Dr Pete's Health Secrets

    Prevention is the number 1 antodote to illness, especially true for degeneratives diseases of the brain.  Our brains are bound to shrink as we age, it’s unavoidable. It reduces in volume at the average rate of 5% every decade from the age of 40. Symtoms of dementia may start to appear between 55 and 65yrs, this may accelerate after 70yrs. A large cohort study carried out in 2012 in the USA demonstrated that by the time the participants were 85, one third had moderate or severe dementia. In this article I will examine the risk factors for dementia and how to slow or reverse the degenerative process.  Protective factors that reduce cardiovascular risk, namely regular exercise, a healthy diet, and low to moderate alcohol intake, seem to aid the ageing brain.  It has been established that increased cognitive effort in the form of higher education or occupational attainment slows the shrinking process.  A healthy life both physically and mentally may be ...

    The kidneys are a pair of organs about the size of your fist lying at the back of your abdominal cavity just under your ribs.  In this article I shall examine current reseach based information on the major causes of kidney disease which leads to its failure to perform its crucial role of filtration. I shall also give you health tips and proven preventive measures.  The kidneys perform several funtions which include the manufacture of hormones, regulation of blood pressure and most importantly the filtration of blood.  The kidneys fiter your blood continously to get rid of unwanted toxins and minerals.  About 25% of your blood volume passes through your kidneys every minute. On my visit to Africa after several years practicing medicine in Europe I was surprised by the number and age of people suffering from Kidney disease. According to the World Health Organisation WHO, in 2019, diabetes and kidney disease due to diabetes caused an estimated 2 million de...

          We all know sugar is bad for you. It has been associated with several diseases , prominent amongst which is type 11 diabetes and it's life threatening complications.  Sugar is sadly everywhere. A 500ml bottle of soda contains approximately the equivalent of 14 cubes of sugar! Milk chocholate, biscuits, candies, even beer contain lots of sugar, the list is endless. If you are a fan of chocholate much like myself, then avoid milk chocholate and choose the dark or bittersweet variety, with 50 to 90% cocoa, a powerful antioxidant. In this article I will simply list the many varied and scientifically proven reasons we should all either avoid sugar or have it in moderation ! 1. Sugar also called sucrose suppresses the immune system. 2. Sugar can upset the body's mineral balance. 3. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children. 4. Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children. 5...

        Okra also known as Bhindi bhaji in hindu ,  is a very popular vegetable in Africa and Asia, a culinary delicacy. Lets examine its health affects. Promotes Healthy Pregnancy Okra's high levels of vitamin A, B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), and vitamin C, and traces of zinc and calcium, make it an ideal vegetable to eat during pregnancy.  Okra also serves as a natural supplement for fiber and folic acid . A single serving of okra contains nearly 10% of recommended levels of vitamin B6 and  folic acid . Lowers Cholesterol Okra not only promotes good digestive health, but also good cholesterol levels due to its high fiber content. Soluble fiber can be dissolved in water, which means that it breaks down in the digestive tract.  Okra also binds to cholesterol in other foods so that it can be excreted along with other wastes. In turn, total cholesterol levels plummet, according to Harvard Health Publications. Control Diabetes Roasted...

  Warning !!! This food could seriously damage your health               WHEAT  is a major source of carbohydrate globally and the main ingredient in breads, cakes, pastries, biscuits and many other confectioneries. It is now the preferred 'swallow' meal for many urban dwelling African families in popular brands like semovita.  Sadly too, many rural dwellers have hooked onto the fad that wheat is a “healthy” food. The prevalent consumption of wheat across the continent is of concern to health watchers. In 2022 there was a global shortage of wheat supply. This has renewed the debate on the Health effects of wheat consumption.  On the African continent wheat has overshadowed staple  traditional and healthier alternatives like yam, potato, oats and cassava flour and other carbohydrates food sources. Though wheat, like other grains, is rich in fibre and some other nutrients, it is one food anybody that desires wellness and...

               Turmeric , the yellow spice with a slight peppery taste. It is touted as the healthiest spice on Earth and has been used 4000 years in the Vedic region of India , to treat a wide range of ailments.  Tumeric contains over 200 ingredients but the active medicinal  component is the polyphenol curcumin .  From  detoxing the body and improving digestion, to fighting chronic inflammation and cancer. One teaspoon a day is all you need. Turmeric, whose scientific name is Curcuma longa , is one of the most thoroughly researched plants in existence today .  Its medicinal properties and components, primarily curcumin have been the subject of over 5600 peer-reviewed and published biomedical studies. The intestinal absorption of Tumeric is greatly enhance when combined with small amounts of black pepper - Piperine, in a ratio of about 95 : 5. Tumeric has over 600 potential preventive and therapeutic app...