The Importance of Nutrition for Long Term Health: The Heart
It’s crazy the impact your diet has on your body systems. People spend so much time worried about their physical appearance that they fail to actually consider that the things they put into your body impacts your appearance too. Literally, you are what you eat.
There are so many studies breaking down the way food is processed in the body starting from a cellular level because ultimately you get out what you put in. Food is fuel and I’m not sure everyone sees it that way. Your diet presents itself in visible fashions, from the usual weight gain to the elasticity and feel of your skin. But dietary impact can go deeper, your diet can break you down from the inside out. The more that you neglect necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and etc. your body is left to either produce these by themselves, if possible, or attempt to function without them. Causing early onset issues that you could’ve been less likely to develop through general care.
I hope you’re wondering well what foods in my diet are the most prone to causing these issues. Ultra- processed foods. No, all processed foods aren’t the bane of your existence, but processed foods in consistently high volumes deteriorate your major organs at a faster rate. All of your body systems and major organs like your skin, heart, brain, liver, and lungs, are impacted by what you eat.
What are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Classified by NOVA , ultra-processed foods are essentially top tier, “ I can’t read the ingredients” food. Foods that fall under this category are “snacks, drinks, ready meals and many other product types formulated mostly or entirely from substances extracted from foods or derived from food constituents.”
What is Arterial Wall Blockage and How is it Formed?
Arterial wall blockage stems from cholesterol build up in the arteries. The body attempts to combat this by sending fighter cells to clean it up. Though these fighter cells are not equipped to handling these issues which causes inflammation. This leads to arteries being closed up over time and blood flow begins to become restricted.
What Can I do to Help?
Maintain an exercise routine and eat healthier. This is where nitric oxide comes into play.
Arterial walls have three layers, the innermost layer is called the endothelial layer. This layer produces small amounts of nitric oxide to keep the arteries clear and free to pump as much blood as possible.
Lucky for you, a steady production of nitric oxide stems from regular exercise. Keeping your arteries clear and clean. So preventative measures are just a cardio exercise away.
Prevention of major arterial wall blockages sounds simple but in a heightened processed food world we’re living in, it requires a little extra attention. Foods that should be focused on are foods rich in fiber, antioxidants, unsaturated fats, and vitamins like C,E, and K. These foods include berries, cruciferous vegetables, and squash.
For reduction the same foods are needed, but in addition an increased exercise regimen is necessary. Foods that should be avoided are ultra-processed foods, fried foods, and margarine & other butter substitutes.
Here’s a study done by a doctor named Dean Ornish. He studied people with plaque build up that decided to follow what is known as the Ornish Diet, “The plan is essentially a low-fat, lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet that focuses on plant-based ingredients like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes.” (healthline.com) He places emphasis that this diet reverses disease progression. You can read more about his work on his website https://www.ornish.com/proven-program/the-research/
