Human beings are strong, resilient and long-lasting. Each year there are many more centenarians, Individuals 100 or even more years of age. We are now beginning to realize that several eating and life-style decisions we make have not only short term effects but in addition intermediate term (10-20 years) and long run (40-60 years) influences on Human health.
For example, there is a generally accepted minimum daily Vitamin C intake necessary to prevent scurvy. Once we thought that this minimum amount was all that anyone needed. Subsequent scientific studies showed us that increased Vitamin C intake had significant health and well-being benefits.
The cycle for getting scurvy is measured in months. But the goal in nutrition is not just to avoid obvious short-term vitamin-deficiancy diseases. It is to promote optimum health, energy levels and well being. For that we need many times the scurvy-prevention level of Vitamin C intake.
There are other, longer-lasting cycles of effects of deprivations of nutrients, antioxidants, phytochemicals, probiotics and others that affect us. These deprivations can lead to diabetes, circulatory problems, heart disease and maybe alzheimer’s disease and others.
We also know now that numerous pollutants (like lead) and certain substances found in processed foods (like trans fats, nitrates and certain preservatives) have long-term life-shortening effects on people.
Knowing this encourages us to move away from commercial drugs in favor of natural cures whenever these are available.
This new perspective now aids us in uterine fibroid cysts, with developing psoriasis creams and in dealing with symptoms of ovarian cysts..
Our biochemistry is complex. There are apparently genetic links to more diseases and conditions than we ever suspected just a few years ago. As we continue to decode the complex interrelations of genetics, DNA, biochemistry and causes and effects of what we ingest, we have been finding new remedies to old problems in often surprising places.
Disclaimer: This posting is based on information freely available in the popular press and medical journals that deal with medical matters. Nothing herein is intended to be or should be construed to be medical advice. For medical advice the reader should consult with his or her physician or other medical specialist.
Author: J.P. Koontz