Live to be 100

The Wonderful Wizard, Dr. Oz

By Sophie Brink

Published on January 24, 2008

Oprah fans the world over have fallen in love with Dr. Mehmet C. Oz, a personable physician with a long string of positions, appointments, and professional honors attached to his name. This double-board-certified surgeon is also a double threat: he combines brains with a vivacious personality that is hard to forget. Women may swoon over the good doctor, a regular guest on Oprah, but both men and women pay attention to Dr. Oz, because many believe he has the map to the fountain of youth.

According to Dr. Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen, coauthors of the book YOU: Staying Young, the fountain of youth lies within all of us. We need only tap into this power to live to the ripe old age of 100. Yet, they believe that when it comes to living, quality vastly outweighs quantity. Follow their guide to staying young, the doctors explain, and you will feel better, look better, and love better.

The "Major Agers"

Dr. Oz refers to the biological mechanisms that make us older than our calendar years as the "Major Agers." Major Ager number one is responsible for memory loss. It involves the telomeres, the ends of our chromosomes. Telomeres, says Dr. Oz, are like shoelaces. Like the ends of a shoelace, our telomeres tend to fray with wear and tear. When our telomeres fray and shorten, we become susceptible to memory problems. The good news is that we can keep our telomeres strong by reducing stress and by exercising both our minds and our bodies.

Viva Las Vagus

The key to reducing stress is found within our own bodies, in the form of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve (pronounced vay-gus) extends from the brain stem to the organs in the neck, thorax, and abdomen. It carries sensory information from these organs back to the brain. Too much sensory input, caused by mental or physical stress, can overload the brain, causing it to "short circuit." According to Dr. Oz, we can help to calm the vagus nerve by breathing deeply through our diaphragms and by regularly engaging in meditation or prayer.

Losing Omentum

Don't hit "spell check" just yet. The omentum is an organ attached to the stomach that stores fat. Not only responsible for causing the dreaded "beer belly," a larger omentum can also raise a person's risk for heart attack, says Dr. Oz. Reducing our waist size, then, means not only making our pants fit better, but keeping our hearts healthy.

Sexual Healing

It turns out that singer Marvin Gaye was right. Sexual healing really is good for you. In fact, there is an entire chapter devoted to sex in YOU: Staying Young. According to Dr. Oz, monogamous sex can help us lose weight and live longer. The key to a healthy sex drive, explains Dr. Oz, is maintaining a proper hormone balance. As we age, the production of certain hormones begins to decline. Eating healthy, exercising, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress can help to regulate our hormones and jump start our sex drives.

Reverse the Charges

Dr. Oz gives hope even to those of us who are aging poorly due to eating a poor diet, smoking, or engaging in other harmful behaviors. It takes only three months to begin to reverse the damage done to our bodies and minds, says Dr. Oz. Those interested in Dr. Oz and YOU: Staying Young can visit http://www.you-staying-young.com to learn more.

Editor's note: If you have questions for Dr. Oz himself, visit http://www.oprah.com/health/oz/ask/oz_ask_main.jhtml.

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Keyword Tags: weight loss, celebrities

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Comments

1

Dr. Oz,
I hope that this message will reach you. I really need help. I have so much trouble with my bowels. Years ago I was total that this was IBS. I have lived with this for so many years and now the pain is almost unbearable. I have had three colonoscopys in the past ten years, they were all ok. When I have an attack, it starts with severe constipation and stomach pain. Once I have a bowel movement, I then have diarrhea. I have to take something for pain before I can get some relief.I am having these attach weekly. I have been to the emergy room at the hopital several times when I was having an attack and they only give me something for pain and tell me to see my Doctor. If there is an information that you might give me, I would be so grateful.

Ann Jones
about 1 year ago

2

Dear Dr. Oz
I have an a cute broncuites that I developed over three to five years ago living into a cold apartment building along with sinius. I saw you on Oprah show and you was explaining how to use a pot to clear sinus problem. How can I get that pot to buy because I am living in Canada and what can I use for broncuites cold?
I would be grateful for your advice.

Thank you kindly

Julie Barker
about 1 year ago

3

It's called a "neti pot". A quick Google search should turn up plenty of results.

Johnny
about 1 year ago

4

Dear Dr.Oz
I am at my witz end. I have sarcoidosis. My kidneys are part of that. I develop at least about every 6 month kidney stones and therefore have had at least 14 lithotrypsies over the past 20 years. I was told it is because of the high calcium in my blood. I am taking 5mg of prednisone daily also because of other implications regarding sarcoidosis [lungs, skin, sinusses, eyes. arthritus, psoriasis etc] I have specialists in many of those areas but most Doctors do not know what to do with sarcoid patients, especialy regarding my kidneys. My right kidney only works for 20 percent I am slowly loosing this kidney. Is there any advice you can give me I live close to Toronto. Maybe you can talk about this disease on the Oprah show I am sure that you know about this disease because many sarcoid patients have also heart problems and since you are a heart surgeon maybe you know more about sarcoidosis than some of the Doctors I have dealt with.
Hope to hear from you soon .
Sincerely yours, Marianna

marianna
about 1 year ago

5

Dear Dr. Oz,
We are a DESPARATE family asking for your help! My mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer. she has two types of cancer, the smallest tumor contains about 1 mm of the cancer that spreads, and the largest tumor is the one that doesn't spread. the doctor wants to remove her whole breast area, should we do test before the surgery to see if the cancer has spread. or should we just have it remove without doing test?

