Spices and an Improved Diet can Normalize Postprandial Dysmetabolism

Wednesday, March 03, 2010 by: Fleur Hupston
Tags: spices, Postprandial dysmetabolism, health news

(NewsTarget) Postprandial dysmetabolism is characterized by inflammation, a greater risk of heart attack or stroke, narrowing of the arteries and long term damage to the cardiovascular system. It all starts when excessive quantities of glucose and lipids pour into the blood following a high fat, high sugar meal. The body struggles to cope with the release of free radicals coursing through the body after such a meal, which means oxidative stress may follow. Oxidative stress causes the processes that characterize postprandial dysmetabolism. Watching the diet, exercising vigorously and including spices in the diet can help to prevent damage of this nature.

Prevention of Postprandial Dysmetabolism

Healthy diets high in fresh, organic fruits and vegetables coupled with healthy carbohydrates such as brown rice and nuts have been highlighted as beneficial to health for years, and here is why. "Diets that include large amounts of fresh, unprocessed vegetables and herbs combined with lean protein and beneficial fats (such as omega-3 and monounsaturated fats) and low levels of processed carbohydrates that are rich in antioxidants substantially improve postprandial glucose and lipid levels". The American College of Cardiology.

Should oily food and sugar be eliminated entirely from the diet? It makes sense that in order to benefit from enhanced health, foods containing animal fats and sugar should be limited or eliminated, especially if a person needs to lose weight and is in poor shape. However, not all fats cause oxidative stress. Canola oil and salmon oil are cited as being among the healthiest oils to eat in order to prevent oxidative stress.

More Tips to Combat Oxidative Stress

Typically, a person who has consumed a high fat meal, for example a barbecue with plenty of meat and alcohol followed by a sugary, rich dessert, will feel sluggish afterwards and be inclined to have a nap. However, exercising after a meal, even a light exercise such as a brisk walk, will help to reduce the effects of postprandial dysmetabolism.

Changing life style habits so as to eat a diet high in minimally processed foods especially vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, lean protein, vinegar, fish and canola oil will greatly improve overall health.

For those who can't live without a steak, including spices with the meal will go a long way in neutralizing the effects of cooked meat, especially overdone meat or meat cooked at a high temperature. Spices have antioxidant effects which can reduce inflammation, boost the immune system and aid in preventing many chronic ailments. The spices which should regularly be included in the diet are cinnamon, ginger, oregano, red peppers, rosemary, sage, thyme and turmeric.

http://www.mb.com.ph/node/199160
http://ezinearticles.com/?Lethal-Meals---Pos...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18206731
http://www.cardiologytoday.com/view.aspx?rid...

About the author

Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.