Does heart disease, diabetes and cancer run in your family like it does in mine?
Well, chances are that at least one of these diseases is part of your heritage. While there are multiple factors at the root of these diseases, eating habits are a major one. And the good news is that unlike genetic factors, your eating style is something that you have the power to change.
"30 to 40% of all cancers could be prevented by eating a better diet and getting more exercise"--Dr. George Bray, Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University (Reuters Press Release 7/11/02)
While I am fortunate that my major health numbers have always been within the normal ranges, my physical in May 2002, after I just turned 40, showed a 47% increase in my HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol); a 22% decrease in my LDL (bad cholesterol); a 34% decrease in my trigylcerides; my blood sugar remained at a nice low 84 (the normal range is 70 to 105); and my blood pressure was a healthy 100/70. A full body scan I had in January 2002 also showed that there was not even the slightest trace of atherosclerotic plaque in my arteries (for more about this experience, check out my article "The Proof Is In The Scan".
These changes have all occurred when I adopted my current healthy "NMP" eating style, including fish, full time. So even though the genetic odds may be against me, so far, so good, thanks to my healthy "NMP" diet and my regular exercise program (but since I have been a regular exerciser for years, I believe my "NMP" eating style was the biggest factor in these great results).
How about those people on the "Typical Amercian Diet"?
Could there be any connection to the rise of all those fast food franchises pushing their artery-clogging beef burgers, fried chicken and fries in super-duper sizes? I think so, and so do most of the health authorities and gurus. And most people know it too, yet the number of open heart surgeries and strokes is not decreasing; Type 2 diabetes is occurring in almost epidemic proportions; obesity rates are off the charts; and cancers that are believed by researchers to be at least in part diet-related, like breast and colon cancer, are on the rise.
"The greater the intake of animal fat, the greater the likelihood of diabetes--simple as that"-- "Vegetarian Times" October 2003, summarization of University of Minnesota, July 2003 study publication in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"
Yet overall, we just can't seem to break away from the irresistible, convenient food from the chains and our supermarkets. It's just too good, and that heart attack, stroke, diabetes or cancer is years away. You can get a fast food cheeseburger and fries now at three places within the next block. The sad thing is that you can have that cheeseburger and fries in a healthy way--but hardly anyone wants to bother. Well I learned how, and you'll be shocked to find how easy it is.
What You Can Do About It--It's Easy!
Years ago, we didn't know as much about how one's diet and lack of exercise contributed to disease, or how a healthy diet and regular exercise may even prevent or lessen the severity of disease. Today, it seems every day we learn more and more about this topic, so there's really no excuse. Sure there are factors that are beyond our control, but eating a health diet and having some form of regular exercise are items that are within our control. I always say I will work to control what I can.
And suppose you already have health issues? Do you just say the "heck with it, I've already messed up"? It has been shown by doctors and researchers that in some cases, dietary changes, like emphasizing plant-based foods, can have a powerful effect on coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and the prevention of strokes in those at high risk. And let's go to the worst case scenario. Even if you don't reverse a disease, you may lessen the severity and give yourself the best possible chance to fight it.
Put yourself in the best possible position to live a long and healthy life without denying yourself your favorite comfort foods--both for your benefit and that of your loved ones. It's deliciously possible!
Buy Have Your Cheeseburger And Keep Your Health Too!
