Tuesdays with Nate: I'm addicted to drugs!

Hi guys,

[I realized this was a pretty long post so I'll make a little outline for you to read in case you're low on time:
1. Get more lutein and zeaxanthin in your diet by eating spinach and such
2. Get more DHA by eating more salmon and tuna
3. Exercise, same recommnedations from last week
4. Stay cool!]

So, here are my couple of health tips/ideas for the week. First, lutein and zeaxanthin are both coratinoids that are found in our eyes. Generally, Americans do not get enough of them in their diet. They can be taken in supplement form (like a pill, hence the title of this post) or you can get them through your diet.

Some people are still skeptical as to whether or not supplementing your diet with lutein and zeaxanthin are necessary; however, they are the only two coratinoids found in your macula (the part of on the back of your eye where a large percentage of your vision takes place). If you are deficient in these two items, it will negatively affect your vision. We listened to some presentations on the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin and most people were arguing about how much we should supplement in our diet, some people said a lot, others said a little, others said more of one less of another, it was really confusing. What it came down to, I think, is that if you eat food containing these substances, you'll be pretty well off. Plants work to maintian optimal balances of the vitamins and nutrients in order to help them survive. So by eating the plant, we are ,theoretically, getting the optimal balance. I was going to type up which plants were good sources but I just found this website http://nutrient.javalime.com/nutrient.php/338 that is much more informative. So, eat more lutein and zeaxanthin, your eyes will thank you (they will be so happy they will grow little mouths and actually say "Thank you!" It's incredible).

The second thing I wanted to say was about DHA, or docoahexaenoic acid. It's an omega-3 fatty acid. It's found in pretty high concentrations in fish (esp. salmon and tuna). I don't want to make my post painful to read, so I won't go into the details of how it works (that may or may not have been my way of getting out of explaining it because I forgot how it works), but it has been shown to do some pretty awesome thinks for your eyes. Especially in maintianing lens clarity as you age and aiding in night vision. One of the things I think is especially cool, is that it can reverse some problems people already have. For example, someone with poor night vision can eat more fish (or take DHA supplements) and regain the ability to see better in low light settings. I think it's cool; especially since I think I have poor night vision (possiblely part of Med Student Syndrome, that was kind of a joke but I honestly think I have poor night vision).

Lastly, I wanted to remind everyone to stay active! The biggest cause of death in America right now is heart disease. The leading cause of heart disease is obesity and inactivity. I know exercise is a hard thing to work into our lives but it needs to be done. Make it enjoyable though, go on a brisk walk with a significant other (even if it's a dog (in Kirsten's case I think it's more like Oscar walks her)), get a Wii fit, walk with Leslie, do something. I didn't do great this week. I only got out twice on my bike. I guess I need to start practicing what I preach. But, it's hard to just step out my door and go for a bike ride like I could in Logan. There are just too many people! They should all move back to California, right dad?

Anyway, sorry this is so long. I hope you enjoy it and I hope you get something from it and let's make ourselves a super healthy family!

Love,
nate