WHEN we get sick or injured, our elders would usually say, “Don’t worry, that’s far from the gut.”
Strangely enough, scientific studies seem to have backed up our elders. It has been proven that the state of our intestinal health plays an important role in one’s over-all health, quality of life, and longevity.
But how do you get a healthy digestive system? Do the ancient practices of the Greeks and Romans -- including the use of garlic, onion and lactobacillus in fermented milk -- hold any wisdom for us today? And what benefits can we get from modern practices such as probiotics, prebiotics, cleansing, detox and the symbiosis of good and bad bacteria?
This Saturday, ABS-CBN’s “Salamat Dok” gives viewers an easily “digestible” primer on intestinal health, with practical ways of getting your digestive system in peak form, said in a press statement.
It added that the show will also visit the home and kitchen of ABS-CBN entertainment reporter Marie Lozano for its Diet Police segment, and introduce viewers to the new, fast-moving extreme sport Parkour. Cheryl Cosim hosts.
On Sunday, "Salamat Dok" tackles youth smoking and what needs to be done to discourage young Filipinos from this dangerous habit or help them quit. In the Philippines, smokers start at the age range of 14 to 17 years old, according to the National Health Epidemiology (NHE) Survey of 2003. The Global Youth Survey found that one of 3 Filipino teens smoke in 2007.
Studies also show that teenagers worldwide are heavily influenced by tobacco advertising, while majority of Filipino youth smokers say peer pressure was one of the reasons they took up smoking.
They think it is cool to smoke, even though they have a basic awareness of the dangers smoking can do to their health, including diseases like lung cancer, emphysema, stroke and heart attack. (JRDB/Sunnex)
