Health Bullshit

[ramz]

Since we've got a good forum for this now, I thought it might be good to clean up a bit of the health fertilizer that's been spread around in this board for some time now... First on the chopping block: Colonic Irrigation

http://www.skepticwiki.org/wiki/index.php/Colonic_Irrigation

Interesting tidbits:

"The concept of autointoxication was effectively abandoned after scientific observations proved it to be wrong. It was clearly demonstrated that symptoms of headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite that accompanied fecal impaction were caused by mechanical distension of the colon rather than by production or absorption of toxins. Observation of the colon during surgical procedures or autopsies found no evidence that hardened fecal matter accumulated on the intestinal walls. Critics noted that if the walls were prevented from absorbing nutrients, toxins should also be blocked, yet the theory requires that toxins get through to cause ill-health."

"In a normal colon free from diverticulosis, there is no evidence whatsoever that fecal matter can build up for days, let alone years. There is no evidence that toxins or parasites in the stool can "leak" into the blood stream or any other part of the body.

"Even if that were true, there's no evidence that colonic irrigation could flush out the material when normal bodily movements wouldn't."

[ramz]

Detox Diets:

http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/0-9/4health/food/ydi_detox.html

"The idea of detoxification divides experts. Natural health therapists claim that a periodic detox can confer a host of health benefits (see above). Many conventional doctors and dieticians, however, argue that the body is well-equipped to deal with toxins without the need for special diets or supplements. There is, they say, no scientific proof that detoxing speeds up the elimination of toxins nor that so doing makes you healthier or more energetic. Any benefits you may experience are, they say, a result of eating a better diet and establishing a healthier lifestyle rather than the removal of toxins."

[ramz]

Body Mass Index (BMI):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_mass_index

The units associated with Body Mass Index are problematic. Body Mass Index is expressed in "kilograms per meter squared" or "pounds per inch squared", depending on which Quetelet equation is used. Technically, this looks like a calculation of pressure, which is confusing. However, what BMI actually calculates is area-density (mass per unit area) as distinct from pressure (force per unit area) or normal volumetric density (mass per unit volume). Mathematically, BMI models the human body as a simple cylinder (or - equivalently - a set of similar cylinders) with constant uniform density, and whose radius varies with the square-root of height, so that the circular cross-sectional area varies directly in proportion to height. Measured against this model, a person who is narrow for their height would be expected to weigh less than the norm and hence should have a BMI lower than the norm; likewise, a person who is wide for their height should have a BMI higher than the norm. But because real people are not made from cylinders of constant uniform density, but rather of different tissues in varying proportions, actual BMI calculations can give perplexing results. Two people of different build may have the same height: but one who is lean and well-muscled may weigh the same as the other who is toneless and flabby; yet both have the same calculated BMI. Any physician could assess at a glance which of these bodies is likely to be in better condition. BMI values alone can't tell the whole story.

A simple modification of the BMI system, called "BMI Prime", was proposed to eliminate the use of these confusing units. By definition, BMI Prime is the ratio of a person's Actual Weight (or Mass) to his/her Upper Weight (or Mass) Limit, calculated at a BMI of 24.9. Since BMI Prime is a ratio, it is expressed as a pure, dimensionless number. Another advantage of the "BMI Prime" system is that it enables people, at a glance, to determine what percentage they deviate from their Upper Weight (Mass) Limit. For further details: Quetelet's Equation, Upper Weight Limits, and BMI Prime

As a general rule, developed muscle is denser than fat and the BMI does not account for this. Therefore a person with more muscle mass, such as a body-builder, will seem to be overweight. Likewise it could be stipulated that some long-distance or endurance athletes would be classified as ectomorphic (underweight, anorexic or starvation), this type of athlete tends to have low body fat and well developed slow twitch muscle, which does not contribute greatly to muscle mass. These individuals could be widely regarded as the perfect composite for their particular sports. Due to these limitations, body composition for athletes would not be calculated using the body mass index, and instead the body fat would be determined by such techniques as skinfold measurements or underwater weighing. In parallel to this, sportsmen or women from sports such as Rugby and American Football, where size and muscle are often of importance, could be listed as overweight, due to a large amount of muscle. At the extreme, many bodybuilders would be classified as morbidly obese, such as Markus Rühl who has a BMI of 46.

Another issue is that competitive athletes often know very accurately what their actual height and weight are, while the general public has tendencies toward over-estimating their height, and under-estimating their weight. The BMI standards, as a public health tool, take this tendency into account. This can lead to athletes having a higher reported BMI than a lay person of the same height and weight.[citation needed]

Mayo Clinic researchers say the BMI doesn't accurately predict risk of cardiovascular death because it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. They say a better measure may be your Waist-hip ratio.

