According to most longevity experts, the human body can easily
remain vital for as long as 100 years, or longer, if given the
proper balance of nutrients, exercise, and restful, regenerative
sleep. For the first time, in June of 2000, the World Health Organization
(WHO) calculated the "healthy life" expectancy for all nations.
The "healthy life" expectancy is the expected number of years
to be lived in what might be termed the equivalent of "full health".
Previously, life expectancy estimates were based on the overall
length of life only, without considering the quality of one's
health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) found that the Japanese have
the longest healthy life expectancy of the 191 countries ranked.
The rest of the top 10 nations were Australia, France, Sweden,
Spain, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Monaco, and Andorra. The United
States rated a disappointing 24th. In the United States, it seems,
we have been able to prolong life, but not necessarily improved
the quality of that longer life.
If it is true that the human body is designed to last 100 years
or more, why aren't we living longer? What are we doing wrong
that is speeding us to an earlier than necessary demise, in most
cases? What can we do right to preserve our health and youth,
and live longer, more vibrant lives?
When we get sick, oftentimes we are told by our doctor that we
have a virus (most commonly a cold or flu virus). But do you always
get sick when you are exposed, or infected with a virus? NO! Some
of us actually carry the virus in our bodies, and pass it onto
others we come in contact with, without ever getting sick ourselves.
Every year between 250,000 and 500,000 people around the world
die from the common cold virus. But some people get nothing more
than a sniffle, or nothing at all, even though they have been
exposed to (or infected with) the cold virus. Why is it that being
infected does not necessarily mean being sick?
The answer is the human immune system. It is your immune system,
if it is strong, that prevents you from getting sick even after
you have been exposed to (or infected by) a virus. Even after
everyone else around you has gotten sick, a strong immune system
can keep you healthy.
The immune system is like an army protecting a country. No single
drug or group of drugs can replace your immune system. No medication
can be as effective as a healthy immune system at warding off
disease or illness. Many factors contribute to maintaining a healthy
immune system, capable of protecting your body from illness. Proper
nutrition is probably the most important, as your immune system
needs the proper fuel to build and feed its army.
PHYTONUTRIENTS
In recent years, the phytonutrients found in many vegetables and
fruits, have been identified as key ingredients for boosting the
immune system. Phytochemicals inhibit the progression of cell
mutation, a big help to an immune system trying to keep the growth
of cancerous cells in check. The National Cancer Institute has
spent in excess of $20 million over the past five years researching
the anti-cancer potential of plant foods. Some of the foods and
herbs with the highest levels of anti-cancer phytochemicals include
soybeans, garlic, cabbage, ginger, carrots, celery, licorice,
broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, peppers, brown rice, whole wheat,
cucumber, cantaloupe, and berries.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Also important to proper immune system function are the high levels
of antioxidants found in many fruits and vegetables, especially
grapeseed, pink grapefruit, oranges, lemons, sweet potatoes, carrots,
cantaloupe, and mangoes. Antioxidants delay aging and prevent
cancer by destroying free radicals. Free radicals cause cell damage,
and if left unchecked, lead to the proliferation of cancerous
cells.
POLYSACCHARIDES
More recently, the polysaccharides found in certain strains of
mushrooms, most notably shitake, reishi, mahtake, chaga, and enoki,
have been found to significantly boost the anti-cancer activity
of t-cells and natural killer cells in the immune system. The
t-cells tag the mutant cells to be destroyed, and the natural
killer cells destroy them, preventing the spread of cancerous
growth.
PLANT FOODS VS. ANIMAL FOODS
Plant food sources (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) are
rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. Animal
foods, such as meat, contain high levels of prostoglandins, which
weaken the immune system. Animal protein also causes an increased
loss of calcium through the urine, the result of calcium leeching
from skeletal bones. An alternative to the animal protein in meat
is the plant protein found in soy (tofu, soymilk, edamame), and
other beans and nuts. Even peanut butter is a good source of plant
protein.
OTHER FACTORS
Many cultures promote the drinking of coffee or tea on a daily
basis. The caffeine in these drinks stimulates the central nervous
system, increasing heart rate and promoting insomnia. And while
smoking tobacco causes direct damage to human DNA, caffeine consumption
significantly slows down the DNA repair mechanism. Unfortunately,
decaffeinated coffee is not much better, as the chemical process
used to extract the caffeine leaves carcinogenic chemicals in
the coffee. Herbal teas are a safer alternative.
Proper exercise, even just walking for 30 minutes, 4-5 times per
week could decrease the incidence of most diseases by up to 40%,
according to recent research from Harvard University. Proper hydration
(water intake), and a regular schedule of restful, regenerative
sleep help to keep the immune system functioning properly.
And finally, your attitude plays a major role in your overall
health, as well. Individuals who maintain a positive, happy outlook
are 100 times less likely to get sick compared to their stressed,
unhappy counterparts. So eat, sleep, and drink healthy, exercise
regularly, and remain optimistic, in spite of the stress around
you, and you will be well on your way to a longer, healthier,
and happier life, maybe even until your 100th birthday!!!
For more information, questions, or to consult with a licensed
physical therapist please contact Advanced
Rehabilitation Clinics, Inc.. |
|
