Last week the Great NEWS blog post shared England – The Great and Gross Part 1 and now it is time for Part 2. As you read Part 2 of the article notice the examples and warnings from England to see which ones apply to you and your country. A key benefit from studying health and history together is to learn from the experiences of other cultures. As you enjoy and benefit from my perceptions of England – The Great and Gross look for clues from behaviors and habits which may be helping you or harming you.
Great to Visit and Gross on Health
London park.
After many trips to London, England and the United Kingdom (UK) over the last nineteen years and immersion in the culture there are obviously some significant gaps in the health of the country and its people.
England is definitely a vibrant cultural, financial and historical center. Like many great cities and countries it has many great and gross issues the communities and people are dealing with. This article will focus on some valuable life lessons learned while traveling to London for business and pleasure which can apply to your health and longevity regardless of where you live or travel currently.
Centuries of assimilation and cross pollination from conquest, colonization, cultural exchange, global trade, naval dominance and war has influenced the evolution of England. The focus of this article is to help you learn from the trials and tribulations of England and her people. As you notice the many unhealthy trends in England what valuable lessons will you apply in order to benefit your country and lifestyle?
When you look at what markets are selling sell it is fairly obvious the majority of people in England are eating significantly more highly processed and refined foods. The abundance of products made from bleached white wheat flour is a living nightmare for those with eating addictions, disorders, gluten intolerance, high blood sugar or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The long list of refined flour products includes: biscuits, breads, buns, cakes, cereals, cookies, crackers, crumpets, pancakes, pastries, pasta, pies, pizza, rolls, scones and sweets.
Many people are replacing the healthy fats, fruits, greens, nuts, roots, seeds and vegetables with fake foods and fast foods. Burgers, chips (fries), crisps, fried chicken, fried fish, fried foods, pasta, pizza, sandwiches and sodas are now becoming the part of the routine eating pattern.
In honor of equitable and fair coverage it is important to start with what is great about a country, culture or community first before discussing what is gross and not yet as great about them.
In the previous post we stated “What is Great about England?” so now it is time to discuss
What Gross Problems Does England Face?
These are observations during my recent and previous trips to England.
Dangerous pollution.
Crowds and crowding are an issue in many cities. Poor lifestyle choices and sanitation habits can easily spread bacteria, bugs, fungus and viruses to other people rapidly from contact, contamination, coughing or sneezing in congested places.
Cigarette smoking is a major issue in England. Especially worrisome is the number of young people smoking and in particular young women. What is especially disgusting is the habit of throwing those dirty, filthy, germy and nasty butts on the ground.
Cycles of long nights in the winter and short days in the summer lead to many people experiencing health issues. Long periods of darkness can lead to depression and long days can lead to sleep deprivation. Researchers know we are tuned into the cycles and rhythms of the lunar, solar and tidal systems. Our circadian rhythms (24 hour internal body cycles) are involved in hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, sleep disturbance, weight gain and a variety of diseases.
Constant noise pollution is another real problem in many urban areas of England. Regardless if the noise is from honking, motorcycles, people, planes, sirens, televisions, traffic, trains or trucks it can easily wear on your nerves and cause additional stress. Excess noise at night has been linked to large numbers of people feeling chronically irritable, overly stressed and sleep deprived.
Cold, cloudy, drizzly and grey days can easily affect your mood and spirits. When the sun is not visible for extended periods of time the body, mind and spirit seem to feel less enthusiastic and may even begin to feel depressed and moody. The cold weather and lack of sunshine also greatly reduces the body’s ability to produce Vitamin D which is essential for happiness and health.
Foods that Harm
Cooked foods make up the vast majority of peoples diet. High temperature cooking (baking, boiling, frying, grilling and roasting) results in most of the nutrients in foods being partially or significantly altered, broken down and destroyed and therefore prevents optimal absorption, assimilation and utilization by the cells.
Eating deep fried food is harmful to your health.
Chips in England are French fried potatoes cooked at high temperatures. Cooking with vegetable oils such as canola, corn, peanut or soy causes them to break down more rapidly at the high temperatures. These oils are highly processed and refined and then chemically adulterated which causes them to become toxic to the body. Often they become rancid from repeated food contamination and heating. High temperatures destroy the antioxidants, enzymes, minerals, phyto-nutrients, trace elements and vitamins in the foods which are needed for your health and longevity.
