The Aerobic Deficiency Syndrome

   The Aerobic Deficiency Syndrome is a condition in which there is interference with the body’s normal means of obtaining energy. Much of the energy we use in our daily lives is obtained from within our red, or aerobic muscles as a result of burning fat. (The other source of energy is from carbohydrates, and a balance of the two – carbohydrates and fats – is necessary). In addition to this energy is the production of other important chemicals such as prostaglandins, for example, which are also important regulators of metabolism. This process is not only necessary for the life, but the more efficiently it works, the more quality there will be in your life, in the form of good health. In order for this process to work properly, there are certain requirements. Some of the important ones include:

1. Using the red, aerobic muscles (as in easy aerobic exercise). The easiest way to get the red muscle to work properly is to use them.

2. Intake and use enough good dietary fats. You need fuel to obtain energy: from both carbohydrates and fat. People have been afraid of fats because of misinformation in what they have heard and read. A balance of butter, egg yolks and especially unprocessed and uncooked vegetable oils will all add to the fuel you need.

3. Cofactors (vitamins) and minerals in the diet to help convert fats. Once you have the right fats in the diet, there is no guarantee that you will process them properly. Certain vitamins and minerals are required to convert these fats to their end products, (hormones, prostaglandins, etc.), which give you the health benefits. Some of these cofactors include vitamins B-1, B-6, niacin, manganese, zinc, iron, and molybdenum.

4. Avoidance of substances that inhibit the process of fat breakdown. There are some substances that will prevent the conversion of fats in the body, thereby causing the body to store fats rather than obtaining their benefits. The most common one is hydrogenated fat. This chemically changed fat is found in many foods, especially breads, and is also the predominant ingredient of margarine (all types). Fortunately, when hydrogenated fat is contained in a product, it is listed in the ingredients. Other substances that could inhibit the fat burning process may include too much copper (from water or vitamin and mineral supplements), too much alcohol, higher doses of vitamin E (above 50 I.U. when not specifically required), food additives, aspirin, and excess stress.

5. Avoidance of other factors that inhibit the process of fat breakdown. This is predominantly the opposite of not enough exercise: too much, particularly too much anaerobic exercise (lifting weights and running with a high heart rate. Too much anaerobic exercise will prevent the aerobic muscles from working efficiently, even if everything else is present and working properly.

If the mechanism of fat breakdown in the aerobic muscle is unable to work to its fullest, a deficiency results. This is called The Aerobic Deficiency Syndrome.