Tag: exercise

“How Not To Age” – Dr. Michael Greger [Blog # 25]

Would you agree that we only want to live a long life if those extra years come with cognitive and physical well-being and quality-of-life assurances?

We all know that with age, we become prone to diseases and ill health with dire consequences for our lives. So what if we understood aging itself and slowed it down? 

Dr. Michael Greger’s book “How Not to Age” delves into the science of aging, focusing on how dietary and lifestyle choices can influence the aging process. He addresses the hallmarks of aging such as Telomeres, Mitochondrial dysfunction, Cellular Senescence, Oxidative stress, and how to reverse or slow down the aging pathways. 

Dr. Michael Greger wrote “How Not to Age” to educate and empower readers on the significant impact of diet and lifestyle choices on the aging process. By providing research-based strategies, he aims to help individuals improve their healthspan and live healthier, longer lives.

Here are some key themes from the book along with examples that should inspire you to read the book, reflect on your lifestyle, and adjust your diet:

Diet as a Primary Tool Against Aging: Greger emphasizes the power of diet in combating aging. He advocates for a whole-food, plant-based diet, suggesting that such a diet can regulate various aging pathways. For example, he discusses how consuming foods rich in antioxidants, like blueberries or dark leafy greens, can help combat oxidative stress, a key factor in aging.

The Importance of Nutrient-Rich Foods: The book advocates for foods rich in specific nutrients that are beneficial for longevity. An example is a recommendation to eat more foods high in vitamin C (like bell peppers or broccoli) for skin health or vitamin K for bone health, which indirectly supports longevity by preventing age-related diseases.

Avoiding or Minimizing Harmful Foods: Greger highlights the avoidance of processed foods, high sugar intake, and excessive animal products due to their potential to accelerate aging through various mechanisms like inflammation or increased oxidative stress. An example is limiting red meat consumption, which has been linked to higher risks of heart disease, a condition often associated with aging.

Lifestyle and Aging: Beyond diet, “How Not to Age” touches on lifestyle factors like exercise, sleep, and stress management. For instance, regular physical activity, as simple as walking, is recommended not just for cardiovascular health but also for maintaining muscle mass, which naturally declines with age.

Plant Compounds and Longevity: Greger discusses specific plant compounds like sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts or resveratrol from grapes, which have been studied for their anti-aging properties. These compounds are highlighted for their potential to activate longevity genes or pathways.

Inflammation and Aging: Chronic inflammation is a theme often linked to aging and disease. The book suggests anti-inflammatory diets, like those rich in omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds or walnuts, or turmeric for its curcumin content, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Gut Health: There’s a focus on gut health, given its emerging role in overall health and aging. Foods promoting a healthy microbiome, like fermented foods or high-fiber diets, are encouraged. An example is including more kimchi or lentils in diets to support gut diversity.

Supplements and DIY Solutions: Greger provides cost-effective solutions like DIY vitamin C serums or discussing when supplements might be beneficial, like vitamin B12 for those on strictly plant-based diets to prevent deficiencies common in aging.

Real-life Examples and Blue Zones: Drawing from the Blue Zones (areas where people live much longer than average), Greger uses these populations as examples of how diet and lifestyle can lead to extended, healthy lifespans. For instance, the diet in Okinawa, rich in sweet potatoes and tofu, is discussed about their longevity.

Practical Application: The book aims to be actionable, so it includes recipes or meal plans designed to incorporate these principles, helping readers apply the science directly to their daily lives.

Dr. Greger’s approach in “How Not to Age” combines extensive research with practical, everyday advice, aiming to empower readers to make choices that could lead to a longer, healthier life through the lens of nutrition and lifestyle.



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‘How Not to Die’ by Dr. Michael Greger: Evidence-Based Health and Nutrition [Blog #10]

I have found Dr. Michael Greger to be an excellent source of information for a healthy lifestyle backed by Science. Dr. Greger provides practical and evidence-based arguments to help steer us to health and longevity.

Why do I find Dr. Michael Greger compelling? His books, particularly ‘How Not to Die’ might not be laugh-out-loud funny in the traditional sense. However, they incorporate humor in a few ways that make them engaging and approachable:

The Absurdity of Some Research: Let’s face it, some scientific studies can be downright strange. Dr. Greger might highlight the humorous aspects of these studies to make a point without diminishing the underlying research.

Lighthearted Tone: Dr. Greger avoids dry scientific jargon and uses a conversational style. He injects wit and humor to keep the reader interested in potentially complex topics about nutrition and health.

Playful Use of Language: He might use puns, unexpected comparisons, or funny food names to make scientific concepts more relatable.

Self-deprecating Humor: Dr. Greger doesn’t shy away from poking fun at himself or the limitations of certain studies. This lightness adds a personal touch and makes the information more digestible.

It’s important to remember that the primary focus of Dr. Greger’s books is to provide evidence-based information on healthy eating and preventing disease.

