Three Most Ignored Health Problems That Demand Your Attention

Staff Reports

As thousands continue working on resolutions, medical expert Dr. Ken Taylor explains the health priorities that should be on everyone’s list this year.

Focus on Your Digestive Health

Millions of Americans suffer daily from common digestive problems such as heartburn, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, reflux and other gut conditions that would make Clint Eastwood blush. What’s worse: many people don’t even know their digestive health is suffering or don’t understand how it affects their overall health—from allergies, acne and chronic fatigue to arthritis, autoimmune diseases, cancer and more.

“The intestines make up the inner tube of life and play an essential
role in maintaining a healthy immune system,” explains Dr. Taylor.
Seventy percent of the body’s immune system resides in the digestive
tract. More than 100 million Americans have digestive problems. In
addition, digestive problems are very costly—many of the top-selling
drugs are for digestive problems, there are more than 200
over-the-counter remedies for digestive disorders and intestinal-related
conditions are among the top reasons for visits to primary care
physicians.

Dr. Taylor says the resolution to improve digestive health in 2012 can begin with such steps as:

Pay attention when you go. That’s right: you can learn a lot from your
elimination. Observe everything from how often you go and how regularly
you go to what it looks like when you go. For example, does your poop
float? That’s a no-no and a sign of potentially serious health problems.

Get more fiber. Depending on your age and gender, you should get from
26-38 grams of fiber per day. Taylor explains that, with today’s
fast-paced lifestyle and diet habits, it’s very difficult for most
people to get the required daily fiber from natural food sources. He
recommends fiber supplements like Metamucil and Metafiber.

Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks and too many caffeinated
drinks. Limit alcoholic drinks to no more than two per day.

Start Planning Early to Guarantee Healthy Bones

Bone health is another health priority that many people think about
when it’s too late. Bone fractures can be extremely painful and take
months (an average of 12 weeks) to heal. Osteoporosis and osteopenia
bone disorders affect forty-four million Americans, and plague one in
two American women.

“It’s never too early to start thinking about and fortifying your bone
health. Young people, as early as teenage years, have calcium needs that
can’t be rectified later in life,” says Dr. Taylor.

So, what 2012 resolutions can help improve bone health?

Start moving. Like muscle, bone is a living tissue and is strengthened
through exercise. Weight-bearing exercises, that force you to work
against gravity, are the best kind for your bones. Good examples include
weight training, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, tennis, and dancing.

Get your calcium… dairy-free that is. Your body continually removes
and replenishes calcium from your bones. If you don’t replenish enough
calcium, your bones will become weaker, more brittle and dense.

Dr. Taylor says dairy-free sources of calcium are best for several
reasons: calcium contains animal proteins that can actually contribute
to bone loss; causes digestive problems and aggravates irritable bowels;
is full of saturated fat; and is often enhanced with dangerous,
cancer-feeding hormones. Better sources of calcium include: dark green,
leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli and bok choy; almonds;
soybeans and soymilk; and figs, to name a few.

Boost your Vitamin D intake. Your body needs vitamin D in order to
absorb calcium. Some studies actually show Vitamin D is more important
than calcium in preventing fractures. The best ways to get vitamin D
are: sunlight, food, and supplements. Foods like fatty fishes, orange
juice and soymilk are excellent sources of vitamin D. And, natural
supplements are helpful for filling in the gap.

Guard Your Oral Health: The Gateway To Your Body

The mouth is the first point on your digestive path, but it’s also the
point that many people skip. Dr. Taylor says oral health is a mirror of
your overall health. Your mouth is a hotbed of bacteria, which are
normally contained and managed by good oral health. Oral infections like
tooth decay and gum disease can weaken your body’s defenses and allow
harmful bacteria to grow out of control.

Oral health is also connected to heart health. Research shows chronic
gum disease is directly associated with heart disease. In addition, poor
oral health can affect your saliva flow, which is necessary to protect
your teeth and aid in food digestion. The good news is you can guard
your oral health in 2012 with some simple steps:

Start with proactive prevention. The American Dental Association
recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing between your teeth
daily and replacing your toothbrush every three or four month. It seems
simple enough, but it’s easy to get into a routine of brushing only once
a day or using the same toothbrush a month or two too long.

Get to know your dentist. Schedule regular dental appointments for
cleanings, fluoride treatments and other preventive measures. If you are
one of the thousands who suffer from dental phobia or dental anxiety
(really on laughing matter), there are many online resources to help you
overcome this fear and get better acquainted with a local dentist you
can trust.

“There are understandable reasons why these health priorities are often
ignored and don’t usually make the resolutions list,” said Dr. Taylor.
“However, they are high on the list of health problems that have
significant quality and length of life impact, and can be easily
addressed and prevented. My hope is that more people will move them to
toward the top of their lists for 2012 — right up there with getting
married, traveling more and getting out of debt.”