I came across an article written by Dr. Ray Strand, a family practitioner and author of several books including What Your Doctor Doesn't know About Nutritional Medicine May Be Killing You; Releasing Fat; Developing Healthy Lifestyles That Have a Side-effect of Permanent Fat Loss; and Bionutrition: The Amazing Health Benefits of Vitamin Supplements, to name a few. I would like to share with you what Dr. Strand has to say about "the eight deadly diseases that are sending people to an early grave".

Deadly Disease Number 1: Heart Disease
Truth: Coronary artery disease is the number one killer in industrialized nations today, accounting for over 7.2 million deaths a year.

Heart disease is an inflammatory disease of the artery, not a disease of cholesterol. Over half of the patients who suffer a heart attack have normal cholesterol levels. The underlying cause of inflammation of the artery is "oxidized" LDL cholesterol, homocysteine, along with excessive free radicals caused by hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, fatty meals, and elevated insulin levels. All of these causes inflammation of the artery are either eliminated or reduced by the use of nutritional supplementation.

Deadly Disease Number 2: Cancer
Truth: 8.6 million people die of cancer yearly.

In spite of the great advances in the diagnosis and treat of cancer, the eventual outcome is too often a very difficult and painful death. Medical literature increasingly supports the fact that cancer develops from damage to the DNA of cells by unstable molecules over the course of 10 to 20 years.

Deadly Disease Number 3: Stroke
Truth: 5.5 million people die from stroke every year.

Stroke occurs suddenly and usually without warning. Dr. Meir Stampfer reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1995 that 15 percent of all strokes could be related to elevated homocysteine, a by-product of protein metabolism that is elevated in individuals who have low levels of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12.

Deadly Disease Number 4: Diabetes
Truth: 194 million people suffer from diabetes, and it is estimated to rise to 300 million by the year 2025.

The overwhelming new cases of diabetes in the world today are the result of insulin resistance. Physicians are busy treating blood sugars rather than the underlying problem, the insulin resistance. Diet, exercise, and potent nutritional supplements all improve sensitivity to your own insulin and are critical in preventing diabetes from occurring in the first place or, if you already have diabetes, helping control your diabetes.

Deadly Disease Number 5: Osteoporosis
Truth: 25 million North Americans suffer from osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis and bone health depend not only on estrogen and calcium, but on a wide range of nutrients, including vitamins B6, C, D, K, folic acid, manganese, zinc, and copper. Failure to meet one or more of these nutrient needs could result in accelerated osteoporosis. Maintaining strong and healthy bones should begin early.

Deadly Disease Number 6: Arthritis
Truth: Over 165 million people have some form of arthritis,

More than 70 to 80 percent of the population over the age of 50 suffers from degenerative arthritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication does nothing to slow down the progression of the disease and is responsible for over 100,000 hospital admissions each year and 16,000 deaths. Glucosamine sulfate, along with complete and balanced nutritional supplements on the other hand, actually slows down degenerative arthritis and is even able to increase cartilage within the joint, without dangerous side effects.

Deadly Disease Number 7: Alzheimer's:
Truth: An estimated 29 million people suffer from dementia.

Alzheimer's dementia has been shown to be caused by oxidative stress. Patients who have the highest intake of antioxidants, which combats oxidative stress, have the lowest risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia. Dr. Strand believes that the absolute best way to protect yourself against the development of these neurodegenerative diseases is by taking highly potent nutritional supplements.

Deadly Disease Number 8: Obesity
Truth: For the first time in the history of the United States and other industrialized countires, there are more people who are obese than are of normal weight.

Researchers are beginning to realize that one of the main causes of obesity is insulin resistance. Eating in such a way as not to spike your blood sugar, modest exercise, and nutritional supplements all improve insulin sensitivity. This triad of healthy lifestyle has a side effect of fat loss.

Remember: When you are maximizing your body's health potential, we everyone wins. When you don't, we all lose.

? Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW

PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in newsletters and on web sites provided attribution is provided to the author, and it appears with the included copyright, resource box and live web site link. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required. Email: eagibbs@ureach.com.

Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Management Consultant and Trainer, conducts seminars, lectures, and writes articles on his theme: "... helping you maximize your potential." For a more information and a free health assessment, go to http://eagibbs.Usana.com.