- Do you drink 8-10 glasses (over 64 ounces) of water and non-alcoholic/non-caffeinated beverages a day?
Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, and for every alcoholic or caffeinated beverage you drink add equal amounts of water to the minimum 64-ounce water requirement. We recommend avoiding water stored in plastic because plastic containers leach toxins into the water you drink from them. Phthalates and Bisphenol A are hormone-disrupting chemicals found in plastics used for bottled water.
Avoid plastic containers for your water and food storage when possible
2. Do you take diet pills or artificial stimulants?
Ah, the topic of diet pills and artificial stimulants. These substances can have negative effects on our health for a few reasons. Firstly, they often contain ingredients that can be harmful or have adverse side effects. Additionally, relying on these pills or stimulants for weight loss can lead to a dependency on them, making it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle without them. It’s always best to focus on natural and sustainable methods for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
3. Do you drink any carbonated beverages including carbonated water daily?
Carbonated beverages leach valuable minerals from our bodies. Limit your intake of carbonated beverages as much as possible. The mineral levels in our foods today are much lower than the mineral levels in the foods our ancestors consumed. The soil in which we grow our vegetables and fruits and that feeds livestock has been depleted of minerals over time, lowering the levels in our food. Minerals are used in the body in a multitude of vital biochemical reactions, in energy production, and in bone health and healthy brain chemistry.
4. Do you consume foods with refined (white) flour, found in such foods as breads, pizza dough, cereals, pastas, pastries, etc daily?
Look for whole wheat flour or some other whole grain as the first or second ingredient listed. Wheat flour, unbleached wheat flour, or unbleached enriched wheat flour are NOT the same thing. Those words are sneaky ways of saying unrefined white flour. White flours are often tainted with harmful chemicals: softeners, agers, preservers, and mold and fungus growth presenters. Always remember there are over 70,000 chemicals used on the market today, and only 10% of them have been researched on their effects on the human body. Avoidance is key! Pasta made with spinach or brown rice is a great alternative to the popular highly processed pasta and brown rice should be chosen over white rice. Grains that contain gluten need to be avoided for those who experience adverse effects to gluten as well as those with Leaky Gut Syndrome or related Encephalopathies.
5. Do you drink alcohol regularly?
Alcohol is a neurotoxin. James A. Ferrel MD, CNC suggests abstinence from all alcohol. If you feel you must consume alcohol we recommend you limit your alcohol intake to under 4 oz of wine, 12 oz of beer, 1.5 ounces 80 proof or 1 ounce of 100 proof hard alcohol a day. If you are having problems with your alcohol intake because of anxiety, depression, or other issues seek the care of a qualified innovative physician. Meditation, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and nervine herbs and nutrients can be helpful. The herb Angelica Archangelica has historically decreased alcohol cravings when taken regularly in adequate amounts. This is something that a Naturopathic Physician or Integrated/Complementary Health Physician can prescribe. There is a LONG list of health problems linked to alcohol that outweighs any health benefits. Polyphenols found in red wine may benefit certain forms of cardiovascular disease, but these same beneficial substances are also found in many other non-alcoholic sources such as grape juices. Choose organic grape juice or juices made with grapes grown in the United States. Those grown in other countries often have much higher levels of pesticides. We also recommend that you limit fruit juices to fewer than 4 oz at a time of any fruit juice to limit blood sugar challenges. You may wish to mix 4 oz of fruit juice with water to obtain a full glass.
6. Do you consume foods containing hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils regularly?
Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils are trans-fatty acids that we should avoid. Trans fatty acids also increase LDL cholesterol (the “Bad Cholesterol”) and lower HDL cholesterol (“Good Cholesterol”) and increase the risk of heart disease like saturated fats. However, they are much worse because trans fats are broken down and assimilated into the body and become part of cell membranes. Cell membranes composed of trans fat are more “rigid” than healthy sources of fat such as olive oil, coconut oil, safflower oil, fish oil, or krill oil. Fluid cell membranes are essential for optimal cell-to-cell communication, which reduces the risk of many diseases, including cancers and other pro-inflammatory conditions.
7. Do you consume fried foods regularly?
All fried foods are unhealthy and should be avoided for optimal health. Fried foods contain acrylamides. Acrylamides are cancer-causing substances created with high heat temperatures. French fries and fried potato chips are some of the worst offenders. Also, avoid toasting your bread which increase the presence of these toxic substances.
Another toxic substance found in fried food is advanced glycation end products that damage tissue especially if you are diabetic.
