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The Real Anti-Aging Diet, Part 1
Omega 3 and Omega 6 are essential fatty acids that we
must learn more about. We need to consume them in
the correct proportions otherwise the imbalance will
cause us problems. Kamau Austin tells us more....
Doctors are beginning to recognize the
power of good nutrition in promoting good health as we get
older. Increasingly doctors are recognizing that
inflammation may be at the root of many of the illnesses
that affect us as we age.
Inflammation can be the body's response to what it
experiences as infection, irritation, or injury. When
inflammation is present there is redness, swelling and
oftentimes pain. While we experience these as uncomfortable
states they actually are a signal that the body is working
to correct the problem that is at
the root of the inflammation.
This is localized inflammation which stays in the area of
infection, injury or irritation for a time and then has a
specific end. The discomfort felt is a direct product of the
healing process taking place.
The inflammation which is a precursor to major illnesses
like cancer and heart disease is different than the
localized inflammation discussed earlier. It is an abnormal
type of inflammation which extends beyond the area of the
body that many have initially experienced the injury. Once
this process begins it can unleash some of the immune
system's strongest weapons. Weapons that are normally
reserved for localized inflammation. These weapons can and
do damage healthy tissue just as if it were an invading
force from outside the body. And since they are some of the
strongest enzymes and substances that the body has available
to it, they can have a serious affect on healthy tissue.
This unchecked inflammation can spark an autoimmune response
in susceptible people. Autoimmunity is characterized as the
body's immune system attacks attacking its own healthy
tissue. Some of the diseases that are autoimmune in nature
are: Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and
asthma.
The good news about abnormal inflammation which is at the
root of autoimmunity is that much of it can be avoided with
paying closer attention to our diets.
But exactly how does diet affect inflammation? Most of the
information surrounding inflammation and diet deal with how
our body uses fats. Our bodies need two substances that are
parts of polyunsaturated fatty acids that we ingest. We are
not able to create these substances on our own; it is
'essential' that we
get them from our diets. Hence the term EFA or essential
fatty acids.
We need types omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. We need to
ingest them often and in the proper ratio for optimum use by
the body. We can readily get omega-6 from seeds and their
oils. They also accumulate in the fatty tissue of animals
that are fed grains.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a lot less easy to get. They exist
in low concentrations in leafy green vegetables, some seeds
and nuts, some vegetable oils like soy and canola and in
oily fish like wild salmon and bluefish. Grass grazed beef
as opposed to beef that is grain fed will also contain
omega-3s.
In earlier times the ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s were
roughly equal but due to the preponderance of blended
refined cooking oils and the fattening of grazing animals,
the typical American diet is now one in which there is an
overabundance of omerga-6 fatty acids as compared with
omega-3s.
This unbalanced condition sets us up for a pro-inflammation
environment in the body with accompanying autoimmune
response in susceptible people.
Additionally, trans fats, which we will discuss in part 2 of
this article are fats that we should avoid at all costs in
our diet.
While avoiding foods that are pro-inflammatory in the diet
good supplementation can help us build up our immune systems
in support of good health.
One supplement that we have heard positively affects the
immune system is Immunitril(tm). Immunitril(tm) is available
from better online stores like the Bodestore.com and
www.Amazon.com.
It contains minerals, vitamins as well as anti-oxidants to
help our bodies to build strong immune systems.
In Part 2 of this series we discuss trans fats and what an
anti-inflammatory diet looks like. Until then consider
incorporating these timely nutrition tips into your diet to
help enhance your life and overall health.
This article is not meant to provide health advice and is
for general information only. Always seek the insights of a
qualified health professional before embarking on a health
or fitness program.
Part 2 can be read
here
Article Author - Kamau Austin
Written by the V-Team courtesy Kamau Austin
Publisher. The V-Team writes articles for the health and
fitness enthusiast. Their timeless health and fitness
tips are at the Fit After Forty Blog. See more useful
news and tips on supporting our immune systems with
Immunitril(tm) at
http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm
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