The bloated belly epidemic
Insuline resistance, cholesterol, heart diseases, diabetes, cancer and the main couses of death in modern society. How natural health and Ayurveda needs to evolve in view of non natural factor.
Considering Diet and Well-being in the Modern World
Many individuals experience health concerns such as digestive issues, fatigue, and chronic conditions. These can be related to dietary patterns, including the consumption of high levels of sugar and a potential lack of essential nutrients.
Healthcare professionals utilise diagnostic tests and prescribe medications for managing chronic conditions. It's been suggested that medical knowledge in this area is significantly influenced by pharmaceutical research and funding, which may focus on the symptomatic relief provided by medications. Concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest in this research.
The extent to which nutritional and exercise guidance is integrated into standard healthcare varies. Dietitians and exercise specialists (distinct from physiotherapists) may not always be routinely included in treatment plans within the national health system.
Pharmaceutical products can have documented side effects, and anecdotal reports of side effects may circulate outside of formal reporting mechanisms. The scientific evidence base for these reports is a matter of ongoing discussion.
Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic perspective on diet and herbal remedies that some individuals find relevant to their health concerns.
It's important to acknowledge that modern food production, lifestyle factors, and the prevalence of pharmaceutical products and environmental chemicals are developments that were not present when Ayurvedic medicine originated.
While Ayurvedic principles may offer a foundation for health management, a contemporary understanding of how medical products interact with bodily functions, as well as the presence of additives and chemicals in the food chain, water, and everyday products (cosmetics, cleaning agents, fragrances, etc.), is important to consider for a comprehensive approach to well-being. Like any evolving field, the application of Ayurvedic principles in the modern context may benefit from integration with current scientific knowledge.
Considering digestive comfort, for example, dietary advice has evolved over time, with past recommendations focusing on calorie counting, low-fat processed foods, sugar substitutes, and animal product alternatives.
The impact of advertising and information dissemination on public beliefs about healthy eating is a subject of ongoing discussion.
Global dietary recommendations often include reduced fat and salt intake, and the use of sugar substitutes and vegetarian or vegan alternatives. Information about diet and lifestyle is communicated through various channels, including media, education, and healthcare professionals.
Why are we getting sicker?
The increasing prevalence of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline in Western populations, alongside a rise in chronic diseases and cancer across all age groups, raises questions about the overall effectiveness of current dietary and lifestyle recommendations and medical treatments.
This discussion will explore potential factors contributing to the increasing occurrence of digestive discomfort, heart diseases and diabetes.
Potential Influences of Modern Dietary Patterns
Modern diets, often characterised by a high intake of processed foods, hidden sugars, and refined carbohydrates, may be associated with various health issues, including:
Digestive Issues: High consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates may affect gut health.
Energy Levels: Insufficient intake of essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins can contribute to fatigue.
Insulin Sensitivity: High intake of sugar, carbohydrates, and starch may be linked to reduced insulin sensitivity.
Cardiovascular Health: Dietary factors and stress are areas of consideration in relation to heart health. The impact of low-fat diets on various bodily systems is also a subject of discussion.
Perspectives on Dietary Fat and Cardiovascular Health
The direct causal link between dietary fat and heart disease is an area of ongoing scientific investigation, with some recent studies challenging previously held views. The effectiveness of statins in preventing heart disease and their potential side effects are important considerations in medical practice. Similarly, the use of beta-blockers for high blood pressure, while lowering blood pressure, does not address underlying inflammation, and their potential side effects are relevant.
The Ayurvedic Perspective on Diet
Ayurveda emphasises balance and moderation in dietary intake. It categorises foods based on their energetic qualities and suggests personalised diets based on individual constitutions.
Key Principles of Ayurvedic Dietary Guidance:
Mindful Eating: Paying attention to hunger and fullness cues.
Whole Foods: Prioritising unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Balanced Tastes: Incorporating a range of six tastes in meals.
Conscious Food Preparation: Preparing food with attention.
Integrating Ayurvedic Principles with Modern Challenges
While Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to nutrition, modern living presents unique challenges:
Uncertainties Regarding Chemical Exposure: The full extent and long-term effects of chemicals in food, water, air, beauty and health products, and household items are not fully understood. The potential interactions of energy, frequencies, and radio waves with the body are also areas of ongoing research. The impact of medical interventions on overall mortality is a subject of public health analysis.
