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 ...

          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...

      If you are overweight or just have a pot belly you are not alone. Many middle aged men and women from all races struggle to get rid of fat around the middle and have a healthy waistline, or abdominal girth.  In this article we shall discuss simple methods of getting rid of that stubborn fat around the belly. Abdominal girth measurement is more important than BMI in determining heart disease, CVD and diabetes mellitus, DM risk. Abdominal girth measurement, has the added advantage of being a user friendly DIY. All you need is a simple tailors tape measure calibrated in inches. Max healthy values are; 35 inches ladies 40 inches gents . Abdominal circumference measurements are taken while standing, at the level of the umbilicus and at the end of normal exhalation. A diet high in protein, the right fats, vegetables, fruits, nuts and minerals but low in carbohydrates is recommended. It is important to strike the right balance between calor...

  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...