In the United States, at least six health conditions have been linked to diet.
• First, iron deficiency anemia usually occurs during infancy, but one serving of red meat, fish, or poultry per day prevents it.
• Second, obesity is one of our most common nutritional problems. Keep in mind that fat contains twice as many calories per portion as an equal amount of carbohydrate or protein. By cutting back on fatty foods, you can make a big dent in your total calories.
• Third, tooth decay is accentuated by the intake of sticky sugars, as well as by poor tooth brushing habits.
• Fourth, constipation can be caused by a low fiber diet; so can an appendicitis and gall stones. A wonderful source of fiber is popcorn.
• Fifth, coronary artery disease is worsened by a high intake of animal fats.
• Sixth, high blood pressure has been associated with an increased salt intake, but only in susceptible individuals.
In summary, you may have noticed that except for fiber, there is no food, vitamin, or mineral that protects against cancer. An anticancer diet is a myth.
During Dr. Schmitt’s 20 years as a medical practitioner and researcher, he has published over 100 articles or chapters on pediatric health care, and has been awarded the distinguished C. Anderson Aldrich Award by the American Academy of Pediatrics for outstanding contributions to the field of child development. Schmitt has also authored five books including Your Child’s Health, which won Child Magazine’s first Hall of Fame Award in 1991. Schmitt is also a professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and on staff at The Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado.