[Wow] Doctors Measuring Your Health WRONG?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 8, 2018
How do you know if you’re healthy?
You can go by how you feel… or how far you can run… or how many prescription drugs you’re taking.
But how do doctors tell if you are healthy?
There is common measure that doctors have been using for YEARS to make a snap decision on how healthy you are.
The only problem? We’re starting to learn that this test isn’t all it’s been cracked up to be.
Let me show you…
Body mass index (BMI) is a traditional measurement doctors use to divide the healthy from the unhealthy.
I’ve used it myself for years.
BMI is a calculation where you divide a person's weight by their height and it gives you a number (there are many online calculators that will give you your BMI if you want to find out your number).
If you’ve heard the statistic that two-thirds of people in the United States are either overweight or obese, they are using BMI.
Here is what the numbers look like:
- Underweight: Your BMI is less than 18.5
- Healthy weight: Your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: Your BMI is 25 to 29.9
- Obese: Your BMI is 30 or higher
Insurance companies, health organization, doctors… all use BMI to determine health.
But should they be using it? Should I or any other doctor be using it?
That’s where things get interesting…
A recent set of studies has found that the distribution of fat (where you store fat) – rather than the total amount — may give us more clues about the risk of conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even some cancers.
Belly fat is particularly harmful, research shows, with some studies showing it can raise the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
So, it might be time to throw away BMI and focus on belly fat instead.
What do you do if you have too much belly fat?
Dr. Scott’s Plan to Destroy Belly Fat:
- Blood sugar is one of the biggest factors in belly fat storage. Control your blood sugar by limiting sugars and other carbohydrates. You can also help your body control blood sugar by using the mineral chromium, and the herbs berberine, garcinia, and sphaeranthus.
- Protein, especially good quality proteins (such as beef, fish, chicken etc.), is great for balancing blood sugar.
- Alcohol is another belly-fat promoter. Yes, a beer-belly can be caused by beer. Reduce or eliminate alcohol from your diet as much as possible.
- Exercise is a great way to build muscle and lose belly fat. It helps to burn calories and balance blood sugar.
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
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...