Emerging Concerns: The potential presence and effects of nanoparticles, which may not be detectable by standard testing methods, are an area of emerging scientific interest.
Medical Safety: The occurrence of medical errors is a significant concern in healthcare. Studies suggest that medical errors, including medication errors, misdiagnosis, and surgical errors, contribute to mortality and morbidity. Factors such as communication breakdowns, systemic issues, workload, and diagnostic complexities can play a role.
Considerations Regarding Prescription Medications:
Prescription drugs can have a range of side effects, and the potential for drug interactions, overdose, and long-term health risks is acknowledged. The role of the pharmaceutical industry in the use of prescription drugs and the importance of critically evaluating risks and benefits are areas of public discussion.
The medical system has become more efficient in prescribing long term medication, often as preventative measures, resulting on patients being on multiple medications. The risk of adverse drug reactions and drug-drug interactions increases with the number of medications a person takes. Long-term use of multiple medications can also have implications for other organ systems, such as the kidneys and liver.
The number of potential combinations of medications is vast, making it difficult to study every possible interaction in large-scale, long-term trials.
Observing the long-term effects and potential side effects of multiple medications requires studies with extended follow-up periods, which can be costly and logistically challenging.
Environmental Changes
Modern society's rapid changes, including the introduction of new chemicals and modified organisms, present health considerations that were not relevant when traditional medical systems originated.
A comprehensive approach to health requires considering multiple factors, with nutrition being a key element. While Ayurvedic principles offer valuable insights, integrating them with contemporary knowledge is important.
Modern Dietary Considerations:
Awareness of Hidden Substances: This includes potential pesticide residues, coatings on fresh produce, food additives, and environmental contaminants.
Understanding Hidden Sugars: Recognising the presence of added sugars in processed foods and beverages.
Managing Carbohydrate Cravings: Focusing on protein and healthy fats alongside complex carbohydrates.
Importance of Protein and Fats: Ensuring adequate intake from various sources.
Considerations for Vegetarian Diets: Balancing carbohydrate intake and ensuring sufficient nutrient diversity, with eggs potentially playing a beneficial role for some vegetarians.
Potential Risks in Vegan Diets: Addressing potential deficiencies in nutrients primarily found in animal products.
Understanding Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Health in the Context of Modern Diets
Modern diets often include readily available processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates. Overconsumption of these can be linked to insulin resistance.
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. In insulin resistance, cells become less responsive to insulin, leading the body to produce more, potentially resulting in elevated blood sugar levels over time.
A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates may lead to a metabolic state where the body primarily relies on glucose for energy, potentially affecting fat burning efficiency and contributing to cravings, weight gain, and digestive issues.
A metabolic state that efficiently burns fat can be supported by reducing sugar intake and prioritising whole, unprocessed foods, and adequate protein.
Strategies to Potentially Support a Fat-Burning Metabolism:
Prioritising protein and healthy fats.
Choosing complex carbohydrates.
Limiting processed sugars.
Considering the impact of limited carbohydrates and starch.
Focusing on whole, minimally processed ingredients and incorporating spices and herbs.
Managing stress levels.
By integrating relevant Ayurvedic principles with an understanding of modern dietary science and metabolic processes, individuals may be able to make informed choices to support their well-being.
Resources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5174139/#:~:text=There%20is%20increasing%20interest%20in,metabolism%20that%20increase%20the%20risk
http://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/lifestyles/7-reasons-why-you-feel-exhausted#:~:text=Vitamin%20and%20mineral%20deficiencies%2C%20including,common%20causes%20of%20unexplained%20fatigue.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34902573/#:~:text=Both%20hyperglycemia%20and%20excessive%20sugar,causing%20profound%20gut%20microbiota%20dysbiosis%2C
https://insurance.phonepe.com/blogs/health-insurance/how-ayurveda-can-help-manage-chronic-diseases/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10302286/
https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2023/03/can-eating-too-much-sugar-cause-diabetes#:~:text=If%20you%20consume%20high%20sugar,the%20first%20sign%20of%20prediabetes.%E2%80%9D