If a person became convinced that there were no such things as the laws of human health and nutrition, the consequences would be far greater than just Dr. Oz being out of a job. Without such guidance for determining diet, the person would have no yardstick for deciding what to put in his mouth other than taste. Operating by the credo "If it seems good, eat it," he'd likely gravitate toward junk food, whatever food happened to titillate the tongue at the moment. But moments change, and who knows where a palate ever seeking the next adventurous culinary thrill would lead? With the only limit on diet being that of human taste itself, sampling those colorful berries on that bush outside, or that fluid under the sink (as a little child might) may seem appealing. Whatever the case, having fallen victim to this culinary relativism, the person couldn't even understand the link between caloric intake and obesity, or obesity and poor health. I mean, copious consumption of cakes and confections may hurt you, but don't impose your gastronomic values on me, hater.
Of course, such an approach could very well yield constant degradation of the body, but the process wouldn't go on forever. Death would bring it to an end.
Selwyn,
You have outdone yourself. This is a most magnificent column. When is your book going to be published? I want to be the first in line to pre-order it.
Posted by: Philip France | November 17, 2014 at 02:47 PM