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Health and wellness are on everyone's mind and the world is buzzing with news on diets and lifestyle changes. As part of my services, I will share relevant information and posts that are up to date and scientifically correct, to help you choose between facts and fiction.
GUT HEALTH
“All disease begins in the gut.” ― Hippocrates
The esophagus, stomach and intestines play and integral part in the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. This is only possible with a healthy digestive system which contains healthy bacteria and immune cells able fight against harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Until very recently we thought digestion was the main role of the gastro intestinal tract, but scientist discovered and even bigger and more complex role which is linked to numerous health aspects ranging from immunity to emotional stress to chronic illnesses.
A healthy gut also communicates with the brain through nerves and hormones, which helps maintain general health and well-being. The key is in the microbiome of each individual. This is still a very new field of study but it already points to the influence certain food, environment and stress has on gut health, positive and negative.
Gut health has been linked to anxiety and depression and even neurological conditions like schizophrenia and dementia. Evidence also showed that the gut bacteria between lean and overweight people differ suggesting it may play a role in overweight individuals.
INTERMITTED FASTING - FEASTING OR FASTING?
Should we be feasting when we are not fasting? Definitely not, if the type and quantities of food eaten are not kept in check the weight loss result will be compromised. The general consensus might be that intermittent fasting is not a diet, while actually it is as much a diet as any other restrictive eating plan a person an a “diet” follows.
The reduced time allowed to eat in 24hrs cycle, curbs the number of calories one can consume and can therefore be beneficial to assist with weight loss.
This is only true if there is control on what one eats. So, do not turn it into a feast by consuming very high energy and low nutritional dense foods, or increase the amount one eats to the same or more than what was eaten before the intermittent regime was started
As with any diet, lifestyle changes and healthy choices have to be implemented to achieve long term results.
WORK, STRESS AND EATING HABITS
Modern life imposes al kinds of strains on our lives, mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. The result is tiredness, apathy, poor concentration and lack of motivation.
As a result, people turn to comfort food, high in sugar, salt, and fat or other stimulates such as caffeine in coffee and energy drinks or they take up smoking.
To explain stress, let’s look at the body’s reaction when you have to respond immediately i.e., a child stepping in front of a car. The heartbeat increase, the muscles are ready to respond, breathing increase and you are ready to rescue the child. This means the blood is supplied with more glucose to give you the energy to react to the scenario.
Where does all this energy come from? The energy needed for normal repair and maintenance is used which means digestion, cleansing and rejuvenating is not at optimal levels and prolonged stress can therefore speed up the body’s aging process.
To maximize energy for life the food choices you make is important. Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables is essential for optimal intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Eat slowly and be mindful of what you eat, this also helps to prevent overeating.
Be mindful of stimulants and depressants such as tea, coffee, chocolate and sugar and caffeine. These stimulants provide a boost of energy but is followed by a rapid burnout with long-term effects on the body, mind and soul.