In an analysis led by Lopez-Jiminez of 40 studies involving 250,000 people, heart patients with normal BMIs were at higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease than people whose BMIs put them in the "overweight" range (BMI 25-29.9).[citation needed]. Patients who were underweight or severely overweight had an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

The implications of this finding can be confounded by the fact that many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cause weight loss before the eventual death. In light of this, higher death rates among thinner people would be the expected result.

[ramz]

The Concept of Ideal Weight:

http://www.msu.edu/user/burkejoy/unit1c_a.htm

[ramz]

The Challenges of Weight-Related Research:

http://www.msu.edu/user/burkejoy/unit1c_b.htm

[Hitoi]

So it's not necessary to get a colon cleansing or just that particular kind of cleaning (the irrigation)?

[ramz]

The Correlation (or lack thereof) Between Weight and Health:

(be sure the check the links in this frame... supremely illuminating)

http://www.msu.edu/user/burkejoy/unit1c_c.htm

[ramz]

So it's not necessary to get a colon cleansing or just that particular kind of cleaning (the irrigation)?
there aren't nooks and crannies in the colon for stuff to hide... when people get an irrigation, they are expelling stuff that would come out in a regular bowel movement that day or the day after. the idea that 10-15 lbs of stuff is sitting in the colon is complete bullshit.

[bscarry]

Is there wher I come to get my cornhole washed?

:booty:

*poof*

[Hitoi]

there aren't nooks and crannies in the colon for stuff to hide... when people get an irrigation, they are expelling stuff that would come out in a regular bowel movement that day or the day after. the idea that 10-15 lbs of stuff is sitting in the colon is complete bullshit.

But but but...what about the "black snake" pics that people have posted post-colon cleansing?

Either way, I have an unhealthy obsession with cleansing my colon but I'm scared to do it. And your findings may have given me the answer I need.

[ramz]

But but but...what about the "black snake" pics that people have posted post-colon cleansing?

Either way, I have an unhealthy obsession with cleansing my colon but I'm scared to do it. And your findings may have given me the answer I need.
that's just poo that was on it's way out the door anyway, its exit expedited by a day or two...

[The Logic Theorist]

Well, while we're on this road, this is what the American Heart Association has to say about high protein, low carb diets. IMO this is a MUST READ for anyone trying to lose weight and considering one of these diets:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11234

Important:

A healthy diet that includes a variety of foods and is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables along with regular physical activity can help most people manage and maintain weight loss for both cardiovascular health and appearance.

[OhNoesIt'sJohn]

in ref. to the BMI:

it's actually better to measure and calculate your lean body mass via measurements of height, body fat % and current weight...the bmi skews peoples thoughts as to what they should weigh...the BMI says my ideal weight is like 185, but my lean body mass is at 205...i'd have to lose 20 pounds of muscle on top of the fat to hit that...

and on colonic irrigation...meh, i do actually feel better and since i've been detoxing and irrigating, i've been getting sick FAR less(used to be sick 5-6 times a year, now it's maybe once if at all)

may be no scientific basis, but it works for me.

[ramz]

re: low carb/high protein diets:

yeah... the one feature of these diets that I can say totally works is cutting refined sugars out of your diet entirely. but, I don't think that necessitates cutting carbs out or increasing fat/protein. In fact, men NEED some carbs to effectively lose weight (and maybe women too, but definitely men). also, excessive protein is really bad for the kidneys and liver.

[Verbal Radiation]

But but but...what about the "black snake" pics that people have posted post-colon cleansing?

Either way, I have an unhealthy obsession with cleansing my colon but I'm scared to do it. And your findings may have given me the answer I need.

http://themot.org/gallery/d/113064-1/muddy.jpg

[Precious12]

I'm all about the fruit and veggies. :cheerleader: Vegan :cheerleader:

Just started taking some spirulina supplements too for that added umph.

Thinking about wheatgrass.....how does it taste?

[OhNoesIt'sJohn]

Well, while we're on this road, this is what the American Heart Association has to say about high protein, low carb diets. IMO this is a MUST READ for anyone trying to lose weight and considering one of these diets:


Important:

A healthy diet that includes a variety of foods and is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables along with regular physical activity can help most people manage and maintain weight loss for both cardiovascular health and appearance.

yup. even when cutting weight, i still ate a lot of carbs, just the right ones, not a shit ton of white bread...switch over to whole wheat, steel rolled oats and veggies and you're golden.

although high protein intake is essential for building muscle fast

[Hitoi]

I'm all about the fruit and veggies. :cheerleader: Vegan :cheerleader:

Just started taking some spirulina supplements too for that added umph.

