A new year offers us many opportunities. And it’s the perfect time to turn a new page, and that’s exactly what we’re doing at Community Word. As of this issue, the esteemed Clare Howard has handed over her handwriting for the CW to the new editor-in-chief Brian Ludwig.
So let’s advance Howard’s final story for all of the dissolutionists out there. Last month she wrote an article about a huge health crisis in the United States: diabetes.
This month let’s go over the topic in a great way of how we can fight this epidemic as well as the coronavirus pandemic – in addition to vaccination and containment – and that is, taking care of ourselves. Lost in mixing Vax / mask or not Vax / mask (get vaccinated!) Was what we knew from the start of the outbreak. People with comorbidities suffer most when they contract the coronavirus.
Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are not just three of the biggest pre-existing conditions making COVID-19 worse, they are easily three of the biggest causes of death bringing the population of this nation to their knees.
According to Dr. Michael Greger, founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine: “The severity of COVID-19 varies greatly depending on the previous illness. People with high blood pressure are twice as likely to have severe disease and those with cardiovascular disease three times as likely.
“In addition, the probability that people with one of the two diseases will end up in the intensive care unit is four times higher. Those with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) like emphysema appear to be at the highest risk with six times the chance of getting severe COVID-19 and nearly 18 times the chance of being admitted to an intensive care unit. …
“Reversing your type 2 diabetes can help, as diabetics can have a more severe course (of COVID-19).”
That brings us back to last month’s warning of diabetes, which the Metabolism Journal called back as a “key indicator of COVID-19”. “
And we can fight back, because the good news is that all three of these diseases are reversible with healthier diets and better diets.
In fact, in one of his superinformative videos on Nutritionfacts.org, Greger references the Metabolism Journal: “The battle will only be won by a serious commitment to improving basic metabolic health for everyone, starting with the least hanging evidence-based fruit: Dietary and lifestyle interventions.”
While it’s true that COVID-19 has a very, very high survival rate, the likelihood of experiencing more pain and suffering seems to increase the more unhealthy your body is at the beginning, especially for the unvaccinated. And the long-term damage to the body after extreme cases (or after any cases) is still – haunted – unknown.
However, this pandemic could be a turning point for public health. More and more doctors are prescribing better nutrition – something that was sorely lacking in an American medical system that was heavily influenced by the pharmaceutical industry.
Last month we learned how New York City’s new Mayor Eric Adams reversed his diabetes and lowered his cholesterol levels by switching to a plant-based diet. Studies have shown that patients who took insulin for decades reversed their diabetes in days when dealing with plant-based products. It also lowered their cholesterol levels. And guess what? They also lost weight.
Traditionally, we all choose to eat healthier and exercise. But try not to promise too much and then not deliver. You don’t have to be completely vegan – although Greger would advise it (he wrote How Not To Die, How Not To Diet, and How Not To Die From A Pandemic).
Rather take small steps in the infancy of this New Year. Instead of avoiding meat or dairy or gluten or carbohydrates or alcohol altogether, try to bring more fruits and vegetables. Eat an apple and a banana or an orange every day. In fact, try to get four servings of fruit, at least one of which is berries. Eat beans, whole grains, and lots and lots of leafy vegetables.
Arm yourself with the good to fend off the bad. Making a commitment to eat fresh, high-fiber whole foods is the best way to boost your immune system. Plus, not only does it fill you up with diligently eating more good things so that there isn’t much room for the unhealthy things, but it also helps your body fight off the toxins you consume from your cravings.
You don’t have to let go of your bad habits all at once. Have a cheat day. Enjoy burgers and fries, eat pizza, eat a piece of cake. It is not a crime. But try not to consume this crap all the time.
Lay the foundations to build a better you in 2022.
