The Goal of Life

What are the consequences of not living in agreement with nature? According to some, the current unusually harsh weather season is a result of global warming, which is directly related to not living in agreement with nature. Simply put, in my opinion and that of most scientists, this is simply laughable.

On a more health related slant, the focus of the medical community is on the suppression of symptoms from the outside, versus prevention of disease through improvement in health. Interesting to note that suppression of symptoms is a leading cause of death in the US. Now JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) has published articles regarding this same topic. More and more the US is waking up to the fact that the maintenance of health is better than the treatment of disease.

One would think that living in agreement with nature would be common sense. However, common sense is not so common. Here are a few pointers on how the gain and maintain health:

*  Eat Whole Foods. Focus on diet of inclusion

*  Eat a balanced diet with optimal protein, unrefined carbohydrates and the right fats. There are health promoting and health destroying foods within each macro-nutrient category, including fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

*  Stay hydrated. Water is an essential by-product of beta oxidation and you need it to burn fat! If you are even slightly dehydrated you will lower your metabolism and you won't be able to perform at your peak.

*  The types of fats and oils you eat can dramatically impact your health. Emphasize monounsaturated fats and omega 3 fats found in cold water fish, avocados, raw nuts and seeds (not peanuts) and virgin olive oil.

*  Eat foods rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants. Some of the favorites include red grapes, turmeric, sesame, tomatoes in olive oil, ginger, celery, rosemary, saffron, garlic, cherries, berries, cabbage, umbelliferous vegetables, green tea, freshly ground flax seed meal (not oil) and licorice.

*  Avoid health destructive foods and toxic chemicals including:

  - pro-inflammatory and rancid fats including corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed oils, all margarine, trans fats and fried foods.

  - hormones and additives in meats, chicken and eggs

  - farm raised fish treated with additives, hormones and unhealthy feed (buy wild caught fish)

  - processed foods

  - refined and simple sugars, high glycemic foods including fruit juice, white flour.

  - Iron fortified cereals (and vitamins)

  - Soda (especially diet)

  - Drugs - OTC or prescribed (sulfur, mercury, thermisol etc)

  - Vaccinations (do your own research and choose wisely)

*  You cannot supplement a poor diet to make it healthy. It is impossible to get all of the nutrients you need even in the most healthy and balanced diet. Use supplements to enhance a healthy diet to make it optimal.

*  Balance your hormone responses. Eat, work, exercise, rest and play to support appropriate hormone responses of growth hormone, cortisol, adrenaline and insulin.

*  Avoid toxic exposure: Eat organic, use environmentally friendly household products, filter your air and water. It is estimated that 80% of all cancers are from tobacco, nutrition and environmental carcinogens. Add houseplants to reduce the chemicals in the air.

*  Exercise is dose dependent. You must make sure you are doing the right amount of each to ensure optimal results, as too much can have a negative effect as too little. There are 3 types of exercise - adaptive (resistance training), calming (flexibility/core exercises) and stimulating (cardio). Which type, how much of it and at what intensity depends on you metabolism type.

*  Maintain your ideal body fat percentage and remember you must be healthy to lose body fat and increase lean muscle mass. Test your body fat percentage vs. testing your weight regularly.

*  Take time out for fun and get adequate rest. Laughing and smiling changes your brain chemistry for the better. Mindful exercise like yoga have been shown to enhance the immune system. Do not eat 3 hours before bedtime as this is the time the body can put its efforts into repair vs. digestion.

* Chiropractic Care: Your nervous system controls all body function, including your immune system, glandular system, circulatory system, digestive system, elimination system, and musculoskeletal system. Regular chiropractic care is the foundation for optimizing health and assisting the body in restoring health, maintaining and maximizing function.

Follow these simple steps to  maintain your own health and those of your loved ones.

The goal of life is living in agreement with nature.

 Zeno, Greek philosopher (335 BC - 264 BC)