Monday, June 23, 2025

Re: 11 foods to avoid???

I don't want people to think that I endorse all of his recommendations.   I just thought that the first point about oxalates was interesting.  The rest would require more research. 

Best wishes,

John Coffey

On Jun 21, 2025, at 4:50 PM, John Coffey <john2001plus@gmail.com> wrote:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgdTUwLmh6g&t=28s

I haven't had time to research all of his recommendations, although I will try to look into them.

His first recommendation is to avoid spinach and almonds because they are high in oxalates.  I had no idea what oxalates are, but here is what Google AI says about them:



For most people, oxalates found in everyday foods are not dangerous and are part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, there are certain situations where elevated oxalate levels can cause issues. 
In what cases can oxalates be dangerous?
  • Kidney stones: Oxalates, also known as oxalic acid, are naturally occurring compounds in plants that can bind with calcium in the urine, forming calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can develop into painful kidney stones. For individuals prone to kidney stones or with a family history of them, a doctor may recommend a low-oxalate diet to reduce their risk.
  • Oxalosis: In severe cases of high oxalate levels, a condition called oxalosis can develop, where oxalate builds up in organs and tissues throughout the body, potentially damaging bones, blood vessels, eyes, and even the heart. This can happen if kidneys aren't effectively removing oxalate from the blood due to primary or enteric hyperoxaluria.
  • Impaired nutrient absorption: Oxalates can bind with minerals like calcium and magnesium in the gut, reducing their absorption. However, this is usually not a significant concern for most people who consume a varied diet with adequate calcium intake.
  • Specific health conditions: Individuals with certain conditions like primary hyperoxaluria (a rare genetic disorder), enteric hyperoxaluria (due to certain intestinal problems), or those who have had weight-loss surgery may need to monitor their oxalate intake more closely as they are at a higher risk of hyperoxaluria and related complications. 
What are symptoms of high oxalates?
Symptoms of high oxalate levels (hyperoxaluria) or oxalate sensitivity can vary, but may include: 
  • Kidney stones: Symptoms like sharp pain in the back, side, lower belly or groin, blood in the urine, painful urination, and frequent urge to urinate.
  • Joint pain and inflammation: Oxalate crystals can deposit in joints, leading to swelling, pain, and stiffness.
  • Digestive issues: Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.
  • Neurological symptoms: Tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, and in rare cases, seizures or difficulty with coordination.
  • Eye and skin issues: Burning or itching in the eyes, redness, sensitivity to light, and potentially skin rashes or crystals on the skin. 
What to do if you suspect you have high oxalates?
If you are concerned about your oxalate levels or have any of the associated symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform necessary tests, like a 24-hour urine collection, to determine if you have hyperoxaluria and recommend appropriate dietary or medical interventions. 
In summary, while oxalates can pose health risks in certain individuals, they are generally not dangerous for the majority of people when consumed as part of a balanced diet. 

Foods high in oxalates include spinach, rhubarb, almonds, beets, and certain soy products. Other foods with high oxalate content include Swiss chard, star fruit, cocoa, bran cereals, and some nuts and seeds. 
Foods Specifically Mentioned as High in Oxalates: 
Important Considerations:
  • Moderation is key:
    While some foods are high in oxalates, it's not necessary to eliminate them entirely from your diet. A guide from the University of Virginia School of Medicine suggests that careful planning and balanced portion sizes can allow you to enjoy these foods. 
  • Individual needs:
    The impact of oxalates can vary depending on individual factors, such as kidney health. Consult with a doctor or dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations. 
  • Calcium intake:
    Increasing calcium intake, particularly from dairy products, can help bind to oxalates in the digestive system, potentially reducing their absorption. 

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Little Dutch Boy Soft Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chip Cookies, 28 Count, 24 oz Family Size - Walmart.com

11 foods to avoid???

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgdTUwLmh6g&t=28s

I haven't had time to research all of his recommendations, although I will try to look into them.

His first recommendation is to avoid spinach and almonds because they are high in oxalates.  I had no idea what oxalates are, but here is what Google AI says about them:



For most people, oxalates found in everyday foods are not dangerous and are part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, there are certain situations where elevated oxalate levels can cause issues. 
In what cases can oxalates be dangerous?
  • Kidney stones: Oxalates, also known as oxalic acid, are naturally occurring compounds in plants that can bind with calcium in the urine, forming calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can develop into painful kidney stones. For individuals prone to kidney stones or with a family history of them, a doctor may recommend a low-oxalate diet to reduce their risk.
  • Oxalosis: In severe cases of high oxalate levels, a condition called oxalosis can develop, where oxalate builds up in organs and tissues throughout the body, potentially damaging bones, blood vessels, eyes, and even the heart. This can happen if kidneys aren't effectively removing oxalate from the blood due to primary or enteric hyperoxaluria.
  • Impaired nutrient absorption: Oxalates can bind with minerals like calcium and magnesium in the gut, reducing their absorption. However, this is usually not a significant concern for most people who consume a varied diet with adequate calcium intake.
  • Specific health conditions: Individuals with certain conditions like primary hyperoxaluria (a rare genetic disorder), enteric hyperoxaluria (due to certain intestinal problems), or those who have had weight-loss surgery may need to monitor their oxalate intake more closely as they are at a higher risk of hyperoxaluria and related complications. 
What are symptoms of high oxalates?
Symptoms of high oxalate levels (hyperoxaluria) or oxalate sensitivity can vary, but may include: 
  • Kidney stones: Symptoms like sharp pain in the back, side, lower belly or groin, blood in the urine, painful urination, and frequent urge to urinate.
  • Joint pain and inflammation: Oxalate crystals can deposit in joints, leading to swelling, pain, and stiffness.
  • Digestive issues: Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.
  • Neurological symptoms: Tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, and in rare cases, seizures or difficulty with coordination.
  • Eye and skin issues: Burning or itching in the eyes, redness, sensitivity to light, and potentially skin rashes or crystals on the skin. 
What to do if you suspect you have high oxalates?
If you are concerned about your oxalate levels or have any of the associated symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform necessary tests, like a 24-hour urine collection, to determine if you have hyperoxaluria and recommend appropriate dietary or medical interventions. 
In summary, while oxalates can pose health risks in certain individuals, they are generally not dangerous for the majority of people when consumed as part of a balanced diet. 