Patricia
about 1 year ago

6

I have PCOS. I have trouble lossing wieght, high cholestrol, and rebound hypoglycemia. I have one child that is 5 years old. My husband and I have been trying for about a year to get pregnant with no luck. I take Provera to start my cycle then 100 mgs of Clomid for 5 days. The meds make me very irrittable, and don't even get me started bout the hot flashes. Is there another way? Maybe some herbal meds?

Beth Evans
about 1 year ago

7

Hi Doctor Oz,
I have reached desperation levels due to my wifes extreme pain in her hands and feet. Her skin is extremely sensitive and there are spasm like pains in her hands and feet to such an extent that she passed out in the hospital bed. She was on Omnipon, Atterax, Tramahexal and paracetamol intraveneously. It helped on occasion but did not eradicate the pain. The Neurologist is still doing blood tests but said that he thinks she may have fibromyalgia. She has reactive hypoglycaemia, acute anaemia and problems with an underactive thyroid. She has also had some very stressfull occurences in the last year.This pain started about twenty days ago and the severity has increased. She has had an MRI which showed no abnormalities. Her pain is so severe that she now can hardly walk or use her hands and she cannot sleep at all. She is now on 1200mg of neurontin and other pshycosemetic drugs at present but they do not seem to be working. Her emotional state is extremely brittle due to the relentless pain. Please help, I am now desperate.

Regards,
David Moraites.

David Moraites
about 1 year ago

8

To Beth Evans (q 6), re PCOS. Metformin is a miracle drug for women with PCOS, it treats so many of the symptoms, eg, regulates cycles, weight loss (in conjunction with exercise and a good carb, good fat and balanced diet), treats HBP and cholesterol as well as other symptoms. It is much more successful for falling pregnant than fertility drugs for PCOS.

Sophie Petersen
about 1 year ago

9

I also have PCOS and I take an oral contraceptive called Lindynette 20 and my period comes every month on time, but the problem I have is that I was slim and now I weigh about 145lbs. Do you think the pills are causing the weight gain?

Patrine Johnson
about 1 year ago

10

Hi Patrine, I haven't heard of this pill but I am sure it is affecting your insulin levels which in turn puts on weight. My endocrinologist only recommends the Mirena device for (hormonal) contraceptive, he says that OCP increases insulin levels. Are you on Metformin? This will regulate your cycle and help you lose weight along with exercise and a healthy balanced eating plan (wholegrains, good fats etc) and reduce your insulin levels. Make sure you get your insulin tested too. Most doctors only check glucose levels, but ask them to test insulin as well. In Australia, the test is called a 2 hour GTT (glucose tolerance test) plus insulin. PCOS women tend to have normal glucose but high insulin (which causes the weight gain) and this can lead to diabetes when older if left untreated.

Sophie Petersen
about 1 year ago

11

Hello, I love you! I eat very well for the most part, much whole grains, fresh fruits, veggies etc...I understand about reading labels etc. I have lichen planus and I am wondering if you would have any suggestions? I also have fibromylasia ( under control with diet for the most part), I am 49 yrs old, had a hysterectomy at 30 due to endometsis. A couple of years ago my family dr took me down from my nice dose of HRT to a low dose. I know have some atrophy etc.... I was wondering if you had any overall skin correction advice. Thanks! Mary

Mary
about 1 year ago

12

CROHN'S DISEASE!!!! i'VE BEEN SUFFERING WITH THIS FOR OVER 7 YEARS NOW. Dr. Oz I need help!!!! I take the maximum dosage of Asacol, Remicade infusions,Potassium 20mq.,Predisone, and now they want to try the drug 6mp. I would like you and Oprah to do a show on a disease that very little people know about or understand. I feel with your help with my diet and some other things I could possibly go into remission. I'm so tired of living my life worrying about accidents,my sex life and normal everyday activities.
PLEASE PLEASE SAY YOU WILL HELP ME DR. OZ!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU,
KIMBERLY

Kimberly Jenkins
about 1 year ago

13

I too have Crohns Disease and have been having a very difficult time with getting my disease under control. The last colonoscopy ended with me having an upper GI and then being referred to a surgeon...needless to say the surgeon will not do surgery until my disease is under control. I take 16 pills of pentasa, 2 pills of Azathioprine, 1 folic acid, 1 omeprezole, tons of tylenol for the pain and I just finished my 3rd treatment of remicade.....they are talking predisone on top of everything else...Sometimes I feel I can't swallow anymore pills down my throat. Dr Oz I need your help as well....

Regina Mullins
about 1 year ago

14

My 18 year old daughter has been diagnosed with pcos. She is now taking Metfomin. She seems to have a problem with bloating, especially in her face. Is there anything that can help with this?

