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Let's take the mystery out of longevity. It's essential to consider not just what you eat, but also how you think and feel. I recommend a wholistic approach—mind, body, and soul. Integrate a positive mindset with a nutritious diet, plenty of water, and regular exercise. Positive core beliefs like self-worth, resilience, and the capacity for growth are crucial. By nurturing these beliefs and adopting healthy habits, you take out the mystery of longevity by fueling these components into your optimal life.
Lower Noise Volume in Health
First, our bodies have a lot of “noise”. When our bodies run more efficiently this noise is at a lower volume. The noise can be seen in inflammation, unhealthy gut, sluggishness with systems and lack of energy and mental clarity. We want our bodies to run efficiently so we will feel better, have more energy, be more productive and do more. Obviously, as a Certified Wholistic Health Coach, I revitalize people’s health with natural wholistic strategies. Here are some ideas to consider.
Obesity Rising
The surge of obesity stems from multiple reasons. In 1936, US Senate Report #264 indicated that our soil lacked nutrients, especially minerals, making our produce nutritionally deficient. That was 88 years ago. More recently, on December 1, 2004, an article in UT News, Dr. Donald Davis discussed that the nutrient content of modern foods had declined between 1950 and 1999. “Emerging evidence suggests that when you select for yield, crops grow bigger and faster, but they don’t necessarily uptake nutrients at the same rate.” Simply minerals are no longer in our soil to allow crops to yield what our bodies require.
Another problem is the SAD – Standard American Diet that people were engrained to follow for many years. Grains are not the solution for good health or fiber content. Gluten corrupts the villa in our intestinal tracts. It shortens the villa making it harder for them to absorb nutrients, foods, and medication. That in turn makes us consume more. It also creates a leaky gut and more according to Dr. Joanne Conaway, Naturopathic Physician who wrote “Why is America So Sick?” Our population is gaining weight and having more health issues than ever before. I also glanced on this topic of GMOs and toxicity in of our foods my article, “How to Navigate our Toxic World?”
Being Gluten Free is Crucial
For longevity, avoid gluten in all forms, including rye, barley, buckwheat, and oats. Oats contain avenin, a gluten-like protein that can trigger similar responses and are often processed in facilities handling wheat products. If you're sensitive to gluten, it's best to avoid oats entirely. Personally, I don't consume oatmeal as there are better sources of fiber. Think of it this way: mixing flour and water for paper mache stiffens the paper, and oats can similarly affect your intestines. Both can damage the villi, reducing their surface area and nutrient absorption. Damaging your villi can lead to leaky gut and systemic inflammation.
Gluten + Sugar = Insulin Spikes
A lot of our baked goods contain gluten and sugar, leading to higher blood sugar problems. Dr. Dwight Lundell, M.D., a Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, stated in his book “The Cure for Heart Disease” that “Starch is for shirts, not for arteries.” He indicates that cells become resistant to insulin, which in turn raises insulin levels in blood. Cell walls stiffen due to high insulin from an overload of Omega 6 from vegetable oils. Additionally, high stress triggers cortisol, which also spikes insulin.
No Oils – Why?
It's important to stay away from all vegetable oils. You might wonder why oils are a concern. When you open a bottle of oil, it oxidizes, and consuming oxidized oils creates inflammation in various body systems. When vegetable oils, including olive oil, are used for cooking, they turn into trans-fats.
“Trans-fats are an artificial compound, never before present in the human diet, and they wreak havoc on the human body.” Dr. Dwight Lundell
He explains that trans-fats interfere with the metabolism of omega-3, preventing its anti-inflammatory benefits, and increasing C-reactive protein, a marker of low-grade inflammation. Therefore, it's best to avoid oils, gluten, GMO crops, and oats. While your body needs some inflammation to repair injuries, excessive inflammation can hinder the healing process.
Our Bodies are Like “Swiss Cheese”
I indicated that our produce lacks nutrient content due to decline of soil nutrients. Our bodies are like “Swiss Cheese”. We need to fill the nutritional holes our foods leave open. It is crucial to consume high-quality nutrients and clean, toxin-free foods to fuel your longevity.
Importance of Omegas
Since Omegas were mentioned earlier, Omegas 3, 6, and 9 are very beneficial. We want more Omega 3s from meat, fish, eggs, and dairy from grass-fed animals. Omega 6s and 9s are generally plant-based, from nuts or seeds. We want less of them compared to Omega 3s. However, you should consume them all of them as whole foods, not as oils, as the oils cause problems. When supplementing with Omegas make sure they are high quality that come for a clean source that is verified for freshness by an IFOS Certification.
