Speaking to the ‘user friendly’ aspect of the body, give the body the tools it needs and it will build a healthy, strong body! Simply put, these tools are nutrient dense foods, clean water, clean air and exercise. Yes, it’s really that simplistic, but not that easy for most people. With all the fad diets, opposing exercise theories and general misinformation, it is confusing to sort through what is beneficial for each individual: which diet? which exercise program? which vitamin? more protein or less protein?….on and on swirls the confusion.

Some of the greatest authors regarding food and health are Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. Thomas Rau, Colin Campbell, Dr. Russell Blaylock and Dr. Ben Lerner, to name a few. While non-traditional, each simplifies the complexities of the body, teaches the reader to understand the body and where to find the proper tools to build the kind of wellness of our dreams. Education leads to knowledge and knowledge to power. Once we have the knowledge, we have the power to change our lives, to reverse and prevent disease; we have the power to take charge of our lives and our well being. Fast food has become an acceptable norm, along with donuts and sugar laden cereals for breakfast. The majority of diseases in the United States are lifestyle related, which translates into; they’re within our control and within our power to change.

My goal and my passion are to share my knowledge, thereby empowering my clients to make lifestyle changes that save lives. I combine all the best of what I have learned from every book, every class, and every mentor, and formulate a program that allows me to share that knowledge in a way that is easy to understand and easy to put into practice.

Dr. Thomas Rau, author of The Swiss Secret to Optimal Health explains, “When you nurture your internal body, you optimize the rebuilding power that lies within every human being. As I have already explained, all living tissues renew within a certain period of time. If you have an organ that is sick, slowly degenerating, or not functioning as it should and you want to improve your health you need to create a new organ that functions better. You do this by nourishing the internal environment that surrounds and sustains that organ, so that over time, cell by cell, you grow a better body, essentially optimizing your natural potential for healing.” So now the big question: how is the internal body nurtured?

Healthy gastrointestinal function is essential to overall health and well being. Each section of the gut has a different function. These functions are not limited to digestion and elimination; but rather include the immune system, nervous system and hormonal function. Greater that 70% of serotonin is produced in the gut and 80% of the immune system lies in the gut lining. Problems, such as leaky gut, Candida, parasites and food sensitivities can cause damage to the gut lining. This damage creates minor, isolated symptoms and even systemic symptoms and diseases. Some symptoms or diseases that may not appear to be related to the GI tract but actually are directly related may include arthritis, skin eruptions, headaches, infertility, etc. The 4R’s to gut health, which translates to whole body health, are remove, repair, restore and replace. Scientists at the Institute of Functional Medicine describe the 4R approach as; remove stressors, antigens and toxins (food related as well), repair damaged lining mucosa, restore beneficial bacteria and replace inefficient digestive secretions such as digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid.

Whether the goal is maximized health or weight loss, the path to success is the same. The Get Lean Weight Loss Program and the Prescription for Wellness Program are founded on the 4R approach with hands on individual, weekly coaching and support with muscle testing for individual sensitivity and nutrient assessments. Also included is a program specific cookbook, bi-monthly group meetings and educational materials.

Related posts:

1. Preventative Care: The Benefits of Detoxification
2. Grow Older, Feel Better, Live Wiser
3. Constipated nation: Colon therapy and proper diet – detoxification and prevention to the rescue.

Below, we will take a closer look at signs that Vata may be increasing, and at some ways to adjust your lifestyle and daily routine to correct for imbalances.

Signs that you need to balance Vata

• You feel more worried, anxious, or overwhelmed
• You find it difficult to sit still, can’t stay with one activity for any period of time
• You feel tired but find yourself unable to slow down and relax
• You have increased abdominal gas, bloating, elimination is irregular with constipation
• Your memory is very short-term, and attention span very short
• You have difficulty falling or staying asleep at night
• Your skin is drier than usual, your nail and/or hair is brittle, or cracked/split
• Your lips become chapped easily, throat is dry and hoarse

Ways to adjust Dinacharya (Daily Routine) for Vata (or Vata Season)

