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This is the last column in a series based on Dr. William Li\u2019s book \u201cEat to Beat Disease, The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself.\u201d The book describes the body\u2019s 5 defense systems: (1) immunity (which can be important in fighting infectious diseases and cancer, but which can run amuck in autoimmune conditions); (2) angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels that can be beneficial in diseases such as heart disease and harmful in conditions such as cancer); (3) regeneration through stem cells; (4) the gut microbiome; (9) and DNA protection. Today\u2019s column is about is how these five defense systems relate to the top killers.<\/p>\n
COVID-19<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start out with a disease that\u2019s on everyone\u2019s mind these days. Dr. Li\u2019s book came out in 2019, before we were aware of COVID-19, which for 2020 will be one of the major causes of death in this country. An optimal immune system fights off infectious diseases (and cancer). Regular intake of unprocessed vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, and seeds enhances immunity \u2014 plant foods with intense flavor and\/or intense color are particularly beneficial. However, the situation is complicated by the fact that severe COVID lung disease \u2014 which is what usually causes COVID deaths \u2014 appears to be caused at least in part by an uncontrolled immune-mediated inflammatory response, which probably has nothing to do with diet.<\/p>\n
Another point to consider is that the majority of people who die from COVID-19 have underlying lifestyle-related conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, all of which can be prevented and reversed with optimal lifestyle.<\/p>\n
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