8. Do you use real butter instead of margarine?
Margarine is partially hydrogenated oil, a form of unhealthy trans fat. Cell membranes composed of trans fat are more “rigid” than those made from healthy sources of fat such as blue-green algae, olive, and coconut oils. Fluid cell membranes are essential for optimal cell-to-cell communication, which reduces the risk of many prevalent and dangerous diseases, including cancers, and other pro-inflammatory conditions.
There are plant-based options that do not contain harmfully hydrogenated oils such as the Nutiva Organic Buttery Coconut Oil, Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter, Pure Blends Vegan Butter, and Earth Balance brand.
Real butter is a much healthier choice than margarine. Organic butter is a healthier alternative. Choose plant-based butter alternatives without hydrogenated oils or regular organic butter, instead of margarine, to limit exposure to unhealthy cell membrane-damaging fats and exposure to hormone-disrupting and neuron-damaging fat-soluble environmental toxins.
9. Do you incorporate at least 30% of your total food intake in non-cooked/raw foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouts)?
There are numerous benefits to incorporating raw foods into your diet. Many enzymes and nutrients are destroyed when foods are cooked over 118 degrees. We recommend over 30% of your food intake come from a combination of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouts. If it is a challenge for you to eat a good portion of your food from raw sources you may want to consider adding enzymes to your daily routine.
10. Do you use sources of refined sugar such as sucrose (powdered sugar), high fructose corn syrup, or consume candy regularly?
We recommend using alternatives to powdered white sugar. Blackstrap molasses, raw organic honey, Lo Han fruit (Monk Fruit), fruit powders, sucanat, stevia, and alcohol sugars such as Xylitol can all be found at your local health food store. Blackstrap molasses is the mineral-rich ‘leftover’ of the sugar milling process. It is a good source of iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Lo Han fruit (Monk Fruit) is 200 times as sweet as sugar and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. If you do choose to eat sugary food or drink you may wish to incorporate a blood sugar-stabilizing ingredient such as cinnamon or a blood stabilizing supplement with your snack or beverage.
11. Do any of the products or foods you consume contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, or saccharin, or Acesulfame K?
Aspartame is proven to have significant adverse effects on the body. About 10% of aspartame is absorbed as the wood alcohol methanol. According to the EPA consuming more than 7.8 mg is of methanol is detrimental to our health, and a 1 Liter bottle of diet soda contains around 56 mg of methanol! Some animal studies suggest Aspartame has a cancer-promoting effect. Sucralose is a chlorinated sugar molecule with potential adverse health effects.
Acesulfame K is associated with cancer, aggravating hypoglycemic states (low blood sugar), and elevated cholesterol levels. Healthier low-calorie alternatives are Lo Han fruit, Stevia, and alcohol sugars such as Xylitol, and Erythritol. Erythritol is becoming increasingly popular and has a high digestive tolerance unlike many of the other alcohol sugars.
12. Do the foods you eat contain artificial colors, flavorings, MSG or other preservatives such as BHT, sulfites or nitrates?
Adverse health reactions to MSG, aspartame, BHT, and other additives are quite common and include hyperactivity in children, allergies, asthma, skin reactions, brain fog, lethargy, diarrhea, and migraine headaches. Be aware that many foods contain pesticide residues, as well as a chemical soup of up to twenty or thirty preservatives, artificial flavors, colors, and other additives.
Here are tips on how to read nutritional labels and unhealthy ingredients that you should avoid.
13. Do you try to emphasize variety in your diet by including ALL of the following foods: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, raw nuts, legumes, beans, fermented foods, sprouts, organic free range eggs, and at least 2 servings of calcium-containing foods such as calcium-fortified rice/soy milk, cottage cheese, goat milk, Kefir, or goat yogurt?
We recommend that everyone take in a variety of healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, raw nuts, legumes, beans, fermented foods, sprouts, eggs, and at least 2 servings of calcium-containing foods such as calcium-fortified rice/soy milk, cottage cheese, goat milk, Kefir, or goat yogurt. It is important to consume several different vegetables and fruits a day. A great way to incorporate variety is to pick vegetables and fruits of different colors each day-green, red, orange, etc. If you incorporate eggs or dairy, choose organic free-range eggs, and organic dairy products to limit harmful chemical exposure.
14. Do you consume beef, chicken or pork regularly?
Meats are often loaded with hormones, antibiotics, and dangerous chemicals. Meats are extremely hard to digest and can end up rotting in the colon creating toxic chemicals within the body. The traditionally high intake of meats can increase the risk of breast, distal colon, prostate, and pancreas cancers. Several studies showed that populations that eat fried or broiled meats have a relative risk greater than 2 (deviation from the median) for colon and breast cancer. If you choose to eat meats, consider organic choices. We recommend limiting your intake of meats and for optimal nutrition avoid them completely.
