The New Dietary Guidelines
Simon Says
For example, did they come out and tell you that total elimination of refined sugar and refined carbohydrates is essential? Of course not -- that would wipe out an entire industry. Still, it is the single most important thing that each and every one of us can do to improve our diet and safeguard our health. How about dairy? Studies show that dairy is the culprit in a wide range of health problems from allergies to osteoporosis to prostate cancer. It is also problematic in the regulation of insulin, which is one of the mechanisms gone haywire in the overwhelming number of people with diabetes in this country. Still, dairy keeps its prominent place in the new guidelines, just as it enjoyed in the old. Much to the relief of dairy farmers everywhere. I do think it's an interesting read, though. You can download the entire report if you go to www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines and check it out for yourself. Just don't expect it to be your definitive guide to healthy eating. There's still a lot of gray area in those 84 pages. But Dr. Wright recommends a simpler approach: the "original human diet." And much of it does contradict the new -- and old -- USDA guidelines. No refined sugar, no dairy, high in protein-rich foods such as meat and fish, and a preference for organically grown and raised foods. It's the kind of eating our ancestors did -- before cancers, diabetes, chronic immune disorders, heart disease, and many of today's killers were so prominent. Now, politically, the powers-that-be can't tell you that this is the best diet for you. It would hurt too many of their food industry alliances. But Dr. Wright can. Check out his article in the January 2003 issue of Nutrition & Healing to learn more before you plan your meals for the next few weeks. **************************************************** Hormone help Q: I've been reading a lot about the benefits of DHEA lately. It seems to really help a variety of health problems. What kind of testing is used to determine a need and how can I find out about my DHEA levels? JVW: I suspect DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) will continue to rise in popularity as science provides proof of the body's need for this important hormone. DHEA is produced by the adrenal gland and used as a precursor to a number of other vital hormones. We've known for years that DHEA levels decline as we age. But while mainstream medicine accepts this decline as natural and inevitable, natural health doctors are taking a different approach. They are using current research and knowledge on DHEA to recommend supplementation for their patients. And they're finding that it is countering the effects of many conditions related to low levels of this hormone. These include fatigue, depression, insulin resistance, low immunity, certain cancers, and Alzheimer's, just to name a few. Before beginning any hormone supplementation, it is a good idea to have your levels checked. This is especially important for DHEA if you are under the age of 30. Also, knowing your current level will help determine an appropriate dose for your needs. If you think you may be low on this hormone, I recommend you ask your doctor to order a blood test for DHEA as well as androsterone and etiocholanolone, molecules that are made from DHEA. Sometimes taking DHEA can increase the levels of these hormones without changing the DHEA level, so it is wise to keep an eye on these as well. Once you begin DHEA supplementation, regular follow-up tests should be performed to monitor your progress. If your physician is not knowledgeable about DHEA -- or at least interested in becoming knowledgeable on your behalf -- you can contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) at 800-532-3688 or www.acam.org for a list of natural medicine physicians in your area. And be on the lookout for more news on DHEA's benefits in the upcoming April issue of Nutrition & Healing. New research indicates it can reduce diabetes risk and help you get rid of that stubborn "midsection spread" so many people experience as they get older. If you're not already a N&H subscriber, visit www.wrightnewsletter.com for details on becoming one. **************************************************** The new food guidelines have a completely new section entitled DASH -- Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. From what I can tell, however, it's merely about reducing sodium intake, and an acknowledgment that 77 percent of dietary sodium is in processed foods. While this is helpful information for those who might not realize this, it might have been more helpful to add in some other things we know about managing hypertension. For example, overproduction of insulin is also a known cause of hypertension. To bring insulin overproduction under control, the most necessary dietary changes are total elimination of sugar and refined carbohydrates and a sharp reduction in overall carbohydrate intake, especially such starches as potatoes, beans, pasta, and grains. Yours in good health, Sources: When the government steps into just about anything, no matter how simple, it takes on a political sheen. The new dietary guidelines put out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services are no exception.
What is...DASH?
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing
"Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005," Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture (www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines)
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