ArcaMax

Young adults, ages 18 to 30, are notorious for their casual attitude about nutrition -- around 60% only get one to two servings daily of fruits and vegetables. In contrast, the average American eats about 83 pounds of beef a year, the equivalent of 333 quarter-pounders! That's enough to take your breath away -- literally.

A study presented at the American Thoracic Society 2022 Conference reveals that, especially for smokers and ever-smokers, folks whose diet as a young adult, ages 18 to 30, was woefully short on fresh produce and long on beef and unhealthy fats are 60% more likely to develop emphysema than people who ate a plant-based diet as young adults.

Tracking the participants in the CARDIA study for 30 years, the researchers discovered that while smoking is a huge factor in respiratory problems, it is not the only one. When combined with poor nutrition in younger years, it delivers a superdestructive blow to your lungs. Add that to the news that in 2017, more than 1 million teens, ages 14 to 17, became new daily tobacco users (75% through vaping) and we have a nation of future emphysema sufferers -- unless we act now.

Parents, help your kids, teens and young adults appreciate the joys of loving food that loves you back! Kids, dig into plant-based food options, on the run and cooked at home. Mom and Dad, don't assume your teen doesn't vape. Show them the facts at CDC.gov -- search for "Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens and Young Adults." Help them enjoy an active life for years to come.

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Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. His next book is "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow." Do you have a topic Dr. Mike should cover in a future column? If so, please email questions@GreatAgeReboot.com.

(c)2022 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.