Creating Your Individual Eating Program Part I (Cont'd): The Oxidative System
By Laura M. Turner

In the previous lesson, I challenged you to take a quiz and find your appropriate "oxidative" type. If you've done your homework, you now have a set of numbers that will incline you toward one of the three metabolic oxidative systems: fast, slow, or moderate. (If you haven't yet taken the quiz: click here).

What follows then, are some brief guidelines of which I hope will offer some insight into foods that will help you gain and maintain adequate energy.

Oxidative System: The Primary Function

Before we discuss foods that are akin to your specific oxidative type, let us first establish the primary function of the Oxidative System. Said differently, why should you care about the Oxidative System in the first place?

The function of the Oxidative System is simply this: To convert protein, carbohydrates and fat into energy. The Oxidative System of your body aims to make this process happen as effectively as possible.  Its goal is to create an optimum amount of energy for the body, as well as to create a desired weight.

To complete this process it is important to first establish a general percentage of each of the raw nutrients to be ingested.  Your body will then take over and make the best use of the nutrition it has available.  Here are some general guidelines:

Oxidative System: The Three Types and Their Characteristics:

Based on the answers to your questions, you should find that you have a genetic inclination toward one of these three scenarios:

Slow Oxidizer:
In the metabolic system of the slow oxidizer, the metabolic cycle is slower. Therefore this individual needs to supply his or her body with more carbohydrates to fuel the system. This system also requires a lower percentage of proteins and fats to prevent metabolic waste.  Slow oxidizers should aim to consume: 30-35% protein, 55-60% carbohydrates and 10-15% fats, daily (you will find a list of food choices below to incorporate into your diet program).

Fast Oxidizer:
Fast oxidizer's metabolic cycle moves rapidly, therefore less carbohydrates are needed.  Also required are a higher amount of proteins and a moderate amount of fats. This cycle requires 50-55% proteins, 30-35% carbohydrates and 20-25% fats (find a list of food choices below to incorporate into your diet program).

Mixed Oxidizers:
Mixed oxidizers are found in between slow and fast oxidizers. They also have unique needs for proteins, carbohydrates and fats in these percentages: 40-45% protein, 40-45% carbohydrate, 15-20% fat.

In effort to improve your personal oxidative system, aim to incorporate more of these foods into your diet in the proportions specified. Remember: these are only guidelines. My suggestion: try less to aim for perfection, simply aim to make better choices. As you learn what works best for your body, gradually fine tune your eating habits.

Fast Oxidizer Foods:

Proteins

• Nuts& Seeds
• Soy Protein
• Lentils and Beans
• Lean Meats
   

Carbohydrates

• Cauliflower
• Asparagus
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Celery
• Apples
• Peaches
• Pears
• Oranges
• Carrot or all vegetable juice
   

Fats:

• Nuts and Seeds
• Olive Oil
• Essential Fatty Acids
• Flaxseed oil
• Sesame Oil
• Sunflower Oil

Use in moderation: caffeine, sugar, candy, coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, table salt, white potatoes, rice, flour, dried fruit, high glycemic fruits such as: bananas, grapes and dates.


Slow Oxidizers

Carbohydrates:

• Beets
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Potatoes
• Squash
• Apples
• Berries
• Cherries
• Citrus
• Grapefruit
• Grapes
• Lemon
• Melon
• Nectarines
• Orange
• Pears
• Pineapple
• Plumbs
• Fruit and Veggie Juice

Protein

• Nuts & Seeds
• Lean Meats
• Soy Protein

Fats:

• Flax oil
• Sesame oil
   

Misc:

• Herbal tea
• Soy milk
   

Use in moderation: sugar, candy, coffee, tea, soda, candy, white flour


Mixed Oxidizers:
Use your percentages and create a blend of both slow and fast oxidizer requirements.


Author's Note: There is support that this "Oxidative Typing" can help to prevent degenerative diseases. Check out this article for more information: http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_2003_Feb-March/ai_97994371#continue

This research project is inspired by these sources:

Cousens, Gabriel, M.D. Conscious Eating. California: North Atlantic Books, 2000.
Clayton College Holistic Nutrition Workbook (2004). Birmingham, AL: Clayton College Of Natural Health, Inc.

****
Laura M. Turner is a health journalist, author and net-preneur. She
hosts Beauty & Body Online: Your Home For Natural Health, Wellness
and Creative Abundance. Visit: http://www.beauty-and-body.com
Laura is the Sr. Editor of The New Body News and Wellness Letter.