Here is helpful resource on How To Be A Healthy Vegetarian
15. Do you experience nausea, vomiting, bloating, belching, heartburn, indigestion, fullness over extended times after meals or any other adverse effects when eating foods?
Experiencing any of these symptoms can mean several things. One of the main factors may be a food allergy. The six most common food allergies are milk/dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, fish/shellfish, and wheat. Food allergy testing can be done through an integrated health doctor to help you determine which foods are causing inflammation in your body. If you experience bloating and diarrhea after a meal that contains a milk product you may be lacking the enzyme to digest the sugar in milk. This condition is called lactose intolerance. With this condition, you should avoid milk products or implement an enzyme supplement that contains lactase whenever milk products are consumed.
Another factor may be that your body is lacking adequate levels of digestive enzymes. Normal aging, genetic, dietary, stress, and environmental/chemical exposure factors can diminish our natural ability to digest foods optimally. We may need assistance from outside sources to keep our digestion healthy.
If you experience bloating after eating raw fruits or vegetables the likely culprits are the high fiber content or raffinose, sorbitol, or fructose. Starches, beans, and wheat are also known to cause bloating in their digestion. :
Dymbiosis (lack of healthy bacteria) and Candida overgrowth can also irritate the digestive system leading to improper nutritional and health states. The list of factors affecting our ability to break down our foods and ensure absorption and assimilation of vital nutrients and building blocks essential to good health goes on and on. Health begins with proper nutrition and good digestion. Seek the care of a physician if you have experienced unexplained weight loss, vomiting of bile or blood, changes in appetite levels, blood, mucus or undigested materials in your stool, or unable to eat a full meal (4 oz of a protein source such as beans, eggs, raw nuts, or legumes, and 1-2 cups vegetables/starch).
16. Do you have poor stamina or get tired easily?
There are many causes of poor stamina, which can include: Cardiovascular/hematopoietic diseases (poor blood flow, anemia), poor energy production, possibly due to lack of nutrients involved as cofactors and constituents of the biochemical reactions of energy production (especially B vitamins).
Not meeting your energy and nutrient needs can slow metabolic/biochemical pathways. If your caloric intake is far below your caloric needs, the body will naturally slow its energy production down to conserve energy stores. This is an innate way of the body to protect itself from possible starvation.
Endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus (type I-when there is lack of insulin which brings glucose into the cells for energy production, or type II-inability of the cells to uptake glucose even in the presence of insulin), hypothyroid states/disease, adrenal fatigue or dysfunction (deficiency of catecholamines) or those hormones that facilitate proper sleep/wake cycles (serotonin, melatonin, cortisol) can have a dramatic effect on energy.
Candida is another important factor that affects energy. It is a fungus that is potentially present within all people and generally controlled by the friendly bacteria in our bodies. However, when the balance of friendly to unfriendly bacteria is disrupted by antibiotic foods such as meats or antibiotic drugs the delicate balance can be disrupted and the fungus is allowed to flourish. When the fungus is in this state it causes many challenges within the body draining its energy. Effective strategies in restoring a healthy balance include modifying the diet and implementing healthy bacteria from foods and supplements. Click here for more information on Candida https://blissplanet.com/candida-albicans-infection/
Lack of sleep and/or rest is another factor that affects energy so implement adequate sleep into your daily schedule. Toxic burden in the body and/or poor liver and detoxification pathways influence energy as well. Limit exposure to all toxins from the air you breathe, what you eat, and what you place on your skin.
17. Do you have persistent leg cramps?
Muscle cramping has many causes. It can be due to overuse of particular muscles, dehydration, imbalanced hormones or electrolytes, sitting in an awkward position for an extended time, poor blood supply, nerve abnormalities, medications (especially diuretics), and diseases that affect muscles and nerves. It is important to diagnose and address the underlying issues. Taking adequate minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, drinking enough fluids, getting regular exercise in proper amounts can help control or eliminate leg cramp frequency and severity.
Quinine, a substance extracted from the bark of the South American cinchona tree, has been used historically to help treat certain cases of leg cramping, but there is a long list of possible side affects with its use. Persistent and frequent cramping requires attention of a physician; they may take health history, do a complete physical evaluation and conduct the proper lab testing to address the underlying causes of the leg cramping.
18. Do you consume essential Omega 3’s from foods such as avocados, walnuts, flaxseeds regularly?
Essentially fatty acids are not manufactured in the body; they must be taken in through diet. Important omega-3 fatty acids in human nutrition are Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The brain, neurons, and other cell membranes incorporate essential fatty acids into their structure and are essential for their health.
