The world wants everything “im­mediately” with no time to wait or take long-term realistic steps to reach our goals. This trend is evi­dent in how we eat, especially when we want to lose weight or fat.

There are 1000s of diet plans and many of them certainly do not work but we are willing to take that path even if it will put our health and well­ness at risk.

The Cotton Ball Diet is one of such fads that is gaining momentum. To help us understand what this trend means and how it is leading many people on the fast track to destruc­tion, I have Carroll Owu, a registered dietician and an authority on what dietary plans are safe, healthy and sustainable to share his thoughts on this new craze.

“Fad diets are without number and time and again new ones seem to come up. I believe we should expect more of these as people become des­perate to lose weight in the shortest possible time.

One of the latest eating trends for weight loss is the cotton ball diet. Some people add a topping or juice to cotton balls and swallow them in place of food. Several dangers are posed by this practice.

1. First, it is directly related to cotton balls. Most of what we have on the market have other components apart from cotton. These artificial components may affect one’s health and could cause organ damage.

2. Secondly because cotton cannot be digested, it could block the digestive tract. One may require hospitalisation when the blockage happens in very sensitive areas of the gut.

3. Finally, essential nutrients that are needed by the body for nor­mal bodily functions will be lacking which may lead to deficiency diseases such as iron deficiency anemia.

Instead of going on a cotton ball diet, a dietitian will help you to:

1. know your ideal weight range and will work out with you a healthy time span within which you could lose weight.

a. A variety of weight loss meal plans exist. Basically, they target reducing the energy you derive from the food you eat (mostly from the starches, sugary drinks and low fiber pastries) and increasing the energy you burn by increasing your physical activity.

b. A good weight loss meal plan should be rich in nutrients (vegetables and fruits) and will prevent frequent hunger feelings.”

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Carroll Owu, Rd

Health Essentials Ltd (HE&W Group)

(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)

*Dr. Essel is a Medical Doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Med­icine, He holds an MBA and is an ISSA Specialist in Exercise Therapy, Fitness Nutrition and Corrective Exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’

Thought for the week (1) – the fact that there are 1000s of diets, some of which appear to work for people, may be a clue that none of them is universal or authentic. Speak to a registered dietician for an evidence-based healthy eating plan that will stand the test of time.

References:

The discussion on Cotton Ball “Diet” was provided by Carroll Owu, a registered dietician.

Air quality plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being. The air we breathe can contain various pollutants, including particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, which can have adverse effects on our health.

In this article, we will explore the impact of air quality on our health and discuss ways to protect ourselves.

The health effects of poor air quality

Poor air quality can have serious health consequences, including:

Respiratory problems: Air pollutants can irritate the lungs, exacerbate conditions like asthma, and increase the risk of respiratory infections.

Cardiovascular disease: Exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Neurological effects: Some air pollutants, such as particulate matter and ozone, have been linked to neurological effects, including cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases.

Who is most affected?

Certain groups are more susceptible to the adverse effects of poor air quality, including:

Children: Children’s lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to air pollution.

Older adults: Older adults may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution due to age-related declines in lung function and other health conditions.

People with pre-existing health conditions: Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma or cardiovascular disease, may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution.

Protecting yourself from poor air quality

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from poor air quality, including:

Monitoring air quality: Check the air quality index in your area to plan your activities accordingly.

Reducing exposure: Avoid heavily trafficked areas, and limit your time outdoors when air quality is poor.

Using air purifiers: Consider using air purifiers in your home to reduce indoor air pollution.

Conclusion

Air quality plays a critical role in our overall health and well-being. By understanding the health effects of poor air quality of air, we can take steps to protect ourselves and reduce our exposure to pollutants.

By being aware of the air quality in our area and taking proactive measures, we can help to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution and promote better health.

References

1. Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Air Quality Index (AQI).

2. American Lung Association. (2022). State of the Air 2022.

3. World Health Organization. (2018). Air Pollution.