Thinking about wheatgrass.....how does it taste?

I'm not vegan but I do love trying all that healthy shit. Kombucha is my newest thing.

What are the benefits of wheatgrass? I've been tempted to take shots of it at the smoothie place.

[The Logic Theorist]

re: low carb/high protein diets:

yeah... the one feature of these diets that I can say totally works is cutting refined sugars out of your diet entirely. but, I don't think that necessitates cutting carbs out or increasing fat/protein. In fact, men NEED some carbs to effectively lose weight (and maybe women too, but definitely men). also, excessive protein is really bad for the kidneys and liver.

A lot of those diets don't really differentiate between processed sugar and natural sugar, and say it's bad for you to eat things like carrots and strawberries.

Over doing it with protein has also been shown to block the body's absorption of calcium as well, so for women these diets can be particularly damaging.

[The Logic Theorist]

I'm not vegan but I do love trying all that healthy shit. Kombucha is my newest thing.

What are the benefits of wheatgrass? I've been tempted to take shots of it at the smoothie place.

Wheatgrass is magic juice. Remember I managed a Jamba Juice for like 2 years. I've met a lot of people that swear by the stuff, and one of the guys that worked for me read an entire book on anecdotal evidence that it's like a miracle food.

As far as what facts have been proven, it contains a ton of necessary vitamins and anti-oxidants. When I get really sick, the wheatgrass is the first thing I go for.

[Precious12]

I'm not vegan but I do love trying all that healthy shit. Kombucha is my newest thing.

What are the benefits of wheatgrass? I've been tempted to take shots of it at the smoothie place.


I've seen the Kombucha in Whole Foods....how is it?


edit:


Health claims (Wiki):

Proponents of wheatgrass use claim that regular ingestion of the plant can improve the digestive system, prevent cancer, diabetes and heart disease, cure constipation, detoxify heavy metals from the bloodstream, cleanse the liver, prevent hair loss and help to make menopause more manageable[2]. There is, however, no medical nor scientific evidence to support these claims, although there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence to that effect [3].

One of the most popular claims about wheatgrass, and one that is frequently made by both supporters and retailers, is that a 30 ml shot of wheatgrass is as nutritionally valuable as a kilogram of green vegetables [4]. This claim most likely originates from a statement commonly attributed to the "father of wheatgrass", Charles F. Schnabel, who is alleged to have said that "Fifteen pounds of wheatgrass is equivalent to 350 pounds of the choicest vegetables" [1]. However, 30 grams of cooked spinach and broccoli contains more of certain vitamins and minerals (including vitamin C, calcium and folic acid) than the equivalent amount of wheatgrass.[3] Spinach and broccoli also contain fibre. A garden salad of the size commonly sold in fast food outlets contains vastly more of a range of nutrients than a 30 ml shot of wheatgrass.

The chlorophyll molecule is similar in structure to hemoglobin, leading some to believe that wheatgrass helps blood flow, digestion and general detoxification of the body.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheatgrass

[ramz]

A lot of those diets don't really differentiate between processed sugar and natural sugar, and say it's bad for you to eat things like carrots and strawberries.

Over doing it with protein has also been shown to block the body's absorption of calcium as well, so for women these diets can be particularly damaging.
right, which is definitely stupid... When I go "off sugar", I definitely allow myself glucose and fructose, but almost no sucrose.

[Hitoi]

I've seen the Kombucha in Whole Foods....how is it?


It smells like a foot but it tastes pretty decent. I don't normally drink carbonated beverages but it's light and fruity.

If you pound it quick enough, it's supposed to give you a euphoric feeling. I didn't try it, though. I can barely take shots of water.

[Precious12]

I'll have to pick some up next time on my weekly visit to WF. Was just there last night eyeballing it... :ponder:

My goal is to go predominantly raw foods..... means no more 'cooking'!

but i will have to make a special exception to my vegan vegetable curry. That shit is bangin'

[GiveMeFunkyBeats]

I can barely take shots of water.


:afterbuzz:

funny b/c im the same way...whenever i do shots with ppl at the bar i have to warn them "ok im going to take this in two sips, dont judge me"

and then my friends/ppl im doing shots with are surprised when i actually do the shot in two smaller sips

[Hitoi]

For that, we'll have to take a shot together sometime.