The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in our diets should ideally be a 1:1 ratio. Modern society consumes on average a 20:1 to 50:1 ratio. This may lead to diseases linked to inadequate omega-3 intake related disorders such as Cardiovascular Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder to name a few. Since Omega-6 essential fatty acid intake is generally adequate in most diets, we STRONGLY urge you to focus on consuming foods high in Omega 3 such as flaxseed or flax oil, hemp or hemp oil, spirulina, avocados, and walnuts, daily. Another good source of Omega 3 is fish; however, some are contaminated with toxic substances such as mercury. If you do decide to consume fish choose fresh wild-caught salmon that should have fewer toxins.
The National Institutes of Health recently published recommended daily intakes of fatty acids; specific recommendations include 650 mg of EPA and DHA, 2.22 g/day of alpha-linolenic acid, and 4.44 g/day of linoleic acid.
19. Do you feel that you are generally positive?
A positive attitude, a wonderful topic indeed! A positive attitude can have a profound impact on both our health and happiness. When we cultivate a positive mindset, it can help reduce stress levels, boost our immune system, and improve our overall well-being. Research suggests that a positive attitude can lead to better cardiovascular health, lower rates of depression, and increased resilience in the face of challenges. It also enhances our relationships, as people are naturally drawn to those with a positive outlook. So, embracing a positive attitude can truly contribute to a healthier and happier state of being.
20. Do you have dry skin?
Dry skin can be a sign of essential fatty acid deficiency. Important omega-3 fatty acids in human nutrition are: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA. Linoleic acid is an important omega-6. The National Institutes of Health recently published recommended daily intakes of fatty acids, specific recommendations include 650 mg of EPA and DHA, 2.22 grams per day of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and 4.44 grams per day of linoleic acid.
Other factors can cause dry skin, such as hypothyroidism. If you have not seen improvement in your skin by taking in adequate amounts of essential fatty acids in 2-3 months, and are experiencing other symptoms such as decreased energy, mental sluggishness, depression, or weight gain, talk to your doctor.
21. Are any of the following true? You over the age of 50. You are female. You have a small body frame, You have a family history of osteoporosis. You smoke, You consume a lot of caffeine or alcohol. You are on a high-protein diet. You don’t get at least 5 minutes of sun exposure each day. You don’t implement strength training or weight-lifting exercise into your weekly schedule. You don’t consume many calcium-rich foods.
The amount of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in the diet affects bone formation. Additionally, regular exercise, which increases bone mass, helps determine whether a person obtains optimal bone mass. How do your diet and lifestyle decisions affect your bone health? Well, estrogen is an important hormone for bone health, and cigarette smoking decreases estrogen production. Drinking alcohol not only increases the risk of falling, but also inhibits the activity of bone-building cells called osteoblasts. Also, calcium levels in the blood are tightly regulated that when they drop, calcium MUST be robbed from our bones to replace a deficiency. Caffeine intake causes more calcium to be taken from the blood as it passes through the kidneys, and is lost in our urine, inevitably increasing what is taken out of our bones. Physical activity, particularly weight-bearing activity that stresses the bones and stimulates bone remodeling, helps maintain bone strength and prevent bone loss. Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium and phosphorous in the digestive tract for use in the body. Calcium and phosphorus deficiencies decrease the formation of hydroxyapatite, the major mineral in bone.
Keep your protein intake under 20% of the total calories consumed. Most Americans consume protein in excess and this can actually lead to bone loss. A diet too high in protein creates an acidic environment in the body depleting valuable minerals. The pH level of our blood must be between 7.35 and 7.45 in order to survive. When levels drop close to or below 7.35 (acidic state), the body neutralizes the acidity with buffering ions such as calcium, robbing the bones as the source.
22. Are any of the following true? You have poor concentration or poor ability to focus. You overweight. You crave sweets and sugars regularly. You feel weak/faint between meals. Your triglyceride level over 175. You are unable to lose or gain weight. You have a family history of diabetes or heart disease. Your injuries are slow to heal. You have frequent fevers or infections. You experience numbness or tingling sensations frequently. You have blood-clotting problems (increased blood clotting). You have high blood pressure (greater than140/90). You gain more than 5 pounds per year. You have issues with your blood sugar levels.
Diabetes can be a dangerous disease if not addressed. It can lead to blindness, severe organ damage, high rates of infection, and even a need for amputation. Lifestyle modification, through exercise and diet, should always be a part of prevention and treatment.
Emphasis on consuming plenty of fiber during meals as well as incorporating healthy fats and a small amount of protein may be helpful. Always avoid simple sugars and refined foods, as they can drastically alter blood sugar levels.
