drmichaelroth@juno.com
214-707-3878
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Hello everyone
In this month's issue, I'll be discussing a different method for losing weight based on a theory I have. I know after the holidays, losing weight is "heavy" on everyone's mind (pun intended), but I've been wanting to write about this particular problem for the last several months.
So without further ado, let's get started.
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I wrote this newsletter primarily to draw attention to a contributing factor of why I believe Americans have gotten significantly taller, bigger and heavier in a relatively short period of time.
The average weight for men aged 20-74 years has risen dramatically from 166 pounds in 1960 to 191 pounds in 2002, while the average weight for women in the same age range has increased from 140 pounds to 164 pounds. And...we're getting bigger.
My theory? The foods we eat. Not the amount of foods we eat, although that of course is a factor, but what's IN the foods we eat that should not naturally be there. I'm speaking specifically about growth hormones.
The health dangers of additional hormones we receive from meat products are well documented. Since the 1950s, livestock farmers have used various growth hormones to stimulate their animals to produce more milk and to fatten their herds thus increasing their income. These hormones are certainly one of the reasons we have seen a rise in diseases such as cancer, heart disease and autoimmune disorders as well as precocious puberty in children. But, right now, we're primarily interested in why both children and adults are much larger than they used to be or should be.
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Hormones are powerful, naturally produced chemical messengers that control vital behaviors in all plants and animals. The problem occurs when additional hormones are used in animals. Those same hormones not only affect the growth of animals, but second-hand ingestion can affect growth in humans similarly.
Interestingly, according to at least one study, about a fifth of American shoppers are not confident that food is safe, and of those, 40% are concerned about hormones in food. Did you know that hormonal additives are illegal in the European Union (EU), as well as in Canada, simply based on the possibility of health problems? The EU has gone so far as to ban the import of US beef and dairy from treated animals.
Currently, six steroid hormones are approved for use in US livestock to speed lean muscle growth. Three of the approved additives are synthetic versions of steroid hormones that occur naturally in both cows and humans: estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone; the other three are synthetic variations that closely mimic these. More than 90% of US livestock are currently injected with these hormones, which can increase production of veal and beef by up to 15%.
Additionally, critics contend that milk also contains higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a protein hormone that is identical in cows and humans. IGF-1 plays an important role in milk production, bone growth, and cell division. Eli Lilly & Co. reported a ten-fold increase in IGF-1 levels in milk of cows receiving the hormone.
Pre-pubescent children are at greatest risk, since their bodies naturally contain lower levels of hormones than adults, and they tend to consume more milk per unit of body weight. Pregnant women may also want to use caution.
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Personally, I've noticed how treated meats affect me. At 6' tall, for my current skeletal frame size, I'm at the ideal weight of between 157-166 lbs. I'm eating primarily organic fruits and vegetables, and the occasional meat I do consume is completely hormone and anti-biotic free. It is very difficult for me to gain weight, even when I increase my calorie load 500-1000 calories. However, I've noticed that when I eat the same amount of calories, BUT get those calories from eating out and consuming meat products that are NOT free of growth hormones, I tend to start gaining weight!
So, want to lose weight AND avoid unnecessary health problems? Here are a couple of ways that will help:
- Buy certified organic meat and meat products. Organic animals can only be fed 100% organic feed and cannot be given antibiotics or growth hormones.
- Buy certified organic milk and dairy products. It's also safe to buy imported European and Canadian cheeses and other dairy products, as growth hormones are banned in these countries.
Hopefully this information will help you in achieving some of your health and weight goals for 2011. Once again, Happy and Healthy New Year everyone!
Until next time.
To your good health,
Dr. Mike
SomaHealth, PC
214-707-3878
drmichaelroth@juno.com
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