Today, we shall answer some queries sent in by our readers, inquiries that we welcome and are grateful for, and useful information for our general readership.
What is conscious tooth brushing?
When I introduced the term conscious dental brushing years ago, I was encouraging people to concentrate when they brush their teeth, and not to simply do it haphazardly, thinking of many things on their mind, and not being conscious of which set of teeth they are brushing. Total awareness and dedication are vital to brushing our teeth.
Our dental health affects our cardiovascular, pulmonary, and gut health. Bacteria in our mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause an inflammatory response, which can adversely impact our general health. Oral health is vital, so brushing our teeth after each meal is important, and doing it consciously and conscientiously is essential.
As we brush, we must adopt a strategy to know which sets of teeth we are brushing, so we do not miss any. And brushing, scraping the back of the tongue (which is loaded with bacteria), should be a part of conscious brushing. Using a mouth rinse (I prefer one with stabilized chlorine dioxide/sodium chlorite) will also eliminate bad breath.
Those who take one brushing for granted, or not seriously, are quietly harming their health. People have developed lung cancer from decades of poor oral hygiene. Not to mention disgusting halitosis (terrible bad breath). I strongly believe that our mouth, used wisely, is our gateway to general health and well-being. Let’s take good care of our mouths and not allow any poison to get in.
Are soft drinks really unhealthy?
For the past four decades, this column has been repeatedly warning people against what I termed the “liquid poison candy,” soft drinks. These beverages, diet or regular, cola or uncola, are all hazardous to our health, especially to our children’s delicate bodies. Imbibing soft drinks regularly increases the risk of the development of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels, which will lead to hypertension, T2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke, and indirectly to Alzheimer’s and cancer.
Nothing beats 6-8 stage reverse osmosis filtered water, or fruit juices (diabetics should add this with their caloric allowance). There are beverages today that are nothing but water plus a hint of fruit flavor, zero calorie. Of course, alcoholic drinks are out!
Why continue with the old ignorance and old poison when, today, we have all the vital medical information, especially with AI, and available healthier food and drinks?
What is the new limit for alcohol?
We have recently addressed this issue, showing new recent studies that change all the old stages of recommendation, from a glass or two of wine, with dinner declared healthy, a can of beer or two a day was fine, popular since 1991.
The massive Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study, which was published in the journal Lancet in August 2018, declared a definitive scientific consensus that “no amount of alcohol is safe.” The landmark evaluation fundamentally changed the global truth about the dangers of the chemical ethanol or ethyl alcohol, alcoholic beverages. Beer contains 3-10 percent ethanol, wine, between 12-15 percent, and distilled spirits (Vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, brandy, cognac, etc.), 40 percent, or 80 proof. The current medical recommendation is total abstinence from alcohol, none, even for occasional or social drinking.
Is Stem cell Rx effective?
Stem cell ads are greatly ubiquitous, like many therapies and drug supplements, because these trillion-dollar industries are largely unregulated, allowing clinics and vendors to market unproven and expensive treatments, victimizing unsuspecting gullible consumers.
Stem cell therapy is being advertised for cosmetic, “instead of plastic surgery,” for “rejuvenation, to feel younger,” for joint disorders, back pains, autoimmune or neurological diseases (Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s), etc. These are false claims with no medical basis.
The only genuine indication and use of stem cell therapy today, “the only FDA-approved stem cell therapies, are hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cell transplants derived from umbilical cord blood, bone marrow, or peripheral blood. These are strictly approved to replace or rebuild a compromised blood and immune system:
FDA-Approved Indications:
- Blood and Bone Marrow Cancers: Leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
- Blood and Immune Disorders: Severe aplastic anemia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and certain immune-deficiency or metabolic diseases.
- Genetic Conditions: Sickle cell disease (treated via genetically modified autologous stem cells).
- Bone Marrow Transplant Support: Accelerating blood cell recovery and reducing infection risk after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation.”
The FDA has not approved stem cell therapy for any other conditions. Any other claims are experimental, unproven, and illegal. And dangerous!
Are nightshades unhealthy?
The myth that we should not eat the following foods called “Nightshades,” because they are inflammatory still persists, listing tomato, potato, eggplant, pepper, and paprika as ‘unhealthy” to consume. Leading health authorities clearly consider edible nightshades as nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins, essential minerals, and potent antioxidants. Some nightshades are toxic, like tobacco, Atropa belladonna, black nightshades, etc. Unhealthy food items include red meat more than twice a week and processed and ultra-processed foods, which increase the risk of dementia by 58 percent. Fermented foods are healthy for our microbiome (gut health).
Is avocado bad for diabetics?
No, avocado has been known as a health food for centuries. New studies revealed that one avocado a day may help control blood sugar levels by reducing the dietary glycemic load, which is beneficial to diabetics and non-diabetics. Avocado also provides the added benefit of lowering the risk of cancer in the general population. The new insulin inhaler (no more needles) is a wonderful breakthrough in diabetes therapy.
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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, medical missionary, 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, U.S. Senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, distinguished educators, renowned scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
