Health Myth Buster: An Interview with Dr. Mark Hyman

Dr. Hyman:  I don’t recommend eating packaged gluten-free food [because] these are no better than any other packaged foods. There are a variety of gluten-free grains, such as amaranth, kasha, quinoa, millet, brown rice, buckwheat, some varieties of oat.

Karen:   You have a mantra: “If it has a label don’t eat it.” Tell me about this.

Dr. Hyman:  Two of the most dangerous chemicals found in our diet are found in foods with labels—high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated or trans fats. It is incredibly difficult to buy [packaged] food that doesn’t contain one or both of these ingredients. Recently, health food companies are producing better labels and ingredients that are an improvement from the past. Still, many of these foods lack the vitality of fresh food.

Eat from the wide variety of nature-made foods that are available to you. Frozen produce, organic if possible, has a lot to offer when fresh produce is not otherwise available.

Karen:   What is the first step for someone who has health concerns affecting their quality of life?

Dr. Hyman:  In my books, you can use the self-assessments to identify if you may have an imbalance in one of the body’s seven core systems that could lead to health concerns or illness. If your scores identify a mild problem, follow the self-care programs to learn how to make changes in your diet and lifestyle. If your scores indicate a serious problem, follow the medical care program and collaborate with your physician.

For 70-80% of people, beginning with a program that includes eating right for your individual needs, tuning-up your chemistry (brain and body) with nutritional supplements, lifestyle enhancements (getting adequate sleep, exercise, relaxation and engaging in brain “training” activities) and living clean and green at home and at work, can greatly improve health and well-being.