Advice From A Chinese Doctor ...

Q: Doctor,I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it...don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that’s like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat hay and corn? And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy veggie).  And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from& fruit;Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out& of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q:Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO! Coco beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember 'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOOHOO, What a  Ride!

AND.....

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health.

It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red& wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.


CONCLUSION:

Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you!

Esophageal Cancer

"Drinking steaming hot tea has been linked with an increased risk of esophageal (food tube) cancer, Iranian scientists have found.

The British Medical Journal study found that drinking black tea at temperatures of 70C or higher increased the risk.

Experts said the finding could explain the increased oesophageal cancer risk in some non-Western populations. Adding milk, as most tea drinkers in Western countries do, cools the drink enough to eliminate the risk.....for the full article, click here. 

I love hot tea myself, but never did I think it could cause me problems, but like everything else, aren't we to take this with a grain of salt? Give me a little honey instead, thank you.

I just learned that my son has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and he is only 30ish.  He has been having gastroesophageal reflux for a few years, which had worsened.  After undergoing recent testing, it was determined that the ulcer is cancer at an early stage.  One can imagine that if the stomach acid is constantly coming up to inflame the esophagus it would break down the tissue, thereby over time causing a precancerous or cancerous situation.  I have done a bit of research, and pictures are just awful to look at, and not to mention the outlook isn't too good if it is not caught early.  I also think of another blogger  who is himself fighting this battle.  My son is on chemotherapy pills, and will need to see his oncologist back in two months.   I am hoping the best for my blog friend, too. 

Please, if you or a family suffer with stomach problems, indigestion and/or reflux tell them to talk to their physician, and opt for medical treatment instead of just treating it with over the counter antacids.  Esophageal and stomach cancers are one of the fastest rising cancers in the US today.  Be vigilent about your health. 

Eat More Pineapple!

I love pineapple, always have, but fruit is almost a luxury on a budget income, as fruit prices have skyrocketed along with everything else!  However, next time out to the grocery I'm going to splurge on a good fresh pineapple because the health benefits!

But how do you pick a good one out at the grocery?  How do you know if it's ripe or not?  Turns out it starts ripening as soon as it is picked, and when in the grocery you have to pick one out by smell.  If it smells fresh, tropical and sweet, it will be good! The more scales it has the sweeter the juicier the taste..and did you know that if you cut off the top it will grow just like a sweet potato does!

Since I have a slow digestive system thanks to this thyroid issue and a B12 deficiency, I'm always looking for ways to improve my metabolism.  I can hardly eat any meats any more.  I think going vegan may be more to my liking, but I worry that I won't get the nutrients I need.  With my B12 deficiency, my stomach lining does not absorb stuff like normal people do; that is why I have to give myself B12 injections and take supplements, and try to learn healthier things to eat (all of course on a budget which ain't easy!).  I did a little research on pineapple and it is a very good choice for me, and hopefully you'll think about next time you see them in the store.

I found out that the pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family.  What the heck is that? just keep reading...It is extremely rare that bromeliads produce edible fruit, and that the pineapple is the only available edible bromeliad today.  Who knew right? I just know it tastes good, but as it turns out pineapple is valuable for easing indigestion, arthritis, or sinusitis.  It says the juice has an anthelmintic effect (say what?); and it helps get rid of intestinal worms! Worms? You mean we all have worms? that's another topic of exploration.

However, in finding out more about the pineapple, they say it is high in manganese, a mineral that is critical to the development of strong bones and connective tissue, and would be particularly helpful to older adults, whose bones tend to become brittle with age.

Now here's the scoop on bromelain.  Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, is the key to pineapple’s value. Proteolytic means “breaks down protein”, which is why pineapple is known to be a digestive aid. It helps the body digest proteins more efficiently.Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory. Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis.  It produces mild pain relief. In Germany, bromelain is approved as a post-injury medication because it is thought to reduce inflammation and swelling (okay, I'm not so sure I believe this one).  However, I might try increasing my ingestion of pineapple to improve my digestion!

Most everybody knows that orange juice is a popular liquid for those suffering from a cold because it is high in Vitamin C.  Fresh pineapple is not only high in Vitamin C, but because of the bromelain, it has the ability to reduce mucus in the throat. If you have a cold with a productive cough, add pineapple to your diet. I'm sure a little pineapple is cheaper than Mucinex huh? and probably safer for the kids who get congested through the winter months? It is commonly used in Europe as a post-operative measure to cut mucus after certain sinus and throat operations. Those individuals who eat fresh pineapple daily report fewer sinus problems related to allergies. In and of itself, pineapple has a very low risk for allergies.

Pineapple is also known to discourage blood clot development. This makes it a valuable dietary addition for frequent fliers and others who may be at risk for blood clots.

An old folk remedy for morning sickness is fresh pineapple juice. It really works! Fresh juice and some nuts first thing in the morning often makes a difference. It’s also good for a healthier mouth. The fresh juice discourages plaque growth.

Pineapples are a great fruit to eat in between meals to improve digestion. You can also eat a few chunks of fresh pineapple first thing in the morning as a digestive aid.  The article I read suggests eating pineapple on a low to empty stomach to get the most bromelain induced effects.

You can also grill it; stick chunks on a skewer for a grilled or raw pineapple kabob!  Raw pineapple, now really is there such a thing? ha!