John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

I think I have the best job in the world. Some of my time is spent buried in research material from which I formulate new products, or update existing products.

Most of my time though is spent trying to help people who are unwell, or those who are well and want to stay that way. What I enjoy most is hearing from people who have been brave enough to adopt some changes and report a positive health outcome. In some cases these positive changes are minor, in others absolutely life changing.

We are a collection of trillions of cells with each cell performing thousands of intricate biochemical reactions. The body's organs are made up of millions of cells and the materials produced by them. Each cell then has complex intercommunication with other cells, with cell action coordinated by both hormones and nerves. Now here is the real point; our health is entirely dependent on the health of our cells, which in turn is entirely dependent on the action of micronutrients. It is the antioxidants, the vitamins, the minerals and an army of other biologically active compounds obtained directly from food – which are then used by cells to make other compounds that we need for health and life.

For example, if our diets provided all the antioxidants and trace minerals needed to optimise our cell antioxidant defences then cancer rates would fall.Why? Because cancer is a disease of DNA oxidation and antioxidants control cell oxidation. I have often written about heart health and we know that the processes of oxidation and inflammation are central to blocked arteries. Diets and supplements high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like Omega 3 are known to maximise our heart artery defence systems.

If you are not sure where to start, get some help and work to a specific plan with monthly reviews. Any plan should involve addressing our levels of important micronutrients by introducing nutrient dense foods and supplementing appropriately.

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz If you have questions or would like a free health plan you can contact John at john@johnarts.co.nz or phone 07 578
9051 or 0800 423 559. You can join his newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz Read more from John at www.sunlive.co.nz