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Cartoonist Gary Trudeau hit the nail on the head when his main character, Michael
Doonesbury, exclaimed "It's frightening to wake up one morning and discover that
you've become your parents!"
It is clear that most Americans associate aging with disease and chronic ailments. Indeed,
a comprehensive study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation determined that 99-million of
us have chronic ailments such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and high
blood pressure which cost $470-billion a year in direct health costs.79
However, this landmark study dispelled the commonly held belief that such chronic ailments
are restricted to the elderly. The researchers discovered that only 26 percent of
Americans with the above chronic conditions were 65 or older. The reason is simply!
Aging is not a disease, it is a process intrinsic to every living organism. As we mature,
it is junk food, tobacco, obesity, stress, alcohol abuse, and lack of exercise - not our
genetic clock - that wears down our body and diminishes our immunity against disease.
Over 1,400,000 of us will die this year from either heart disease, cancer, or strokes
states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and all three are man-made,
lifestyle-based, degenerative diseases that can be readily prevented with proper nutrients
and behavioral modifications.
The human body is designed and programmed for rejuvenation at any age. The aliments of
aging are determined by how we choose or don't choose to live our lives. As science
continues to uncover the aging process, more and more findings link both deterioration and
rejuvenation to the immune system.
It is now clear that the key to good health and a youthful body is a strong Immune System.
On September 13, 1993, a study of nearly 30,000 residents of north-central China was
concluded by American and Chinese scientists. "The study is the first randomized
trial to show a significant reduction in cancer in a population that has been supplemented
with antioxidant vitamins and minerals," reported William Blot of the U.S. National
Cancer Institute, who lead the study.
During 1994, biologists Rajindar Sohal and William Orr found the first direct evidence
that antioxidants utilized against free radicals could extend life as well as improve its
quality.80
Based upon research and clinical studies conducted during 1997, the one sure anti-aging
remedy that works is reducing food intake by 20 to 40 percent. One study conducted on rats
determined that caloric restriction can have significant anti-aging effects even when
started at age 45.81
Two other studies conducted on monkeys, in an attempt to bring the results closer to what
may occur in humans, also supported the theory that a reduction in intake of food may lead
to a longer life.82,
83 Unfortunately, this creates a Catch 22 nutritional situation. On one hand, mature adults
require less calories to avoid obesity due to a reduction in basal metabolism.84
Yet, if we maintain a low caloric intake it is next to impossible to get enough of the
required nutrients our system requires - thanks to the poor quality of foodstuffs fostered
upon us by agri-business and the junk food merchants!
In fact, a large percentage of older adults in this country are seriously malnourished.85
The skin problems that are common in the elderly are nearly identical to the skin problems
found in malnourished people in third world countries.86 This makes a rational supplementation program mandatory for the health of the mature
adult.87
According to the Alliance of Aging Research, there are two ways in which the human system
deteriorates and degenerates: Abuse, misuse or lack of use of our bodies and Immune
Deficiency. Both are within our control and may be corrected through (1) proper diet
including nutritional supplementation; (2) exercise; and (3) attitude.
Recommendations for enhancing Natural Immunity, Cardiovascular
Conditioning and Body Rejuvenation.
1) Diet. Eat foods as close to their natural state as possible. There are over 2,800
FDA-approved additives with another 10,000 additives being "incidental" to the
agriculture and food processing industry.88 2) Eat a wide variety of
foods. Individuals who eat a varied diet have a better nutrient
intake than those whose diet remains staid.89
3) Balance the diet. The diet should be balanced with the correct ratio of protein to fats
to carbohydrates. Daily calories should be comprised of about 20% protein, 20% fat, and
60% carbohydrate, preferably complex carbohydrate.
4) Eat fish on a consistent basis. Individuals who eat at least two ounces of per week cut
their heart disease risk in half.90
5) Increase fiber consumption. Fiber is nature's broom which cleans out the intestines and
keeps toxic substances from being absorbed. Fiber is found only in plant food; so maximize
intake of fresh vegetables, fruit, legumes and whole grains.
6) Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Studies show an increase in water intake can
actually reduce fat deposits. Water also helps to prevent sagging skin because cell are
buoyed by water, which plumps the skin and leaves it clear, healthy and resilient.91
7) Take a quality antioxidant supplement daily as they block the chemical reactions that
generate free radicals while helping to destroy already formed ones.92 They
also help provide the added nutrients the average diet is lacking.
8) Exercise. The body evolved, and is designed, to be active rather than sedentary.
Scientist have shown that diseases may be caused by the disuse of the body.93
Regular exercise lowers blood pressure, fats in the blood and pulse rate while
improving blood glucose, alertness, self-image, absorption of nutrients, and life span.94
Aerobic exercise - jogging, walking, dancing, tennis, bike riding, swimming - can bring
about a large increase in the muscles' oxidative capacity and is a key to good health.95
9) Maintain ideal body fat composition
as body weight, per se, has no bearing on health.96
Ideal body fat percentage for men 50 years and over should fall between 20% and 25%. For
women 50 years and over, body fat should fall between 27% and 31%.
10) Attitude. The mind is a potent determinant of the quality and quantity of a life.
Social networking, and the extent of an individuals friends and relationships, is a major
predictor of life span.97
Attitude will influence whether exercise will be enjoyable or grueling and will determine
if you are amenable to making diet and behavioral modifications.
11) Practice relaxation techniques. Internalized stress can precipitate heart attacks as
well as depress the immune system.98 In a study of over 2,000 individuals,
depression doubled the risk for cancer.99 (Consult Factor Six: Sommaserene
Research Report for additional information on relieving stress)
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