In recent years the world has become obsessed with weight loss, getting healthy and consuming a diet of fresh organic produce and complementary organic products. As well as a conscious realisation that a diet of highly processed and refined convenience foods are bad for the body and general health, there has also been a major focus on the dangers of obesity. However, these numbers (and the readings on scales) continue to rise, putting people at risk of a variety of diseases and premature death.

Supermarkets used not to carry organic ranges and a traditional health shop or an organic farm had to be visited in order to purchase these items. However, the rise of organic consciousness has resulted in a surge of online health stores, as well as numerous other brick and mortar health shops around the world. Generally speaking, all health stores carry various ranges of nutritional supplements, as well as more healthy alternatives to regular food items such as refined sugar, table salt, processed cereals, refined flour and so on. Foods that are as close to their natural form as possible (i.e. having experienced minimal processing and refining) are far better for the body as they retain far more nutrients.

Even with organic products having become the first choice for many consumers, many others stick to their diet of convenience foods that are high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates; contain genetically modified organisms, preservatives, colourants and flavourings, as well as large amounts of salt and sugar. These foods are often deficient in vitamins and minerals, fibre, and carbohydrates that provide sustainable energy. By following a diet that is high in refined and processed foods, you risk becoming overweight (and possibly even obese), and even if you are not afflicted with this, you are still putting your health at great risk. People suffering from obesity are more likely to suffer from the following:

• Diabetes. Being overweight is one of the leading causes of diabetes. Diabetes occurs as a result of insufficient levels of insulin being produced by the body. Excess fat makes the cells of the body more resistant to insulin, hence the number of obese people suffering from diabetes.
• Certain cancers. Obesity increases the risk of developing certain cancers by up to 30%. These include cancer of the oesophagus, breast, prostrate, kidneys and colon.
• Congestive heart failure and an enlarged heart. In this instance the heart is unable to pump blood sufficient volumes of blood to the various parts of the body. The heart is a muscle and as it has to work much harder to pump the blood, it develops and gets larger.
• Stroke. The heart struggles to pump sufficient volumes of blood throughout the body, including to the brain, which may result in a stroke.
• Pulmonary embolism. Obese people tend to be fairly inactive, which results in the build-up of fatty deposits on the artery walls of the heart. When the build-up becomes too great it creates a blockage, which can be fatal.
• Heartburn. This is caused by stomach acid moving up the oesophagus, resulting in a burning sensation. This is often the result of a poor diet.
• Osteoarthritis. Being overweight puts additional pressure onto joints. This can result in painful inflammation of the joints.
• Lymphedema. This disease is a result of damage to or dysfunction of the lymph nodes. Accumulated fat in the body can crush the lymph nodes.
• Incontinence. Obese people tend to have weak pelvic muscles and pelvic floor. This means they have less control over their bladder.

By opting for a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet and sufficient exercise it is possible to avoid becoming overweight or obese. Even being slightly overweight can you put at greater risk of developing these diseases. Organic products are better for the body and nutritional supplements are a useful way of ensuring that your body receives adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. And with the convenience of online health stores there is no excuse for not giving your body the nutrients it needs.




Lauren Hall is a general practitioner and extols the benefits of nutritional supplements and organic products for good health.