Nutrition

Nutrition is the foundation of good health.  If you suffer from any kind of chronic health condition, the first thing to examine is your diet.  A natural diet will help to strengthen your immune system and maximize health and vitality.

Data compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicate that at least 40% of people in this country routinely consume a diet containing only 60% of the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances) of each of ten selected nutrients.  This means that close to half of the population (and likely more) suffers from a deficiency of at least one important nutrient.  WOW!

On top of that, the amounts of these nutrients defined by the RDA gives us only the bare minimum required to ward off vitamin deficiency diseases.  What they do not account for are the amounts needed to maintain maximum health.

A good start to optimum health is to eat fresh, whole, organic (if possible) food. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains are a must.  Avoid processed, prepared, and high salt and sugar foods. 

Even when we eat well, it is still hard to get all of the nutrients we need for optimum health. This can be challenging especially depending on where you live and what your food options are.  It is now common to use herbs and supplements in addition to a good diet in order to fully meet our nutritional needs.

Points to consider:

• Many of our conventionally grown foods are now depleted of certain nutrients due to modern farming practices.
• Avoid foods, herbs and supplements that contain additives or artificial ingredients.
• Increase your consumption of raw produce.
• Avoid overcooking your foods.
• Always take a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement.
• When choosing a vitamin or supplement, look for protein-bonded or chelated forms. Protein-bonded vitamins are absorbed, utilized, and retained in the tissues better than supplements that are not protein-bonded. This makes sense given that vitamins and minerals in food are bonded to proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and bio-flavonoids.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

VITAMINS are essential to life.  They contribute to good health by regulating the metabolism and assisting the bio-chemical processes that release energy from digested food.  Vitamins are considered micronutrients because the body needs them in relatively small amounts compared to nutrients like fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

MINERALS are naturally occurring elements found in the earth.  Every living cell on the planet depends on minerals for proper function and structure.  Minerals are essential for the proper utilization of vitamins and other nutrients. 
Mineral salts, from rock formations, are passed from the soil to plants.  We obtain these minerals by consuming plants or herbivorous animals.  The level of each mineral in the body has an effect on every other, so if one is out of balance, all mineral levels are affected.  Minerals are stored primarily in the body’s bone and muscle tissue.

 Beware of buying your supplements from cheaper discount and bargain stores. These products are usually not natural, and many have synthetic fillers and other harmful ingredients.  Use only organic herbal formulas, and make sure your vitamins are from quality, natural ingredients. 

Check out products that I make, use and recommend as part of my treatment plans for my client’s general well being.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

There are many toxins that we encounter on a daily basis in our foods and environment that can affect us in many ways.  Our liver has the ability to filter these toxins, but over time, depending on our life style choices, our liver can become congested and overburdened.

  Many conditions manifest as symptoms of being toxic.  These symptoms may be experienced occasionally or on a daily basis.  When they reoccur over long periods of time they can create an imbalance in our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms??

Toxic Symptoms:

Read all labels.  If you can’t pronounce the word, it’s probably not good for you!  Search for NON-TOXIC products to make yourself and home a safer place.