Omegas are great sources of healthy fats and are considered anti-inflammatory. They are crucial for soft tissue such as your skin, eyes, and brain, and they act as carriers for hormones. They help with memory and concentration. They are building blocks for cells. A lot of hormone imbalances are due to a lack of Omegas. They are also needed for fat soluble vitamins like A, D, and E to be more bioavailable.
The 90 Essential Nutrients
In addition to Omegas, you need the complete 90 essential nutrients: 60 minerals, 16 vitamins, 12 amino acids, and the 3 EFAs, Essential Fatty Acids known as Omegas. The best mineral content comes from colloidal plant-derived minerals, as plants make these minerals more absorbable. The vitamins include both water-soluble (C, B complex) and fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) types. Vitamins C, B2, B3, B5, A, and E are great antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. For more details go to my blog post, “Do You Understand the Vital Role of Vitamins.”
Role of Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of life, forming proteins in every living organism. They help with cell structure, function, growth, and development, and are vital for enzyme production, digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. Amino acids are precursors for neurotransmitters essential for mood regulation, memory, and cognitive function. They aid in energy production by converting glucose into energy and maintaining pH balance. They come from protein-rich foods such as clean, toxin-free meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy, as well as plant sources like beans, lentils, tofu, and quinoa.
Now that your head is spinning, I have simple solutions for high quality 90 essential nutrients. Contact me via email.
Importance of Whole Foods
As I stated in my previous article, it's crucial to consume clean, toxin-free foods. Whole foods are important because they include fiber content, which reduces the sugar impact of fruits. Diabetics should avoid consuming too many fruits, but here are some great choices: blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and cranberries. These are high in fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Avocados are another excellent option, providing healthy fats, high fiber, and low carbs. Citrus fruits are also beneficial as long as the fiber or pulp is consumed; they are a great source of Vitamin C. All these foods provide a delicious way to boost your antioxidant intake and reduce inflammation.
Since antioxidants have been mentioned several times, it's important to note that they act as substances that shield our cells from free radicals, which can contribute to various diseases and heart conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals to prevent them from causing cell damage. The berries I mentioned earlier are excellent sources. Here are more organic ideas: small red beans, blackberries, red kidney beans, pinto beans, artichokes, prunes, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Gala apples, pecans, sweet cherries, plums, black plums, black beans, and dark leafy greens. I offer many products that are rich in antioxidant power.
To wrap up on foods, remember not to consume processed foods. It's best to cook for yourself, so you know what is in the meal you're eating. Cooking for yourself stimulates your salivary glands for proper digestion. For meat proteins select from grass-fed cows, pasture-raised chicken and eggs, and wild-caught salmon for fish. If you are vegan, ensure everything is organic, and of course, for everyone, fruits and vegetables should be organic. Consuming cleaner foods and supplementing them with high-quality nutrients helps your body function more efficiently. However, there's more to longevity than just foods and nutrients.
The Health Benefits of a Positive Mindset
Cultivating a proactive attitude, understanding the impact of human vibration, and fostering positive emotions elevates your health profile. Instead of reacting to life's challenges, strive to be proactive by planning and making conscious choices that align with your health goals. This proactive approach helps you navigate obstacles with resilience and determination, keeping you on track with your wellness journey.
Maintaining a positive mindset offers significant benefits for both mental and physical health. It begins with gratitude to cultivate a positive state of mind. This practice reduces stress and provides clarity, focus, improved confidence, and motivation. A positive mindset enables better coping with health challenges and stress, enhancing your ability to enjoy life. Studies show that it can increase lifespan by 11-15%. Individuals with a positive mindset are less likely to experience depression and are more resilient. They demonstrate higher levels of motivation and adaptability to change, leading to proactive behavior.
Understanding the Impact of Stress
When reacting to stressors, whether internal or external influences, the stress triggers an emotional reaction from you. In turn, leads to elevated cortisol levels, imbalanced hormones, sleep disturbances, and slowed metabolism. Instead of reacting impulsively, strive to be proactive and cultivate awareness of how stress affects you.
