By Dr. Willie T. Ong, The Philippine STAR, August 3, 2010

Can you remember how you felt when you had your first crush? Do you remember your heart fluttering, your head feeling light, and your feet as if floating on air? Congratulations, you’re in love.

However, years later, after you got married and had kids, you start to lose this wonderful feeling. You’re wife doesn’t look as appealing as she once was. Sex isn’t as exciting anymore. What is happening to you? Scientists have found an explanation through these “love chemicals.”

The Chemicals of Love

1. Dopamine – When you’re in love, the levels of dopamine in your body rises tremendously, resulting in this “kilig” feeling. That’s why dopamine is so addicting. The more you have it, the more you want it. It also helps release another feel-good chemical called serotonin. When a person is lovesick or homesick, their serotonin levels drop by 40%.

Aside from being in love, there are other ways to increase one’s dopamine levels like smoking (That’s why it’s so addicting and we don’t recommend it.), thrill-seeking behavior and having a new partner (We don’t advise it). Sleeping and eating sweets can also increase dopamine levels.

2. Oxytocin – Aside from dopamine, another feel-good chemical is oxytocin, which promotes a feeling of closeness and motherly love. This chemical rises when we cuddle our children, hold hands with a loved one, or communicate with a dear friend.

Oxytocin, also called the “cuddling chemical” helps fight stress and makes you happier. One study shows that talking to a good friend is as effective as a pain reliever in treating headaches. Therefore, men and women need to communicate better in order to build a better relationship and ensure a steady release of oxytocin.

The Decline of Love

Just as we’d like to believe that true love lasts forever, we still have to put some work to make this dream come true. This is because our “dopamine high” doesn’t last forever and our bodies develop tolerance to it. In fact, studies show that starting from 9 months to 3 years, our dopamine levels decline, which coincides with the time you feel bored and start “falling out of love.” How sad.

Some scientists believe the timing of the decline may be a natural process. Mothers start teaching their kids to be independent. Fathers may be prone to leave too. So if you’ve been going steady with your boyfriend past 3 years or you’re on your fourth year of marriage, there’s a real danger he or she might get bored with you, because the chemical bonds are not there anymore.

Finding True Love

To increase one’s dopamine levels again, you need to put excitement back into your relationship. Get a new look, change your hair, wear attractive clothes and put more excitement into your marriage. Go on your second honeymoon, and plan a surprise date at a new location.

Another remedy is through the help of another feel-good chemical called endorphins, which could be the closest thing to finding true love. Endorphins promote a feeling of calmness, warmth, intimacy and dependability.  As we get older, we need to progress to the next stage and start loving our partners for who he or she is. To increase one’s endorphins, think loving thoughts about your partner. Touch and smile at him.

The Benefits of Sex

What about sex? Did you know that studies show that men who have sex two or more times a week can decrease their risk for a heart attack or stroke? Women who enjoy sex also tend to live longer than those who don’t. Studies also show that increasing your sexual activity from once a month to once a week also increases your general happiness.

Sex makes one feel good and happy. It’s also good exercise for the heart. A five-minute sexual act consumes just 30 calories, but 30-minutes of sex can use as much as 250 calories.

What bodily changes happen during sex? First, your heart rate increases, pupils dilate, nostrils flare and sweat glands open. Female breasts enlarge by 25%. There is also increased blood flow to the lips, nose and sexual organs. Oxytocin levels also rise. All these changes build up to an orgasm.

How does a person know if he or she is strong enough for sex? One simple test is to climb 2 flights of stairs. If you can do this without being short of breath, then you are cleared to have sex. (By the way, this is the test doctors may use to check if you are qualified to have an operation or not.)

Tips to Improve Your Love Life

1. Do little things for your partner. Give a love note, a text message or a rose. Make a surprise date and be unpredictable.
2. Develop a shared goal. See if you can match your goals and thus be more synchronized in your plans.
3. Remember the good times. Recall what attracted you to your partner in the first place like your first date and your memories of love.
4. Massage her feet. Did you know that the brain parts that control the feet are in close proximity to the one’s that control the sexual organs? A foot rub is an erotic kind of foreplay. Other erogenous (sexual) zones are the back of the neck, the fingers and toes and the nipples.
5. Exercise and lose weight. The less belly fat you have, the better will be your sex life. Eating healthy will improve the blood flow to your body.
6. Create a conducive environment. The brain is actually the most sexual organ of the body. Try soft music, chocolate, coffee, baby powder, the scent of lemon or what works for you. Some reports show these might be effective.
7. Stay in love. There are really biological explanations to the ins and outs of love. Keep your love going strong and increase those chemicals of love. Good luck.