Providing there is no medical contraindication, a sustainable exercise program, 30 minutes 5 days a week is reasonable to start. Exercise can help control blood pressure, increase beneficial HDL cholesterol and lower harmful LDL cholesterol, enhance the body’s insulin response, and help stabilize and maintain blood glucose levels. Thus, an exercise in itself is a helpful tool in treating “Metabolic Syndrome” associated with diabetes.
23. Are any of the following true? The whites of your eyes yellow. You have strong-smelling urine. You get headaches frequently. You feel lethargic or tired often. Experience skin itching. You feel sick or experience adverse effects when exposed to chemicals such as perfumes, scented lotions, new paint, construction materials, gasoline, new carpets, glues, or any other odor. You experience nervousness or anxiety often. You have poor concentration. You bruise easily. You have any vague abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side of your abdomen. You have diarrhea or constipation regularly. You take medications, drugs, or get exposed to chemicals regularly. You experience any dizziness or other strange sensations. You have or had cancer. You are taking prescription medicine or use any over-the-counter drugs. You smoke cigarettes. You have been exposed to heavy metal toxicity.
NOTE: NEVER DO A DETOXIFICATION PROGRAM IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR NURSING. It is advisable to talk to a physician before a detoxification program if you do have any health problems.
If you answered yes to more than a few of questions in our liver questionnaire, it’s a pretty good indication that your body’s detoxification pathways are overburdened. Your body could use some love and support to be better equipped with handling life on Earth. Since we do not have the option of moving to Mars, it’s up to us to try to limit the amount of chemicals we are exposed to daily. Toxins are in our drinking and bathing water, the foods we eat, the offices we work in, the homes we live in, the air we breathe, and the cleaning products, cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, lotions, and toothpaste we use. In essence, we are bombarded with chemicals daily. Our magnificent and magical livers are responsible for much of our body’s detoxification, but they have their limits as well.
Your liver NEEDS your support and cooperation in doing its job to keep you healthy. There are so many things you can do to lighten your liver’s workload. Detoxification and Environmental Medicine are vast topics. Many books and articles have been written on them, and not all of that information can be covered here. Start to implement making the right decisions to limit your expose to environment toxicities by implementing the following:
1) Water, water, water. And NOT tap water. It will help dilute and flush out pollutants that have made it into your precious body. Drink reverse osmosis/ carbon filtered water. These processes of filtering water unfortunately strips vital minerals, but this can be more than made up for by eating a variety of organic fruits and vegetables. Mineral drops can also be added to your filtered water to correct this issue.
2) Eat as much organic foods as possible. When you do not use organic limit the Top 10 foods list because these foods will likely contain higher levels of pesticide residues choosing instead the Healthier Alternative List (or buy organic versions).
Recommend buying organic versions of strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines and apples as they are the produce with the highest pesticide residue according to the Environmental Working Group.
The Dirty Dozen – Meaning The Highest Pesticide Content In Order
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Peaches
Cherries
Pears
Tomatoes
Celery
Potatoes
Avoid meats, milk-products, refined flours, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, taking over-the-counter drugs, perfumes, pesticides, artificial sweeteners, sodas, and foods with preservatives, flavor enhancers, and fillers as much as possible. These are likely to contain toxic substances.
4) Fiber is extremely beneficial in binding and clearing out toxins that can be eliminated through feces. Beefing-up fiber intake can be done through eating a diet loaded with vegetables and fruits, or supplementing rice bran or psyllium powder.
5) Limit toxic chemical exposure in the home and office:
a. Ask your co-workers not to wear perfumes or scented lotions to work. b. Avoid carpets, paint fumes and new construction materials as much as possible: they “off gas” many neurological and liver-damaging toxins.
c. Make a push for “green construction.”
d. Do aerobic workouts in non toxic environments. Remember indoor air pollution is always worse than outdoor air pollution. Avoid areas of high auto or fireplace emissions if possible.
e. Use hepa filters and eco-friendly cleaning supplies at home.
f. Avoid pesticides. Seal up the cracks around your home so that pests can’t get in. If you still have problems with pests use a “green” pest company in your area for pest treatments. Pesticides are among the worst neurotoxins in the world; they were made originally for biological warfare for the purpose of killing human beings.
g. If you have to wear dry-cleaned clothes, air them in a well-ventilated place as long as possible before re-wearing.
6) Clean out your thinking each day with Mental Mastery
a. Learn to recognize and focus on the positive things in your life<BR>b. Learn to organize and prioritize
c. Understand and accept yourself and those around you
d. Learn ways to control stress and anger
e. Learn to forgive and to feel love.
f. Practice meditation or other non-toxic acts to calm the mind.
