ASK DR. PAM

by Dr. Pamela A. Popper

Dear Dr. Pam: What do you think about microwave cooking?

There really is no evidence to suggest that microwaving food is terribly detrimental, and in some instances it is the only available option for warming food. Many offices only have microwaves, and some colleges and universities allow microwaves but do not allow other cooking devices in dorm rooms.

I think it is very important to focus on the most important issues concerning diet and health in order to address our epidemic of disease, and I don't think microwaving food is one of those important issues. During my 15 years at The Wellness Forum, I have never met anyone who had developed a health condition that resulted from microwaving food. The reason the incidence of degenerative diseases is increasing is because people are eating the wrong foods, not because they are cooking the right foods improperly.

On a personal note, I try to avoid microwaving because it cooks the food inconsistently and sometimes alters the texture of the food. I try to use a toaster oven at home and at the office to warm things quickly, and I think the food tastes better that way.

The bottom line is that when a microwave is the only cooking tool available, you aren't going to hurt yourself by using it to warm your food.

Dear Dr. Pam: What do you think of digestive enzymes?

I recommend digestive enzymes for people who have had severe and recurring pancreatitis which has resulted in 85-90% of the pancreas being irreversibly damaged. These individuals cannot produce enough enzymes to digest protein and fat, and supplementation is advisable. Digestive enzymes are also used effectively as part of some cancer treatment protocols administered by physicians.

I do not recommend digestive enzymes for most people because even though some individuals report that they feel better as a result of taking them, the problem causing the original discomfort has not been addressed. We advise people daily not to confuse feeling better with getting better, and that temporary relief from discomfort should not be mistaken for solving a problem.

Dear Dr. Pam: What do you say to people who tell you they feel better eating meat and whenever they stop they are tired and sluggish?

Many people experience uncomfortable symptoms when they change their habits. It is common for people who consume a lot of caffeine and sugar to feel tired when they reduce or eliminate these substances; it is common for people to crave fat and animal food for 2-4 months after reducing or eliminating it; smoking cessation is notoriously not fun; and most sedentary people are miserable for a few weeks after they start exercising. If we all made our decisions based on the immediate (and often uncomfortable) feelings generally experienced in the early stages of diet and lifestyle change, many of us would have remained sedentary carnivores and some of us would still be smoking.

They key to accomplishing anything, including dietary change, becoming fit, or even learning a new job or skill of any type, is to think about long term goals, not just how one feels in the short term. The most successful people generally are usually people who are willing to sacrifice short-term gratification for long-term gain. In the case of diet and lifestyle change, cravings for cigarettes, caffeine, sugar, fat, and animal foods eventually subside; and sore muscles are replaced with feelings of fitness, endurance and strength.

Article printed with permission from Dr. Pamela A. Popper and taken from Newsletters Vol 10 Issue 2 January 9, 2012. Dr. Popper is the founder and Executive Director of The Wellness Forum, a chain of health and wellness centers located throughout the United States and the Far East.