Throughout the festivities of Carnival, the party seems as if it will go on forever.
Our community just burned this year’s carnival Momo. Traditionally the Momo is black because in pagan religions Momo or that year’s “king” absorbs all the sins of the community and dies taking their sins with him. The community expunged from all wrongs is then able to begin anew with a fresh beginning, symbolized by spring. With the burning of Momo, we are reminded that life is ever changing and that all things eventually must end.
The most profound change for each of us is our own end, or the reality of human mortality. The United States currently has the greatest number of centenarians (People living to 100 or more) in the world. There are different theories as to why certain cultures have longer life expectancies than others, but one would expect that since the United States spends more on health care than other nations, the life expectancy would reflect that spending. However, the United States ranks only 24th on the list of disability-adjusted life expectancy while Japan ranks at the top. This means that there are more centenarians living in Japan based on population and they are living healthier with less medical intervention.
Many experts attribute Japan’s high life expectancy to their diet, which is low in fats. There must be something to island life because here in the Caribbean, the Island of Barbados has one of the highest occurrences of centenarians in the world! There are obviously other factors involved in living to be 100 years old or more. Studies show that one significant influence contributing to rapid aging is high insulin levels. Look at the insulin/diabetes problems spreading worldwide and how it is affecting the way we age.
Ironically, even though most people express an interest in living to their maximum potential, many refuse to use the available methods that are sure to slow down aging. One thing is for sure, that the effects of bad lifestyle are cumulative. This means, the more you do something unhealthy, the more it hurts you. So, during this time of “rebirth” how about starting a longevity program?
If you want to increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life, one of the first things you should do is quit smoking, including breathing second-hand smoke. Acupuncture offers natural treatments for smoking and other addictions. Next, get on a healthy eating plan. Our clinic’s holistic health program starts with the elimination, or at least a large reduction, of most grains and sugars from your diet. Consuming simple or processed sugar and grains, especially wheat products like bread and pasta, will increase your insulin levels. That is the equivalent of slamming your foot on the aging accelerator. Eating right for your metabolic type, which incidentally, is your blood type, will also help to optimize your anti-aging program.
Like the Japanese, medical researchers have known for years that eating fish was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Eating oily fish like salmon, tuna or bluefish at least twice a week is healthy because fatty acids in the fish block dangerous irregular heart rhythms. Fish oil is another factor in helping people live longer, and many experts believe that it is likely the predominant reason why the Japanese are the longest living race on the planet. For those of us, who don’t eat enough fresh fish, supplements are a way to insure we get enough of the healthy fats or Omega 3’s found in fish. However, when choosing a fish oil, it is important to use a high-quality brand that ensures that its oils are free of mercury and other toxins. If you are just beginning on a diet and supplement program, it is a good idea to begin with a quality EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) or Omega Oil product containing all 3 Omega oils, Omega 3, 6 and 9 in the right ratio. Flaxseed Oil is a good choice for vegans.
Young people feel like they will live forever, and therefore eat poorly and engage in risky behavior leading to illness and sometimes early mortality. Even kids, teens and young adults can benefit from a healthy lifestyle plan. Learning good habits early leads to a better quality of life later.
After age 35, cardiovascular disease and cancer are the leading causes of death. Studies presented at a meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research showed that supplements – ranging from ordinary multivitamins to specially formulated, natural products can have a positive impact combating disease.
Other foods that have been shown to slow down aging are most fruits and vegetables and a component in red wine, known as reversitol. These are rich in antioxidants that have anti-aging effects. Sardines have RNA that helps you rebuild your body.
The Evercare poll of 100 Contrarians found that their most important secrets to healthy aging were, staying close to friends and family, laughing and having a sense of humor, keeping the mind active, having something to look forward to each day, maintaining independence, exercising, spirituality, eating right, keeping up with current events, and continuing to make new friends.
Get the Point! Your nutritional and lifestyle sins are hanging around your waist, showing on your face and costing you vitality. You can “burn your candle at both ends” or do something to slow down aging. Maybe now is a good time to hook up with a Clinical Nutritionist. We can help you burn your sins and start anew with personal long, healthy, life plan.q
CARLOS VIANA, Ph. D. is an Oriental Medical Doctor (O.M.D.) having studied in China; a US Board Cert. Clinical Nutritionist (C.C.N.), an Addiction Professional (C.Ad.), Chairperson of the Latin American Committee of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), a Rejuvenating Cell Therapist specializing in Age Management, has a weekly radio program, writes and lectures extensively. For information: VIANA HEALING CENTER, Kibaima 7, St Cruz TEL: 585-1270 Web Site: www.vianaheal.com
“Prescriptions from Paradise” – Dr. Viana’s Award Winning BOOK: Prescriptions from Paradise, Introduction to Biocompatible Medicine – Available at local Bookstores, Hotel Gift shops and Boticas. Signed copies at Viana Healing Center, EBooks: Amazon kindle, Nook, Itunes check for Events at: facebook.com/vianahealingcenter. Join the discussion: www.facebook.com/prescriptionsformparadise