Foods high in oxalates include spinach, rhubarb, almonds, beets, and certain soy products. Other foods with high oxalate content include Swiss chard, star fruit, cocoa, bran cereals, and some nuts and seeds. 
Foods Specifically Mentioned as High in Oxalates: 
Important Considerations:
  • Moderation is key:
    While some foods are high in oxalates, it's not necessary to eliminate them entirely from your diet. A guide from the University of Virginia School of Medicine suggests that careful planning and balanced portion sizes can allow you to enjoy these foods. 
  • Individual needs:
    The impact of oxalates can vary depending on individual factors, such as kidney health. Consult with a doctor or dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations. 
  • Calcium intake:
    Increasing calcium intake, particularly from dairy products, can help bind to oxalates in the digestive system, potentially reducing their absorption. 

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Stouffer’s VERY EXPENSIVE Air Fryer Meals- WHAT ARE WE EATING??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKAyT6dmt-A

@john2001plus
1 hour ago (edited)
Five pounds of chicken tenders from Sam's Club cost $17.

Air fry three to five frozen tenders at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Microwave a package of frozen vegetables. Combine, maybe with some BBQ sauce.

This was my lunch today, and I had food left over.

Friday, April 18, 2025

Turkey Ranch and Bacon


I still think Arby's Turkey Ranch and Bacon sandwich is the best sandwich ever. Today, they had a buy one, get one free deal on their phone app. Not sure how often they have this deal.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Reflections on America


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIEo3rG2wME

@john2001plus
0 seconds ago
There are many restaurants in America, mostly chains, where one can enjoy a nice meal for $20 to $40. This is how most Americans dine out when not opting for fast food.

Cornbread is not cake; it is a dense bread. While I'm not particularly fond of the taste, it pairs well with BBQ, chili, or beans.

Many large cities in the United States have become dysfunctional, or they contain areas you'd want to avoid. Smaller cities tend to be the best places to live.

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Salads

 Rather than buying multiple salad kits for about $3 each, as I usually do, I bought a head of Romaine lettuce. I chopped it up and stored it in a large plastic container along with a package of tri-color coleslaw. This combination of cabbage and lettuce works well. For $4, I get four servings. I add salad dressing and a Roma tomato. I could include other ingredients, like nuts or shredded cheese—both of which I have—but the salad is great on its own.  

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

This Is NOT An Anti Meat Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sVfTPaxRwk

I don't have a strong opinion on this matter. I believe animals should be treated humanely but without excessive costs. 

We often attribute human characteristics to animals. However, humans have 86 billion neurons in their brains, while a chicken has only 200 million. Their thought processes are not like ours and are largely instinctual. 

I've heard that dogs' brains are designed to remember what is good and bad, but they react primarily based on instinct and learned associations. Dogs have approximately 2.25 billion neurons, while cats have around 750 million. 

Cows have about 3 billion neurons, and pigs have nearly the same as dogs. 

This doesn't mean that animals can't suffer or shouldn't be treated humanely. 

BTW, according to Google, ants have around 250,000 neurons, though I previously read that they have only 7,000. Their brains are so simple that they don't sleep. An ant cannot function outside of its group, as it depends on chemical signals from other ants to guide its behavior. If isolated, an ant will die. This is also true for other hive insects.

--
Best wishes,

John Coffey

http://www.entertainmentjourney.com

Saturday, December 21, 2024

15 Restaurants Only Baby Boomers Remember

99-Year-Old Dick Van Dyke’s Nightly Dessert Is Adorably Relatable

On the heels of his 2015 book release "Keep Moving and Other Tips and Truths About Aging," Van Dyke told the Chicago Tribune that a major factor is staying active. He wakes up at 6 a.m. every morning, drinks a cup of coffee, and heads "to the gym before I talk myself out of it," he says in his signature humorous style. "If you get exercise, get moving, get the blood moving, you walk out of the gym feeling better…Get that circulation going, and it changes you. I can go to the gym feeling pretty lousy, but I walk out of there with a bounce in my step and feeling pretty good."

While at the gym, Van Dyke swears by the treadmill and weights (yes, he still lifts in his 90s!). After his sweat session and with feel-good vibes in full effect, he typically swings by the market, runs errands, and heads back home for a quick nap before dinner. Then before bed, he always indulges his inner child.

Dick Van Dyke's Nightly Dessert
Throughout the day, Van Dyke explained to the Chicago Tribune team that he prefers to steer clear of overly processed and fast food, instead leaning into "light and fresh" fare. "I watch what I eat. I'm not much on meat; maybe once a week. I have blueberries every morning. I watch my sugar level," he said.

When Van Dyke was a kid, he always dreamed of growing up and being able to eat candy every night. That inner child is still alive and well: "There's the biblical admonition about putting aside the things of your childhood. But I take that to mean self-centeredness, willfulness; not creativity and wonder," Van Dyke continued in his chat with the Tribune. "Walt Disney and I always said we were children looking for our inner adults."

So to indulge his inner child, Van Dyke gleefully admitted, "I do eat ice cream every night."