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Health, nutrition and fitness
Introduction:
Health maintenance without fitness and proper nutrition is not possible. Research has proven it , and new research data is surfacing. Yet confusion exists: diet book bestsellers come and go.
Magazine headlines proclaim "miracle diets", and diet foods or meals claim a sizable section of super markets and health food stores. TV commercials show new food products in vibrant colors to entice the consumer, and cookbooks deal with foods from health-conscious to decadent. Yet despite the apparent abundance of products, whether it is fully stocked shelves in food stores or restaurants with huge self-service buffets, not all is well in the health statistics of the population :
- 62 % of our society was obese in 1999, which means that we have become the fattest people on this planet (Ref. 6)!
- Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions along with this and continues to be on the increase.
- Heart disease has become the number one killer, and soaring health costs put excessive burdens on health insurance plans. A host of other diseases are plaguing a large segment of the population:
- Arthritis, osteoporosis and cancer figure prominently.
- Alzheimers and various other forms of dementia threaten to turn the so called "golden age" into years overshadowed by disabilities and illness. (Ref.1)
Anti-aging medicine has become a new specialty for an aging population.
We would be kidding ourselves, if we would assume that we can double our life expectancy by lifestyle changes. However, it is not unreasonable to pursue the goal of reducing poor health and disability as we age and enjoy a life that is vibrant and full of energy by cutting down known risk factors for these diseases.
It is not surprising that nutrition represents the foundation to health and well-being. We need building blocks that ensure that our physical functions are running smoothly.
| Assuming that we are building our health like a house... |
| ...we will start with a solid foundation of good nutrition, add to this a structure of physical activity and fitness, and add a protective roof called stress management by ultimately topping it off with effective relaxation and meditation. |
It is a balance of our hormones, which will ensure proper functioning of all our organs. Included in this is a proper balance of our sex hormones, which ensures a regular sex life. Our mental functioning depends on proper brain hormone balance. With too much sugar and starch in our diet many North Americans have lost this balance, have inhibited their hormone interaction and as a result suffer a variety of the cilized countries' diseases (strokes, heart attacks, arthritis, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, depression etc.).
In the next section I will discuss nutrition in detail. I will mention the ingredients of protein, fats, carbohydrates, supplemental vitamins and minerals. I believe that the best diet is one that sticks close to the natural diet of those who live long, fulfilled lives and have lots of energy until a ripe old age. The population of Okinawa comes to mind.
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