Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, Fourth Edition (5 page)

Luncheon meats, pastries, fast foods, and margarine: If you eat these foods you are probably getting too much of the wrong kinds of fat: restructured, nutrient-depleted fats. Margarine and most pastries also contain hydrogenated oils, which are absorbed into our cells but are detrimental to our health. They make the cell membranes stiff and stifle the intake of nutrients and outgo of wastes, promote free radical activity, and contribute to atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases.

The oils used in deep-frying are used over and over. This creates a breakdown of the oil and increases inflammation throughout your body. Eating fried foods on occasion won’t hurt you, but as a part of your general diet, it’s not recommended.

Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and soft drinks that contain caffeine are a mixed bag. On one hand, coffee and tea provide polyphenols and antioxidant nutrients. If you like drinking coffee or tea, that’s fine. If you need to drink coffee or tea to maintain your energy throughout the day, that’s an issue. Try snacking on healthful foods every few hours to see if that works as effectively. Take naps if you are tired, rather than pushing on.

As far as energy drinks and soft drinks, my opinion is that these are chemical soups, food-like substances that have no place in our diet. Live on the energy that you have. Paying attention to what your body needs rather than what your mind wants is one of the keys to enduring health.

Lifestyle

Diet often: Weight problems can be caused by a hypoactive thyroid, food sensitivities, poor food choices, sedentary lifestyle, imbalance in the gut microbiome, and emotional and social overeating. Chronic dieting leads to further metabolic slowdown. A wellness-centered approach works best for the overweight person.

Lack of routine exercise: Exercise is the great stress reducer and enhances the health of our whole body, including our digestive system. Regular exercise at least three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, help your bowels to move more regularly, and increase your total sense of well-being.

High stress level: This indicates the need for a good exercise program, ways of nurturing oneself, and training to increase emotional heartiness. Food choices usually suffer during stressful periods, while nutrient needs are increased. Supplementation may be indicated.

Exposure to chemicals: Prolonged exposure to chemicals can cause environmental illness, which can manifest as obvious illness or as nondiagnosable complaints of confusion, chronic fatigue, headaches, or just not feeling right. Metabolic clearing and low-temperature saunas are important.

Exposure to cigarette smoke: Research indicates that secondhand smoke is detrimental to a healthy respiratory system. If you cannot get away from smokers, buy them “smokeless” ashtrays, open windows whenever possible, and take antioxidant supplements.

Cooking meals from scratch: Cooking is self-love. Home-cooked meals are generally less expensive, and depending on what you cook, they can be more nutrient dense. A simple meal can be made from scratch in 20–30 minutes.

Eating meals out: If you eat out for most of your meals, make healthful selections. Choose restaurants that serve salads, vegetables, and high-quality food whenever possible.