A variety of organic fruits and vegetables contain healthy nutrients that enhance detoxification. If you are not able to consume enough organic fruits and vegetables the following nutrients maybe helpful for detoxification: Glutathione, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), vitamins C, E, and A, selenium, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and bioflavonoids such as Quercetin.
24. Are any of the following true? You seem to have frequent colds or flu, or have frequent infections (whether viral, fungal, or bacterial). Your wounds heal slowly. You use antibiotics frequently. You experience bleeding gums. I don’t consume a variety of fruits and vegetables regularly.
The immune system is a magnificent system that keeps the body healthy. An unhealthy diet, inadequate sleep, stress, and toxins can hinder the immune system and impede its performance. It is important to eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, get plenty of sound sleep each night, limit stress, and exposure to toxins to ensure the function of a healthy immune system.
Years of toxins from food, pesticides, beauty products, bioaccumulate within our bodies hindering our immune systems. It is a good idea to periodically assist our natural cleansing process by implementing detoxification procedures.
Antibiotics can transform the Candida Albicans fungus which is normally harmless in the body into a damaging fungus. This fungus can hinder the immune system. It is generally controlled by the friendly bacteria in our bodies. However, when the balance of friendly to unfriendly bacteria is disrupted from medications and antibiotic rich foods such as meats the delicate balance can be disrupted and the fungus is allowed to flourish. Effective strategies in restoring a healthy balance include modifying the diet and implementing healthy bacteria from foods and supplements.
Click here for more information on Candida
Some nutrients that are beneficial for a healthy immune function are zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, Echinacea, shiitake mushrooms, and garlic.
25. Do you experience challenges with your relationships?
Many people experience challenges with their relationships. Here are a few tips that may help:
- Accept responsibility for your happiness. Realize that no one can make you feel good or bad without your own permission. This awareness will give you more control over your interactions with others.
- Be kind rather than having to be right. Let go of the need to be right; it is a liberating feeling and will do wonders for your relationships.
- If you feel the need to inform someone of a behavioral issue, guide it toward their behavior and not them as a person. People may become defensive if it is not presented in this manner.
26. Do you find yourself overly stressed or highly anxious much of the time?
Prolonged periods of stress and anxiety can lead to a variety of ailments such as adrenal fatigue, and immune system problems. Certain modalities that help calm the mind are proven quite effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Meditation, biofeedback, sauna use, floatation therapy, and hypnosis are all beneficial modalities for stress reduction. Exercise is vital in stress reduction as well as adequate sleep. Omega 3 fatty acids and the mineral magnesium are beneficial for stress and anxiety. The herbs Passion Flower, Rhodolia Rosea, Valerian Root, and Lavender may find helpful as well.
Mental Focus Is Paramount In Stress Reduction
Focus on what you want and have in life rather than the opposite. Focus on the Process rather than the Outcome. When it comes to projects focusing on one step at a time rather than all of the steps combined to complete the project can be helpful.
27. Are you depressed often?
Depression affects a majority of the population. Vital nutrients are essential for the mind to function well. Without these nutrients, mental health will suffer. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and whole grains in your daily diet.
Toxins interfere with brain chemistry and can trigger many depressive conditions. It is wise to limit toxins whenever possible.
Exercise is vital for stimulating happy mental chemicals. Implement aerobic activity 3-6 times a week.
Research shows that meditation is beneficial for depression. biofeedback, floatation therapy, sauna therapy, and hypnosis are other modalities that may be helpful as well.
Spend more of your time thinking, saying, and doing things that guide you toward loving energies. The more you dwell in thoughts of loving energies and less of those from fear the better you will feel. Make it a priority to mentally focus on what you want rather than what you don’t want in life. You will get more of whatever you focus on. When challenges appear look for solutions. You make life what it is by what you think, say, and do. When you dial into the divine energy of unconditional Love without Fear – you are one with all that is magical and lack nothing! Cultivate your connection to loving energies and you may discover a brighter place mentally and spiritually.
Supplements such as Omega 3 fatty acids are recommended for depression. Spirulina, TMG, 5-HTP, MSM, St. Johns Wort, and Rhodiola Rosea may also have benefits.
28. Do you have trouble getting adequate sleep?
Most people require 6-8 hours of sleep a night for adequate recuperation. Deviations from this requirement can cause many health challenges. Insomnia affects millions of people.
Recommendations include:
Eating a well-balanced diet of plenty of fruits and vegetables
Stress-reducing techniques such as meditation
Avoiding stimulants such as caffeine
Avoiding the news or other stimulation that triggers the mind to race before bedtime
Regular exercise
Moderate sun exposure
Comfortable mattress and pillow
Cool comfortable temperature
Sleep in a dark, noise-free room
Melatonin, Kava Kava, and Valerian Root are notable natural remedies and may help in inducing sleep.