By Dr. Willie T. Ong, The Philippine Star, July 20, 2010 

Readers beware! From May until August, market stands are packed with a delicious yellow-orange fruit Filipinos love to eat. Just thinking of a ripe, soft and juicy santol fruit can make our mouths water. Imagine it. Taste its sweet and sour juice. Gnaw at the tender ticklish fiber clinging to the seed. It’s so good… even good enough to swallow. Gulp.

Now, what happens? If you swallowed a santol seed, the first crucial information is whether it’s the local or the Bangkok santol variety.  If it’s from Bangkok, then the trip along your gut would be more exciting. You see, Bangkok seeds are much bigger, about 3 centimeters in length with sharper pointed edges. If you’re lucky, the fleshy seed will pass down your pharynx, then the esophagus and reach the stomach. In the gut, it will incubate for about 3 hours as the outer fibrous covering is digested and stripped away.

From here on, it’s a matter of luck. Having a bare santol seed in your gut is like carrying a bare knife in your pocket that can cut through your trousers anytime. Once ejected by the stomach, the sharper and deadlier seed or seeds now travel through the narrower and lengthy portions of your small intestines and then the large bowels.

If you’re young and healthy, those seeds may pass through without harm. But if you’re older and have some form of abnormality in your intestines, then it could easily get stuck, leading to an obstruction. The sharp edges may even perforate your bowels leading to infection and death.

In the Philippines, it is estimated that 200 cases of surgical emergencies from swallowed santol seeds are seen yearly at our hospitals. Dr. Reynaldo O. Joson, chair of the Department of Surgery at Ospital ng Maynila, has been educating the public on the dangers of this seemingly harmless fruit. Dr. Joson says that if the patient dillydallies in consulting a doctor, then death can occur in 30-50% of cases. In the Ospital ng Maynila alone, several cases were operated on recently. This makes the delicious santol fruit a public health problem.

It’s hard to explain the Filipinos’ penchant for swallowing santol seeds, which can be likened to a circus act of swallowing pins and knives. Given that one seed can accidentally be swallowed, but there are some who consume a dozen santol seeds in one sitting. It’s silly. It’s dangerous. And it can obstruct and cut through the bowel linings.

A perforated gut will cause dirty feces to spill into one’s abdominal cavity. And since the stools are ridden with bacteria, these may easily infect the body and seep into the blood stream. This is what is known as sepsis or blood infection, and can quickly lead to death. For this reason, doctors too must be keen in asking patients with abdominal pain if they have touched any forbidden fruit lately.

What about other seeds? Is it safe to swallow tomato seeds or guava seeds? It’s much smaller, but can they lead to appendicitis instead? According to Dr. Joson, there are not enough data to say that such seeds cause appendicitis, injury or death. Tomato and guava seeds are very small, without sharp ends, and are therefore practically harmless. As you can see, it’s really about size and shape of things and the tortuous passage through one’s gut. One thing’s for sure, don’t attempt to swallow a mango seed.

So if you and your co-workers are binging on a hearty meal of mouth-watering santol, tell them that it’s alright to eat the fruit. You can even treat it like a candy and extract as much juice as you can. But please, don’t swallow the killer seeds. It might be your last.

(For a compilation of previous articles, you may check our website: docwillieandliza.com)

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DZRH Radio Program on Health:

We would like to invite you to listen or watch our latest radio program at DZRH (666 in the AM band). Our show, called “Doctors on Call,” airs every Saturday 5:30 – 6:30 P.M. My wife, Dr. Liza Ong, and I are the hosts of this public service program. During the show, we’ll be inviting guest-experts and tackling various health-related topics to educate our listeners.

Our DZRH program can also be seen live on RHTV via the internet (DZRH.tripod.com) and through Dream Cable TV and Cable link TV. Every week, we receive many questions from as far away as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and of course, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Previous guests in our show include PMA President and Occupational Medicine Expert, Dr. Oscar Tinio; PMA Committee Head and Thyroid Expert, Dr. Benigno Ong; UP-NIH Director of Genetics, Dr. Carmencita Padilla; PGH Ophthalmologist, Dr. Manuel Agulto; and many others.

We are greatly indebted to DZRH veteran broadcaster Mr. Joe Taruc and Manila Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) President Mr. Ruperto Nicdao, Jr., for inviting us to be part of the DZRH family.

Dr. Willie T. Ong, The Philippine Star, July 6, 2010

How can we become smarter? Are there scientific ways to increase our brain’s capacity? Let’s find out.
According to Dr. Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen, a study shows that, on the average, a persons intelligence (measured by IQ) decreases by 5% every 10 years. But this is just the average. The good news is that there were some people in the study whose IQ even increased as they aged. Here are the 10 secrets to increase your brainpower.