Everytime my friends and I do a group shot, we all cheers, everyone throws it back and pushes their glasses in a little group on the bar while I try to discreetly try to finish mine.

[The Logic Theorist]

I can barely take shots of water.

Heh. Good luck with 2oz of wheatgrass.

[Precious12]

Heh. Good luck with 2oz of wheatgrass.


if this man does not answer my question as to 'what it tastes like'....... :slap:

[GiveMeFunkyBeats]

For that, we'll have to take a shot together sometime.

Everytime my friends and I do a group shot, we all cheers, everyone throws it back and pushes their glasses in a little group on the bar while I try to discreetly try to finish mine.


:hifive:

[The Logic Theorist]

if this man does not answer my question as to 'what it tastes like'....... :slap:

You never asked.

But it has a slightly sweet taste, but a definite "just mowed the lawn" taste. You get used to it pretty quickly. I don't think it's terrible, but then I've also been eating vegetarian foods for 13 years.

[Precious12]

I'm all about the fruit and veggies. :cheerleader: Vegan :cheerleader:

Just started taking some spirulina supplements too for that added umph.

Thinking about wheatgrass.....how does it taste?

maybe i'll try it.....you're not eating fish are you?

[The Logic Theorist]

maybe i'll try it.....you're not eating fish are you?

I am. I can't give up seafood for one thing, and I need the calories for another.

[Precious12]

I thought you told me that a while back....but I wasn't sure.

:pout:

[The Logic Theorist]

I will pretty much never be able to live without raw oysters and crawfish. I could be told I was allergic to them, and eating them might kill me, and I'd take the chance.

[Funshine]

Mmmm... oysters.

[Precious12]

:elad: to each his own my brotha....whatever gets you randy. lol

[ramz]

Fitness Myths

Myth No. 1: I need exercises to work my 'lower abs' and reduce my pot belly.

First, there is no such thing as 'lower abs.' The six-pack you're going for is actually one long muscle, called the rectus abdominis, that extends from below your chest to your pelvis. To work your abs, you should do exercises to target all four muscles: the rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques and the transverse abdominis.

Second, doing crunches will not help you get a 'six-pack' if you have a layer of fat over your abdominal area. In order the see the muscles, you must reduce your body fat. For more information about this and some great ab exercises, check out Flatten Your Abs.

Myth No. 2: If I'm not sore the next day, I didn't workout hard enough.

Many people use muscle soreness as a gauge of how good their workout is. However, muscle soreness is caused by tiny tears in the muscle fibers and, while some soreness is expected if you regularly change your program, being sore for days after your workout most likely means you overdid it. If you're sore after every workout, you're not allowing your body time to recover , which is when you experience the most muscle growth.

To prevent soreness, you should warm up before your workout and stretch before and after. If you experience soreness, rest for a day or so and then do the same exercises that caused you to be sore in the first place, but lower the intensity.

Myth No. 3: If I can't workout often enough and hard enough, I might as well not even do it.

The general rule for weight loss is to do cardio 4-5 times a week for 30-45 minutes as well as weight training 2-3 times a week. Some people simply don't have the time to workout that much and they think, since they can't do all of that, why do ANY of it? Remember: Any exercise is better than no exercise, even if it's only a 15-minute walk. Being physically active ) is proven to reduce stress and make you healthier. So, even if you can't make it to the gym, you have no excuse not to do something active each day.

Myth No. 4: Strength training will make me "bulk up"

Some women avoid weight training because they don't want to bulk up. However, strength training is a critical element to maintain a healthy weight and strengthen your body. What researchers know is the the average woman doesn't typically gain size from strength training because she doesn't have the amount of hormones necessary to build massive amounts of muscle. Even men have a tough time gaining muscle and it's something you have to work very hard to achieve, male or female.

Myth No. 5: If I eat more protein, I can build big muscles.

Building muscle mass involves two things: Using enough weight to challenge muscles beyond their normal levels of resistance and eating more calories than you burn.

With all the hype about high protein diets lately, it's easy to believe that protein is the best fuel for building muscle but, according to the American Dietetic Association, muscles work on calories so you need all three types of nutrients - carbs, protein and fat.

If you consume too much protein, you run the risk of creating nutrient imbalance, kidney strain, or dehydration. Plus, excess protein results in extra calories that are either burned or stored. For muscle mass, you should incorporate a healthy eating plan, as well as a workout that combines cardio exercise as well as consistent weight training.

[BuzzCat]

if this man does not answer my question as to 'what it tastes like'....... :slap:


It tastes like grass. Blended, gooey grass. It's not terrible, just grassy.