We’re about halfway through YOU: The Owner’s Manual, so we thought it would be a good time to take a look back at where we’ve been so far. Over the past several weeks we’ve learned a lot about our bodies – here are just a few highlights:
- When it comes to the heart, we learned that lack of sleep has been connected with risk of heart attack.
- Regarding the brain and memory, we learned that memory loss as we age is not a foregone conclusion and that there are ways to “cognitively upgrade” our brains.
- In Chapter 4 we learned about the variety of foods we should be eating to keep bones, muscles and joints healthy – and we are once again reminded how healthy omega-3 fatty acids can be (found in some fish and nuts), which in this case, help with joint lubrication.
- On the topic of our lungs, we learned about the importance of getting solid, uninterrupted sleep and that snoring, by itself, is not necessarily a problem (sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a problem).
- In the chapter focusing on our guts, we learned that one of the effects of eating late at night is more intense symptoms from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
This week, Chapter 7 delves into the liver and pancreas, which the authors appropriately refer to as the “C-listers” (organs we don’t know much about). In short form, the liver helps break down nutrients before they are passed to the heart. The liver also makes protein and stores glucose needed for quick bursts of energy. Finally, the liver removes toxins from the bloodstream.
The pancreas produces insulin as well as secretes juices to aid in digestion. The Live Younger Action Plan in this chapter includes eating cleaner (e.g., choosing beans vs. red meats for protein) and eating a variety of fruits and vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, citrus and leafy green vegetables.
Chapter 8 talks about sexual health. In this chapter, we learn how attraction is rooted in a biological response to pheromones, chemical compounds that have a smell. We also learn that men experience menopause, but that it is more gradual and less defined than it is with women. The Live Younger Action Plan kicks off with a discussion on maintaining good arterial flow (see Chapter 2 on the heart). In addition to focusing on having what the authors call “more thoughtful” sex, the action plan tells us of the importance of certain types of foods (e.g., saw palmetto, selenium and lycopene – found in tomatoes – for prostate health) and getting regular prostate and pelvic health exams.
Next week we’ll discuss sensory organs and the immune system in Chapters 9 and 10. If you have comments or questions, Dr. Tony is available – just respond to this or any of the blog posts.
Kerry