Navigating Your Emotions
Consider your immediate emotional response when faced with stress. Do you feel anger, frustration, or confusion? Identify whether you caused the situation or if it was influenced by other people or external factors beyond your control. Remember, you can't control what others do or the situations that occur. With this information, let me explain what happens to you emotionally and how your body reacts to it. Results of Low Vibrational Emotional Energy Anger, frustration, feeling stymied, and doubt are emotions with low vibrational energy that make your body's energy sink. They drain you of your energy and can reduce mental clarity, leading to unproductiveness as you dwell on the reasons "why." All this can cause a person to fester and become stuck. If someone remains in this state, depression may soon follow. Truly, no one is perfect, but dwelling on "why" is not important. Life happens.
Understanding the Source of Stress
What's more important is understanding where the stressor came from. If it's external, you need to accept that you cannot control a person, an outside influence, or a situation that has disrupted your world. Can you control an earthquake? No, you can't. However, you can control how you react to it. Maintaining a positive outlook during tough times is crucial. Clear thinking allows you to be proactive and strategize your next steps, avoiding wasting time on "why." If the stress is internal, such as bad news about your health, resilience is key. Taking command of the situation and seeking proactive ways to address your health crisis is essential for success.
Elevate Your Human Vibration with Positive Emotions Releasing negative emotions and embracing positive ones uplifts your human vibration, opening doors and propelling you forward. Momentum builds, and you find yourself doing more than ever before. Your stress decreases, you feel better, and you have more energy, productivity, and creativity. Positive-minded people live longer due to these attributes, continually creating and growing.
The Power of Movement
Movement and exercise offer more benefits than many realize. Ever felt that euphoric rush after a workout? Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, boosting mood and reducing stress. It gets your heart pumping, increases circulation and lymph flow, promoting overall health. Moving your body can alleviate pain and stiffness. Recently, prolonged sitting has been likened to smoking in terms of its negative impact on health. Even my car reminds me to take breaks every hour or two. It's crucial to get up, stretch, and move to break away from prolonged sitting.
Exercise Boosts Immunity
Exercise and a balanced lifestyle contribute to gut and immune health. Physical activity stimulates digestive mobility, improving bowel movement and increasing beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota. This balance enhances digestion, absorption, and immunity while reducing gut inflammation. A healthier gut leads to mental clarity, productivity, and overall well-being, allowing you to enjoy life to the fullest.
Exercising in Nature: Ecotherapy
Exercising in nature offers ecotherapy, allowing you to experience the restorative wonders of the natural world while staying active. Immersing yourself in nature calms the soul, with soothing sights, smells, and sounds reducing stress and promoting relaxation. I live near the beach. I love feeling of cool gentle sea breezes, the warm of sunbathing my face, the culling seagulls and the rhythmic sounds of the ocean waves. You will get the same experience in the woods or other natural surroundings. Some call it forest bathing. Whether by the beach or in the woods, connecting with nature through movement rejuvenates the mind and body. Plus, soaking in sunlight provides natural vitamin D, uplifting mood and enhancing well-being for longevity.
Essential Hydration for Longevity
"Water is energy and energy is life," as stated in "8 Ways to Cleanse Your Mind, Body & Soul." This sentiment rings true. Water gives us life. Water is fluid and flowing. It does surround us. To keep your body in flow, you need to drink water. It regulates body temperature, whether you’re cooling down or warming you up with a cup of hot tea. Our bodies, composed of 60% water, rely on hydration to clear toxins, circulate blood, and maintain heart health. While drinking water throughout the day, aim for half your body weight in number of ounces. It supports overall well-being and longevity. People who are well hydrated develop fewer chronic conditions and live longer. Water also promotes a sense of peace, with the sound of waterfalls, soothing rain and gentle swaying in waves inducing relaxation. Truly, water is a vital life source for all creatures on earth.
The mystery of longevity isn't so mysterious. Take care of yourself by reducing body and life noise. Adopt a clean, toxic-free diet, take high-quality nutrients to combat inflammation, and don't let the chaos of the world stress you. Maintain a peaceful, positive mindset, cultivate gratitude, and release negative emotions to elevate your energy. Movement and exercise promote flow and relieve discomfort, while hydration internally keeps your body in motion. By prioritizing these practices, you'll achieve a long, healthy, and enjoyable life, remaining strong throughout.
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Meet the author:
Debi Voris' transformation of releasing 70 Ibs. and becoming a half-marathon runner inspired her to become a Certified Wholistic Health Coach. She is passionate about revitalizing people's health and empowering them to break through their beliefs of impossibility. Through her coaching, she guides individuals to discover and embrace wholistic solutions for a healthier lifestyle.
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