Risk factors for
AIDS and the new epidemics

Here is a list of risk factors for AIDS and other infectious diseases – what are sometimes called the "new epidemics". These include serious infectious diseases like drug resistant tuberculosis, cholera, the Ebola virus, SARS, dengue fever and even "flesh eating bacteria".

The list s adapted from Aids and Beyond by Michio Kushi and Alex Jack.

This list is part of a series of articles in The Good Life issue #2, 1995 that focused on Aids and other infectious diseases – and more importantly, how to build up a strong immunity against these threats.

Risk factors for AIDS and the New Epidemics Adapted from Aids and Beyond, by Michio Kushi and Alex Jack
Higher risk (if excessive)	Lower risk / protective factors
Dietary high risk factors Meat, poultry and eggs Tuna and other fatty fish Milk, butter, cheese, yogurt and dairy Margarine, salad dressings, bread spreads Deep-fried and other oily, fatty foods Refined flour, yeasted bread, baked products Tropical fruits and juices (in temperate climates) Nightshades and other soft vegetables - tomato, potato, bell pepper, eggplant, etc Sugar, honey and other sweets Chocolate, carob Spices and aromatic, stimulant herbs Tobacco Soft drinks, sparkling water, distilled water Coffee, tea Strong alcohol and wine Canned, dyed, frozen or sprayed food Food containing additives, preservatives and other chemicals Vitamins and food supplements Irridiated food Genetically modified food	Dietary low risk / protective factors Whole grains Beans, lentils and bean products like tofum tempeh and natto Vegetables Sea vegetables Sea salt, miso, shoyu and other natural seasonings Sesame and other unrefined vegetable oils White meat fish Temperate climate fruits (in temperate climates) Seeds and nuts Snacks and desserts naturally sweetened with barley malt, rice syrup or amasake Spring water or well water Non-aromatic, non-stimulant teas and other traditional beverages such as grain teas Organically grown foods Naturally processed foods Foods in season

Lifestyle high risk factors Microwave and electrical cooking Non-stick cookware Caesarean section Sedentary lifestyle Antibiotics and prescription drugs Anaesthetics Vaccinations Marijuana and other recreational drugs Tonsil / appendix removal and other surgery X-rays, MRI and CAT scans Mercury amalgram fillings Radiation from computers, TV, cell phones Synthetic clothing Promiscuous sex	Lifestyle low risk / protective factors Gas and firewood cooking Ceramic, glass and stainless steel cookware Breast feeding Natural childbirth Active lifestyle Light to moderate exercise, eg daily walking or swimming Farming or gardening Massage or shiatsu Yoga, taiqi and other martial arts Sports and hobbies Meditation, visualisation, prayer and self-reflection Singing, dancing, listening to harmonious music Reading books and poems Cotton, linen and other natural fabrics Safe sex

Environmental high risk factors Unclearn, disorderly home Hot, warm climate High temperature High humidity Spring and summer Urban environment Acid rain Ozone depletion Nuclear and toxic waste Air pollution and excessive carbon dioxide Air conditioning	Environmental low risk / protective factors Clearn, orderly home Cold, climate Low temperature Low humidity Fall and winter Rural or small town environment Adequate sunshine Green plants indoors Fresh air and more oxygen

Risk factors for AIDS and the new epidemics

Risk factors for
AIDS and the new epidemics