• A strict and very regular routine is essential.  Going to bed early enough for a minimum of eight hours of sleep, and rising at the same time each morning (generally by 6am) is recommended
• Likewise, mealtimes should be at regular times each day, so that they are predictable.  A hearty, nourishing lunch is the largest meal of the day, breakfast and dinner should be warming and fresh, but smaller in quantity.
• Ayurvedic massage (Abhyanga) helps to soothe dry skin, promote circulation and calm the nervous system; Can be administered by a licensed therapist on a regular basis, and maintained with self-massage in the mornings before bathing
• Daily elimination conditions the digestive system and keeps ama (partially digested food) from accumulating in the tissues
• Stay warm by dressing in layers, and avoiding prolonged exposure to cool winds
• 20 minutes or more of meditation, or meditative movement (yoga, tai chi) each day can help to reconnect to the body, and ground you; avoid running, jumping and other highly stimulating forms of activity

Related posts:

1. Importance of Daily Routine according to Ayurveda
2. Stress and Rebalancing from an Ayurvedic Perspective
3. Ayurvedic Tips for Surviving Pitta Season

What we eat has a significant impact on our skin, which is the largest organ in the body. Unfortunately, many people overlook this in their quest for beautiful skin. The more toxins which build up in our system, the more quickly our skin ages. Foods high in saturated fat, refined sugar and artificial dyes, preservatives and alcohol are difficult for our bodies to process, leaving it stressed. This in turn leaves skin: looking flat, prone to acne, and exacerbates certain skin conditions, such as eczema.

Fortunately, there are many healthful foods which are good for your body in every way including your skin.

Foods for Healthy, Beautiful Skin:

Green tea – if you wish to incorporate one new healthful item into your diet, make it this. Green tea is chock full of super-potent antioxidants (EGCG) that help to reduce UV damage, increase the effectiveness of sunscreen, offer anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and, some scientists believe, even reactivate dying skin cells. This powerful and delicious drink also helps to detoxify the skin and body.

Berries – these little gems are very high in antioxidants which help to prevent damage to skin cells. They are also an excellent source of fiber, vitamins C and E and riboflavin.

Citrus fruit– are loaded with vitamin C and bioflavonoids which support collagen production and helps to keep skin firm and young looking. Citrus fruits also help to reduce inflammation and contain antioxidants to help with the fight against free radicals.

Red and green vegetables – Eating veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, peppers and the green leafy variety (like spinach) keeps skin hydrated, bright and prevents cell damage and premature aging.

Omega 3 & 6– found in oily fish, nuts and seeds. EFAs keep skin soft, hydrated, reduce inflammation and have been shown to lessen the severity of such skin conditions as eczema and rosacea. Omega-3 fatty acids also increase circulation, giving our skin that healthy glow.

Water – last but certainly not least drink plenty of water. Water keeps our bodies (and skin cells) hydrated and flushes out toxins, keeping skin clean and clear.

Diets which are balanced and contain fresh whole foods will help you obtain a more healthy body both inside and out.

Related posts:

1. Detox Diet Menu Plan
2. Healthy eating on the road – tips from complementary medicine practitioners.
3. Simplifying the Body’s Complexities – the 4 R’s

Luke McMullan, a great person, friend, and owner of Branches Ecological Designs www.branchesnc.com, answered my plea for help in getting to the root of the organic vs. non-organic produce debate. He generously took the time to give me his thoughts. Thank you so much, Luke! You are helping many people!!

Here are Luke’s thoughts:

Laura asked me to talk about plant uptake of heavy metals so that is sort of what I will do. It is generally assumed that organically produced food is relatively non-toxic, while we need to worry about the toxicity impacts of conventional food. Guess what? Worrying is a waste of time, but if you’re going to worry you should worry about both. We know that chemical fertilizers contain significant levels of potentially toxic metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel, zinc, and arsenic, which in turn accumulate in the soil and are taken up by plants. What you don’t usually hear about are the organically approved natural fertilizers such as composted manure, rock phosphate, greensand, guano, and fish emulsion, which

• contain the same heavy metals
• accumulate in soil
• are taken up by crops.

The difference? This time the chemicals end up in the body of someone who thinks they are eating something healthier.

