SSOS TO THE RESCUE! How To Stay Fit and Trim

by Dr. Harold Schulman

Is there LIFE after Phen-Fen ? YES.

There are millions of disappointed people who sampled the Joy of the Quick Fix. Phen-Fen gave us a glimpse of the future, a scientific drug-based escape to avoid the rigor of taking care of our bodies. Although the scientific data showed that Phen-Fen is low risk (less than 1/1000 if not prolonged usage) the outrage was deafening, because of the moral and ethical overtones. How dare those chubbies get a chance to reverse years of gluttony, (one of the seven deadly sins?) As a physician, it saddens me to see some of the success stories return along with their weight. I feel a little helpless because I have nothing easy to offer them. Current drugs are minimally helpful, and quite expensive.

The long-term issues are food choices, life style, and drugs. The principles of food are elementary: Drastically reduce animal fat, carbohydrates, and emphasize protein, low calorie fruit and vegetables, and most important reduce portions by one-third to one-half. Avoid feeling full.

Lifestyle is a killer. We are brainwashed daily or every 5-10 minutes on television on the Joy of Ignoring our bodies with fast food, carbohydrates and fat. -->

Since the beginning of recorded history there have been philosophies of achieving health. All involve balance or harmony. Physicians are taught a magical concept called HOMEOSTASIS which implies body balance. When people are sick, we doctors throw fluids and chemicals at them knowing the body has the ability to pick the good stuff and eliminate the overflow. Most physicians send their clients to Nutritionists, or Psychologists to achieve body-mind balance. There is minimal data to show that this approach is beneficial.

How do we move ahead in the goal of achieving balance and harmony? The answer we propose is "SUBSTITUTE & SUPPLEMENT, OUTPUT, AND SHAPING," also known as SSOS.

What do SUBSTITUTE and SUPPLEMENT mean? If we don't fulfill our body needs by eating and drinking adequately, or we impair our health by eating improperly, we need substitutes or supplements. For example, a person doesn't eat fruit or juice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We need vitamins, minerals. Try a hi-tech SUPPLEMENT for breakfast. My wife doesn't like vegetables, SUBSTITUTE a natural extract. Many people eat too much for lunch, a most dangerous meal, SUBSTITUTE a nutritious drink. Need a snack later, SUBSTITUTE a snack that has fiber and a healthy energy source.

What is meant by OUTPUT? Our kidneys filter the blood. They remove waste products and keep the important nutrients and cells from leaking out. Like any plumbing system, a liberal supply of water is needed. We need around 8 glasses of liquid a day

to replace the amount lost in urine, intestine, skin, and internal secretions. When we don't drink the water, we make our kidneys work harder, and expose them to the dangers of infection and closure of the filtering blood vessels. OUTPUT is the bowel movement.

What does SHAPING mean? Most of us were born with beautiful bodies. Is it genetics or homeostasis that results in the disappointing changes that appear as we approach puberty and maturity? The principle culprit is homeostasis. There are two simple requirements to body shaping: Exercise and caloric balance. All machines work best when used regularly. The brain and muscles work best when aroused. Each person must find a mental and physical activity that stimulates nerve and muscle cells every day. The more, the better. This helps maintain muscle mass and the mind. You also may need helpers to fight hunger, most often a symptom of habit, not need.

In approaching the problem in modern times, I believe we must integrate these body concepts into daily behavior. They may vary from person to person. You may need a guidance counselor. Most programs don't succeed over the long run. Beware of the Quick Fix.

Andrew Weil, MD. has captured the attention of the American public (but not the doctors) because of his idea that medicine should encompass a concept of health, that doesn't mean merely getting rid of sickness, but there must be consideration to the health of the body, mind, and spirit. Read his book, 'Eight Ways to Optimum Health' published by Alfred Knopf, New York, 1997. -->

Because of the way we live, and the temptations that surround us, we need to SSOS. Physicians should get involved with the public's belief in herbal supplements. Remember the FDA does not regulate nutritional supplements. It is up to the manufacturer to prove their safety and effectiveness, not the FDA. Claims and counter claims are bombarding us. It is time that physicians stop prescribing drugs or samples recklessly, and consider milder remedies that incorporate lifestyle.

Most herbal preparations available today contain multiple plant extracts. Scientific purity rebels against such apparent randomness. These are nutritionals, not medicinals. It is agreed that most herbals do no harm.They are better than fast-foods and sugary snacks. Do they do any good? Probably not, unless done in the framework of caloric reduction, mental and physical exercise, and organized substitution-supplementation, output, and shaping.

Only you can give yourself health. You liberate your body and mind by applying your spirit to the task.

A Professor and Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in New York City and Florida for the last 40 years, Dr. Harold Schulman has written a book called "Getting Answers" filled with forward thinking ideas about women's health.