‘Evidence-based clinical studies around the world have independently shown that the health of our mouth directly impacts our cardiac health and gastrointestinal health.’
MORE than two billion cups of coffee are consumed daily around the world. Coffee itself, without cream and sugar or other additives (except cinnamon or collagen protein powder), is a healthy drink. It lowers the risk for T2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. It improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Coffee is the most traded commodity, second to oil. Arguably, tea is a wonderful contender for the title of “the healthiest drink.”
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Tattoos may increase blood cancer by 21 percent, according to medical research in Sweden. Not to mention infections, damage to the skin, and a higher risk for Hepatitis C, with a 3 to 14 times higher risk of death, compared to the general (uninfected) population.
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Caffeine (coffee/tea) may lower the risk for the development of Parkinson’s but does not slow down the progress if one already has it. The following are advised against drinking coffee: pregnant women or those trying to conceive, those with irregular heartbeats, those with anxiety or depression, and those with digestive problems or insomnia. Caffeine may also interfere with some medications.
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Energy drinks with high doses of caffeine have been linked to serious health issues (seizures, irregular heartbeat, heart failure) and deaths. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that teenagers stop taking energy drinks completely. Adults should do the same as older people are more prone to heart attacks and strokes.
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Soft drinks of any type are harmful to the body, a beverage medically considered as poison, especially to children, which heightens the risk for metabolic syndrome. It is a healthy strategy to stay away from soft drinks and also to minimize, if not eliminate, rice from our diet. We need to make some sacrifices to protect our health, which is a priority.
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Smokers, vapers, and those using electronic cigarettes, especially those who started before age 15 have nearly triple the risk of early deaths from heart disease and stroke, not to mention cancer. E-cigs is not healthier or safer than tobacco.
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Snorer or not, if one feels fatigued often, it could be from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), prolonged breath holding, dozens to hundred times while asleep), causing a restless, impaired sleep, with oxygen deprivation for all organs (brain, heart, liver, kidneys) in the body. Consult your physician for a Sleep Study, and possible use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) therapy, the gold standard evidence-based management of OSA today. Other contraptions on the market do not address the root cause of OSA, and are useless and a waste of money. The surgically implanted “Inspire” is only an option, not the first choice. CPAP, which does not require surgery and is more dependable, is still the best.
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Home and car deodorizers/aerosols are harmful to our lungs. Anything that pollutes the air we breathe in, especially chemicals, in the long run, impairs our pulmonary functions. Children are most likely to sustain the injury, in the form of allergies, or breathing problems, as they grow older. While aerosols make the area smell better with the fragrance, the initial bad odor is simply masked but still in the air we inhale. We have enough natural pollution in our atmosphere we do not need to add more pollutants to our oxygen and increase pulmonary diseases.
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Oxygen kiosk
Sprouting in airports around the world are oxygen kiosks, which “sell” oxygen to inhale “on the spot” for supplemental O2. And it is not cheap. This is unnecessary (except for those with shortness of breath due to severe pulmonary disease) and a waste of money.
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Dental health
Evidence-based clinical studies around the world have independently shown that the health of our mouth directly impacts our cardiac health and gastrointestinal health. Neglected teeth and gums cause subtle infection and inflammation that sends bacteria into our bloodstream. Over time, it negatively impacts our heart health, GI system, and our microbiome. Daily oral-dental hygiene, at least three times a day, and regular dental check-ups are vital not only for our mouth but, more importantly, for our overall general health.
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Plant-based diet
Studies around the globe in the past century have revealed that a plant-based diet is the healthiest for disease prevention, good health and maximal longevity, and that regularly eating a lot of red meat, especially processed meats, increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The charred (black) meat from grilling with high heat is suspected to be carcinogenic and increases the risk for colon cancer and pancreatic cancer. We suggest minimizing red meat (and rice and sugars) to once a week and increasing our consumption of plant-based foods.
Let’s do everything to maintain good health, aiming for a long, wonderful life!
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a cardiac surgeon emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, health advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995 presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later presidential candidate Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
