I’ve been away for a few days-my wife and I are putting in an organic garden, and with the soil here in AZ, it is quite the endeavor. Needless to say, with the shoveling, planting, etc., it’s a great workout. I am also eager to taste the red kale, lettuce, carrots, squash, and other fresh veggies.
I came across some interesting facts in Dr. Whitaker’s latest newsletter that I’d like to share with you.
In 1986, researchers divided 577 patients with slightly elevated blood sugar levels (prediabetes) into three groups. One group was placed on a diet with more veges and less sugar and calories, another on an exercise regimen, and the third on a combination of the two. Six years later, the diet and exercise group had a 51% lower risk of developing full-blown diabetes compared to a control group with no lifestyle modifications. Even more astounding, upon follow-up in 2006, their incidence of diabetes was still 43% lower. Seems lifestyle changes do have an impact. And speaking of diabetes, every two hours, one diabetes-related amputation is performed in the US.
One of the best predictors of premature death is poor physical fitness. Folks, the stronger you are, the better prepared you are to meet life’s challenges.
Resveratrol and acai-berry products are all the rage but beware. There are no relevant studies on humans as to their effectiveness. And, the two are very expensive-stick with red wine or grape juice, each of which contain resveratrol but also other healthful compounds, and there is much stronger evidence linking them to better health.
Another great finding about curcumin (turmeric). Curcumin kills H. pylori, the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers, and protects against gastric problems.
Coming soon: some thoughts on H1N1.
Stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.