Here's my problem with health-related advice and wisdom -- it's always changing. And I'm never sure if I'm buying into the right practice. Should I eat low-fat foods, for example, or should I stick with moderate amounts of regular food? Is red meat a good source of protein and other goodies or a direct path to breast cancer recurrence? Will sunscreen save my life or cause malignant lesions to develop on my fair skin?I honestly don't know what to think about these questions -- or the handful of new ones that just came to my attention.
There's the one about eggs. Some say they cause a rise in cholesterol. But now I learn that when eaten in moderation -- about two per day -- eggs do not contain enough cholesterol to do any damage.
Then there's the carbs. It's true that cutting down on them can lead to weight loss. But it's also true that moderate consumption does not contribute to weight gain.
There's the one about eggs. Some say they cause a rise in cholesterol. But now I learn that when eaten in moderation -- about two per day -- eggs do not contain enough cholesterol to do any damage.
Then there's the carbs. It's true that cutting down on them can lead to weight loss. But it's also true that moderate consumption does not contribute to weight gain.
How about drinking eight glass of water a day? Maybe yes. Maybe no, according to experts who say we get water from sources other than diet alone and while we do need to replace water lost through breathing, urination, and sweating each day, our lost fluids do not total 64 ounces. And it seems we can drink too much water. This can lead to an imbalance of sodium and a condition called hyponatremia.
Vitamin supplements? Eat a good amount of fruits, veggies, whole grains, low-fat dairy, protein, and the right amount of calories and you don't need a multivitamin. But most of us don't eat right. So we probably need one.OK. Now breathe. Take it all in. Filter it. Use it. Abandon it. As for me -- I'm going with the tactic mentioned above several times -- moderation. Seems to me this approach is the key to both health and happiness.
1. Jacki,
I've read about everything mentioned in this article. Some of the info was new to me. All in all I would have to agree with you on moderation. Funny, I was thinking about some changes in my own diet as well.
Before and after my diagnosis of severe liver dysfunction, I was on a normal diet, without added sodium, and would eat foods that are easy to digest. When going on a strict diet of only vegetables, fruit, a lot of water, I noticed that my body and physical being started feeling weaker.My liver readings have not changed, if they do, they only increase.
Realizing every person will react differently to special diets; and just being on a normal diet, I have found that I had a little more energy, my color was better. Red meat does not agree with me, so fish or chicken replaces the red meat.
It is overwhelming how many food products and skin products can be related to causing cancer. Not knowing what to eat, what medications, and there are quite a few of those that can cause serious problems including cancer. It really is quite stressful just thinking about these things let alone having to live by these diets and regiments.
Other obvious products to stay away from are lawn products and the pesticides, I say this because having used them for many yrs, I am now paying for it, my lungs are diseased as well.
There are people that have to stay on these particular regiments the rest of their lives, and I feel for them. But if they are comfortable and feel well, then they should continue, do whatever it takes to be healthy and happy without stress!
So, I will end this by saying thanks for this article. It confirms what I have been feeling for awhile now. No need to over-do, just eat sensibly, along with veggies and greens and fruits & as you said in moderation
Posted at 9:55AM on Apr 7th 2007 by Jason Chambers