Several studies in Europe show that levels of heavy metals in organic food are sometimes twice as high as levels found in conventional food, yet there seems to be fairly dramatic variability. The species and variety of plants have a somewhat significant role in determining the potential levels of heavy metals per unit of nutrient; however, there are some other far more important factors to take into account, foremost being the level of heavy metals in the soil.

Several decades ago we knew very little about the toxicity of many of these metals or their potential to end up in our food supply, so agricultural pesticides loaded with lead and arsenic were dumped into the soil. These pesticides along with deposits from other industrial chemicals ended up leaving their heavy metals in the soil and there they remain until some plant picks them up to escort them into the food chain. This can happen either by eating a stick of celery grown in contaminated soil or a hamburger from a cow that ate grass or grain grown in contaminated soil.

Ugh. So what is a consumer supposed to do? When food is from a factory (grocery stores stock mostly factory farmed food) we have no idea what we are getting. But that does not have to be the case for you. A good start is to know the people who grow your food and the land where it is grown. Or better yet get to know the soil where you live and produce a portion of your food sustainably.

More thoughts from Laura

Luke is going to help my family prepare to grow some of our own food. He is a talented organic farmer and landscape designer who focuses on creating beautiful, healthy gardens that require little maintenance and produce wonderful food. Luke offers in-person consults, over-the-phone coaching and a monthly newsletter. You can reach him at: branches.landscapes@gmail.com to sign up for his newsletter or inquire about services.

Related posts:

1. Harmony Farms – prevention for the healthcare crises.
2. Healthy eating on the road – tips from complementary medicine practitioners.
3. WARNING: massive food recall by FDA

Two glasses of water (filtered), one glass with one-half of a lemon squeezed into it.

Breakfast:

One piece of fresh fruit (at room temperature), such as apple, pear, banana, grapes or citrus.  Chew well, mixing each bite with saliva.

15-20 minutes later:  One bowl of cooked whole grains – specifically millet, brown rice, amaranth, quinoa, raw buckwheat or buckwheat.

Flavoring may be two tablespoons of fruit juice for a sweeter breakfast taste, or use the “better butter” mixture mentioned below with a little rock salt or tamari for a deeper flavor.

11:00 a.m. One to two cups veggie water, saved from steamed vegetables.  Add a little sea salt or kelp and drink slowly, mixing each mouthful with saliva.

>Lunch (Noon – 1 p.m.):

One to two medium bowls of steamed vegetables; use a variety, including roots, stems, and greens – e.g., potatoes and yams, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beets, asparagus, kale, swiss chard and cabbage.  Chew well!

3:00 p.m. One to two cups veggie water, saved from steamed vegetables.  Add a little sea salt or kelp and drink slowly, mixing each mouthful with saliva.

>Dinner (5 – 6 p.m.):

Same as lunch.  (change vegetables for taste variety).

>Evening & Bedtime (Asleep by 10 p.m.):

Herbal teas only – e.g. peppermint, chamomile, pau d’arco or blends.  Before bedtime is a good time to take your Calcium/Magnesium suppliment

Seasoning

Butter/canola or flaxseed oil mixture.  Make this “better butter” by mixing one half-cup of cold pressed canola oil (or olive or flaxseed oils) into a soft (room temperature) half-pound of butter; then place in a dish and refrigerate.  Use about one teaspoon per meal or a maximum of 3 teaspoons daily.

Note

You may feel a little weak or have a few symptoms the first couple of days – this will pass.  Clarity and feeling good should appear by day three or four, if not before.  If during this diet, you start to feel weak or hungry, assess your water intake and elimination; if needed, you may eat a small portion of protein food (3-4 ounces) in the mid-afternoon.  This could be organic fish; free-range, organic chicken; or some beans, such as lentil, garbanzo, mung or black beans.

The Detox Diet summary, copyright Elson M. Haas, MD 2001.

Presenter & Practitioner:  Cynthia Winslow, NH.D., Company: Bality, Inc. Raleigh, NC

cyndiwins@nc.rr.com

919.760.0900

Related posts:

1. Healthy Skin Diet
2. Healthy eating on the road – tips from complementary medicine practitioners.
3. Surprises: Organic v. Conventional Produce

So what can you do to get something healthy on the road? Hear are a few tips from people who made wellness their profession.

