Dr Oz: Forget About Breakfast?
Health information sometimes seems to go back and forth, getting more confusing as time goes on. That’s exactly why Dr Oz wanted to tackle some of the most controversial health debates. First up, should you eat or skip breakfast?
Dr Michael Roizen, health guru Chris Powell, and contributor Renata joined Dr Oz to take part in the debate. Do you eat breakfast or do you tend to skip it?
Dr Roizen explained that the science is confusing because there are studies that support both sides. Chris added that the research proves both sides are true, which makes it all the more difficult to determine which is best for you. He believes that when it comes to weight loss, it all comes down to calories in versus calories out. But in terms of breakfast, what kind of effect does it have on our hormones?
It was time for Dr Oz, to finally answer the big question: is it okay to skip breakfast or should you eat it every day? (withwind / Flickr)
Dr Oz broke down the discussion by looking at the effect breakfast had on weight loss and energy levels.
Dr Oz: Cortisol Levels & Energy Without Breakfast
In the morning, cortisol supplies glucose to your liver and brain, without even eating anything. Our ancestors didn’t actually have the luxury of eating breakfast which is why the body adapted to do without it. The body naturally supplies energy for us in the morning. But at the same time, if you eat a balanced breakfast within an hour of waking, you’re nourishing your body with the nutrients it needs so it doesn’t have to draw from its own internal stores anymore.
When you have high cortisol levels, your body’s fat is being used. Naturally, however, your body shouldn’t absolutely require breakfast for energy, thanks to cortisol levels.
So what happened when two avid breakfast-eaters stopped eating breakfast? They lost weight but they struggled slightly with energy in the afternoon. Dr Oz believes that it’s about eating when you’re hungry, no matter the time of day. Dr Roizen reminded Dr Oz of the idea that intermittent fasting could be the key to weight loss and skipping breakfast means a longer period of time without eating.
Dr Oz: Is It O.K. To Skip Breakfast?
Additionally, if you work out in the morning without having eaten breakfast, you’ll use fuel from what you ate the night before or even the last week.
As for the final conclusion, Dr Oz gave all his viewers permission to skip breakfast if they feel it’s right for them.
But what about flossing? Is it okay to skip flossing?
Dr Oz: Should You Stop Flossing?
Dr Oz brought in a dozen dentists to speak out against a recent report that claimed flossing isn’t necessary. Should you floss or not? Dr Gerald Curatola explained that not cleaning between your teeth is like inviting rats to come in and pick through trash sitting on a hot New York street. Dr Mina Kim explained that flossing reaches places your toothbrush cannot. It prevents gum disease and cavities and a lot of people don’t realize you can get cavities between your teeth.
The reality is that just about every dentist will agree that we should all keep flossing, even if there’s no overwhelming research to support the benefits. Dr Hemali Ajmera shared that flossing and interdental cleaning are your “number one line of defense against cavities and gum disease.”
If you still have questions, you can always talk to your dentist. But in the mean time, keep up with your regular oral hygiene habits, including flossing.
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