The pace of 21st century life in the developed world has resulted in the proliferation of packaged foods.
It is far easier to warm something up that comes in a box or a bag than it is to cook from fresh foods.
Yet our emphasis on convenience and speed is coming at the cost of our health as medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer continue to climb in number due to the aging of the baby-boom population.
Furthermore, diseases such as those mentioned which were once the domain of older people are now being seen among much younger people including teenagers.
Sugar is likely the greatest contributor to both acute and chronic health conditions. Its consumption elevates the so-called bad form of cholesterol - LDL, which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis among other things.
Sugar content in packaged foods is often masked with alternative names so it makes it difficult for those who read the ingredients list on packaged foods to know how much sugar is actually in the packaged product.
Click on the link below to see 61 different names given to 'sugar'.
sugarscience.ucsf.edu/hidde...
For the record, there is no 'safe' consumption level for simple sugar. Sugar is toxic to the human body and should be consumed as little as possible. It is one of the most addictive substances known to man, some even consider it more addictive than cocaine. Its consumption also results in physiological and pathological changes in the brain that encourages poor dietary habits.
If you haven't yet seen this brief video on the impact of sugar on the human body, click on this link:
But it is not just about simple sugar - it is also about simple carbohydrates - foods that when ingested get converted to glucose and have the same impact on our health as consuming simple sugar. To learn more about this, click on the link below:
healthline.com/health/food-...
Medical doctors are given minimal training in nutrition and vitamins. Instead, they are trained in diagnosing acute illnesses then prescribing potentially harmful pharmaceuticals, or invasive surgeries or other medical procedures.
These interventions only temporarily alleviate the acute nature of illnesses.
It is incumbent on all of us to take control of our own health matters and focus on 'prevention' rather than waiting for illness to strike and seeking treatment.
Many people think that until they are being treated for illness, they are 'healthy'.
If you think you are healthy, then a routine quarterly or semi-annual blood test should be taken to establish a trail of biomarkers that over time can be used to track improvement or deterioration and to make changes before an acute condition manifests. Conceptually, this is no different then weighing yourself every Saturday morning to ensure that your habits have not resulted in unwanted weight gain.
Naturopathic doctors are better trained for 'preventative' dietary and lifestyle guidance than conventional medical doctors who instead focus on treatment of acute and chronic illnesses only. If you routinely work with a Naturopathic Doctor, and implement their recommendations, you will have less need to seek the services of a medical doctor or take potentially harmful drugs.
Cheers and good health to all!
