Expert: Sharon Erdrich - 10/4/2011

Question
Sharon
I am 54.
I have a few questions I would like your opinion on please.
Since cutting out red meat I have felt much better, and have lost a bit of weight and its still coming off slowly.I honestly think I was allergic to it! I had a steak a few weeks ago -I couldnt avoid it was a special dinner for my friend-and it took me a full week to get over the bloating and back to normal. Have you ever come across this?
Also, I just began drinking oolong tea. I used to drink black. I have noticed drinking this has also improved my digestive issues. I was told this tea was for weight loss but not for digestion. Do you know anything about this tea?
Lastly, I have begun taking saw palmetto. Is has reduced my need to pee, but I think it has also increased my appetite. It is supposed to help with hypothyroidism, so could it be speeding my metabolism thus the increased appetite? Maybe as long as I dont over eat this is good?
Thanks for your thoughts!

Answer
Hi Barry.  
Allergy to beef and lamb, do occur but are somewhat rare.  Dark meats are somewhat harder to digest than fish & chicken (and are associated with a higher incidence of bowel cancer).  If you are deficient in stomach or digestive enzymes (something that become more of a problem as we age), you will get quite some bloating.

Oolong tea has been traditionally used to prevent diabetes.  Interestingly a study published in 2003 showed that it does reduce blood sugar levels, thus it will help with weight loss. It also increases the amount of dietary fat excreted in the stool (meaning you will absorb less) It is also naturally high in some of the substances found in green tea, which also has benefits on the digestive system.

Saw palmetto is said to be a thyroid tonic, though there is no scientific support for this.  This herb does help with metabolism of male hormones, thus reducing symptoms of enlarged prostate, (which creates urinary problems).  Saw palmetto seems to have an effect on cortisol, and thus may affect metabolism, plus aiding digestion and stimulate the appetite to increase weight gain.

All in all it sounds like you have a good combination going there - trim is healthy!!
regards
Sharon