Energy = Vitality

In a recent survey of our tribe, energy and focus were neck and neck for top spots on our “HOW TOXIC ARE YOU?” questionnaire. Besides the usual digestive and weight issues, the results of the survey reflect the beating that our bodies are taking a when it comes to our everyday toxic burden. Based on their symptoms, our respondents had serious concerns not only about their focus and energy but also mood and memory.

It’s time to take your symptoms seriously! Your body is precious, you only have one, and it needs support as well as protection from toxic habits that lead to dis-ease. The good news is that there are many simple choices we can make to fuel our bodies and protect our brains. Symptoms are our friends – they lead us to better choices…

Our physical response to foods can actually help us navigate our way to healthier choices. When we think of food affecting our body, we usually think of how what we eat makes us feel – while we are eating and shortly thereafter. We enjoy the textures and tastes of our favorite foods and enjoy the comfort and satisfaction a great meal provides. Thankfully, our digestive system is great at letting us know if we are overburdening it or in need of change. When we eat a trigger for digestive disorders, we usually know right away and reap the consequences rather quickly.

Unfortunately, sometimes our bodies may not feel the residual effects of our toxic burden or inadequate fuel intake until long after our meal is a memory. Without a physical trigger, habits that drain the body’s reserves are often unnoticed or ignored. You may have seen the video passed around on social media of the little girl having an episode at a sporting event. Her little body had it’s fill of blue cotton candy and she looked like she was about to explode. You may not be aware of the physical response to the stress that toxins are placing on your body but your symptoms (anxiety, low energy, struggle to focus, poor memory) sure show it!

Energy for our body comes from the food we eat so we certainly should be putting the best in for the best results. Different foods have different effects on our ability to sustain energy levels and brain power so it’s helpful to know which foods should be staples in our quest for vitality and optimal health. And always remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Fit Foodie Tip: Eating organic foods can be great start to overall improved health. Eating nutrient dense organic food, the more nutrients per calorie the better, fuels your body and your brain. Even if the food you eat is organic, it’s recommended that you thoroughly wash your food to remove residual dirt and any lurking bacteria or other pests (Of course, we recommend that you use Eat Cleaner for amazing results).

Below are some of the best sources of fuel for our body and a few tips of how to maximize brain power. One of my favorite resources for brain health is one of the co-authors of The Daniel Plan, Dr. Daniel Amen. A shining example of brain health himself, here is Dr. Amen’s list of his Top 10 Brain Foods and some of their benefits:

  1. Raw Almonds: the only nut to contain a significant amount of vitamin E, which may help to reduce cognitive decline.
  2. Cashews: rich in antioxidants, which help with memory.
  3. Walnuts: rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for helping to maintain cognitive function.
  4. Dark Chocolate: considered healthy because of its high antioxidant content; the darker the chocolate, the better. Chocolate also has caffeine, which stimulates the brain increasing alertness and focus.
  5. Apples: contain antioxidants and fiber. Bonus: fiber helps to keep us fuller longer so we eat less and ultimately weight less.
  6. Avocados: rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for helping to maintain cognitive function.
  7. Blueberries: rich in antioxidants and anthocyanins (the compound that makes blueberries blue and may have an anti-diabetic effect).
  8. Cinnamon: spices are one of the foods highest in antioxidants, and cinnamon is at the very top of the list. Antioxidants help with memory.
  9. Oregano: like spices, herbs are also high in antioxidants.
  10. Kale, spinach, and other dark, leafy greens: rich in iron and phytonutrients (natural-occurring chemicals in plants that may help prevent disease and keep your body working as it should).

Visit Dr Amen’s Brain Superfoods for more brain superfoods and their benefits.

Did you know that you can exercise your brain? Dr. Amen suggests “Brain Area Specific Work Outs” – exercises and activities that stretch your brain power and help balance how well the areas of your brain work together. Dr. Amen has table tennis at his office and encourages his staff to take regular table tennis breaks to keep their brains fit!

Here are some of Dr. Amen’s recommended brain fit workouts to help balance different areas of your brain:

  • Prefrontal cortex (forethought)

strategy games, such as chess and checkers

meditation boosts prefrontal function

  • Temporal lobes (language and memory)

crossword puzzles and word games

memory games

  • Basal ganglia (modulate anxiety and motivation)

deep relaxation and/or meditation

diaphragmatic breathing

  • Deep limbic (emotions)

killing the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts)

gratitude practice

  • Parietal lobes (direction sense and spatial orientation)

juggling

interior design

  • Cerebellum (coordination)

dancing

table tennis (also works prefrontal cortex)

Not sure if your body is experiencing toxic overload or how to recognize the symptoms? Take the free Toxic Burden Questionnaire! It’s a quick tool designed to identify how toxic you are – you might be surprised! But don’t despair – we are here to help! If you desire a cleaner, healthier approach to fueling your brain and body – and you need specific suggestions to overcome the frustrating symptoms in your toxicity questionnaire, you are welcome to contact us privately to schedule a nutritional assessment. Your healthier, higher-functioning future can start today!

 


Older post Newer post