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Thread: Your health ... your choices

  1. #1
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    Your health ... your choices

    There has been more than usual advice from health “ experts “ about diet in recent weeks, some of it conflicting. If only the link between diet and disease was as clear cut as that for smoking .


    What we do know for certain is that cardiovascular diseases ( especially heart attacks and strokes ) and cancers are leading causes of deaths worldwide. In the UK – where 9/10 diseases are non-communicable ( not infectious ) - they each account for over a quarter of deaths. Cancers of breast, lung, bowel and prostate are the commonest for the UK. Cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent killers in the Philippines, where 3/5 diseases are now non-communicable ; followed by cancers ; including liver in addition to those listed for the UK.


    The risk of cancer ( remembering there are at least 200 types ) could be reduced in possibly 2/5 cases by not smoking ; keeping active with a healthy body weight ; eating a “ balanced “ diet ; and avoiding excess alcohol. Immunizing against hepatitis B would prevent most liver cancers ; and against human papilloma virus, most cervical cancers.


    Much of the recent publicity, however, has been especially about reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.


    “ NICE “ ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ) has put out draft guidelines for use of statins ( the drugs which lower cholesterol ) (http://www.nhs.uk/news/2014/02Februa...atins-use.aspx ).



    At present the guidance is to prescribe statins for those with a 20% ( + ) risk of cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years. They suggest reducing this to 10%. But statins have side-effects, and not everyone agrees with “ mass medication “ for people who haven’t already had a heart attack or stroke.


    NICE bases its guidance on a “ risk calculator “ ( QRISK , see http://qrisk.org/ ), developed for UK use - but which can be used elsewhere in the world.


    Benefits of a low-fat diet, replacing saturated fats with carbohydrates or polyunsaturated fats, have recently been questioned (http://openheart.bmj.com/content/1/1/e000032.full ) - only to be defended by several other “ experts “.



    It has also recently been suggested that a high protein diet may be “ as bad for health as smoking “ (http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/...131(14)00062-X ). Previous studies had shown a link between red meat and cancer, but this may be the first published claim that protein ( especially animal ) might be harmful.



    Now the World Health Organization has opened a public consultation, proposing that sugars should be less than 5% of total energy intake per day (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/...-guideline/en/ ).



    At the same time, England’s Chief Medical Officer has suggested that some form of sugar tax may be necessary (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26442420 ). The problem is that a levy on consumption always hits the poorest hardest.


    Sainsbury’s supermarket recently announced that it would join the Co-op and Waitrose, by including calories on the labels for “ own-brand “ wines. Other wine producers are also considering listing of calorie contents. “ Residual sugar “ in wine usually makes it taste richer, fruitier, and more palatable ( to some ). Indeed, a large glass of Shiraz may have as many calories as a packet of crisps ! Other alcoholic drinks have significant calorie contents, perhaps ignored by those who otherwise watch their diet.



    It does seem that risk factors in diet need to be taken with a “ pinch of salt “ ! Moderation in all things is my advice for a happy and healthy long life .


  2. #2
    Trusted Member mickcant's Avatar
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    Thanks Doc.

    I get some brownie points for never having been a smoker, and have not drank alcohol for some years, but my diet's not that good, I do eat plenty of veg, but like roast potatoes too much!

    Mick.


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    thanks Doc. i started to feel ill just reading all that.


  4. #4
    Respected Member Michael Parnham's Avatar
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    Another good one Alan, hope someone benefits from this post, I always take everything on board, good advice as always!


  5. #5
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    Health issues affect ALL ages, directly or indirectly ! The healthy eating debate is certainly attracting widespread publicity. The consensus is “ All things in moderation “ , as I have suggested after reading the various studies and statements.


    My own chances of a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years, according to QRISK ( see http://qrisk.org/ ) are 14%. This is less than the 20% expected for my age group, and I will NOT be taking statins. However, such a decision is normally taken by a patient in consultation with their doctor.


    Thankyou Mickcant, Bigmac, and Michael for your support by responding .


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    I've read it too Alan
    I can't give you any more rep at the moment, I have to share it around.

    The protein debate is about protein derived from animals.
    Protein from others sources such as nuts are perfectly safe
    The study is not conclusive as the 6,500 or thereabouts participants lifestyles were not taken into consideration.


  7. #7
    Moderator Arthur Little's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gWaPito View Post
    I can't give you any more rep at the moment, I have to share it around.
    Well ... ... I can and I will! Excellent advice as ALWAYS, Alan.


  8. #8
    Trusted Member Rosie1958's Avatar
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    Thank you for preparing another interesting piece of advice, Doc Alan. The time it must take you to prepare these and the valuable information you provide doesn't go un-noticed.

    Many young men in the UK today are heavily into weight-lifting and they are overdosing on protein rich foods and also taking additional powdered protein supplements to repair/build muscle. I know that there are often tummy problems caused by these and wonder what long term damage these youngsters are doing to themselves


  9. #9
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    Thank you gWaPito , Arthur, and Rosie .


    Hopefully the “ silent majority “ of members who have not responded are doing as suggested by India Knight in today's “ Sunday Times “ :- “ Ignore the warring food police and trust your gut instinct “ and “ When you don’t know who or what to trust … trust yourself “ !


    As Rosie says, it does take time to read the literature, and even respected health journals don’t always get it right.


