Q & A with Dr. Michael Wald
1. True or False: Decreasing the intake of refined and processed sugar during childhood decreases the risk of chronic diseases later in life?
ANSWER: True. Poor quality nutrition during childhood, particularly during the first ten years, sets the stage for developing cavities, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and headaches now, and chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and diabetes later in life.
2. True or False: Restriction of fats intake during childhood contributes to optimal growth and reduces the risk of obesity in adulthood?
ANSWER: True and False. Saturated fats should not exceed 5% of the total diet; the remainder containing roughly equal amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated fats. Fats are needed for brain function and development, tissue growth, hormone production and disease protection. Best sources are mercury-free omega 3 oils from fish, flax, algae (high DHA) and unprocessed grains for omega 6 oils.
3. What minerals are often lacking in the diets of children and adolescents?
A. Copper, manganese, magnesium
B. Iron, calcium, zinc
C. Selenium, iron, chromium
D. Zinc, potassium, sodium
ANSWER: B. Iron, calcium, zinc: low iron can contribute to learning disabilities, fatigue and “growing pains”; calcium is needed for bone growth, blood clotting and nervous system health; zinc is required for hinking, tissue repair and immunity.
4. Requirements for which vitamins peak during adolescent and teenage years?
A. Biotin, folic acid, vitamin K, B5
B. Vitamin C, vitamin A, B6, Niacin
C. Thiamin, biotin, vitamin A, B12
D. Folic acid, B6, B12, vitamin C
ANSWER: D. Requirements for B vitamins increase with increasing energy needs for growth and mental function. A diet containing a variety of fruits and vegetables should be consumed. Furthermore, a balanced supplement containing a mixture of these vitamins is important, especially for a child who eats poorly (i.e., juicing of fruits and/or vegetables with dehydrated powered supplements added for optimal nutrition).
5. Keeping your kids healthy consists of?
A. Adequate sleep
B. Adequate water intake
C. Reduce processed/junk food
D. Develop good eating habits
E. Relaxation and a manageable schedule
F. All of the above
ANSWER: E. All of the above.
– Dr. Michael Wald, aka The Blood Detective, is the director of nutritional services at Integrated Medicine of Mount Kisco, located in Westchester New York. He has appeared on ABC World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer, Channel 11 PIX, Channel 12 News, CNN, The Food Network and other media outlets. Dr. Wald earned the name Blood Detective for his reputation to find problems that are often missed by other doctors. He earned an MD degree, is a doctor of chiropractic and a certified dietician-nutritionist. He is also double-board certified in nutrition. He has published over a dozen books with three additional titles due for release late 2013 including: Frankenfoods – Genetically Modified Foods: Controversies, Lies & Your Health and Gluten-A-Holic: How to Live Gluten Free and the Blood Detective’s Longevity Secrets. Dr. Wald can be reached at: www.intmedny.com or www.blooddetective.com or by calling: 914-242-8844.