Are we eating ourselves to an early grave?- Dr. Frank J. Ungerland III, DC

There is some evidence indicating we might just be doing that, according to Dr. David Allison

of the University of Alabama. Obesity has a profound effect on life span. It increases life threatening

conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer. If trends continue by 2020,

nearly half the U.S. population (45%) will be obese. A drop in smoking has meant an increase in the

life expectancy for many Americans, but some of those gains maybe overcome by increasing levels of

obesity, making French fries a possible 21st century version of the cigarette. Americans have been

consuming foods prepared with trans fats. Trans fats have a molecular configuration one molecule

short of plastic. Trans fats increase bad lipids LDL’s. They also cause cellular dysfunction. Every cell

of our body! The federal Institute of Medicine is a bit more specific, “there are no known requirements

for trans fatty acids for specific bodily functions” so trans fatty acid consumption should be as low as

possible. Another culprit towards obesity is high fructose corn syrup HFCS. Fructose has a sweeter

taste and acts as a much more cost effective option for food producers and manufacturers. Corn has

become one of the cheapest most available crops, acts as an alternative sweetener to normal table sugar.

HFCS is found in most sodas and many processed food. Here is the hook. Fructose is more readily

metabolized to fat in the liver than glucose, leading to fatty liver disease, progressing to liver insulin

resistance and type 2 diabetes. Get off the sodas. Nine teaspoons of caramelized sugar in each can.

Avoid all trans fats! Every pound of fat reduction reduces 200 miles of blood vessels to keep fat tissue

alive. Live life to the fullest and remember you are what you eat.