Foods That Heal Our Health

The Link Between Diet and Heart Disease

A landmark article from the 1950s was recently reprinted in the International Journal of Epidemiology, and it started out with a shocking statement: In the African population of Uganda, coronary heart disease is almost nonexistent. This raises the question: what were they eating back then that made heart disease so rare? A little research reveals that this population consumed a diet rich in plantains, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. Their protein primarily came from plant sources, and their cholesterol levels reflected this healthy eating pattern. In essence, they followed a diet similar to that of modern-day plant-based eaters.

Research Confirms the Findings

Some may argue that the low occurrence of heart disease in the African population was due to early mortality from other causes. However, recent research has debunked this theory. A comparison of heart attack rates in Uganda and St. Louis, Missouri revealed a stark contrast. Out of 632 autopsies conducted in Uganda, there was only one case of a heart attack. In contrast, out of 632 autopsies in Missouri, there were 136 heart attacks. This means that the rate of heart attacks in Missouri was over a hundred times higher than in Uganda. To further validate these findings, an additional 800 autopsies were conducted in Uganda, resulting in only one heart attack. These statistics indicate that less than 1 in 1,000 Ugandans died from heart attacks. In contrast, heart disease is considered an epidemic in the United States.

Diseases Associated with Western Diets

There is a long list of diseases that are common in populations that follow a Western diet but are rare or nonexistent in populations that primarily consume plant-based foods. These diseases include obesity, hiatal hernia, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, appendicitis, and gallbladder disease. Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the US, is also a rarity among plant-based populations. This suggests that heart disease, like cavities, may be a preventable condition.

The Role of Diet in Oral Health

If we examine the teeth of individuals who lived before the invention of dental hygiene practices, we find very few cavities. Despite never brushing their teeth or using dental floss or mouthwash, these individuals had remarkably healthy teeth. The reason for this is simple: their diet did not contain excessive processed sugar, which is known to contribute to cavities. So why do people today continue to experience cavities when we know they can be prevented through diet? The answer is that the pleasure derived from eating sweets often outweighs the potential consequences, such as dental issues.

Reversing Heart Disease Through Diet

Atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup, begins in childhood. By the age of 10, nearly all children have fatty streaks in their arteries, which are the earliest signs of the disease. Plaque continues to accumulate throughout our 20s and 30s, leading to the development of atherosclerosis. This can result in heart attacks, strokes, gangrene, and aneurysms. If you are older than 10 years old, the question is not whether you should eat a healthy diet to prevent heart disease, but rather whether you want to reverse the heart disease that you likely already have.

When researchers put patients with heart disease on a plant-based diet similar to the one followed by the Ugandan population, they expected it to halt the progression of the disease. However, they were surprised to find that the disease actually started to reverse. Once these patients stopped consuming artery-clogging foods, their bodies were able to dissolve some of the plaque, even in cases of severe triple-vessel heart disease. Arteries naturally opened up without the need for drugs or surgery. This suggests that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself, given the right conditions.

The Healing Power of the Body

The body possesses the remarkable ability to heal itself. When we injure ourselves, the affected area becomes red, hot, painful, and swollen. However, if we allow the body to work its magic, the injury will eventually heal. The same principle applies to smoking. Within 10 years of quitting, a former smoker’s lung cancer risk approaches that of a lifelong non-smoker. The body can clear out tar and repair the damage caused by smoking. However, each cigarette reintroduces harmful substances to the lungs, hindering the healing process. Similarly, consuming processed and fatty foods can re-injure our arteries with every bite, preventing the natural healing process from taking place.

The Power of Plant-Based Diets

There is only one diet that has been proven to reverse heart disease in the majority of patients: a plant-based diet. If a plant-based diet can cure the leading cause of death, it stands to reason that it should be the default diet until proven otherwise. Additionally, a plant-based diet can help prevent, treat, and reverse other common diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. The evidence supporting the benefits of plant-based eating is strong.

Treating the Root Cause of Disease

Instead of addressing the underlying causes of disease, conventional medicine tends to focus on treating risk factors. Medications are prescribed to control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. However, high blood pressure is merely a symptom of diseased and dysfunctional arteries. Lowering blood pressure without addressing the underlying cause is akin to mopping up water from an overflowing sink instead of turning off the faucet.

While billions of dollars are spent on surgeries that often do not prolong life, addressing the lifestyle factors that contribute to disease can lead to significant improvements. By taking a holistic approach and addressing the root causes, patients can often reduce or eliminate the need for medications and surgery. Unfortunately, many allopathic doctors do not prioritize lifestyle interventions because they are not financially incentivized to do so. Plant-based diets offer an alternative for individuals who prefer to avoid medications and their associated side effects.

