The Secrets to Living Longer and Healthier by Dr. Brad Miller, D.C.

Today’s presentation was by none other than our very own member, Dr. Brad Miller. He shared with us some astounding and enlightening facts, including the following.

The United States ranks 38th according to the World Health Organization. In the United States, the causes of death include: (1) heart disease at 574,689, (2) cancer at 574,743, (3) preventable hospital mistakes at 210-440,000 (approx.), (4) chronic lower respiratory diseases at 138,080, (5) stroke at 129,476, (6) accidents at 120,859, (7) Alzheimer’s disease at 83,494, (8) diabetes at 69,071, (9) nephritis, nephritic syndrome and nephrosis at 50,476, and (10) influenza and pneumonia at 50,097.

Dr. Miller described diabetes as being “like the plague.” In 2013, 70% of 65+ year olds have pre-diabetes or diabetes. In 2050, 100% is expected. Pre-Diabetes is insulin resistance, which constitutes the core of our modern health crisis. Sadly, children are contributing to this crisis as there is an increase in percentage of obese children. As a result of all these increases in percentages, there is also an increase in percentage of health care costs.

So all of us Americans do not feel too bad about ourselves, Dr. Miller shared that obesity is a Global problem. Some ways currently being used to explore treatment of the problem include: genetics and changes in expression without change in the DNA, also methylation and histone modification, old food pyramids vs. new food pyramids (better), and using salads and vegetables as an entrée.

Nutrient dense foods seem to be the key to help all of us. We have fewer cravings with nutrient dense and complex foods. However, not all nutrient dense foods are alike. Those that are preferred are organic, non-stored, heirloom, farmer’s market, line caught, and free range.

Inflammation is linked to disease. Ideally, decreasing inflammation is key. Things that lead to inflammation are wheat, rice, sugar and soy. Other sugars, hidden sugars and fructose are also causes of inflammation. GMO, processed foods, medications, stressors and weight also contribute to inflammation.

One must even be careful with supplements. Whole food supplements are preferred. There are over 200 known nutrients. The reason why whole food supplements are preferred is because toxins are also contributing to global obesity. These toxins include antibiotic residues, pesticides, BPA, phthalates, orgnanotins, Teflon, PCB’s and soy.

The reason why stressors are on the list is because stress leads to cortisol. Cortisol increases glucose in the bloodstream, which then increases insulin and interferes with thyroid function. This then results in food intolerances and inflammation, damage to the pituitary gland and weight gain.

Adaptogens were recently discovered, which help cells “adapt” to stressors. These Adaptogens mimic exercise, weight loss, calorie restriction, de-stressing, and less inflammatory foods.

Other Adaptogens include: green tea, coleus, gymnema sylvestri, licorice, milk thistle, korean ginseng, bitters, gingko and resveratrol.

What else? Change your taste profile: gymnema and bitters. Also, take “care of the frame:” move or lose. A day in the life of a person who wants to improve their health? Attitude shift, big nutrition changes, move, socialize, participate in deep relaxation, find a cause, reduce fructose consumption to 15-25 grams per day and do not forget “care of the frame.”

The last sobering fact from Dr. Miller, longevity is expected to decrease in the next generation.