29. Do you exercise regularly?
It is important to implement both resistance and cardiovascular forms of exercise 3-6 times a week for optimal health. Exercise facilitates circulation which is imperative for cell function. Circulation brings nutrients into the cells and facilitates the excretion of toxins. Resistance exercise strengthens muscles and is essential for bone health. Recommended weight-bearing exercises are those that incorporate multiple muscle groups such as functional resistance training, yoga, and Pilates. Recommended cardiovascular exercises are swimming, rebounding, cycling, jogging, or brisk walking.
We recommend making exercise as fun as possible. It is easier to stick to a workout routine when exercise is enjoyable. Activities such as hiking, rebounding on a trampoline, racquetball, a basketball game, mountain biking, rollerblading are just a few activities that can be fun and healthy at the same time.
30. Do you have high blood pressure?
Stress reduction, moderate exercise, and a plant-based, healthy eating plan with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make a dramatic difference in blood pressure. Limiting alcohol and saturated fats is very important. Daily sunlight exposure for a short time (5 – 15 minutes a day) and sauna and floatation therapies may be helpful as well. Recommended supplements include magnesium, potassium, garlic, and vitamin C.
31. Is your LDL (Bad) cholesterol level high?
Lifestyle factors such as diet and activity can play an important role in lowering LDL levels. The following foods are maybe beneficial in helping cholesterol levels: Almonds, avocados, barley, beans (black, kidney, navy, pintos, etc.), chili peppers, flax seed, many fruits such as pomegranate, garlic, oats, oat bran, olive oil, onions, shiitake mushrooms, soybeans, and high fiber vegetables. Other tips include smoking cessation, reducing saturated fats, and avoid frying foods choosing to steam and baking instead. Curcumin, Garlic, Guggul, Niacin, Pantethine, Policosanol are natural supplements used for lowering LDL levels.
32. Do you use an ozone generating air purification system? And if so… do you have the ozone feature turned on while sleeping?
The air quality within our homes is generally more polluted than the outdoor air. Air purifiers are designed to help reduce indoor air pollution. However, the majority of air purification systems employ ozone generating technology. Ozone is harmful to the lungs.
Ventilate indoor air with outdoor air frequent to limit indoor air pollution from carpets, and chemicals from home products. Utilize natural cleaning methods rather than chemical ones.
33. Are you a habitual cigarette or cigar smoker?
Smoking is a deadly habit that should be eliminated immediately. Limit your exposure to second-hand smoke because second-hand smoke is detrimental to health.
34. Do you drink sugary drinks often?
Sugary drinks can cause challenges with blood sugar levels and lack any nutritional value. Limit soda and other sugary drinks to balance blood sugar levels.
35. After taking a course of antibiotics do you eat or supplement with healthy bacteria to replenish your good bacteria?
Antibiotics not only destroy bad bacteria but also the good bacteria as well. We require an abundance of good bacteria in our intestinal tract to maintain a healthy intestinal environment. We recommend that you consume foods or supplements containing healthy bacteria after any course of antibiotics. Some foods high in beneficial bacteria are Kefir, Yogurt, Sauerkraut, and fermented vegetables. There are many healthy bacteria supplements that contain beneficial strains of bacteria such as Bifidus and Acidophilus.
36. Do you implement a plant-based diet?
A Plant-Based diet is one of the healthiest diets and those who implement this diet generally live longer than meat-eaters. You most likely will make wiser food decisions. However, you may avoid meats, but choose to consume an abundance of highly processed foods, snacks, and treats. It is important to limit highly processed foods for optimal health. Avoid all fried foods such as French fries, potato chips as well. Eat a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, raw nuts, legumes, beans, fermented foods, sprouts, and at least 2 servings of calcium-containing foods such as calcium-fortified rice or soy milk. We also recommend that you implement a serving of nutritional yeast, spirulina, and blackstrap molasses into your daily diet. A B-12 supplement is beneficial as well especially for those who avoid eggs. Methylcobalamin is the best version of B-12.
37. Do you have cancer or does your close family history include cancer?
Cancer prevails in an acidic environment. Therefore we recommend facilitating an alkaline environment within the body. Raw fruits and vegetables are foods that contribute to an alkaline environment. Alkalizing minerals also help buffer acidity.
Implement toxic-free living to limit any burdens that toxins create. Toxins are triggers that activate cancer, and also hinder the immune system. Therefore it is crucial to limit exposure to all toxins.
