13 Modern Health Problems and Their Solutions

5. Food fad bandwagon

My daughter is trying to convince me to join her on a fasting regimen. Smart or dumb?

It depends on what that regimen looks like. Fasting has been linked to reduced inflammation and, in animal studies, longevity. But restricting calories too severely can slow your metabolism and accelerate muscle loss. You’re probably fine starting with a 12-hour fast: If you finish dinner at 7 p.m., don’t eat again until 7 a.m. That will reduce your overall calorie intake, give you time to digest and even allow the body to burn some fat for energy overnight. But anything longer than that should probably start with a visit to your doctor, especially if you have any existing health concerns or take medication with food in the morning.

—Elizabeth DeRobertis, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, Scarsdale Medical Group, an affiliate of White Plains Hospital in New York

6. Is a colonoscopy risky?

My doctor says I should get a routine colonoscopy, but the headlines are conflicting. Should I book it?

Yes. It could save your life. If you are at least 45 years of age and at average risk for colorectal cancer, you should start regular screenings, which may include a colonoscopy, according to the American Cancer Society. People with a family history of colon cancer should start earlier. Colonoscopies have a bad reputation due to prep — you have to drink a solution that empties out your bowels — and the idea of having a tube inserted into the colon. But colonoscopy prep is much less problematic than it was in the past, and the procedure is performed under sedation, so you won’t remember a thing. Keeping up with colonoscopies is very important. When you catch cancer early, your odds of survival are vastly improved. Furthermore, detection and removal of precursor lesions, such as adenomas, can prevent the development of full-blown cancer.

—Rogerio C. Lilenbaum, M.D., senior vice president and chief physician executive, Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter, Florida

7. High anxiety

Every now and then, a wave of anxiety just washes over me.

Recent studies show that as many as one-fourth of older adults are experiencing feelings of anxiety. There are two common manifestations: For some, it feels like a nagging worry, tension or restlessness that happens throughout the day; others, like you, experience a sudden onset that may come with shortness of breath, a racing heartbeat, sweating or other physical symptoms. To relieve either form, try an anxiety-releasing routine a few times each day. Relax your jaw and shoulders, then move down your body from there; the process should take five minutes or less. Staying active can also help; boredom is fertile ground for anxiety. When an anxious thought strikes, get up and do something different to interrupt that pattern of thought. Breathing in for four seconds, holding for two and exhaling for eight also can help the entire body relax.

—Molly Camp, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas

8. Just taste it!

No one in my home wants to eat quinoa, squash, kale or other healthy foods.

First, just start roasting vegetables in a 400-degree oven with some sea salt, your favorite spices and olive oil to bring out the natural sugars and crispy textures. Pretty much any vegetable that’s not leafy will work. Then, stick them on your family’s dinner plates or on the table. In time, they’ll get in the habit of eating them. I’m also a fan of “sneaky vegetables.” Mix in chopped mushrooms next time you are cooking with ground meat, or blend soft or cooked vegetables into sauces or soups. And include fresh fruit on the table at meals. Who doesn’t want a slice of watermelon?

—Diana Guevara, registered dietitian and community health specialist, UTHealth School of Public Health, Dallas

9. Pasta conundrum

My spouse uses only gluten-free products at home “because it’s just healthier.” True?

No. If you have celiac disease or a non-celiac gluten sensitivity or you feel unwell when you consume gluten-containing foods, then going gluten-free makes sense. About 6 percent of the U.S. population has a gluten sensitivity, with about 1 percent having celiac disease. But if that’s not you, then going gluten-free isn’t “healthier.” Many gluten-free foods like crackers, pasta, cereals and baked goods are made from corn, rice or tapioca starches that have very little fiber and are often lacking in nutrients. That said, eating fewer carbs that contain gluten is often a sensible health goal. The best way is to focus on foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, beans, low-fat dairy and lean proteins. Gluten-free whole grains like certified gluten-free oats, sorghum, teff, quinoa, amaranth or black rice are healthy, too. And if you experience abdominal problems, see a doctor; no one should self-diagnose a gluten allergy.

—Lauren Harris-Pincus, dietitian and owner, NutritionStarringYou.com

10. Too much crunch

I bit into a sandwich made with a crusty roll, and ... wow, it hurt!

You might have a chipped or broken tooth. If you’re hit with a sudden toothache after eating something crunchy, don’t take it lightly, call a dentist for an appointment immediately. Truth is, there’s no home cure for a broken tooth. But there’s much you can do to prevent the next one. The most important thing is to keep good oral hygiene. Be cautious around sticky, crunchy or gummy foods; stay religious about flossing and brushing; then take a few extra moments each day to massage your gums, either with a soft toothbrush or your fingers. That helps keep your gums and teeth healthy, preventing tooth decay and ultimately avoiding ailments like chipped or broken teeth.

­—Guneet Alag, dentist, Fab Dental, Hayward, California

11. My poor gut!

I’m (buuurrp!) gassy all the time.

Stress, antibiotics, over-the-counter supplements, too much take-out food, viruses and many other factors may have caused an increase in GI symptoms over the past few years, by altering the bacteria in our guts. If you notice additional symptoms like unexplained weight loss, increased nausea or vomiting or stool changes, go see your doctor. But as far as standard gas, it’s mostly about your diet. Start by cutting back on carbonated beverages and foods that can upset the stomach: artificial sweeteners; milk and ice cream; onions and garlic; wheat products like cereal, bread and crackers; beans and lentils; and tree fruits such as apples, cherries and peaches. These foods contain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and thus ferment in the gut. Increased fiber can get things moving in the case of constipation, and probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut can restock the good bacteria.

—Andrew Boxer, M.D., Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey

12. Facing up to age

My skin doesn’t absorb my makeup anymore.

Exfoliation and hyaluronic acid sound like the opposite of what you use for your aging or damaged skin. But they are exactly what you need. Regular exfoliation combined with adequate hydration will ensure that your makeup doesn’t look cakey. I recommend you exfoliate twice a week or even every other day, followed by a hydrating facial serum with hyaluronic acid. It will plump your skin if you let it soak in a few minutes. If you wish, finish off your routine with a light coat of foundation.

—Michael Crumm, celebrity aesthetician in Los Angeles

13. Eyes wide open

It’s the middle of the afternoon, and I can’t resist dozing off.

Start by drinking more water. I have about 1 out of every 4 patients complain about fatigue, and the biggest culprit is dehydration. Men need around 15.5 cups a day; women need 11.5 cups. Drink coffee to perk up? Then you actually need more water, because caffeine is a diuretic. Skipping breakfast can also cause afternoon fatigue, as this can send afternoon blood sugar levels crashing down. Ultimately, eating three small meals a day with healthy snacks is the best way to keep your blood sugar levels stable, reduce big swings in your insulin hormone, keeping you alert and motivated throughout the day.

—Marc Helzer, M.D., University of Michigan Health-West