Let's "Clean it up"
by Angie Fielden, CPhT

Are degenerative diseases caused, at least in part, by our modern diet which contains too much sugar, fat, salt, refined flour, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods and food additives? We all need to "clean up" our diet! If we can reduce our consumption of these junk foods and increase our intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and other unprocessed foods, our health would improve drastically. Many people who change their diet report increased energy, less depression and anxiety, fewer headaches, better bowel and bladder function and less fluid retention. They often report better sleeping habits and less joint pain. Laboratory reports, such as serum cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes and uric acid also improve in many cases.

Specific medical conditions may also be relieved as a result of these general dietary changes. Patients with asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer, gallbladder attacks, acne, psoriasis, high blood pressure, diabetes, angina, or other problems frequently find that their symptoms are better when they eat a healthier diet. Part of the appeal of improving your diet is that, even if it does not help, it rarely causes harm.

Consider this ... bone is living tissue. Just as the rest of the body is affected by the way we eat, don't you think the bones are in need of the same nutrition in order to maintain a healthy status? Many people think that, aside from the calcium content, diet has little to do with osteoporosis. However, that assumption ignores the fact that bone tissue has diverse nutritional needs and engages in complex interactions with the rest of the body. It is improbable that our modern-day diet could be sparing our bones while damaging the rest of our body. Although it is impossible to determine the precise effect of diet on bone health-, there is at least circumstantial evidence that the typical American diet promotes the development of osteoporosis.

 

Studies indicate that modern farming practices deplete the soil of essential minerals, resulting in lower levels of these minerals in our food. The vitamin and mineral content of our diet is further reduced by over-consumption of nutrient-depleted foods such as sugar and white flour. Moreover, the food we consume today contains far less of many vitamins and minerals than it did in the pat. Many factors related to the modern American diet may promote not only osteoporosis, but other chronic diseases as well. A health-promoting diet is one that emphasizes fresh, unprocessed foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts and legumes. Animal foods, dairy products and salt should be used in moderation, and sweets, caffeine, refined flours and chemical food additives should be avoided as much as possible. The human body is resilient and is capable of withstanding numerous stresses, but is also true that the more closely you follow the principles of good eating, the healthier you will be. •

Angie Fielden, a bio-identical hormone replacement specialist on the staff of Solutions Pharmacy, has five years' experience in counseling and educating patients. The pharmacy, located at 4632 Highway 58 North, was named "the nation's experts in formulating bio-identical hormones" by the American Medical Review. For appointment for a free in-house hormone assessment, call (423) 894-0423 or

Visit: www.solutions-pharmacy.com

Featured in Woman's Way Journal Jan-06   / Written by: Angie Fielden Solutions Pharmacy HRT Specialist