‘How Not to Die’ argues that a plant-based diet with specific lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of chronic diseases. While I urge you to read the book to derive the most value from it, here are some key takeaways:

  • Focus on whole plant-based foods: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are the foundation of a healthy diet. These foods are packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help prevent various diseases.
  • Dietary tweaks for specific health concerns: Dr. Greger recommends specific plant-based foods for different health problems. For instance, flaxseeds are used to lower blood pressure, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli for cancer prevention.
  • Prioritize exercise: Regular physical activity is crucial for overall health. Aim for at least 90 minutes of moderate or 40 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly.
  • Limit processed foods: Processed foods are often loaded with unhealthy fats, sodium, and added sugars, which can contribute to chronic diseases.
  • Dietary swaps for a healthier you: Dr. Greger suggests replacing unhealthy fats with healthy options like those in nuts and avocados. Similarly, limit red meat and processed meats, and focus on getting enough potassium and fiber from plant sources.
  • Lifestyle habits matter: Don’t smoke, manage stress, and get enough sleep. These habits and a healthy diet and exercise can significantly impact your health.

It’s important to note that he backs his claims with numerous scientific studies which you can explore on his website, NutritionFacts.org.

One example of a popular scientific study Dr. Michael Greger might discuss on NutritionFacts.org is the Harvard Health Professionals Follow-up Study and the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study. This long-term study followed tens of thousands of healthcare professionals over several decades and found a link between red meat consumption and increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and overall mortality.

Dr. Greger emphasizes using well-regarded, peer-reviewed studies to support his claims about the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Harvard studies mentioned above are a good example because they are large, long-term studies with a strong reputation in the scientific community.

Dr. Michael Greger utilizes a multi-pronged approach to educate the public about nutrition and health:

  • Books: His flagship book, ‘How Not to Die’, summarizes the power of a plant-based diet in preventing chronic diseases. It uses an engaging writing style to present complex information clearly and sometimes humorously. At the time of writing this blog, he published a new book called ‘How Not to Age’.
  • NutritionFacts.org: This free, non-profit website offers a treasure trove of resources. Easy-to-understand videos, articles, and podcasts delve into various aspects of nutrition, all backed by scientific research. Dr. Greger highlights the latest studies and their implications for a healthy diet.
  • The Daily Dozen: This unique checklist on NutritionFacts.org encourages a well-rounded plant-based diet. It categorizes twelve essential plant-based food groups to include in your daily intake.
  • Social Media: Dr. Greger is active on social media platforms, sharing snippets of his research and insights on healthy eating habits. This allows him to connect with a wider audience and spark conversations about nutrition.
  • Lectures and Presentations: Dr. Greger frequently delivers lectures and presentations to the public and medical professionals. This allows him to directly engage with audiences and spread his message about the power of evidence-based nutrition.

I listen to and swear by Dr. Greger’s knowledge and wholeheartedly recommend you follow him on social media and read his books.



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Plant-Based Diet and Athletic Excellence: Athletes Who Break Stereotypes [Blog #9]

If there was a doubt that a vegan diet was suited for top-performance athletes, here’s a list of some worldwide famous vegan athletes and their sports:

Endurance Athletes:

  • Scott Jurek (Ultramarathon runner): He holds numerous records in ultramarathon running, including winning the Spartathlon in Greece three consecutive times (153 miles).
  • Fiona Oakes (Marathon runner): Holds the world record for the fastest marathon time by a vegan woman over 50 years old.
  • Rich Roll (Ultramarathon runner, Cyclist): An inspiring figure who transitioned to a plant-based diet and achieved a high level of success in various endurance sports.

Combat Sports:

  • Venus Williams (Tennis): Venus Williams is a tennis legend with seven Grand Slam singles titles. Venus Williams credits her plant-based diet for her continued success.
  • Novak Djokovic (Tennis): World No. 1 tennis player for many years, Novak Djokovic credits his plant-based diet for his peak performance.
  • Patrik Baboumian (Strongman): A dominant force in strongman competitions, Patrik Baboumian is known for his dedication to plant-based power.

Team Sports:

  • Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1 Driver): A multiple Formula 1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton is a vocal advocate for a plant-based lifestyle.
  • Chris Smalling (Soccer Player): Premier League defender known for his athleticism and commitment to a vegan diet.
  • Alex Morgan (Soccer Player): US Women’s National Soccer Team star who credits a plant-based diet for her fitness and performance.

Other Sports:

  • Tia Blanco (Surfer): A professional surfer known for her dedication to environmental causes and a plant-based lifestyle.
  • Dotsie Bausch (Roller Derby): A multiple Roller Derby World Champion who attributes her athleticism to her plant-based diet.

This is just a small sampling of the many talented vegan athletes across various sports. Remember, a plant-based diet can fuel top athletic performance at all levels! So, if you doubt that you cannot be an elite athlete on plant-based food, you may want to research these outliers above.



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