The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention (NCCDP) has published troubling data. According to one NCCDP study, 1 in 2 American adults suffers from at least one chronic disease. In other words, 50% of us fight the unnecessary (and toxic) battles for our physical, mental and financial well-being.
Fortunately, a healthy lifestyle can both prevent and reverse some of these problems. In our battle against chronic disease, the dinner table is ground zero and the right foods are one of our best weapons.
Chronic diseases are defined as conditions lasting a year or more which require ongoing medical attention and limit daily activity. Such diseases are inflammatory in nature, meaning they procure swelling, pain and uncomfortable heat flashes to various regions of the body. Examples of chronic diseases include autoimmune disorders, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, stroke, ischemic heart disease, and certain cancers.
Manufactured foods cause chronic disease by driving inflammatory processes, promoting neurotransmitter and hormone imbalances, depleting energy levels, misbalancing the gut microbiome and even altering disease related gene expressions.
Natural foods that are nutrient rich, whole and unprocessed have the opposite effects. Making simple dietary modifications can alleviate inflammation, increase antioxidant processes, rebalance the gut microbiome and normalize neurotransmitter functionality.
Many of us grew up with the traditional “food pyramid”, which told us that processed bread, pasta, cereal and rice should be the hallmarks of our dietary choices. No wonder we’ve become one of the fattest and most chronically diseased countries in the world!
An updated, more reasonable pyramid places organic vegetables and fruits, and healthy fats/oils at the base. Prebiotics, resistant starch and probiotics represent the second level, while lean animal proteins rest on top.
Although this diet optimizes human health, the average American struggles to implement it. The phrase “healthy diet” currently boasts 7 billion internet search hits - you’re probably not alone if you feel confused, overwhelmed, or defeated about your lifestyle plan.
It takes about 2 months for a behavior to become a habit and only 3 months for a habit to become a lifestyle. Related health improvements are often noted within several weeks. At LifeStyle Medicine we provide specialized clinical testing, educational resources and health coaching to empower our patients against chronic disease.
For more information, call us at 918-488-9874.
About the author: Renae Mayer, M.D. is the owner of LifeStyle Medicine, Inc. in Tulsa - a private medical practice which focuses on identifying and treating underlying causes of disease. The Concierge Wellness Program offers personalized, primary care medical services to patients desiring to place an emphasis on wellness and disease prevention. LMedInc.com.