1. Take a 45-minute walk. The poet Robert Frost used to have long walks in the woods while creating his next poem. Walking helped him think better. This is true because walking improves the circulation in our body including our brain. This increase in blood flow to the brain will make it sharper and think more clearly.

2. Stretch your brain. Doctors found that intelligent people have more cross-circuitry in their brains. The nerve cells are more connected and have more interaction with each other. How do we stimulate the growth of these nerve cells? One way is to expose your mind constantly to new inputs, new challenges, and new projects. Don’t be contented with what you can do today, strive to learn more. Enroll in an adult-learning class. Solve crossword puzzles and sudoku. Don’t retire. Another technique is to read a magazine or talk to an expert in a field totally alien to you. One time, I read my daughter’s magazines, and listened to her CD’s. It’s a refreshing eye-opener. Keep on learning and studying.

3. Eat brain food. Yes, there is such a thing. The top foods for the brain are (1) an ounce of nuts a day, which are filled with good oils and can increase your serotonin levels; (2) oily fish, like tuna, tilapia, sardines, salmon and catfish, are full with omega-3 which are good for the arteries; (3) olive oil and avocados, are likewise filled with omega-3; (4) Cocoa or dark chocolate have healthy flavonoids which keeps the arteries young; and (5) tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, which have folate and lycopene that fight aging.

4. Take supplements. Among the proven supplements for the brain and heart, the leading contender is Omega 3 fish oil supplements. These have been proven to increase blood flow to the brain, the heart and the whole body. It prevents strokes, heart attacks, and depression, too. Recent studies show it may be beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin B complex tablets (with Folate) can also help protect you from a stroke. Folate reduces dangerous homocysteine build-up leading to cracks in the arteries.

5. Consider aspirin 80 mg tablets. If there was a list of pills that can be considered wonder drugs, aspirin will probably top the list. Discovered in 1899, aspirin has been proven to help patients with heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. Aspirin makes our blood thinner and helps reduce clots in the blood vessels. Men over 50 and women after menopause should highly consider taking an aspirin 80 mg tablet, once a day after meals. However, aspirin is not perfect because it can cause stomach ulcers in some patients. Consult your doctor first.

6. Have friends older or younger than you. According to Gerontology Professor Dr. David Demko, having friends older or younger than you can help stimulate your brain. Young people can learn from the wisdom of older people. And older people can imbibe the energy and zest of the young. It works both ways. Open yourself to new things and new perspectives.

7. Learn to cope with stress. Having a prolonged stress causes the body to release a stress hormone, called cortisol, which is detrimental to the body in the long run. Try to avoid or fix these stresses if you can. Find a better job, resolve the difficult relationship, and fix your health problem. On the other hand, short-term stresses, like projects, deadlines or making a speech, are not harmful. Laughter, meditation and deep breathing can help reduce stress. Laughing reduces anxiety and tension, and releases good endorphins, which can counter the bad effects of stress.

8. Daydream away. Visualize. Did you know that people who daydream often about their life’s goals, have a better chance of achieving them? Positive-thinking proponent, Norman Vincent Peale, even suggests writing your goals on a piece of paper and carrying it in your wallet. If you train your brain to reach your goal (like become a top businessman, sportsman or artist), then your brain will try to find ways to achieve this goal. Visualize success and you can achieve it.

9. Protect your head. This is just common sense advice to protect your brain. Wear a hard hat if needed. Wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Avoid boxing as a sport if you can. Shout “Fore” if you hit a wayward golf shot. And, don’t let anybody hit your head. Also, invest in good shoes so you won’t fall. For the elderly, always walk with someone you can hold on to.

10. See a doctor. Finally, when you need help, go the experts. Get an annual check up. Follow these ten tips so you can healthier and smarter.

(For a compilation of my previous articles, kindly check our website: docwillieandliza.com)

By Dr. Willie T. Ong, The Philippine STAR, June 6, 2010

Are there foods that can prevent or maybe even cure cancer? If you ask, Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, co-founder of the Center of Integrative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the answer is a definitive “yes.”

Dr. David Servan-Schreiber has three unique credentials. First he’s both a medical doctor (MD) and a PhD. Second, he has written an international bestselling book, Anticancer: A New Way of Life. Third, Dr. David is himself suffering from cancer, and beating it.

