being diagnosed with the condition. Is this true?
Peggy- I first want to say I understand what you're going through. I was diagnoged with Crohns disease when i was 15 years old. You can learn to live with the condition.
It does look like many more people are battling colitis. Researchers say the number of colitis cases has nearly doubled in the last 10 years. They say a common infection that causes diarrhea may be to blame.
Researchers believe the bacteria which causes colitis may have become more common and stronger, making it more resistant to antibiotics.
Marge from Detroit emails saying she seems to be constantly battling infections. Is there anything she can do?
Well Marge-you may want to add more zinc to your diet.
A new study at Wayne State University found zinc supplements may reduce the risk of infection in people over age 55. Researchers took a group of people ages 55 to 87 and divided them into groups. One group took zinc supplements each day, the other group did not. After 12 months the group who took the zinc supplements suffered significantly fewer infections.
Previous studies have shown zinc may be a good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. It may also help battle the common cold. Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Mary from Commerce emails concerned about news that eye problems could actually mean she's at risk for an early death. Is this true?
A new study found older men and women with cataracts or age-related macular degeneration are at an increased risk of suffering an early death.
Researchers followed more than 3 thousand people aged 49 and older. 54 Percent of people with any type of visual impairment died during the 11 year study. They're now conducting a new study to determine if its the vision loss itself that increases the chance of early death or if the vision loss is just a sign the body is deterioating.
Doctors say finding a link between vision loss and early death could help lead to early detection and treatments to help those with vision problems live longer.
Marcie from Romulus emails saying her doctor says her teenage daughter's lung problems are because she's not eating enough fruit and fish. Is this true?
It could be. Researchers studied more than 2 thousand teenagers. They found teens who didn't eat a lot of fruit and had lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids-found in fish- were more likely to have asthma and respiratory problems.
Researchers say even moderate amounts of omega 3 fatty acids were protective. They say the omega 3's may work by counteracting inflammation in the lungs.
The nutrients in fruits may actually protect the lining of the lungs airways.
Todd from Canton emails saying he has lifted weights and exercised for much of ids life. He says now when he lifts, ids muscles are able to lift more weight, but his joints can't handle it. Is there anything that can be done to help strengthen and protect the joints?
Yes todd there is. Try adding some magnesium and essential fatty acids to your diet. Foods that contain magnesium include green vegetables. Spinach is an excellent source of magnesium. As are beans, peas, nuts and seeds. Essential fatty acids are the good fats found in fish.
Another good way to strenghten your joints is add a little spice to your life. Spices not only make your food taste better-they're good for you. Spices that act as natural anti-inflammatory's include tumeric, rosemary and ginger.
And at the end of your busy day, sit down with a cup of green tea-it can also help bring relief to those aching knees and elbows.
Do you have a question you've been working on? Send me an email!
