Are you a victim of poor nutrition?

By Paul J. Rosen, J.d., L.ac

Boom!, Feb 4, 2010

Paul J. Rosen is a licensed acupuncturist, a master of Nutrition Response Testing and the clinic director and senior clinician at AcuNatural Family Healthcare in Vancouver, Wash. He has written the book “The Great Health Heist” and hosts the radio show “Health Matters” Sundays at 9 a.m. on KPAM 860 radio. Reach him at www.acunatural.com or 1-360-750-7375.

Did you know that the origin of most every chronic disease, including arthritis, heart conditions and Type II diabetes, is poor nutrition? Aside from accidental injuries, if you are experiencing chronic symptoms, you have been making poor food choices for decades.

Some of these choices have been intentional while others may well have been misguided. Let’s take a close look at one that resides in both camps.

Somewhere deep in your heart, you know that sugar is unhealthy. Yet each man, woman and child consumes some 22 teaspoons of sugar per day. Teens eat up to 34 teaspoons. Estimates range from 100 to 200 pounds per year, depending on whether you include all sources and who is doing the estimating – the sugar industry being on the low end.

But do you really understand the consequences? Let’s go back to the early 1900s, when some of the best and brightest people were exploring the world of nutrition. Here is what was discovered:

Upon consuming even a small amount of sugar, your body’s immune system is activated. White blood cells are mobilized as if you’ve got an infection. It takes six hours or more to settle down. Other reactions include a faux energy spike followed by a crash – the result of an over-stimulation of insulin. This can lead to diabetes in the case of highly refined sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup and cholesterol imbalances. Other consequences include the leeching of B vitamins and calcium.

B vitamins are responsible for healthy nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, muscle tone and cardiovascular function. They also protect us from mental disorders, depression and anxiety. Deficiencies of B vitamins are connected with common conditions such as acid reflux, constipation, fatigue, fibromyalgia, repetitive motion injuries, herpes, chronic skin problems including dry cracked lips, blue moods, panic disorders, anorexia and multiple sclerosis.

Foods that are high in B vitamins include organ meats, egg yolks and unprocessed grains. Yet very few people consume enough of these in an unadulterated state. Therefore, what you do eat is often depleted of these vitamins.

The bottom line: What you put in your mouth really does have consequences even though they may take a while to manifest. If you do suffer from any chronic health condition, the origins could well be poor nutrition. Remember that you ate your way there, and you can eat your way out. It’s never too late to turn things around. It’s the food, folks, and I recommend that you keep yours fresh.

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