An innovative Zoom conference centred around a transformational topic – “Disease Reversal through Plant-Based Nutrition.” took place month last month. It was organized by the Samahitha Nature Foundation, USA, and the Society for Health Research and Innovations, Sri Lanka.
The visionary behind this enlightening event was none other than Dr. Michael Klaper, MD, a renowned American physician, educator, international teacher, and celebrated speaker on diet and health. Notably, he serves as the nutrition advisor to NASA’s space programs and is the author of the widely acclaimed book ‘Vegan Nutrition – Pure and Simple.’
Dr. Klaper’s revelations on the state of health in Sri Lanka were eye-opening. The leading causes of death in the country, coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, painted a grim picture. In stark contrast to the USA and UK, where CAD accounts for 17% of deaths, an alarming 34% of Sri Lankan deaths can be attributed to this condition.
Between 2005 and 2010, the country witnessed a distressing increase in hospitalizations due to, heart disease (29%), diabetes (36%), and high blood pressure (40%). Notably, the spectre of overweight and obesity loomed large across all age groups, encompassing both genders.
The pivotal role of diet in this health crisis cannot be overstated. The food we consume serves as the lifeblood of our bodies, impacting our daily activities. Unfortunately, a typical Sri Lankan diet often includes meals laden with salt, sugars, oils, fried foods, and oxidized meat fats.
Adding meat to the equation introduces a slew of toxic molecules into the bloodstream, including oxidized cholesterol, reactive aldehydes, and heme iron.
These substances trigger a cascade of adverse reactions within the body, leading to ageing, inflammation, auto-immunity, and even cancer initiation. In essence, food wields the power to shape our genes.
Plant-based nutrition offers a beacon of hope in this health crisis. Shifting to a whole-food, plant-based diet can eliminate meat-specific toxins from our daily intake. Such a diet is characterized by the removal of meat and processed chemicals while offering high water content and nutrient-rich options. It improves lipid profiles, heals the microbiome, quells inflammation, and reduces oxidative stress.
The potential benefits of embracing this dietary transformation are staggering. Conditions such as angina, claudication, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, lupus/autoimmune diseases, colitis, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, and other skin disorders can significantly improve or even reverse. Notably, hypertension, heart failure, and kidney failure stand out as conditions that would benefit mainly from this conversion.
Dr. Klaper also emphasized the crucial role of healthcare providers in this transformation. Most doctors often overlook the importance of nutrition, primarily due to a lack of education in this domain. This oversight can lead to inadequate attention to nutrition and diet in patient care.
The remedy lies in recognizing nutrition as a clinically vital factor in health and disease. Healthcare professionals should equip themselves with knowledge in this field and actively refer patients to nutrition and diet experts for counselling or treatment.
Dr. Klaper asserted that a whole-food, plant-based diet is arguably one of the most potent healing modalities available. Its transformative power not only leads to a healthier life but also makes the transition to this dietary approach more accessible and sustainable.
In closing remarks, the event organizer, Mr. Ananda Mahinkanda, the founder of the Samahitha Nature Foundation of USA, stressed the imperative need for education about Plant-Based Nutrition, particularly within the medical community in Sri Lanka.
He also announced a series of upcoming lectures by world-renowned nutrition and medical professionals. The second lecture, scheduled for November 16th at 8:30 PM (Sri Lanka time), will be conducted by another esteemed expert, Dr. Neal Barnard, the president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine of the USA.
If implemented effectively in Sri Lanka, disease reversal through plant-based nutrition has the potential to positively transform countless lives.
-Sachinthani Ketakumbura-
