Published August 9, 2003 in the North Island Weekender
For those of you who have been reading my articles over the
last three years I would like to test your knowledge you may have gained so far
so this is a quiz! Answers are included for those of you who hate tests.
1. What is the most common dietary deficiency in North America?
2. What are the two most common mineral deficiencies?
3. What are the most common food allergies or sensitivities and what
symptoms improve when they are eliminated?
4. What are trans fatty acids and why are they so bad?
5. What cheap vitamins greatly reduce heart disease?
6. What is the key item missing from the Canada Food Guide pyramid?
Answers:
1. Essential fatty acids such as omega 3 fatty acids are very hard to
get in the diet due to food processing. Omega 6 and 9 are easier to get. Omega
3 essential fats especially in the form of purified fish oils will reduce heart
disease by 70% according to the Lyon Heart Diet Study 1999. I emphasize in my
practice that fish oils are more cardio protective due to their EPA and DHA
content rather than flax oil which may not convert to EPA and DHA very readily
in the body. For those of you taking cod liver oil make sure it is purified of
dioxins, mercury and PCB’s for optimal results. Essential fats make up every
cell membrane in the body and maintain optimal cell function that is why it is
good for a variety of health concerns and every body part!
2. Magnesium and zinc are found to be the most common deficiencies
according to red blood cell levels and are responsible for hundreds of
biochemical pathways in the body. Magnesium is important for: inhibiting clot
formation, energy production of the cell, anti-spasmodic effects and lowers
blood pressure. Zinc is important for: enhancing the immune system,
infertility, anorexia, promotes wound healing and skin health, and supports
thyroid function. I consider calcium deficiencies to be also very high and it
is important not only for osteoporosis, but the prevention of colon cancer and
treatment of high blood pressure and insomnia.
3. Wheat and dairy are the most common food sensitivities I see in the
practice. This may be due in part to food growing practices as much as the food
itself. Wheat has been bred to contain much more gluten that it was 50 years
ago and the human body has a hard time digesting it thus contributing to the
increase in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) we are seeing today. IBS symptoms
include gas, bloating, cramping and diarrhea. Milk from cows has huge amounts
of pregnant cow hormones in them as well as the pesticides and antibiotics fed
to these milking cows. Perhaps this is what people are reacting to with
increase skin acne problems, gas and bloating and an increase incidence of
colds and flus. I believe one of the reasons the Eat
Right For Your Blood Type diet works for a lot of people as most people are
type O and they are eliminating these foods and getting dramatic results!
4. Trans fatty acids are hydrogenated oils that the body does not recognize
that clog the cell membranes and interfere with optimal cell function thus
affecting every body organ system. Whenever you eat out you are getting huge
doses of these bad fats. Crackers, French fries, chips of all kinds, no matter
what type of oil is used, are trans fats. The biggest organ it affects is the
skin and the most important system it plays havoc with is the cardiovascular
system leading to weight gain, diabetes, dementia and heart disease. Avoid them
like the plague!
5. B complex that contains folic acid, B6, B12 and niacin dramatically
reduces heart disease by reducing homocysteine in the blood a huge risk factor
for heart disease and dementia. Make sure yours is less than 5!
6. Water! The best food pyramid is called the “floating food pyramid”
with water at the bottom meaning it should be consumed the most over any food!
Contact my office for a copy of this new food pyramid recommended by functional
medicine practitioners.
Dr. Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com