Summary:
– Processed Foods May Worsen Metabolic Health
– Omega-6 Fatty Acids May Increase Inflammation
– Added Sugars May Increase the Risk of Metabolic Disease
We all know that diet plays a significant role in our overall health. The food we eat has a direct impact on not only our physical well-being but also our mental state and emotional stability. Paying attention to what we consume and making conscious choices toward nutrient-dense foods can lead to a happier, healthier life. Conversely, consuming processed and junk foods can lead to various health problems. This article will discuss the top foods to avoid to heal your body and prevent disease. Dr. Steven Gundry, a renowned cardiologist and expert in nutrition, metabolic disease, and insulin sensitivity, has identified three main food categories that wreak havoc on our metabolic health.
1. Processed Foods May Worsen Metabolic Health
Processed foods have become a staple in our modern diet. They are convenient, affordable, and have a long shelf life, making them popular. However, consuming processed foods has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic disease. These foods often contain refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and unhealthy fats.
One of the main issues with processed foods is that they tend to be low in fiber. Fiber plays a crucial role in our digestive health by helping to regulate our blood sugar levels, promoting healthy gut bacteria, and reducing inflammation. Consuming a diet low in fiber makes us more likely to experience digestive issues, inflammation, and an increased risk of metabolic disease.
Additionally, processed foods are often high in sodium and other additives that can negatively impact our health. Excessive sodium intake has been linked to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and an increased risk of heart disease.
To avoid processed foods, try to eat more whole, minimally processed foods. Shop the grocery store’s perimeter and avoid the inner aisles often filled with processed snacks, sugary drinks, and other unhealthy options. Instead, eat nutrient-dense foods like lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Omega-6 Fatty Acids May Increase Inflammation
There are two types of essential fatty acids that our bodies need: omega-6 and omega-3. While both are important, research suggests that a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids may increase inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Sources of omega-6 fatty acids include vegetable oils like corn, soybean, and sunflower oil. These oils are often used in processed and fried foods, making it easy to consume too much omega-6 without realizing it. While eliminating all omega-6 fatty acids from your diet is unnecessary, it is essential to aim for a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
To increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, consume foods like fatty fish, chia seeds, flaxseed, and walnuts. These foods are also high in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation.
3. Added Sugars May Increase the Risk of Metabolic Disease
Added sugars are another food category we should aim to limit in our diets. Added sugars are sugars and syrups added to foods during processing or preparation. These sugars are often found in sweetened beverages, desserts, and other processed foods.
Consuming too much-added sugar has been linked to various health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. One of the main issues with added sugars is that they provide calories but no nutritional value. Therefore, they can contribute to weight gain and other metabolic issues.
To reduce your intake of added sugars, try to avoid sugary drinks and processed foods. Instead, opt for whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. If you must consume foods with added sugars, do so in moderation and be mindful of portion sizes.
In conclusion, avoiding processed foods, limiting omega-6 fatty acids, and reducing added sugars can improve metabolic health and reduce disease risk. Dr. Steven Gundry’s approach to diet emphasizes the importance of consuming nutrient-dense foods while avoiding those that negatively impact our health. Making simple dietary changes can improve our physical and mental well-being and help us enjoy a happier, healthier life.
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Get Dr. Gundry’s new book – https://www.amazon.com/Unlocking-Keto-Code-Revolutionary-Deprivation/dp/0063118386
Dr. Steven Gundry is the Founder of Gundry MD and host of The Dr. Gundry Podcast. He’s one of the world’s top cardiothoracic surgeons and pioneers in nutrition and currently serves as the medical director at The International Heart and Lung Institute Center for Restorative Medicine. He has spent the last two decades studying the microbiome and now helps patients use diet and nutrition as a necessary form of treatment.
He is the author of several New York Times bestselling books, including The Plant Paradox, The Plant Paradox Cookbook, The Longevity Paradox: How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age, and The Energy Paradox: What to Do When Your Get-Up-and-Go Has Got Up and Gone. His latest book, Unlocking the Keto Code, available everywhere books are sold on March 8, 2022, offers a revolutionary new take on the keto diet that debunks common myths and shows readers how to reap the rewards of keto with less restriction.
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I’m always looking for ways to take my health & wellness to new heights – and this episode dives deep into how we can get there through nutrition. If you’re ready to learn how to do the same, this episode is for you! And now, please join me for Episode 1237 of The School of Greatness.
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