Why diets fail - Why obesity is good

The Evolution of Dieting Throughout millions of years, humans have evolved the ability to extract maximum energy from minimal food intake. Even a slight overeating easily surpasses 2,000 calories. However, burning 600 calories or more on a high-intensity treadmill for over an hour is challenging, indicating our efficiency as survivors with minimal energy expenditure. Our bodies resist losing weight and tend to conserve it. According to a research team at Stanford University, 99% of successful dieters regain their initial weight within 10 years.   Hollywood's Secret - Quick Body Transformation Methods In Hollywood, sudden transformations where stars shed dozens of kilograms and gain muscles are often witnessed. Their secret lies in drugs. They consume bronchodilators like Clenbuterol and various steroids to quickly sculpt their bodies.   There's a profession in Hollywood known as a "steroid designer" who prescribes these drugs and manages their side effects. It's c

calcium and magnesium

Capsule with Magnesium Mg

The Relationship Between Calcium and Vascular Health

Anchovies and calcium supplements are known to contribute to bone health, but in reality, calcium intake can affect vascular health. While calcium can help strengthen bones, it can also lead to the accumulation of calcium in blood vessels, making them stiff. Although glucose within blood vessels is the primary cause of vessel stiffness, calcium can accelerate this process.
 
When we consume food, nutrients are absorbed into our bodies through the digestion process. The liver processes these nutrients, primarily converting them into glucose. This glucose is then transported through the bloodstream to muscle cells. However, glucose cannot enter cells alone. Insulin is the key that allows this process to occur and is secreted by the pancreas every time we eat. When the liver converts nutrients into glucose, insulin transports it to cells for consumption within two hours. However, excessive food intake can impair insulin function, resulting in insufficient processing of glucose within cells, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. This is insulin resistance. An increase in blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels, making them stiff. This damage makes blood circulation difficult and can lead to fragments of blood vessel walls breaking off, forming blood clots. If these clots travel through the bloodstream and block heart vessels, it can lead to cardiac arrest, while blockage in brain vessels can cause strokes. About 80% of deaths are attributed to these complications.
 

Calcium and Statins

While calcium is essential for bone health, it may have negative effects on vascular health. However, research has been conducted to test the hypothesis that statins, which are commonly used to manage high cholesterol, can slow down the accumulation of calcium in blood vessels.
 
In a study involving patients with severe hyperlipidemia, changes in serum cholesterol and calcium levels were tracked over three years with statin therapy. During this period, 10% of patients experienced heart attacks, and among this group, 10% were found to have an increase in serum calcium levels.
 
While statins can regulate cholesterol levels, they cannot completely control the rate of calcium accumulation. Therefore, while calcium may benefit bones, it can have negative effects on blood vessels.
 

The Harmony of Calcium and Magnesium

Interest in magnesium is increasing. This substance is considered a natural calcium channel blocker, blocking calcium channels within cells. Magnesium intake can inhibit calcium absorption into cells, reducing the side effects of vascular stiffness. Furthermore, magnesium influences the muscle cells that make up blood vessel walls, widening and relaxing blood vessels. Adequate magnesium supply allows blood vessels to widen, allowing blood to flow smoothly, reducing the need for excessive pressure on blood vessels, and helping the heart pump blood effectively. As a result, when blood vessels widen and relax, the heart does not need to exert excessive effort, naturally lowering blood pressure.
 

Conclusion

Both calcium and magnesium are essential nutrients for our bodies. However, since calcium can have negative effects on vascular health, it's important to consume appropriate amounts and balance it with magnesium. Continuous attention to nutrition is necessary to maintain health.