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Ashewell Medical Group

There seems to be some confusion about the egg’s effect on cholesterol and heart disease. This is a result of the fact that the data on this is somewhat mixed but generally between 1-6 eggs are safe per week in most patients.

The exclusion might be patients with Type 2 Diabetes. The data is very limited but there might be an increased risk of heart disease and stroke in this population even with a small intake of eggs. This doesn’t make much sense because we know that eggs can be rich in omega-3s. Pasture-raised chickens get a terrific amount of omega-3s when they are fed clover and alfalfa. Non-pasture raised chickens are given supplemental omega-3s which also boost the omega-3 content. We know that foods rich in omega-3s raise the HDL or good cholesterol which is heart protective and that is why this topic confuses doctors and patients alike.

I really like eggs and eat a lot of them. I especially like it when my patients bring me their pasture raised eggs from their farms 🙂 So again the answer to this wonderful question is that one size doesn’t fit all. For some, eggs work and for others eggs are to be eaten sparingly.

I think the reason we are even asking these questions is because as a population we are so inactive. For those getting plenty of daily exercise eggs are unlikely to be the problem. So the question we should really be asking: are we active enough?

I recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise to my patients, 5 days a week. I like to tell them this is the only fountain of youth I have ever found. Anyone can drink from it. Casual walking won’t cut it. If you don’t have to shower after, you haven’t pushed yourself enough. Of course, we need to get here gradually, safely but you would be amazed at how your body remembers and adjusts. Personally I love that we can take control over much of our health through diet and exercise and try to empower my patients to discover this joy. For those who suffer from joint issues, chronic injuries, etc the weightlessness of a pool is a magical thing and even if you need to invest in a YMCA membership I would say it is worth it. Don’t like to swim? Have you though about running in the water? Google it…

Which gets us back to fuel. Your body is a machine and your health is directly effected by what you fill it with. The car analogy ends here though because even a Dodge Pinto can be a Tesla with the right fuel and roads to run on. Get it?

At Ashewell, we know your diet is your health. To prove it we sponsor the North Asheville Tailgate Market. I will be there tomorrow answering your questions about Direct Primary Care and encourage you to come out and support our local farms and craftspeople.

Have a wonderful weekend!