Then What Can We Eat?

Now that we are clear on the things that poison our body, we can begin to learn how to nurture it. But first let’s talk about deficiencies. Deficiencies occur when we cannot digest and absorb through our digestive system. Continuing to eat food that aggravates our digestive system will continue to cause problems. That is why it is so important to choose real food for your real body.

The most common deficiencies I find when we are not digesting properly are one or more of the B-complex vitamins, Vitamin E and the minerals Magnesium and Calcium. This would account for a world of people who feel constantly exhausted and stressed. It is the B-Complex that handles our energy, our stress levels and our ability to sleep. The more deficient in this essential vitamin complex, the more of these symptoms you will manifest.Vitamin E is essential to healthy arteries, as well as the skin and brain. When the gall bladder is not functioning properly, Vitamin E is very hard to absorb even with taking a vitamin E supplement. Where can we find vitamin E sources in our food? Nuts and seeds, avocados, good oils such as extra virgin olive oil and expeller pressed sunflower oils, grape seed oils, and sesame oils

Is your diet rich in foods that supply you with Vitamin E?

And need we say more about calcium and magnesium? The problem with calcium and magnesium is not how much we get in our diets, but how efficiently we absorb it. The same is true for all nutrients. So what are good sources of calcium and magnesium? Big bitter leafy green vegetables, dark green herbs such as fresh basil and parsley, sesame and poppy seeds and almonds.

I find it easy to sprinkle a little sesame seed on my morning meal and know that I am getting enough for the day. Almond butter is a favorite and is usually a staple in my cupboards.

To help with the calcium and magnesium absorption, its important to ensure you are getting enough Vitamin D through the sun. I know, we have been told for years to stay out of the sun. Bad advice! Twenty minutes a day is essential. Isn’t it interesting that it takes about 20 minutes to walk a mile? So can you commit to walk a mile in the sun each day? Both will do your body good. And yes, I hear you people who live up north in the cold of winter. This is where a vitamin D supplement will come in very handy!

The American diet has us convinced that our only source of calcium and magnesium is through cow dairy products. This is just not true. Although dairy is very high in calcium, it is also very high in proteins that tend to be indigestible to the human body, hence, the high amounts of calcium never get absorbed, thereby creating a deficiency. Let's keep in mind that cows have four stomachs, a feat that most of us do not possess. So why should cow's milk be so digestible to the human body. In reality, it's not. It can cause great problems to the body including digestive upsets, cramping, and diarrhea as well as sinus and mucus problems.

For those who are extremely thin and have a hard time putting weight on, a diet that includes goat yogurt, goat cheese or goat milk may be extremely beneficial. Goat products give you the benefit of a good fat and protein that is very digestible to most of us. Sheep products can also be used.

Replace white sugars with pure maple syrup, barley malt, rice malt, molasses, stevia, organic blue agave and organic unfiltered honey. As you heal, small amounts of organic cane juice crystals and succanat can be acceptable as well.

Eat as much fresh, organic vegetables and fruits as you can afford. If organic is out of your price range, grow your own and buy as much as you can from local farmers. Try to avoid fruits and vegetables grown outside of our own country.

Whole grains are far superior to food made with refined white flours. Brown rice, barley, millet, oats, quinoa, and spelt help to balance out a meal.

Proteins are important, and different body types do better with different proteins. If your body does well with meat, choose meats that are raised free of antibiotics and hormones. When I eat meat, I prefer venison and buffalo meat, and look for poultry that is free range. I avoid farm raised fish and prefer the taste of deep sea. I am an egg snob and like chickens that lay my eggs to see sunlight and eat bugs, so free range eggs are important to me. The difference in taste is evident as well.

My body loves beans for a protein source. Any bean will do and I have become quite creative in the different ways to use them in food. I enjoy tofu but I have to keep it to small amounts as I have learned that tofu can be difficult to digest. Cow milk is replaced with either goat or soy; however someone else may digest rice products more efficiently.

And how about bread? My body is much happier when I choose organic sprouted grain breads or whole grain sourdough breads. I believe that these two breads are easier to digest and will break down quicker in the body. If you take the time to look, you can find a variety of each as well as sprouted grain English muffins and bagels that will help diminish your carb cravings.

Our bodies are unique and different. Treat them as such. When food is not healthy for you, your body will let you know.

Make informed decisions to reduce your stress in your life. Although most of us don't want to admit it, we are ultimately responsible for our own stress and as we have found in life, only the one responsible can change it. Take this responsibility seriously.

Move your body every day, whether you walk, exercise, swim or dance. Our bodies are designed to be used and if we choose to do nothing but sit, you are giving your body the message that your joints and muscles are no longer needed. Act young to be young. All it takes to change a bad habit is a step in a new and different direction, Do you choose to take that step today?