America's Health Crisis: a Toxic Combination of Obesity and Deficiencies
- Jack1106
- Aug 22, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
The Health Crisis in America: A Harmful Mix of Obesity and Nutrient Deficiencies
The United States is in the throes of a health crisis of epic proportions. Obesity rates have skyrocketed, with 42.4% of adults now classified as obese and an additional 30.7% overweight (Calculate your Body Mass Index - BMI HERE).
This isn't just about weight; it's a sign of widespread metabolic dysfunction, a precursor to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers.
Shockingly, nearly half of American adults are pre-diabetic, and a significant portion suffer from fatty liver disease – a condition once associated with alcoholism.
A UK Biobank study followed 85.000 people aged 49 to 65 for over a decade, the authors measured the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 which in the Western diet varies from 15 to 20:1 where it is recommended to maintain a ratio of 1:1. Now we should give you some provocative, but unfortunate statistics. If you maintain the ratio from 15 to 20 to 1:
early death statistics from cancer or from a cardiovascular disease
Obesity: A Silent Catalyst for Disease
Obesity is now a matter of serious concern; it's a silent catalyst for a cascade of health problems. As the Linus Pauling Institute explains, "Obesity is associated with a wide range of complications... A unifying concept across these differing diseases is dysregulated immunity, particularly inflammation, in response to metabolic overload".
Besides, for vaccinated persons, inflammation is also aggravated by the shedding of spike proteins triggered by Covid-19 vaccination.
This inflammation, triggered by obesity, sets off a chain reaction within the body. It disrupts the delicate balance of the immune system, impairing its ability to fight off infections and increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Research from UC San Francisco reveals that obesity can even "rewire" the immune system, altering for instance, its response to treatments for allergies and asthma.
The Omega-6/Omega-3 Imbalance: A Recipe for Disaster
Adding fuel to the fire is the typical Western diet, characterized by a skewed ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. This imbalance, far from the 1:1 ratio our bodies evolved with, further promotes inflammation and contributes to the development of chronic diseases. Omega-3 lower harmful LDL cholesterol and boost protective HDL. They also help to keep blood sugar in check by improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. Scientific studies found that individuals with the highest omega-6 to omega-3 ratios were 26% more likely to die early from any cause (see above). Are you ready to face these statistics for yourself or your loved ones.
Micronutrient Deficiencies: The Overlooked Culprit
While we obsess over macronutrients like fats and carbohydrates, we often overlook the crucial role of micronutrients – vitamins and trace minerals. Yet, as the Linus Pauling Institute points out, "It is well established that... deficiencies in one or more micronutrients (vitamins and nutritionally essential minerals) weaken the immune function."
In the US, these deficiencies are alarmingly common. Consider the following:
A staggering 94.3% of adults are deficient in vitamin D,
88.5% in Vitamin E,
52.2% in Magnesium
and 44% for Vitamin A in the adult population with percentages fluctuating between 50 and 70 for children!
and more for Calcium, Potassium & Zinc
These deficiencies further weaken your immune system, leaving individuals more susceptible to infections and chronic diseases.
Big Pharma: Profiting from a Broken System
The Tucker Carlson's show "Big Pharma Is Fooling You Again, and You Don't Even Know It" shines a spotlight on the pharmaceutical industry's role in this crisis. It argues that the focus on profit-driven treatments often overshadows preventive care and holistic approaches, such as addressing nutritional deficiencies.
The push for expensive drugs like Ozempic, while potentially helpful for some, raises concerns about prioritizing medication over lifestyle changes and addressing the root causes of metabolic dysfunction. This approach may create a dependency on drugs while neglecting the underlying issues that contribute to obesity and chronic diseases.
The Long COVID Threat: A Perfect Storm
The emergence of Long COVID adds another layer of complexity to this already dire situation. This post-viral syndrome not only weakens immunity but also exacerbates existing chronic conditions. When combined with the widespread prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, overweight/obesity and a healthcare system that may prioritize profits over prevention, it creates a perfect storm for a devastating health crisis.
The weakened immunity caused by long COVID, coupled with underlying deficiencies, could make individuals more susceptible to future pandemics and other infectious diseases. This highlights the urgent need for a proactive approach to health, focusing on strengthening the immune system through proper nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle changes.
A Glimmer of Hope: Taking Control of Our Health
While the situation may seem bleak, there is hope. By understanding the interconnectivity of obesity, micronutrient deficiencies, and the potential influence of the pharmaceutical industry, we can empower ourselves to take control of our health.
Here are some key steps individuals can take:
Adopt a Mediterranean Diet: This diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and whole foods, can help restore a healthy omega-3/omega-6 balance, lose weight and reduce inflammation.
Get Regular Checkups: Comprehensive blood tests can identify deficiencies and underlying health issues, allowing for early intervention.
Tailor for yourself a Personalized Supplementation Regimen (don’t worry Vitamins never killed anybody): Review results of your blood test to determine which vitamins and minerals supplementation would better benefit your specific needs.
Prioritize Fitness: Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall well-being.
By taking these proactive steps, we can break free from the cycle of chronic diseases and build a healthier future for ourselves and our communities. It's time to demand a healthcare system that prioritizes prevention, empowers individuals, and addresses the root causes of illness, not just the symptoms.
@ Friendly Disclaimer: this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or treatment plan.
Listen & Enjoy our deep dive on Obesity
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