Last week I talked about the rate of obesity in America and
how many of the issues stemming from this epidemic are almost completely
preventable. I then took a more in-depth look at one of the most common
diseases related to obesity: Type II Diabetes.
My goal was to both explain what, exactly, happens that
leads to this disease and to show just how important our own lifestyle choices
are in the development of this disease. If you did not read it yet, check it out here! This week we
continue our discussion by looking at what can be done at a national level to prevent
this disease and others like it.
All This…And for What?
Keeping with Type II Diabetes as our model, it is concerning
to me just how many problems can arise from such a disease. People have lost
limbs, gone blind, and died from this! And for what? Are they not told that if
they simply cut back on their sugar and carb intake that many of these issues
would resolve themselves? Or are they told, but have such an addiction to carbs
that they are incapable of controlling their eating? Either way, I think this
is an unacceptable situation.
Here is what I think needs to change:
1) Proper nutrition should be taught in school. And by
proper nutrition I do not mean the misleading food pyramid or food plate or
anything else put out by the government who takes money from the grain, dairy,
and livestock producers.
In contrast to what is normally preached as good nutrition,
learning about the importance of whole foods, wild/grass-fed animal products,
and food sensitivities from a young age could make a huge difference.
To this point, food in schools should also be improved. Why
we allow children to eat any differently than we know we should is beyond me.
They need high quality foods just as much, if not more, than their parents, yet
so often a child’s diet consists of processed foods and loads of carbs.
2) Speaking of government, I believe that food subsidies
play a huge role in disease. Food subsidies on corn, soy, wheat, dairy, and
peanuts have provided an outrageous supply of these goods with not enough
demand. And what we know from basic economics is that when supply is high and
demand is low (or at least lower) cost goes down. Great for getting cheap
calories, not good for helping consumers make smart food choices. When you can
get a double cheeseburger from Burger King (1000+ calories) for $1, why would
someone watching their budget even think about grabbing a pack of carrots (100
calories) for $3.
Add to this that the immense overproduction of these products
has led to them or their derivatives permeating our food supply and it’s no
wonder we are having issues. High fructose corn syrup, soybean oil, soy
lecithin, wheat gluten, etc. are all things that you will find in almost all
cheap, packaged food products. Corn is also the main food source for most of
the animals we end up eating (cow, chicken, even fish!) If you take away the
subsidies, these foods no
longer have a stronghold on the market, giving quality meats, fruits, and vegetables a chance in the
pricing game.
3) Training in proper nutrition and dietary counseling
should be mandatory in medical school! Why do fitness professionals know more
about nutrition than MDs? We entrust our health to doctors, and yet they know
almost nothing about proper nutrition and the science behind digestion,
absorption, and utilization of macro and micro nutrients.
Most have not been
trained in the art of coaching, either. It is not enough to just tell someone
to go eat better…you have to coach them and guide them! It is even worse if you
just send them home with some medication that will inevitably have side effects
and will most likely only “Band-Aid” the issue rather than treating the cause.
4) At the first sign of Type II Diabetes (and just about any
other major disease) dietary and lifestyle factors (exercise, sleep, stress,
etc.) should be accounted for and a plan of action should be determined for
making incremental improvements to put people on the right track. Yes,
medication is needed in some cases, but why is it always the first course of
action?
As you can see, there are a lot of factors that currently
play into why we have such a high rate of obesity in our country, and this only
covers some of them. Our country has been raised on grains and carbs and it is
not an easy thing to change.
Next Week: The Action Plan
Because these changes talked about today will be slow
moving, next week we will go through a personal
action plan to protect you and your family from these types of preventable
diseases. While it is important to work from the top down, many times it takes
the voice and demands of the people to make changes. And as they talk about in
“Food, Inc.” everytime you go to the grocery store and make a purchase, you are
voting. You are voting for what you believe is best for you and your family.
The good thing about living in a capitalistic society is that it is our demands
that drive the markets. So, the more wild/grass-fed meats, organic fruits, and
organic veggies you buy, the more they will be produced and the less they will
cost.
Until then, be active Bay Area!
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