Pollution: The Effects On Your Health and Diet

The effects on your health and pollution have been known for a longwhile now.  Pollution has been know to cause respiratory problems, skin conditions, and other ailments.  Pollution also increases free radicals in the body, which in turn breaks down the immune system. 

From the findings below, our 'on the go' way of life, having pre-packaged foods, instant microwave ready meals also have an effect on the body, in that our micronutrient intake is low.  Micronutrients are very important to any diet as they are needed all over the body and in the brain for various functions to help us have energy, think, keep our organs rejuvenating themselves and more. 

We all know about Macro nutrients, Carbohydrates, fats and proteins, but your body also needs the micronutrients too in fact there are 57 of them that are essential. 

Other studies have also shown that anti-oxidants can help to improve the health levels of those that suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulminary Disease (COPD) or asthma.  Air pollution can aggravate both asthma and COPD, producing symptoms that can be strong enough to lead to hospitalisation. 

What Are Free Radicals

Free radicals are the by product of oxidation.  For example when you cut an apple an if you left it out in the open after a while it starts to go brown on the inside.  This is oxidation. It is where the air reacts with the flesh of the apple and begins to turn it brown. Our body needs oxygen to produce energy and other essential enzymes in our bodies need oxygen to function. It is a process that changes our cells and causes damage over time.  The by-products of this oxidation process are free radicals. We actually need some free radicals in the body as we need them to fight infection,  stop tumour cells from growing and help repair our tissue. 

As we get older our built in antioxidant defence system wears down, this means the body produces to many free radicals, if you do not counteract them with the right level of nutrients in your diet i.e. antioxidants then deterioration of cells, inflammation of joints, damage to nerves cells in the brain,and more can occur.

So what can you do to improve your diet?

Eating more fruit and vegetables can increase your antioxidant levels, especially eating berries. 

Making smoothies can give you far more micronutrients and antioxidants that eating vegetables in one go.  Mixing berries with spinach or kale can give you a super antioxidant boost. 

Exercise, although this does produce 'free radicals', in the body, it is also a good way to relieve stress, and to clear down excess fat. Drinking lots of water is another way of oxygenating the body, and ensuring that you have a protein based berry drink can help to clear up the number of antioxidants in the body after exercise. 

Watch out for tomorrows article on some super antioxidant foods to add to your shopping list...

Meanwhile - here is some research I have found with regards to pollution and diet 

“The rising exposure to pollutants is associated with increased rates of cardiovascular and respiratory afflictions worldwide. The variation in associated risk between different pollutants provides huge challenges to the legislation and development of adequate industrial production regulation. Therefore, protection strategies for people who are more vulnerable and most highly exposed must be highlighted as a necessary target,” comments Dr Fernando Holguin, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care – University of Pittsburgh.

“Nowadays diets are characterized by an increasing intake of prepackaged foods. This dietary pattern results in a nutrient profile that is low in beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs),” agrees Professor Lisa Wood, Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, University of Newcastle, Australia. “As these nutrients protect against inflammation, populations are thus more susceptible to the damaging effects of pollutants, which can trigger chronic diseases such as asthma. Increasing the intake of antioxidants and PUFAs may reduce inflammation, providing opportunities for asthma management.”

“In recent months, there have been a number of assessments by different research groups to indicate that insufficient intake of micronutrients has the potential to have severe long term effects on the health of urban populations,” summarizes Professor Manfred Eggersdorfer, Senior Vice-President, Nutrition Science & Advocacy at DSM and Professor for Healthy Ageing at the University of Groningen. “The associated healthcare costs are significant and the meeting in Valencia will serve as an important bridge between academic research and industry, to drive progress in the field of nutrition and food science.”

*more can be found here:http://www.dsm.com/corporate/media/informationcenter-news/2014/08/2014-08-20-links-between-nutrition-and-the-effects-of-air-pollution-at-nutrition-and-food-science-valencia.html


                  +++++++++++++++++++++++

Do you feel you want to change your current circumstances, Health, general outlook on life? 

Why not book a FREE 20 minute consultation with Colette to see how she can help you. 

Click HERE to complete