Elisabeth Watson
about 1 year ago

15

Hi Elisabeth, has the bloating started since she she started on Metformin? I haven't heard of it causing bloating in the face before, perhaps see a dr about that (has she been tested for Cushings Syndrome?). I have heard it can cause gastro problems for the first month of taking it, to avoid this happening, take a small dose and work up to the prescribed dose (your dr should have told you to do this) and also she should be using Metformin in conjunction with a healthy diet, using good fats (fish, avocado, nuts, seeds etc. avoiding bad fats), low GI foods (wholegrain, not processed), fruits etc (make sure she gets enough protein and balance the diet), and also doing daily cardio exercise and weight bearing exercise a couple of times per week. Is she losing weight since taking the Metformin? Has her menses become regular yet? This usually takes about 4 months to regulate them.

Sophie Petersen
about 1 year ago

16

hi Dr Oz,
I am 246lb and it seems impossible 4 me to loose weight.i have tried all sots of method and it is so difficult.I work out 5 days in a week and abt 2hrs and eat rice once a week.i am really getting tired and fed up.pls help me.desparate for ur advice.

thanks

sandra

sandra victor
about 1 year ago

17

Dear Dr. Oz: Please talk about Noropothy. I have that problem.
I used to walk a mile every day before going to work. Now I have
difficulty walking three or four blocks. I have been told by the
foot doctor that it's because of my loss of a kidney twenty seven
years ago. I have two bunions he will not operate on. Need your
help and advice. Saw your show today 7/22/08 with Oprah and
didn't get up to get a glass of water. It was that interesting.
I will be 83 in Dec. I was widowed 33 years ago. I will be 83 this Dec. and I still go to business three days a week. I drive sixty four miles to get there and get back home. Working makes me feel young, it's the walking and ache at night while asleep that makes me feel old. I take Norontin in the evening to help me sleep. I am ordering your book. Thank you...Mrs. M.

Lucia Monteleone
about 1 year ago

18

dear dr .oz i am from iraq i have high blood .p and also asthma from 20 years ago and befor 6 years i feel irregular heart beets i feel as if my heart stop for moment and starts again i take sulbotamol inhiller ad becotide inhiller and also prednisolone in addition to diazeem60 mg and plagerine angizar-h tablets please help me i am every day looking to your program
too much thanks
ali

ali.h.ali
about 1 year ago

19

What to do with Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS.

Mia Saelman
about 1 year ago

20

dont eat meat looking for a good protien and calcium suppliment that do not have alot of calories or constipate you since Im trying to build muscle while losing weight

nancy carpenter
about 1 year ago

21

I have been diagnosed with Graves Disease along with an overactive thyroid. My doctor has prescribed Methimazole 10g and I would like to know whether or not I should take this. I am currently taking a uniretic 7.5-12.5 M G for my high blood pressure. I was diagnose with high blood pressure 3 years ago after having a c-section. I have read several websites concerning the side effects of this drug called methimazole. I have questioned my doctor and I have some concerns about taking it.
Especially, the white blood cell count can be lowered due to taking this med. Also, hair loss, etc.

val
about 1 year ago

22

Hello, my name is Helen

What does it mean when a Dr. tells you - you have a "leak" on your heart? What causes this?

Helen Mejia
about 1 year ago

23

Azza from Egypt , i want to ask you about breast reduce surgery , is it safe ? i am thinking doing it .

Azza
about 1 year ago

24

Hi Dr. Oz, I have high blood pressure controled by two medications, hypoglycemia controled by diet, a bad thyroid controled by medication, Asthma controled by two medications, hormonal imbalance controled by one medication, bad allergies controled by two medications. I have had surgery for 100% blockage that was ulcerated in my carotid artey in my neck. I gained 60 lbs. It has taken me 3 years to loose twenty pounds. I need help. My docotr says no to hgh what do you say?. Laura from north carolina

laura
10 months ago

25

Dr Oz

I was just diagnosed with GRED are there meds that I can take to cure this or is it hopeless. About 1 year ago. I had my gall bladder remove and ever since than I have been suffering non stop with a burning sensation in my throat. Please help. ( Karen Hinds)

Karen Hinds
9 months ago

26

hi Dr Mehmet Oz, im an ardent viewer of oprahs shows on viasat tv here in africa,specifically in Ghana.i will seriously like to lose some pounds for effective movement of my body,for longevity snd above to feel good about myself.i also want you to please send me tips on how to eat well and what times for proper digestion.Nice coming into contact through oprah's show.

AHMED HABIB IBRAHIM
2 months ago

27

Dr. OZ
My twin sister and I would like to have some idea on our mothers health . She was told that she had vascular dementia and Alzheimer's . But two top neurologist said they didnt feel that she had that . In her family history there is no dementia or alzheimers . She doesnt have short term memory at all she has been tested by the top guys for that . They want to do a blood test which costs 2thousand dollars we cant afford that and or a skin test to determine what she has . PLEASE HELP US FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MY LOVING MOTHER . DR OZ PLEASE E MAIL US WITH SOME ANWERS OR SOME THING WE COULD LOOK UP AND READ ABOUT. THANK YOU DR OZ.

KELLEY
about 1 month ago

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