This unusual combination of life events has made Dr. David rethink his medical education and search long and hard to find himself a cure for cancer. After arduous research, Dr. David lists the following top anticancer foods:

1. Green tea – Green tea contains catechins, which can help retard tumor growth. It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps hasten the death of cancer cells. According to Dr. David, green tea should be steeped for at least 5-8 minutes to release the catechins. Drink 2 cups of green tea a day and drink within 2 hours of preparation. Choose the non-caffeinated variety to lessen any side effects, like heart palpitation.

2. Curry and turmeric – Turmeric and yellow curry are potent food ingredients to fight inflammation. In the laboratory, these substances enhance the effect of chemotherapy and also reduce tumor growth.

3. Ginger – Ginger root has long been used in Asia to treat nausea, vomiting, cough, colds, headache, stomach ache and arthritis. Its pungent odor comes from gingerols and shogaols, which are likely responsible for its anti-nausea and anti-vomiting effects. Aside from these benefits, ginger also helps reduce inflammation and helps retard the creation of new blood vessels used by cancer cells.

4. Cabbages – Cabbages (like bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts) contain sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinols, which are potent anticancer substances. These molecules can prevent precancerous cells from turning into real cancer cells. To prepare cabbage, steam briefly or stir-fry quickly with a little olive oil. Don’t boil them or you’ll destroy its anticancer properties.

5. Garlic, onions and leeks – When tested in the laboratory, garlic and leeks were the top inhibitors of cancer cells. Garlic and leeks contain ally sulfides which promote cell death in colon, breast, lung and prostate cancer, as well as leukemia. To best release its anticancer ingredients, the garlic clove should be crushed and gently fried with a little oil. Garlic can also be eaten raw, and added to salads.

6. Carotenoid-rich vegetable and fruits – Yellow-orange colored fruits and vegetables contain vitamin A and lycopene, which may prevent cancer. These healthy foods include carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and tomatoes. In a six-year study on breast cancer patients, researchers found that those patients who ate more foods rich in carotenoids lived longer compared to those who ate less.

7. Tomatoes and tomato sauce – A study shows that eating tomato sauce (rich in lycopene) leads to longer life for men with prostate cancer. In order to release its lycopene, tomatoes should be cooked with a little olive oil. Ideally, we should consume at least 10 tablespoons of tomato sauce a week or approximately 150 ml a week. So remember, red spaghetti sauce is very healthy, just skip the meatballs.

8. Soy – Soy products, like tofu and miso soup, contain genistein, a substance that blocks the stimulation of cancer cells by the body’s estrogen and testosterone hormones. In a study of Asian women, those who consumed more soy since their teen years had fewer incidence of breast cancer. Instead of drinking regular milk, you can try soy milk. You may take tofu and vegemeat as an alternative source of protein to reduce your meat intake.

9. Shitake mushrooms – Shitake mushrooms and other mushrooms contain polysaccharides and lentinian, which increase the activity of our immune cells. These protective cells kill off any cancer cell that wants to replicate and invade the body’s organs. The stronger your immune system, the lesser are your chances of getting sick. In Japan, cancer patients are encouraged to eat mushrooms to complement the effects of chemotherapy.

10. Oily fish – The Omega-3’s in oily fishes (like sardines, salmon and mackerel) help reduce inflammation and may retard cancer cell growth. Omega-3’s also reduce the spread of cancer. Some studies show that the more fish you consume, the lesser are your chances of getting some types of cancer.

11. Probiotics and yogurt – Our intestines contain good bacteria, called lactobacillus, to help digestion and bowel movement. Probiotics, like yogurt, help increase these friendly bacteria and help inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells.

12. Berries – Strawberries, blueberries and cranberries contain ellagic acid and polyphenols. These substances help eliminate cancer substances in the body. Fresh berries are ideal but frozen berries have also similar beneficial effects.

To obtain the greatest benefit from these superfoods, try adding more of them to your diet. At the same time, reduce your intake of these “unhealthy” and possibly cancer-causing foods, especially the traditional Western fast-food diet of hamburgers, hotdogs, preserved meats and steaks.

The Anticancer Mind
Aside from listing anticancer foods, Dr. David talks about the anticancer mindset. He believes that one’s state of mind has an effect on whether we develop cancer or not.

For example, people who feel helpless, hopeless and desperate are more prone to develop cancer. Persistent anger, especially hidden negative emotions, may lead to illness. On the other hand, acceptance, openness, facing one’s difficulties and support from family and friends may help prevent and even cure cancer. These positive emotions, along with meditation, yoga and prayer, can activate one’s immune system and helps the body fight off the cancer cells.

Such an idea was considered medical heresy decades ago, but now, more and more experts are beginning to see the mind-body connection. To learn more about these exciting findings, check out Dr. David’s book, Anticancer: A New Way of Life. This groundbreaking book (available locally) may change the way you think of your health.