Column #81

There are a lot of different takes on what living the good life is, yet most agree being healthy and alert is part of it.

Unfortunately, people tend to accept their health status as “it’s the way things are.” Many assume genetics determines their fate. Most believe it’s normal to be a little overweight with nagging joint pain, high blood pressure, frequent indigestion, and borderline diabetes. Uncontrollable shaking and memory loss are signs of “maturity.” And doesn’t the environment cause asthma and cancer?

Does this sound familiar? If so, what if you could make your health issues disappear? “Ridiculous!” you say?

Not really and it’s not hard work, it’s not expensive, it doesn’t take extra time, and with proper execution it works for most folks. For starters, heritable body failures are expressed by abuse, the most common being diet. That’s why spending more money on doctor visits, better drugs and supplements, and longer workouts rarely solves chronic diseases. Most solutions come from proactive selection of foods.

And this is where most folks fail. When people buy organic, natural, free range, heritage, whole foods, paleo, gluten free, sugar free, fat free, and other promotional labels they can experience some improvement in their health. It’s usually from eating more vegetables and fruits instead of fast food, processed foods, and pantries. That’s good. Unfortunately, even if there’s some improvement, eating foods with those labels won’t solve the underlying causes of chronic diseases nor eliminate most symptoms.

Take pain for example. There are two primary causes behind persistent pain in joints and the gut. One is sugar from fruit, sugary drinks, added sugar, and carbohydrates/starches from grain, seeds, and tubers. Another source of inflammation, which few consumers are aware of, is a diet too high in Omega-6 compared to Omega-3 essential fatty acids. The research behind the sickening consequences of an essential fat imbalance is now decades old.

Are you skeptical? If you suffer from joint pain, or any of the aforementioned health issues, try this 14-day experiment. Switch to a three-meal-a-day diet of only grass-fed meats, Omega-3 meats, wild-caught seafood, green leafy vegetables, flaxseed oil for a salad dressing, and a tablespoon a day of fish oil. Stop cold turkey the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, grains, seeds, nuts, fruit, and grain-fed livestock products. Record your symptoms each day. After toeing the line for 14 days switch back to your old diet for a few days. Your record of pain, weight, and other symptoms should make the consequences of diet glaringly obvious.

Now you have a choice. Will it be more pain, weight, asthma, blood pressure, diabetes, etc. or less?

Literally millions of people have solved their chronic diseases utilizing the scientific principles presented in “The Real Diet of Man.” Of course, tens of millions more gave up after a few days because they thought changing their diet kept them from living the good life. I personally know many people who refused to change old habits for that reason alone. Many died early while the others take drugs under a doctor’s care.

So, what is “living the good life”?

To your health.

Ted Slanker

Ted Slanker has been reporting on the fundamentals of nutritional research in publications, television and radio appearances, and at conferences since 1999. He condenses complex studies into the basics required for health and well-being. His eBook, The Real Diet of Man, is available online.

Don’t miss these links for additional reading:

Understanding Glycemic Index and Load

Omega-3: The Rest of the Story