Did you know that in many areas of the US, the average life expectancy for women and men is actually declining? It’s true. For the first time in history, we are seeing a generation of children that may not outlive their parents. Despite technological and medical advances and groundbreaking scientific research, America has managed to become one of the most overly-indulgent and unhealthy nations in the world, with over 74 percent of the country being overweight or obese.
It all boils down to what we put into our bodies and how well we take care of ourselves. Everything that you put into your body has a consequence. It’s up to you to determine the nature of that consequence. Are you eating something that will benefit your health? Or are you eating something that will ultimately put your health jeopardy? The choice is yours.
Here are some foods that you might want to consider limiting or removing from your diet completely to ensure a long and healthy life:
Carbonated beverages – This includes soft drinks, beer, energy drinks and even sparkling water. Many of these beverages contain high amounts of sugar. People who consume too much sugar are at greater risk for obesity, which also increases one’s risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease – the leading cause of death among women. The carbonation can also lead to bone loss and fractures and even medical conditions such as arthritis, scoliosis and osteoporosis.
Fried foods – Nothing goes better with the big game than buffalo chicken wings and potato chips. While these foods are okay to consume once in a blue moon, eating too many fried foods can cause plaque buildup along the arterial walls, leading to a condition known as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. These foods are also cooked at extremely high temperatures, thus creating trans fats, which have been linked to coronary heart disease (CHD).
White grains – This means white bread, white rice and others of the like. These foods have a very high glycemic index and contain little to no fiber – an essential nutrient that aids in digestion and has been shown to aid in the prevention of a myriad of age-related diseases. A good healthy alternative to white grains is whole grains. Whole grains are high in fiber, have a low glycemic index and are really good for the heart too.
Red meat – While red meat is teeming with essential animal proteins necessary for survival, middle-aged women and men who consume too much red meat have a greater risk of inflammatory-related diseases. Red meat also has high saturated fat content, meaning that it can increase the likelihood of heart disease. More recently, scientists discovered that carcinogens are released when red meat is cooked, meaning that cancer-risk is also a concern.
Sweets – This is a pretty broad category, but if it’s sweet, chances are that it’s loaded with sugar. As I previously mentioned, sugars are okay if consumed in moderation, but too much sugar can cause metabolic issues and even lead to type II diabetes. Additionally, most desserts are high in trans fats and hydrogenated oils which can lead to further health complications.
About the Author
This post was written by Dr. Eric Honing, Phoenix bioidentical hormones expert. As the owner and operator of BodyLogicMD of Phoenix, Dr. Eric Honing dedicates his practice to bioidentical hormones therapy and hormone balance, and customized nutrition and fitness programs to help women and men experiencing symptoms of menopause and andropause (the male menopause), including weight gain, sexual dysfunction, declining energy levels, depression and stress. As a former Family Medical Doctor, Dr. Honing always desired to help patients achieve wellness through hormone balance and preventive medicine.