Food, Disease, and You

By Sandy Powers

The scenario for fighting diseases and healthy development the immune system with certain foods exists in all cultures. This does not mean neglecting the wonderful advances in medications that have been made in recent fifty years, but your best first defense against disease is nutrition. Healthy eating is just back to basics. Wise food choices help fight cancer cells start and stop the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries while making you feel much healthier. To begin that path to health, start with vitamin C.

Vitamin C

Scurvy was first recognized as a disease caused by a deficiency in the diet. Scurvy, caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, with symptoms of bleeding gums, bruising, weakness, aches and pains that often lead to death, was common among sailors in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was not unusual travel by sea a ship to lose half of his crew of scurvy. In 1747, scurvy ridden sailors were being treated with lemons and limes through the efforts of the naval surgeon Scotsman James Lind. In 1795, the British Army adds lemon juice to the rations of sailors, which was successful in preventing scurvy. Born was the nickname from "Limeys" for British sailors.

While scurvy is now a family disease because of the efforts of fortified foods, deficiency Vitamin C is still quite common. In the U.S., one third of all adults who receive less vitamin C in their diets than is recommended by the National Academy Science. One in six adults get less than half the recommended amount. Frequent colds and infections, bleeding gums, poor healing, and lung related problems are all symptoms of vitamin C.

The antioxidant vitamin C is the most important of all antioxidants because it defends the inside of our cells against free radicals that cause diseases like cancer and heart while fighting stress in our body. The human body can not produce vitamin C, nor does it store. Vitamin C should be taken through food sources every day, not through a vitamin supplement. The oranges, green peppers, broccoli, parsley, and are an excellent source of vitamin C.

Vitamin D

Vitamin deficiency that is associated with weak bones now has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. "The biggest risk associated with vitamin D deficiency was particularly evident among individuals with high blood pressure," concluded researchers. The study continued, "Low levels of vitamin D are common in the United States … .. Twenty to 30 percent of the population has moderate … to severe vitamin D deficiency. "The research provided evidence that people who were low in vitamin D are 45 percent more likely to have levels high triglycerides.

Since few foods are rich in vitamin D, which must depend on sunlight as our best source. Sunlight creates Vitamin D in the skin where it is absorbed into the body. Excessive use of sunscreens is the primary reason for the deficiency of vitamin D. To obtain your required dose of vitamin D daily exit in sunlight for about 15 minutes without sunscreen. Do not cover his arms. Your skin will convert sunlight into vitamin D, which will be stored in the liver for use. The 15 minutes daily in the sun without sunscreen will not increase your risk of skin cancer.

Cholesterol

Who is not trying to diminish the numbers? According to the Mayo Clinic, there are 4 great foods to help you do just that.

1. — Fiber Fiber oats, apples, pears and beans are excellent choices for lowing cholesterol.
2. Walnuts — When 20 percent of calories come from nuts, "bad" cholesterol can be reduced by up to 12 percent. Eating a handful of nuts every day.
3. Omega-3 — helps the heart by reducing blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. If you already had a heart attack, a good level of omega-3 fatty acids in the body significantly reduces the risk of sudden death. Eat two servings of fish per week. Good sources of omega-3 are lake trout, salmon, herring, sardines and anchovies. Be aware of mercury pollution. Try to buy fish in nature.
4. Olive Oil — No canola oil linseed, but not extra virgin olive oil. Buy cold pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil first to receive more heart healthy antioxidants. Olive oil is cooking oil that can only be used as is, freshly squeezed olive. Olive Oil studies corroborate protection against heart disease by their ability to control "bad" cholesterol while raising good cholesterol. " Two tablespoons of olive oil daily is recommended. Use olive oil for sauteing vegetables or mix with vinegar for a salad dressing.

Back to basics. Back to nutrition. Back to health. You are in that way.

About the Author:

A breast cancer survivor with liver problems, Sandy Powers turned to organic foods to heal her liver and fight cancer recurrence. Her recipes packed with antioxidants and immune boosters are in her book, “Organic for Health,” winner in the health category of the National 2008 Beach Book Festival, and is on file with Oprah. Visit Sandy and view her book video at www.organicforhealthsite.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Food, Disease, and You

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