|
never lose a holy curiosity- Albert Einstein
Traditional healers believe HEALTH is a condition of wholeness. Wholeness is a condition in which mind, body & spirit direct life in equal proportions so we can maintain balance and harmony in all aspects of life. In this state healing and good health can flourish because the human body is capable of healing itself. The healer simply helps modify or manipulate the surrounding conditions to achieve this balance. However, no one can achieve balance or progress in another person's life, so it requires patience, understanding and responsibility on the client's part. It is up to the individual to look at our situations honestly, to assess where our discord lies and to make corrections where and as needed. Ultimately it is up to each individual to confront and address and modify and to bring balance into our own lives.
WHERE IS CHOLESTEROL FOUND?
Dietary cholesterol is only found in animal products, including meat, fish, dairy and eggs. The body also naturally manufactures cholesterol for normal cellular function. Healthy cholesterol levels can often be achieved and maintained by establishing a healthy body weight and with regular exercise, cessation of smoking and increasing fiber rich foods in the diet and decreasing saturated fats. Take it seriously if your doctor recommends medications to help modify your cholesterol "numbers" but always ask about the possibility of lifestyle changes.
WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS?
Antioxidants are specific nutrients and vitamins found in foods. A few of the better known antioxidants include carotenoids or beta carotenes, lycopene and anthocyanins, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
Oxidation is a normal process that takes place in the body and causes cellular weakening. It happens as a result of regular metabolism, but is accelerated by pollution, alcohol, smoking and dietary influences. Antioxidants repair the damage and strengthen the body on a celluar level from the damage caused by "free radicals". (A "free radical" is a charged atom or a piece of a molecule. In order to re-establish stability, it looks to steal an electron from its surrounding healthy cells.) The damage is cumulative. Antioxidants volunteer their own electrons to the free radicals, thus reducing cellular damage. Research has shown that antioxidants can minimize or reverse the damage caused by free radicals. Visualize an apple that has been cut- the oxidation process turns the apple brown, however, by exposing the cut surface to orange or lemon juice (vitamin C- a powerful antioxidant) you thwart the oxidation process. However, after losing the extra electron antioxidants cease to effectively function in their crime-fighting capacity. This is why you must resupply your body through nutrient dense foods. A general rule of thumb is to think COLOR. A wide range of colors in fruits and vegetables will ensure a wide variety of antioxidants. Look for deep, rich and dark colors and bright, vibrant and warm colors. Purples, reds, blues, oranges, yellows and deep greens should rotate through your diet. Incorporate berries, melons, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and cauliflower. Introduce cabbages, broccoli, sweet peppers and squashes. Teas, especially green and white teas have a high antioxidant level. Different "colors" supply different antioxidants so experiment with a variety of foods to supply your body with the help it needs.
HOW MUCH FIBER DO I NEED?
Most people don't get enough!! The average American consumes 12-15 grams of
soluble/insoluble fiber daily. Important in getting ENOUGH fiber is UNDERSTANDING what it is and why you need it. Fiber, essentially, is derived from the edible parts of plants that are not broken down by human digestive enzymes.
Simply put,insoluble fiber moves through your system not unlike a push-broom- sweeping through and cleaning out the digestive tract. Soluble fibers, however,(such as the type found in oat bran), are known to reduce blood cholesterol levels and normalize blood sugar levels.
Studies show that certain cancers are linked to fiber POOR diets.
Dietary of both types (soluble and insoluble) fiber are found in whole grains and
whole grain products, fresh vegetables & fruits, legumes (dried beans, peas, lentils & soy) and nuts & seeds.
While fiber needs vary from person to person a minimum recommended level of 25+ grams of fiber daily is a healthy start. It is important however, to ease into a fiber rich diet if it is new to you. A sudden increase in fiber can result in temporary (but embarrasing) gastro-intestinal distress. Adding fiber slowly into your
daily diet over the course of several weeks is recommended. It is important to note that an increase of fluids (notably pure water) is important with the increase of fiber.
MANY PEOPLE TELL YOU TO DRINK MORE WATER WHEN TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT. WHY?
Ever get a good answer? There are a myriad of reasons to drink lots of pure, filtered water, but from a weight loss standpoint consider this...among its many functions the liver converts stored fat to energy. Another of those functions is to back up the kidneys (which need a lot more water than most people realize to work properly). If your kidneys are water deprived then the liver assists (as well as doing its other jobs) which subsequently lowers the productivity of the liver. In other words, it cannot metabolize fats quickly or as effectively as when the kidneys are efficiently working. Why should the kidneys get a vacation? From this standpoint you are also setting yourself up to store fat as the liver is thusly less efficient at turning your stored fat into useful energy.
it is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers- James Thurber |
