April 12, 2023, 8:45 am | Read time: 4 minutes
He lives a vegan lifestyle and continues to exercise diligently, but even former bodybuilder Ralf Moeller isn’t immune to the passage of time. In a FITBOOK interview, he discussed the aches and pains of aging and the importance of preventive check-ups for early detection of potential illnesses.
If anyone is dedicated to fitness and health, it’s Ralf Moeller. Even after his active sports career ended, there was hardly a day without training in his life, and for about five years, the former Mr. Olympia has largely avoided animal products, especially meat, in his diet. Yet at 64, Ralf Moeller is well aware that his health is no longer a given. In the FITBOOK interview, he talked about minor and major health issues, why he scheduled a colon cancer screening for a friend–and still feels overall well.
Overview
Ralf Moeller on …
… Health in Old Age
“Well, you don’t think about it that often. When you’re young, you have goals, like in work, entertainment, or sports. And even when you’re older, you don’t always think about death or illness. You’re reminded of it by things like this interview. Then you can decide for yourself: Do you want to be sick and frail at 50, 60, or 70, running to the doctor and filling yourself with chemicals from the pharmaceutical industry? They’re already making huge profits and want to see us sick. They don’t want us healthy because they want to make sales and earn money. Or do I want to feel good, do I want to be fit at 60 and 70–like Moeller and Schwarzenegger or Stallone, at 75 and 76.”
Also interesting: Ralf Moeller on his training: “I no longer do this exercise”
… Minor Ailments in Old Age
“These are things that come with age. Suddenly, at 48, you blink your eyes and can’t read everything anymore. Or your hair falls out. Or your hip hurts. But we’ve always used our bodies, either through hard work or extreme sports.”
… the Connection Between Diet and Cancer
“They say love goes through the stomach. There’s some truth to that. Diet has a huge impact through the liver and intestines. The liver controls and processes everything. That’s why liver cancer is so severe, deadly. And also colon cancer. That’s why it’s so important to go for screenings when you’re in your late 40s and 50s. It can be stopped if you go for early detection.”
Also interesting: Why vegans should do strength training
… the Importance of Cancer Screening
“Young people have died of colon cancer at 36. But at 50, it’s crucial (to go for screening; Ed.). I have a friend who’s now 60, and I told him: You’re going for screening now. I immediately made him an appointment. I thought he would have done it long ago. It’s done quickly. You go there for a day, you’re sedated and don’t feel anything, there’s no need to be afraid. After two or three hours, you’re out and satisfied. You should do it every four or five years.”
… Possible Harmful Effects of Meat Consumption
“The meat we eat, which is treated with antibiotics and other substances, isn’t completely expelled the next day. You retain residues in your intestines for weeks. And that can develop into (diseases like colon cancer; Ed.).”
Also interesting: How dangerous is it to eat a vegan diet?
… Avoiding Meat
“Because it’s a topic people don’t like to hear about, we have books to refer to: Here’s Moeller at 64, who changed his diet four and a half years ago. Gradually, it took time, and I had prejudices too. But I can only recommend it because I feel fit and lively, and I owe that to a vegan diet.”