Dr Cory Couillard

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net Over the past twenty years, a lot has changed, and the foods that we eat are creating a sicker generation of children. Even small changes will go a long way when significant percentages of the population take part, knowing or unknowingly. As a result, we now have epidemic increases in diabetes, heart disease, obesity and cancer. The commercialization of food has forced food companies to find newer, cheaper mechanisms to increase the shelf life of food, improve color, taste and perceived nutritional value.  The result – a food system that is heavily laced with food preservatives, artificial food colorings and chemicals. Processed foods are one of the greatest dangers to one’s overall health as they provide little actual nutritional value.  These foods are commonly loaded with unhealthy sugars, salts and fats that create inflammation, spike blood sugar and elevate blood pressure. Instant noodles topped with MSG There are many ...

The global obesity epidemic is a problem that threatens a lot more than one’s health.  It is a direct threat to the nation’s social, economic and physical health.  Obesity is largely preventable and treatable with the implementation of sustainable educational programs and improved healthcare policy. Obesity among children is also on the rise and is a common cause of type 2 diabetes and a variety of cardiovascular conditions.  The heart is the hardest working muscle in the body.  It spends every second pumping blood throughout the body and obesity causes it to work harder and become less efficient.  Beyond cardiovascular conditions, excess weight will have other negative consequences throughout the body.  Excess body fat negatively affects the brain and nearly every organ in the body as well. A poor lifestyle causes excess weight to accumulate over many years.  Even a small amount of excess weight can lead to type 2 diabetes and hear...