Introduction
HEALTH and NUTRITION is a topic that is infinite, existing in a circle reminiscent of "which came first, the chicken or the egg." Concepts change from generation to generation, but, thankfully, society is beginning to argue that both must work synergistically for the benefit of each other. There is no substitute for health, and certainly no compensation for illness. Yet, too often, when a health crisis arises, sources outside the realm of nutrtition are consulted to correct a problem that resulted from diet neglect. Two-thirds of the death toll can be attributed to faulty nutrition. A 1998 Gallup Survey revealed that only 19% of American physicians even discussed supplementation with their patients, and a significant portion of those that did actually advised their patients not to take any.
Despite the fact that people are becoming sicker, health care is becoming more expensive, pharmaceutical companies are growing richer, research is turning more unreliable, and governments remain as tenacious as ever in protecting the whole mess.
Research has discovered about 50 essential factors for life that must come from the environment. All of these factors come under government control, and, despite all of their assurances in providing quality, pollution is rampant, inspections are sporatic, and corporate giants are allowed to produce what they want, how they want, and at ever-increasing costs. Once gone, these essential factors cannot be replaced.
- Essential nutrients. There are 20 or 21 minerals, 13 vitamins, 8-10 amino acids, and 2 essential fatty acids vital to the function of the body. Most are removed from foods with supplements coming under stricter controls.
- Starch or sugar. This is a major source of energy, but the forms and amounts are changing into hazardous materials.
- Water. Pure water is becoming more difficult to locate. From bottled to rivers and oceans, pollution has filtered into every source.
- Oxygen. Without it, man or animal cannot exist, yet more and more pollutants are pumped into the air with no thought for tomorrow.
- Light. Even that is affecting the populace. The sunlight that used to be beneficial in forming certain nutrients, has now become a danger.
- Other substances. While not considered essential, they are required for good health -- fiber, friendly bacteria; hydrochloric acid, bile, and enzymes. Even these, have been affected through "modern" technology. Food production has taken a fresh, raw product and turned it into a harmful substance, while being clever enough to make the taste addictive, eventually robbing the body of the essentials for life.
What better gift can be left for posterity than the health of oneself and those dearest. By encompassing all the essential factors and insisting on purer forms, a vital legacy can be built here and now.