Choose natural beauty products that do not contain harmful chemicals. Most beauty products contain harmful chemicals that are absorbed into your bloodstream through your skin. Make sure that you utilize natural products that are not loaded with chemicals.
Do not use pesticides within your home instead seal all the cracks so the bugs have no way in your home and choose alternative pest control solutions if you still have pests.
Incorporate moderate exercise and rest into your daily routine. They are important for a fully functioning immune system.
Healthy thinking is very important for an effective immune system. Make it a priority to focus on what you want rather than what you do not want in life. You will find more of whatever it is that you search for so make it a habit to look for the beauty in life.
38. Do you use fluoride toothpaste?
It is debatable whether or not fluoride is effective in controlling cavities. Another concern is that fluoride is toxic. Teeth and gum disease must be mitigated with good oral hygiene. We recommend brushing your teeth with natural toothpaste after every meal. Swishing food grade hydrogen peroxide in the mouth along with daily flossing is also recommended to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Avoid swallowing the hydrogen peroxide because it may cause nausea.
39. Are you sexually active with more than one partner and do not practice safe sex?
If you are not in a monogamous relationship it is important to practice safe sex. Many health-related conditions arise from unprotected sex.
40. Do you regularly take medications that are not prescribed by a doctor?
All medications have side effects. Limit the use of non prescribed medications unless your doctor says that it is essential for your health. Always try to determine the cause of illness and address the cause rather than covering them up with unnecessary medications.
41. Do you feel that you are a healthy weight?
Many people have challenges maintaining an ideal weight. Rapid weight loss causes a loss in muscle tissue which slows metabolism. The following are recommendations that will healthily help you lose fat.
- The majority of your foods should come from a variety of organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and sprouts.
- Include a majority of RAW, enzyme-rich, vegetables, sprouts, and fruits in your daily diet.
- Avoid processed foods choosing whole foods that are rich in fiber.
- Avoid all fad diets that promote a Quick Fix especially the low carbohydrate variety. Low carbohydrate diets are particularly harmful because they create sick cells and an acidic state within the body where cancer and sickness prevail. The low carbohydrate diet implemented for a long period eventually encourages fat cells to enlarge.
- Eat smaller meals more frequently to ensure effective metabolism. It is important to nourish the body. Your body is smart so if it is lacking important nutrients and fuel it will slow the fat burning process down and use your muscle as fuel. The more muscle you have the faster your metabolism will be.
- Exercise regularly incorporating muscle building exercises and aerobic activity. Resistance exercises such as free weight and yoga can boost your muscle and therefore your metabolism. Aerobic exercise burns calories and prime metabolism. Aerobic exercises also stimulate circulation helping the nutrients to get into the cells and facilitate toxin removal from the cells. The most efficient and detoxifying exercises incorporate all of or part of the reciprocating gait. This gait is the natural way we are designed to move, walk, run, or swim.
- Avoid diet drinks and pops that contain aspartame. Choose healthy water rather than all pops. For a refreshing low-calorie alternative to soda add a small amount of natural sweetener substitute such as stevia into a glass of lightly effervescent mineral water.
- Avoid all sugars, corn syrup, and fruit juices. All of these can cause insulin levels to increase which challenges the ability to burn fat.
- Consider sauna therapy regularly to stimulate circulation and detoxification.
- Consider meditative therapies such as visualization to limit mental stress. There are hormones released with the stress that can hinder fat burning goals.
- Limit exposure to toxins. Exposure to toxins causes the body to manufacture more fat to get the toxins out of the bloodstream and jail them in fat where they are not as harmful.
42. When you talk on your phone do you use the speakerphone function regularly?
Distance cell phones from your head when you are utilizing them. Radiation emitted from cell phones can cause acoustic nerve damage and possibly brain tumors so it is best to limit the radiation by utilizing an earpiece or a speakerphone function.
43. Does your job bring you gratification?
When careers are aligned with ambitions mental wellness manifests. We recommend aligning your career with your ambitions so that you will be on the path of purposeful living and dynamic health.
44. Do you have trouble finding a mate?
It may be nice to have others in your life to share and sweeten the journey, but the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. When you dial into that divine energy called Love without Fear – you are one with all that is magical and you lack nothing! The less you feel that you need others to make you a complete person, the easier it will be to find others who enjoy your company. When you feel a need for someone else to make you complete; you will likely be taking from the relationship the majority of the time. Healthy relationships are those where both parties spend most of their time in a giving state of love. This state helps bring out the best in one another.
45. Do you feel a lack of spiritual connection?
Spirituality in its purest state is unconditional love. Cultivate your connection to loving emotions and you will replace fear with faith. When you dial into the emotional energy of unconditional Love without Fear – you are strengthening your faith with spirituality.