Crisps are thinly sliced potato fried in oils to make what are often referred to as potato chips. The extremely high temperatures are known to turn foods toxic. Especially concerning are the high levels of acrylamide found in chips. Acrylamide is found in starchy foods baked or fried at high temperatures. It is considered a cancer causing chemical by many health experts.
Cheese and other dairy products are consumed in large quantities in England. Unfortunately most of these are pasteurized dairy products which causes molecular deterioration of the milk fat and protein. This makes it much more difficult for the body to process. It creates more of a glue which combined with the white flour forms a plaster of paris like plaque in the colon. Many dairy cows eat unhealthy food and are crowded, mistreated, over milked and unhealthy. Raw dairy and in particular goat or sheep dairy is closer to the composition of human milk and could be more easily assimilated by consumers.
Cooked carbohydrates are the main component of most people’s diet. They consume excessive breads, biscuits, cakes, cookies, crumpets, crackers, cereal, chips, colas, croissants, flapjacks, oatmeal, pancakes, pastries, pasta, pizza, potatoes, pretzels, rice, scones, sweets and sugar resulting in even more sugar shock to the body and brain.
Synthetic Chemicals, Pollutants and Toxins
Over-the-counter drug use is on the rise.
Chemists and pharmacists are supply over the counter drugs and prescription drugs. At the British Museum there is an exhibit showing how the average person in England consumes over 14,000 pills or tablets during their life time. This information is probably very outdated since I saw the same exhibit in 1993.
Chemically altered and highly processed and refined oils such as canola, corn, margarine, peanut, vegetable, safflower and soy oils are harmful to your health and longevity. These oils are replacing the saturated fats (animal fats, butter, coconut, fish, lard and palm oil) which can tolerate higher temperatures generated by cooking without as much damage to their structural integrity. Unsaturated fats and oils break down much more easily as the temperatures increase.
Chemicals are over abundant and over used in the majority of business, commercial and home situations. Synthetic products are used in manufacturing products for foods, home, hygiene and personal use which are harmful to your health and longevity.
Cars, buses and trucks burning fossil fuels produce excess air pollution. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, diesel particulate and soot harm the buildings and people of England. For those biking, hiking, running and walking in the city this is a real challenge and health risk. As a major global power England seems to be a more minor player in renewable and sustainable energy. The UK is ranked as the world’s eighth largest producer of wind power offering a significant opportunity to utilize more of their abundant wind resources.
Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices
“Cheers” is both a friendly comment and an all to frequent social past time in England. Many people over indulge in alcohols, ales, beers, gin, lagers, pilsners, scotch, spirits, stouts, vodka, wines and whiskeys on an all too frequent basis. At least smoking is no longer allowed in the pubs or public buildings so things are improving.
Computers, cell phones, electronic devices and televisions are used excessively and are preventing people from connecting with real humans and sucking the emotional, mental and physical life out of people. The more time people spend on gadgets the less time they typically invest in fitness, learning and life enhancing activities.
Communications over load and excessive exposure to Electro Magnetic Frequencies (EMF) and Microwaves are creating additional health and wellness hazards.
Excessive caffeine can lead to dehydration.
Caffeine over dose from coffee, colas, cappuccino, caffeinated drinks, and teas is a major problem leading to acidity, adrenal overload and dehydration.
Chronic dehydration is common for most people in England due to their climate, diets and lack of awareness. Caffeinated drinks, colder weather and lots of processed and salted foods greatly contribute to this issue. Fewer toilets and long commutes also contribute to more people being dehydrated.
Now that we have covered England – The Great and Gross Part 2 you may see patterns and warnings for you and your home country. When we look at others objectively we may also be able to become more aware of our own blind spots and dark sides. A big benefit from studying other cultures is to learn from the painful experiences of others and create a better world. Once you understand England – The Great and Gross it is up to you to apply what you have learned to focus on the areas that are helping you instead of robbing you of perfect health and longevity.
Mastery Action Plan
What are top ten things robbing you of your health and vitality? What are the top ten things you are committed to
implementing and sustaining to help you enjoy great nutrition, emotions, wellness and success? Once you have answered the questions enjoy a great English movie theme such as Three Weddings and a Funeral or The Holiday.
Call to Action
What comments, commitments or questions do you have regarding unhealthy lifestyle choices you think are gross?
Next week the Great NEWS blog post will share: England – The Great and Gross – Part 3
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