Killing Me Softly (A Look at Degenerative Diseases)

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Article Title:

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Killing Me Softly (A Look at Degenerative Diseases)

Article Description:

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You're sitting in the doctor's office awaiting your test

results. The doctor comes through the door wearing a polite,

uneasy smile. She sits and faces you squarely. And with a deep

breath, she tells you that you have cancer. You blink back

confusion as the doctor talks about surgery, chemo and radiation.

Soon you don't hear her anymore. Your thoughts consume you.

Where did the cancer come from? How bad is it?

Additional Article Information:

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686 Words; formatted to 65 Characters per Line

Distribution Date and Time: 2008-01-04 11:00:00

Written By: Margaret Priddy

Copyright: 2007-2008

Contact Email: mailto:earthangel.one@...

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Killing Me Softly (A Look at Degenerative Diseases)

Copyright © 2007-2008 Margaret Priddy

USANA Health Sciences

http://www.margaretpriddy.usana.com

You're sitting in the doctor's office awaiting your test

results. The doctor comes through the door wearing a polite,

uneasy smile. She sits and faces you squarely. And with a deep

breath, she tells you that you have cancer. You blink back

confusion as the doctor talks about surgery, chemo and radiation.

Soon you don't hear her anymore. Your thoughts consume you.

Where did the cancer come from? How bad is it?

Scientists state that genetics account for about 30% of our

cancer risk. Other factors that contribute to the development of

cancer and other degenerative diseases include diet, smoking,

alcohol consumption, environmental pollutants, radiation from the

sun as well as x-rays and stress.

Crops are grown in soil where chemical fertilizers are used. Now

having nutrient-inferior crops, this produce is then subjected to

further depletion of nutrients by cooking and many storage

methods.

The three major killers today, heart disease, cancer and

stroke-as well as other degenerative diseases--likely have a

common beginning. This beginning may have had its roots in

childhood. Children, and adults alike, don't often get enough

exercise, are often overweight, and have diets consisting of

sugary drinks, processed foods and cereals that are depleted of

vitamins and minerals. At fast-food restaurants, we consume

high-fat, calorie-laden meals.

Because of our nutrient-deficient diet (made even worse by frying

foods in oil), and our lifestyles and environment, high levels of

free radicals attack healthy cells in our bodies. These healthy

cells weaken and become more susceptible to disease. Methodically

and covertly, cells are subjected to repeated damage often over a

period of many years.

However, not all free radicals are bad news. Some help destroy

viruses and bacteria while others are involved in the production

of hormones and the turning on of enzymes.

Here are some interesting scientific findings about the three

major killers:

* Flavonoids, an antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables,

protect the heart by preventing blood clots, lowering blood

pressure and protecting against the bad cholesterol.

* A stroke occurs when blood flow-usually from a clot-to a

portion of the brain is cut off. Scientists report that there is

a strong correlation between high fruit and vegetable consumption

and a reduction in the risk of stroke. Again, the flavonoids are

attributed to lowering blood pressure and preventing clot

formation.

* Although scientists report that genetics account for about 30%

of our cancer risk, they state that 35% of cancer deaths,

especially breast, prostate and colon cancers are related to

diet.

If we don't eat enough fruits and vegetables, and if those that

we do eat are nutritionally-deficient, we are sitting ducks for

heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis,

premature aging, arthritis and other degenerative diseases. We

often don't know we are ill until the disease is well advanced.

And many of these diseases kill us softly. Sometimes we go to our

graves never knowing what put us there.

Preventing, halting or reversing this process should be our

number one health concern, and it begins with awareness. Start an

exercise program under your doctor's guidance, eat organic foods

since they are free of pesticides, hormones, antibiotics,

preservatives, artificial flavorings and colorings and are not

genetically modified.

Besides eating organic, eat three to five servings each of raw

fruits and vegetables daily. (If not raw, then lightly steamed

since cooking destroys many valuable enzymes and vitamins.) A

simple way to get our daily quota of vegetables is by juicing

them.

Daily supplementation with quality nutritionals is a must for

optimal health. But not all vitamins and minerals are created

equal. Many on the market are adulterated and downright unsafe.

Choose only the best supplements.

Lyle Mac, in his book, Nutrisearch Comparative Guide To

Nutritional Supplements, states: " If you value your health, it

only makes sense to take that extra step-begin supplementing your

diet with a high-quality broad-spectrum nutritional supplement,

then stay on it every day for the rest of your life.

Supplementation is your personal health insurance plan that will

help you age gracefully. It is not just there to assist you when

you fall ill; it is there to keep you healthy in the first

place. "

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Margaret Priddy has been a nurse for over 25 years and

writes articles on health. She feels that people are

actively searching for ways to improve their health

and to prevent illness and suffering. She believes

that given the right tools, people can enjoy

vibrant health well into old age. Please

visit her blog at http://healthmuse.net