The 8 Deadly Scourges that Shorten our Life Span, Part 3

Posted by William on November 7, 2011

Glucosamine, especially if it is combined with bone strengthening and anti-inflammatory minerals, can actually slow the progression of many types of arthritis and may help to build cartilage inside the joints.

Health enemy number 7

Obesity

The problem of obesity is increasing because of the convenience of take away foods high in processed fat and sugar and the fact that people are not exercising enough. Life has become so busy and stressful that we take solace in the television to escape from our woes and we rush everywhere in our motor cars. If only we could find some time to exercise we would find that it gives us the increased energy to do more of the things we really enjoy. We now know that the major cause of weight excess is insulin resistance or Syndrome X, which is caused by too much dietary carbohydrate and insufficient exercise. Even the conventional medical journals are starting to realize and publish that a lower carbohydrate diet is more effective for weight loss than a low fat diet. Indeed the healthy fats found in oily fish, raw nuts and seeds, eggs and many types of seafood can actually help us to lose weight. They achieve this because they increase our sensitivity to insulin and produce a feeling of fullness or satisfaction, so that we don’t have the cravings to snack on high-carb foods.

Health enemy number 8

Dementia

Dementia is the loss of mental faculties due to shrinkage of the outer layer (cortical and sub-cortical areas) of the brain. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s dementia, which accounts for more than two-thirds of cases of dementia overall. Other types of dementia are caused by such things as vascular disease, heavy metal poisoning, and infections such as syphilis or AIDS.

Dementia is set to increase because of the ageing of the population and will become a huge problem for governments in the industrialized world. Currently dementia affects around 5% of the population over 65 years of age and is more common in women.

The major component of the fats in the membranes of brain cells is the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid called decosahexaenoic acid (DHA). High levels of DHA are found in the cortical areas of the brain. Research suggests that consumption of foods high in DHA such as oily fish, cold pressed flaxseed oil and raw nuts and seeds, may significantly reduce the risk of dementia.

Oxidative damage from free radicals is thought to be one of the major factors in brain ageing and research suggests that diets high in natural antioxidants help to slow this damage. In one study, blueberries, which contain many types of antioxidants, appeared particularly good for reducing brain ageing. Recently the mineral selenium and the selenoproteins it is part of, have been found to be important in reducing free radical damage in the brain. Changes in selenium concentration in the blood and brain have been reported in Alzheimer’s disease. (Ref J Neurochem. 2003 July; 86(1):1-12). Recent studies have found high blood levels of the toxic protein homocysteine in patients at risk for getting Alzheimer’s disease. This problem can be controlled by increasing the intake of folic acid and B vitamins; another good reason to explain why those who start to do raw juicing notice.