John-Michael Lawrence | Medical research shows that a plant-based diet reduces the need for medication, reduces the need for health care, and helps to prevent chronic ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood ailments, prostate cancer, etc., that disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color because of poor diet and lack of health care.
Animal protein and fast foods as a norm in your diet means that animal fat, preservatives, salt, chemicals and who knows what are also norms in your diet. A diet high in fat, animal protein, and refined carbohydrates increases oxidative stress which increases the likelihood of diseases and health issues. So do emotional stress, being sedentary, and being socially isolated. When iron rusts, it is oxidative stress. In a real sense, our bodies rust as we age.
Why It Matters
Damage to your cells from oxidative stress can lead to a wide range of chronic diseases and other problems:
- When DNA is damaged it can lead to many types of cancer by causing mutations that interfere with the mechanisms that keep your cells from growing uncontrollably (which is what cancer is) and keep it from spreading – such as reducing apoptosis (programmed cell death to remove damaged cells from your body).
- When your arteries are damaged, it can lead to high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attacks, heart failure, impotence and strokes.
- When your cell membranes are damaged it can lead to premature aging and wrinkles.
- When the cells in your pancreas are damaged it can lead to diabetes.
- When cells in your brain are damaged it can lead to dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and depression.
- When proteins in your body are damaged it can cause your immune system to stop recognizing them as being part of you and begin attacking them, causing many autoimmune diseases. For example, data from eight countries showed that dietary intake of meat and fat were associated with a highly significant increase in rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is when there are too many harmful molecules called free radicals in your body and not enough protective molecules called antioxidants, leading to damage to your cells. A simpler explanation for us lay people: oxidative stress occurs when your body has an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to your cells, while antioxidants are substances that help neutralize these harmful molecules.
“Free radicals” are byproducts of normal bodily processes, like breathing and metabolism, but they can also come from external sources like pollution, cigarette smoke, and unhealthy foods. When there are too many free radicals, they can start to attack and damage your cells, proteins, and even DNA.
“Antioxidants” are the body’s defense system. They help to neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing harm. Your body produces some antioxidants naturally, and you can also get them from foods like fruits and vegetables.
The Takeaway
To minimize oxidative stress:
- Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables which are rich in antioxidants in your diet. Reduce the intake of animal protein
- Avoid exposure to toxins like pollutants, cigarette smoke, and excessive alcohol.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can boost your body’s antioxidant defenses.
John-Michael Lawrence
lawrencejohnmichael9@gmail.com