We have all heard the adage, "You are what you eat," but what that means is that what you eat can make you sick or it can make you well.

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is comprised of primarily animal protein, trans fat, and sugars. Processed foods, which make our lives more convenient, have contributed to the chronic health crisis we have in our country.

When we eat food, we utilize cellular oxygen to create the fuel that our bodies need to function. This process of using oxygen to produce energy can result in free radicals. Free radicals in large amounts can be harmful to our health. If large amounts of free radicals are bad for our health, the remedy to balance out this harmful effect is antioxidants.

In “Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health,” Lobo, Patil, Phatak, and Chandra state, “The balance between free radicals and antioxidants is necessary for proper physiological function. If free radicals overwhelm the body's ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress ensues. Free radicals thus adversely alter lipids, proteins, and DNA and trigger several human diseases. Cancer and atherosclerosis, two major causes of death, are salient 'free radical' diseases."

Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet produces too many free radicals, which in turn wreaks havoc on our bodies. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer can be linked to free radical damage due to adherence to SAD.

Fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and legumes are full of antioxidants, which can help guard our bodies against the free radical damage that comes from consuming foods that are high in saturated fats, trans fats, or sugar.

It can be overwhelming to think of changing the way we eat, especially when we are used to eating foods high in animal fat, sugar, or processed foods. As with any change, start small. It takes time, practice, and knowledge to start a new lifestyle. Be sure to consult with your doctor when starting a new diet regimen. Consider using the services of a registered dietitian that can formulate a plan that will move you away from SAD and toward a healthier way of life and nourishment.

If you have any concerns regarding your vascular health, Dr. David Nabi and your friends at NewportVascular.com are here to help you get on the path to strong vascular health.