    Regarding weight lifting, bodybuilding generally, and dietary / “ sports “ supplements for “ health benefits “, including weight loss, there is a need for caution, especially shopping online.


    Protein IS an important part of a balanced diet. But care is needed when taking protein supplements, instead of / or as well as protein-rich foods. Illegal bodybuilding and sports supplements are more likely to cause harm.

    There is good advice for UK members here (
    http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Pharmacy/...e-dangers.aspx
    ).


    The Philippines has a long history of bodybuilding, and even a dedicated facebook site (



    http://www.philstar.com/sports/77837...inally-unified

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Phili...02066399854370
    ).



    Finally, there's been a recent reminder that a drug used in treatment of breast cancer may be present in bodybuilding supplements. For many years bodybuilders have taken the drug ( “ Tamoxifen “ ) to prevent and treat breast swelling caused by use of anabolic steroids. Tamoxifen is a very useful drug, but has side effects ! It’s important to know exactly what substances are present in “ dietary “ / “ food “ or “ herbal “ supplements – whether “ over-the-counter “ or online ! ( See


    http://www.bmj.com/press-releases/20...ing-supplement
    ).


  10. #10
    Moderator joebloggs's Avatar
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    Also, never take your health for granted, if you've got concerns no matter how small go and see your GP, it's better to be safe than sorry and if you do have a problem seeing your GP ASAP could literally make the difference between life and death.

    I've just found out little Joe's got to go into hospital soon poor guy doesn't have a clue

    Also, last week a 2yr old girl his child minder looks after is ill with a serious eye infection
    http://www.filipinouk.com/forum/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=870&dateline=1270312908


  11. #11
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    I hope it's nothing too serious Joe

    We do worry, us parents.

    I remember my life then - 17 yo son being rushed into hospital wd a collapsed lung. Apparently quite common in fast growing adolescents. Anyway, before that I knew nothing about the condition. The wife and I fell into a heap when first seeing our Craig in bed with tubes coming out from all ways.


  12. #12
    Moderator Arthur Little's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gWaPito View Post
    I hope it's nothing too serious Joe.
    ... had just been about to express exactly the same sentiment as Mark, Joe.


  13. #13
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    Joebloggs is quite correct, never take your health – or that of your loved ones who may depend on you - for granted. Best wishes to little Joe .


    We ALL have blood pressure, but too much salt is one of the known risk factors for future HIGH blood pressure from a young age. A recent study should indeed be taken with a pinch of salt, together with its advice . It has shown that salt intake – in children from South London – is too high, most of it coming from bread and cereals, also meat and dairy products. (

    http://hyper.ahajournals.org/content...02264.abstract
    ).



    Salt levels in many UK foods have reduced in recent years, but it’s still thought that our salt consumption is often too high, around 8g / day. ( http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/salt.aspx
    ).



    The evidence for salt intake as a factor in blood pressure is strong. High blood pressure affects around a third of adults in the UK, and at least a quarter in the Philippines.


    Food sources of salt vary between the two countries. In the UK, much comes from processed and restaurant-prepared food.


    UK guidelines recommend that adults should have no more than 5-6 grams of salt ( one full teaspoon ) per day. Suggestions to reduce intake to this level include :-
    • Use herbs and spices rather than salt to flavour food.
    • Limit the amount of salt used in cooking, and do not add salt to food at the table.
    • Choose foods labelled 'no added salt', and avoid processed foods as much as possible.




    In the Philippines, recommended salt intake is the same as for the UK ( “ Medicine Blue Book “ ). However, the source of salt is different – in Asian countries it’s mainly added in cooking, and present in sauces and seasoning, whether in home cooking or “ street food “.



    Of course there are other steps to prevent high blood pressure and its consequences like heart attacks and strokes. These include all the recommendations for “ healthy living “, which also reduce the chances of other serious diseases. There is effective drug treatment.


    The problem with high blood pressure is that it’s often without symptoms, and people are unaware how common it is, especially in the Philippines.


  14. #14
    Moderator joebloggs's Avatar
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    thanks doc Alan for the rep and your posts ,

    not its not serious but he's going to need GA

    thanks for your support
    http://www.filipinouk.com/forum/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=870&dateline=1270312908


  15. #15
    Moderator joebloggs's Avatar
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    its not just fat and salt, its hidden sugar to
    i stopped drinking cola along time ago, i think in a 300ml can of cola there are 10 sugar cubes

    so i started drinking high juice (50% fruit juice) instead thinking it would be healthier in a 250ml glass which has been diluted there are still about 5 sugar cubes in that
    http://www.filipinouk.com/forum/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=870&dateline=1270312908


  16. #16
    Respected Member malditako's Avatar
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    i make smoothies and juice from fresh fruits which hubby like better than having cakes and puddings for dessert


  17. #17
    Moderator joebloggs's Avatar
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    http://www.sugarstacks.com/beverages.htm

    a drink we had in the phils mountain dew, thinking it had to be a bit better than cola, equivalent to 31 sugar cubes in a 1L bottle
    http://www.filipinouk.com/forum/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=870&dateline=1270312908


  18. #18
    Respected Member bigmarco's Avatar
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    Another interesting post thanks Doc

    Packed up the smoking so now focusing on losing the few extra pounds that went on as a result.


  19. #19
    Moderator Arthur Little's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bigmarco View Post
    Another interesting post thanks Doc

    Packed up the smoking
    ... time to change your avatar!


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