This is definitely one of those topics that only gets more confusing the more you read. So, you need to have a philosophy about it and fit each new bit of information into your overall framework. That way, you're not constantly reeling from 'no carbs' to 'low fat' to 'grapefruits only' to whatever is in. Among physicians, there isn't any consensus about what is best for you. The only thing we can probably agree on is that no one diet suits everyone. In this section, over time, we hope to provide enough helpful information so you can make healthful decisions on your own.
In a nutshell, my philosophy is that fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should make up most of your intake. Lean protein such as fish, chicken, turkey or tofu, nuts, lentils. and beans should comprise the rest. The most important to me is eating 'whole foods' as they come out of the ground and limiting processed foods as much as possible. The food industry has studied and perfected combining the most tempting, and at times addictive, combinations of fat, salt, and sugar in restaurant and supermarket offerings. They know how to keep you coming back for more.
Varying what you eat can keep your meals interesting. I aim to include 'superfoods' such as spinach, tomatoes, pumpkin, blueberries, and hemp seed, which I think are delicious. Experiment with foods that contain antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, lycopene (think tomatoes), and beta-carotene (pumpkin and carrots). These and many others are beneficial when eaten in 'whole foods' but not when taken in pill form.
Of course, not one nutrition plan suits everyone, since food preferences or intolerance and medical issues must be considered.
But for the majority of people, if you eat whole foods and nourish your body and soul with a wholesome variety of nutritious foods, your mind and body will thank you. Often, people don't realize that fatigue, insomnia, depression, and other issues are closely tied to what we eat. In our posts in this section, we'll provide some practical information and keep you posted on the latest and greatest in nutrition news. Send us your questions!
Marital Harmony Restored – Musings on a Smart Toilet
Recently in the WSJ there was an article referencing the popularity of the “smart” toilet AKA the Toto Washlet. Since I am a gastroenterologist, this article was of great interest. What do these toilets do? As it turns out, quite a lot. First off, and of most importance to the fastidious Japanese householder (where these…
The Beauty of Exercise – Rocky Mountain High
Fortunately for me, my daughter opted to go to Colorado to celebrate her college graduation, giving me the opportunity to visit there for the first time, as well. In Rocky Mountain National Park, ‘America’s Switzerland’, the natural beauty is breathtaking and the physical abilities of the residents is so impressive. Maybe it has to do…
Keeping Your Child’s Teeth Healthy and Strong
Keeping Your Child’s Teeth Healthy and Strong You can do many things to keep your children’s teeth healthy and strong. Make sure they have a healthy diet, brush every day with fluoridated toothpaste, and see a dental professional regularly. However, it is especially hard to keep tooth decay from developing in the teeth of very…
Are You Burned Out? Beyond the Rat Race…
Lately, I have witnessed many professionals who have retired early or taken prolonged breaks from work. There are quite a few physicians I know who have done this already and others who have made plans to retire in their fifties or younger. Some are simply tired from the long hours of hard work; others have…
Menopause 2014: An Update from the American College of Physicians Annual Meeting 2014
Although the existence of “Andropause” is very controversial in the medical community, there is no doubt that every woman goes through menopause, whether surgically induced or as a natural consequence of aging. In the United States, the average age of menopause is 51 years of age. So to balance out my last article on Andropause,…
The Pearl that Broke Its Shell, A Reflection from author Dr. Nadia Hashimi
On May 6th of this year, I walked into our local Barnes & Noble with my husband and our two children. We had to see it to believe it. The novel I’d written three years ago was sitting front and center on the “New Release” table – touchable and very real. “Mommy, there’s your book,” my son…
Water Exercise – For Memorial Day and Year Round
Perhaps you think of pool exercise as being only for skilled swimmers or for those needing rehab for a joint. Well, think again! Swimmer or not, water is a great medium for athletes to cross-train, those with joint or weight-bearing issues to exercise, and for everyone to have a fun time. As someone who spends…
“Sayar” is Doctor and Teacher
We started our medical mission in Myanmar at Sao Sun Tun Hospital, a 500-bed government run facility in Taunggyi, located 15-hour bus ride from Yangon. Dr. Po Po No, a young physician in training was assigned as my interpreter. In attempt to learn a few words, I asked Dr. Po to tell me the Burmese…
Andropause: Truth, Fiction, or Both? A lecture from the American College of Physicians (ACP) Annual Meeting 2014
Much controversy surrounds the concept of a possible male menopause. Dr. Kristen Gill Hairston, an associate professor in endocrinology from Wake Forest School of Medicine gave an excellent summary of the symptoms of low testosterone, medical evaluation and possible treatments at the ACP (American College of Physicians) annual meeting. She cautions that only patients who…
Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there and all those who still have a mother! I hope we will all take a moment to think about the mothers of the 267 Nigerian girls who were kidnapped in such a violent way and have not been found. There will continue to be so much…