The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

Research shows that plant-based diets have numerous benefits. Compared to non-vegetarians, vegetarians are less likely to rely on medications such as aspirin, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and blood pressure medications. They also have lower rates of chronic diseases, allergies, and surgeries. Vegetarians experience fewer issues with varicose veins, hysterectomies, rheumatoid arthritis, diverticulosis, and cataracts. In summary, plant-based eaters enjoy better overall health and fewer diseases.

Conclusion

Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the benefits of a plant-based diet, many physicians do not emphasize its importance as a first-line treatment for chronic illnesses. This may be due to a lack of awareness or a lack of educational resources for patients. While progress is being made, there is still a long way to go in terms of reducing heart disease-related deaths. As you embark on your dietary journey, it is important to educate yourself and make informed choices about your health and its potential for the future.

The post Foods That Heal Our Health appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 Alternative medical systems?

These five alternative medicine systems are Ayurveda (acupuncture), Ayurveda (homeopathy), energy healing, aromatherapy, and homeopathy.

Acupuncture uses fine needles placed in specific points of the body to stimulate qi flow throughout the body.

Ayurvedic medicines is an ancient system to balance the three senses of air, fire,, and water. It includes diet, exercise as well as herbal remedies, massage and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine derives its name from the Greek homoios which means similarity and pathos which denotes disease. Homeopaths believe that every disease has natural causes. However, symptoms are not the only thing that can be caused. Homeopaths treat patients by prescribing small amounts of substances that produce similar symptoms to the ones experienced when the patient is sick.

Energy Healing is also known for Reiki, EFT Rolfing Therapeutic Touch, Rolfing and Rolfing. This therapy is based on a belief that we are all connected to the universal life force known as Ki. Feeling well is possible when the Ki flows freely through you. Energy healers use touch or intention to restore harmony between our spiritual, emotional, and physical selves.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils derived from plants for therapeutic reasons. Aromatherapists believe certain scents can influence mood and behavior. Lavender essential oil is the most commonly used in aromatherapy.

What is the difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicine?

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is based on drugs and surgery. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not meant to replace conventional treatment, but to help patients who are able to choose what is best for them.

On the other hand, naturopathy is used to complement conventional medical practices. It is a holistic approach to treating the whole body, mind, as well as the spirit. There are many kinds of naturopathy.

It is important that you note that some CAM modalities may overlap with traditional medicine. Naturopaths and doctors can prescribe herbal remedies. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.

Naturopathy is sometimes called “complementary” since it complements traditional medicine and does not replace it. Naturopaths can prescribe medication when necessary.

There are many differences between naturopathic medicine, CAM, and other modalities.

Naturopaths rarely prescribe medication.
Naturopaths are able to work closely with patients’ family physicians and refer them to specialists when necessary.
Naturopathic physicians are licensed by their respective provinces, while CAM practitioners are selfregulated.
Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and wellness while providing education about diet and exercise.
Naturopaths are very conscious of lifestyle factors. They emphasize nutrition, sleep and stress management as well as exercise and mental health.
Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
Naturopodists have the ability to offer individualized care that is tailored to each patient’s needs.
Regulation bodies such as the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario issue licenses to Naturopaths.
Naturopatrists are licensed by provincial regulatory bodies.
Naturopaticians have been registered with The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia is responsible for licensing Naturotherapists.
The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency entitles homeopaths.
The belief that all aspects should be considered in making health decisions is called “holistic”. Holistic doctors will take into account all aspects of life, rather than focusing on one.

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary Medicine is an umbrella term for any medical treatment that complements mainstream medicine. It covers therapies such as acupuncture.

Complementary medicines are not used instead of conventional medicine but rather alongside it. Sometimes they’re called “alternative”, or “integrative”, because they combine Western scientific methods along with other therapies that have proven to be effective in healing people.

Is there any way to find out more about holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine refers to a way of treating the whole person, rather than just one area. It considers all aspects of a patient’s life, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

The goal of holistic medicine is to treat the whole person instead of treating individual symptoms. The focus of holistic medicine is not on curing the disease but on promoting healing.

Holistic medicine also includes treatments for chronic conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis.

There are many forms of holistic medicine.

Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Ayurveda
Chiropractic medicine
Homeopathy
Herbalism
Naturopathy
Nutrition
Osteopathic medicine
Vedic medicine
Yoga

Statistics

The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

What is it that a holistic doctor does that a conventional doctor doesn’t do?

A holistic doctor offers a wider range services than a traditional one, including nutritionists, massage therapists, naturopaths and homeopaths.

A holistic doctor treats patients holistically. Instead of treating symptoms, they examine the person and their environment. This allows them to find the root cause and implement preventative and long-term health measures. Holistic doctors combine conventional medicine with natural remedies like essential oils and herbs to treat illness. They also provide dietary advice and nutritional supplements to support healthy living.

Additionally, holistic doctors offer treatments such as reflexology, massage, shiatsu and acupuncture.

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