Sitting is the New Smoking? What Nonsense…
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 10, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
It’s become the new rallying cry for so-called health “experts” everywhere.
Sitting is the new smoking.
They’ll tell you that there’s all this “research” now proving that sitting will destroy your health and shave years off your life.
And while I’m a big fan of exercise and moving around, there’s something about this research you’re not being told.
It’s junk science… and you’ll never believe the mega-corporation that’s REALLY behind it.
Maybe you saw all the recent headlines about a study claiming that sitting can be dangerous to your health.
I normally love studies like this… but this one is bull.
Why?
Well, the first reason is the company that sponsored the research: The Coca-Cola Corporation.
Strange, right? Why would Big Soda sponsor a study like this?
Because nutritional research is finally catching on that the sugar in soda is deadly poison.
So companies like Coca-Cola are trying to change the conversation away from what we eat to our daily activities.
And it works — almost every news outlet wrote about the so-called “Sitting Study.”
I could probably overlook the fact that the study was sponsored by Coca-Cola if it weren’t for another problem: the study is junk science.
Why? Because the study didn’t actually measure sitting.
The study used accelerometers and watched people’s activity levels for a week. Sounds like that would measure sitting, but it doesn’t.
What they ended up measuring is inactivity: which could be sitting, laying down, standing still, or even light movement.
To make matters worse, some people admitted to not putting the accelerometers on every day. Others only wore them for a few days.
There were so many problems with the study that the study authors wrote:
[The multiple problems with this study] render these finding inconclusive. Thus, caution is warranted when interpreting these results.
I wish the news outlets would read enough of the study to discover those words (they were near the end of the paper).
Don’t get me wrong — sitting and not exercising is bad for you.
An excellent study, called The London Bus Driver Study, found that sitting (as a driver) was much worse than moving around (as a ticket-taker) for long-term health.
There are plenty of other good studies that show exercise to have many health benefits including a stronger brain, better heart, and better blood sugar control.
But don’t let Coca-Cola convince you that sitting in the only cause of illness. If you have to sit a lot for work or for a volunteer activity, just make sure you get up and move every half an hour or so.
You’ll be just fine… trust me.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Small Moves for BIG Benefits (An Exercise Surprise!)
A patient asked me the other day, “What’s the least amount of exercise I can get by with that still has benefits?” That’s actually a great question. Because, let’s face it, many of us struggle to find time for exercise. And even more of us go out of our way to AVOID it. So, my...
Widespread “Forever” Chemicals Boost Cancer Risk?!
We’ve known for years that the chemicals lurking in many everyday products aren’t as harmless as we once believed… However, new research reveals an unsettling truth about one specific group of compounds that could be flowing straight from your tap into your waterglass. And according to a new study, they could be raising your cancer...
Mailbag: Ease Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Pain NATURALLY
“What is your position on peripheral neuropathy?” —On Pins and Needles Hi Pins, Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many folks describe neuropathies as feeling like pins and needles, tingling, or burning. When I...
Pancreas Protector Discovered in the VITAMIN Aisle
Most of us are concerned about our heart health. We also take steps to protect our brains. Even our kidneys and livers get some attention. But the pancreas? It’s seldom given a second thought—or at least, not until something goes wrong. And when it does, it can be serious business. The pancreas is vital for...
Study Reveals New Health Risk in Ultra-Processed Food
New research reveals that ultra-processed foods are even WORSE for our health than we imagined. And the problem isn’t just the sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. There’s another sneaky threat lurking in convenience foods. And it could multiply their health risks… A recent study published in the journal Globalization and Health uncovered an alarming problem...
A Simple Vitamin Solution Combats Parkinson’s
Our understanding of the gut-brain connection has grown rapidly in recent years. So, it’s no surprise that scientists suspect a connection between gut health and the development of Parkinson’s. However, new research is adding more details to the picture. A groundbreaking study revealed two common nutrients are often critically low in folks with Parkinson’s. This...
The “Cellular Wildfire” Fueling Long-COVID Revealed
A significant number of folks continue to feel unwell after supposedly “recovering” from COVID-19. I have some exciting news if you’re one of the millions battling long-COVID. Scientists from the University of Queensland just uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle—and all signs point to inflammation as the culprit. Let me explain… ***** This groundbreaking...
Top 9 Nutrients Needed to Maintain Good Health
Let’s face it… the supplement aisle at your local grocery store is kind of overwhelming. Standing there staring at rows upon rows of colorful bottles, each promising better health, increased energy, or miraculous benefits can leave you feeling downright dizzy. With so many options, how can you possibly know which nutrients are truly essential for...
The Mini-Movement Revolution Beats Traditional Workouts
I get it… not everyone loves exercise. But you don’t have to become a gym rat to get major health benefits. New research reveals that those quick trips to take the garbage out or go to the bathroom might be even MORE valuable than your scheduled exercise time. In fact, these mini-movement breaks could be...
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...