Cut carbon emissions by staying healthy!

An amazing fact: The US Health care sector is responsible for production of approximately 8.5% of all carbon emissions in the US. It’s not that difficult to believe when one considers that health care accounts for about 19% of GDP.

Building and maintaining facilities, energy to run them and the supply chain of goods used in health care all contribute to CO2 emissions.

While not an overnight solution, reducing our levels of need and use of healthcare should help to reduce emissions. Healthy diets that eliminate ultra-processed foods are a great first step.

According to an article in Yale Medicine, one study links consumption of ultra-processed foods to a higher risk of “death from any cause and has ties to 32 health conditions, including heart disease, mental health disorders, type 2 diabetes, and other problems.”

Harvard’s Chan School of Public Health adds that poor diets are linked to $50 billion in health care costs.

In contrast, the Mediterranean Diet has been linked to many optimal health outcomes. Oregon’s Market of Choice lists some of the known benefits.

• Lowered risk of cardiovascular disease

• Healthy body weight

• Healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol

• Lowered risk of metabolic syndrome

• Healthy balance of gut bacteria and other microorganisms

• Lowered risk of certain types of cancer

• Slowed decline of brain function as you age

• A longer, healthier life

A delicious solution aiming to reduce health care costs and to improve our quality of life. Please share. Caring for the environment is up to us.

More tips for optimizing health can be found at Insights from a Journey Back to Wellness. Subscriptions are free.