Living Longer, Living Well :: Holistic Healing :: Functional Foods/Nutraceuticals :: A-F

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Living Longer, Living Well
by author Michael T. Murray, N.D.,

North Americans appear to be living longer. In 1900, the average life expectancy was 45 years but now it is estimated to be 71 years for men and 78 for women. However, if we look closely at these statistics, we find that this increase in life expectancy is due almost entirely to decreased infant mortality. With infant mortality removed from the equation, life expectancy has only improved by about 3.7 years in the last 100 years. The real question should be, “Are we living well longer?”

Taking Positive Steps

The most constructive step to increasing life expectancy involves reducing causes of premature death. Since cardiovascular disease, cancer, and stroke are the three biggest killers; every effort should be made to reduce the risk of these diseases.

The human body is one of the most remarkable creations in the world. It is magnificent in its ability to heal and maintain health. In this age of increased pollution, processed foods, and fast-paced, stressful lifestyles, it is vitally important to give our bodies the tools they need to function optimally. My prescription is simple: eat right, have a positive attitude, follow a health-promoting lifestyle, and nourish your body with three key dietary supplements that provide:

a high-potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula
a “greens” drink product
a pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplement.

A high potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula is essential for optimum health. It must provide sufficient levels of antioxidant nutrients. We use these nutrients as components of enzymes¾molecules that give us life by either making or breaking down other molecules¾or as structural components (e.g., calcium in our bones). Studies have shown that people taking a multiple vitamin and mineral formula may experience higher energy levels, improved brain function, fewer colds or infections, improved ability to deal with stress, greater sense of well-being, and reduced risk for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Greens drinks are concentrated drink mixes that contain powerful phytochemicals from barley grass, wheat grass, chlorella, and spirulina. One serving of these preparations is equal in phytochemical content to eating to five to 10 cups of mixed salad. A greens drink is a phenomenal way to increase all of the valuable antioxidants from these super green foods and goes a very long way in fighting the aging process and boosting energy levels. It is also a great way to curb appetite; drinking a serving between meals helps avoid snacking.

A pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplement provides over 600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per capsule and is free of the mercury, PCBs, dioxins, and other contaminants often found in fish and some fish oil supplements. Sixty different health conditions benefit from fish oil supplementation, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Some autoimmune diseases that also improve include psoriasis, eczema, asthma, attention deficit disorder, and depression. It is estimated that the use of fish oil supplements may reduce overall cardiovascular mortality by as much as 45 per cent.

Good health is a worthwhile goal. Most diseases that Americans and Canadians are falling prey to are largely preventable. I urge you to seize the opportunity for health while you still can. Good health begins with a strong foundation.

Michael T. Murray, N.D., is widely regarded as one of the worldâ€™s leading authorities on natural medicine. He is a graduate, faculty member, and serves on the Board of Trustees of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Murray is Director of Product Development and Education for Natural Factors Nutritional Products.

Source: alive #253, November 2003

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