Air Pollution: Is there a link?
By admin on Jul 21, 2010 in Health and Fitness
Researchers in Germany have reported an unexpected risk factor for
developing type 2 diabetes: traffic-related air pollution. After
following a group of middle-aged women for 16 years, the authors found
that exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with an
increased risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Why would this be so?
Well, it is known that traffic-related air pollution, most common in urban areas, poses health
risks like asthma
and lung cancer, not to mention environmental and ecological risks. But
such pollution appears to be a risk factor for other
types of diseases as well. Health experts have found that chronic exposure to air and other pollutants
can cause body-wide inflammation. Indeed, this study analyzed levels of inflammatory markers in the blood, and those who had the highest levels were the most likely to develop diabetes.
Chronic inflammation is a complex bodily state that increases risk of most — if not all — chronic diseases. It is caused by an immune system response to bodily assaults like poor diet, lack of exercise, and pollution. To reduce the risk of disease, we need to control inflammation via detoxification.
But if you live near an airport or facilities and vehicles that produce emissions, is all hope lost? Of course not. Our best arsenal of defense against damaging inflammation is a nutrient-packed diet based primarily on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, with little or no trans fats, overly processed foods, and refined sugars. Home air and water purifiers are a good investment as well. Some things that increase risk of disease, of course we can’t control. But the things we can control are powerful and real, and can certainly triumph over those we cannot.
Credits to:Nutrition Data: Diabetes