Planning ahead will help.  Know your weakness and prepare for it.

Solution #1: Pack your own food.

• Fruits: apples, prunes, grapes, grapefruits, figs (great iron source)
• Soaked and home roasted nuts
• Hard boiled eggs
• Vegetables: Sliced carrots, broccoli sticks, celery
• Cheese sticks.
• Protein and vitamin powdered drinks
• Home made muesli, with a large number of nuts, dried fruits
• Home made trail mix (nuts, dried fruit, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, and carob chips)

Don’t forget to have something to boost your immunity:

• EmergnC packets
• Green Food packets, mix together each morning
• Vitamin D3 2000iu daily
• Digestive enzymes
• Probiotics
• And keep some Activated Vegetarian Charcoal tabs around in case you come across Montezuma’s Revenge (2 tabs immediately then another 3 hours later usually do the trick) and for the party lovers 2 before bed helps ward off hangovers

Solution #2: Eating out.

• You are not required to order meals as they appear on the menu. Just pick various foods described in the meals and create your own dinner.

• • Choose salads
  • Order smaller wild caught fish. Smaller fish are preferred because exposure to mercury is lessened, and wild caught fish are preferred because fish farmed in a self-contained system are treated with antibiotics and chemicals.
  • Never eat shrimp from a foreign country, as they are farmed and treated with antibiotics and chemicals that are illegal in the United States
  • Order salad dressings on the side: vinaigrette, not creamy.
  • Order romaine, baby greens, etc. not iceberg lettuce.
  • Order omelet or other egg item with butter on the side
  • Order proteins, baked, broiled or grilled, not fried.
  • Order sauces and gravies on the side.
  • Get vegetables du jour, not potatoes or order potato and veggies and salad and forget the meat.
  • Ask for whole grain breads and rolls.  If whole grain breads are not available, skip them.
  • Ask for real butter and never settle for margarine.
  • Unless eating at an organic restaurant, any meats will have hormones and antibiotics, which raise numerous health concerns and should be avoided. Of all meats, conventional hamburger (as opposed to organic, free-range) should be absolutely avoided. Hamburger recalls are almost a monthly event.

• Sushi restaurant comes on the top of the list.
• Choose ethnic restaurants
• Ask the locals about good vegetarian or Indian restaurants
• Do some research on many of the larger chain restaurants to see what the calorie counts and nutritional content of the foods on their menus are. Choose 2 things that are low fat and low calorie from each restaurant and keep a list with you. Just order one of the things on your card.
• Once you get your food, bless it and eat it knowing you did the best you could with what you had.  Your effort will be honored and you will feel great.

And don’t forget to ask the locals.  They always know the best restaurants.  People like to be helpful and love to tell you where to go.

If you are on the road a lot: invest in “The Healthy Highways”, a total guide to all the healthy eateries and stores in the USA – on sale at Harmony Farms (Raleigh, NC).

And sometimes you just have to make concessions and eat stuff you don’t normally eat.

Many thanks to our contributors:

• Julie Seibert, the owner of Healing through Organization, LLC www.healingorganization.com
• Steve Long, the owner of Harmony Farms Natural Foods Store www.Harmony-Farms.net and Café Harmony www.CafeHarmony.net
• Cynthia Winslow, NH.D., BA Psych., Practitioner ; (919) 760-0900
• Barbara-Lynn Freed, Aromatherapist and Spiritual Healer, www.AromatherapyCelebrations.com:
• Cherry Pfau, MSN, RN, AHN-BC, Wellness Nurse; 919-830-1520
• Marilyn Shannon, Coach, owner of Power of Dialog www.powerofdialogue.com
• Ann Jones, CNHP, CNC, (919) 469-9953
• Denise Souza, Body Symmetry, 919-600-8840.
• Laura Combs, Healing Foods Specialist,  founder of Moving Strongly Forward, (919) 460-7092 ; www.movingstronglyforward.typepad.com
• Rev. Phran Gacher of www.PerfectCeremonies.com

Related posts:

1. Healthy Skin Diet
2. WARNING: massive food recall by FDA
3. Surprises: Organic v. Conventional Produce