A recent study revealed that “polyphenols and other compounds in coffee help activate a specific protein in the body known to help alleviate inflammation and protect against stress and chronic diseases, leading to healthier aging.” Polyphenols had been shown in the past to help slow down aging.
This study confirms that finding. Our diet is a major factor (#1) in our health and longevity. Those gut (microbiome) friendly food items, anti-inflammatory foods, keep our body healthy and telomeres (longevity trait) protected.
Polyphenols are found in, among a few others, all berries, cherries, dark chocolates, extra virgin olive oil, walnuts, pomegranates, pistachios, green and black teas, and coffee. Monounsaturated fats from Macadamia nuts help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Inflammatory items, like red meat, especially processed meats and ultra-processed foods, tobacco, vaping, and alcohol, cause imbalance in our microbiome, cause inflammation in our body, increase our risks for diseases, and shorten lifespan.
Exercise, like walking leisurely or as briskly as the body tolerates, is essential in maintaining good health. Jogging is associated with spine, hip, knee, and ankle joint problems down the line.
Those of us who complain daily about tribulations in life, the aches and pains and disabilities in our senior years, instead of being grateful for a long life, have an alternative: die young.
Most importantly, faith in God, having a positive mental attitude, a happy and grateful countenance, and retaining youthful insights and actions are paramount in inspiring healthy aspirations and longevity.
Aging is inevitable, but we can, and should wisely, try to slow down aging by maintaining good health to enjoy the maximum potential of our longevity.
Health news
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expands into more states in its investigation of the cyclosporiasis outbreaks that cause severe intestinal illness. Health officials trace the parasitic infection to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. Almost 1200 cases have been reported in 41 states as of July 28, 2026.
Vegetables and fruits have to be washed thoroughly. I add a teaspoon of salt to the water for washing. Some use baking soda dissolved in hot water to be added to the basin.
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Clinical studies spotlight a shift towards “metabolic Psychiatry,” using the keto diet as a supplemental treatment of severe depression, epilepsy, and other psychiatric disorders. The keto (ketogenic) diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat, and moderate protein eating strategy. Many celebrities use it to maintain weight and health in general. Some of the potential side effects of the keto diet are: increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, kidney stones, nutrient deficiency, dizziness, headaches, nausea, irritability.
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The US-CDC revealed that the measles outbreak in the United States reached 2,318, hitting a 35-year high. It threatens the country’s elimination status achieved in 2000. In the Philippines, there is an ongoing rise in measles. The DOH cited a significant rise in measles and rubella. It has launched a massive national immunization campaign aiming to vaccinate 10 million children. Measles could be deadly, with 0.1 to 0.3 percent mortality (1-13 deaths in a thousand. Globally, around 95,000 died from measles, mostly unvaccinated children under age 5.
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Bariatric Surgery for weight loss management has dramatically gone down, thanks to the trending GLP-1 weight loss and diabetes medications. Examples of these drugs are Ozempic and Wegovy. GLP-1 seems to also have beneficial effects in lowering the risk of cardiovascular, mental, eye, and kidney diseases. The injectable form of these drugs is now available in pills.
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One of the most common preventable triggers of stroke around the world is forgetting to take blood pressure pills, the primary reason among 58% of individuals. Being compliant, strictly adhering to prescribed timing and dose of medications, especially for hypertension, is vital to stroke prevention.
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New research shows a shift to Cell therapy in the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus. Recent innovations aim to replace the destroyed pancreatic Beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin in our body. Clinical trials of stem cell therapy, such as Vertex’s zimislecel, have achieved major milestones in stopping insulin dependence among diabetics. When this revolutionary therapy becomes clinically available, this will be a boon to the 589 million diabetics around the world.
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Liquid injection of silicone as fillers for facial cosmetic purposes carries extreme health risks and is highly dangerous, according to the US-FDA. While temporary fillers like hyaluronic acid naturally dissolve, liquid silicone is permanent and acts as a foreign body. It could lead to silicone migration, formation of hard lumps (granulomas), silicone embolization, chronic inflammation, and becomes difficult to remove later. Before consenting to any procedure, discuss it in detail, including potential complications.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities, and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article is general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
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 was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then 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
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States.
