by Casual Writer

Created on: February 15, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Do you ever wonder why Americans are getting sicker, even as more money is spent on healthcare than in any other nation? In 2004 health care costs consumed sixteen percent of the nations economic output, growing substantially faster than inflation and income. And even as health care costs and spending increased, many Americans still do not receive adequate health care.

Increased health care spending also has not resulted in improved health. In 2005 researchers concluded that overall quality of care improved by just 2.8 percent over 2003. But still, many measures showed no changes from the year before. For example, there was an increase in the number of patients that reported their blood pressure under control, but there was no improvement in treatment for heart attacks.

There is reason to believe that our money and tax dollars are being spent unwisely, leading our health care in the wrong direction. Trends show that healthcare spending continues to rise. No matter what new medical technology or new drug is created, America's longevity and health will not improve. In fact, some studies show that our current generation will be the first in history to live a shorter lifespan than the generation before us.

What is the Real Cause of Declining Health in the US?

Low-grade malnutrition appears to be the cause of declining health. Even in the US, where food is abundant and relatively cheap, malnutrition is on the rise. Americans are consuming greater quantities of highly processed, packaged foods that lack the nutrients our bodies need to function properly. These artificial and unnatural foods also contribute to a decrease in immune function, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and a host of other common ailments.

Most people associate malnutrition with poor, drought-stricken countries in Africa that cannot produce enough food for their people. But many Americans suffer from low-grade malnutrition, which gradually takes its toll on health. Low-grade malnutrition is more like a creeping infection that gradually eats away at our health.

Since Americans are eating more, it may seem counterintuitive that Americans are suffering from malnutrition. But Americans are eating more processed foods deficient in vitamins and minerals their bodies need for optimal health. And even the vitamins and minerals that have been added to "enrich" these artificial foods may not be bio-available in its inorganic form.

Take for example obesity. Much of our research dollars are being used

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