Strengthening Our Immune System..Be Proactive!

Posted on November 6th, 2009 | 1 Comment »

It’s that time of year again..Flu and cold Season. Here are some helpful and healthful tips from our family to yours..

We take oil of oregano but only when we are feeling like we are coming down with something or have a sore throat  ..It’s an acquired taste! We use whole food supplements, we take Vitamin D (cod liver oil) and garlic. We always try to eat organic foods and stay away from processed foods.  We are washing our hands A LOT, clearing out our nasal passages with a ‘neti’ pot (you can use cotton swabs with warm salt water), gargling with warm salt water, eating lots of super foods, i.e.fruits /veggies, and we’re eating LESS sugar (SUGAR DEPLETES our immune system and makes us more vulnerable to flu viruses!).  Try to regulate how much candy your kids eat .  Take a PROBIOTIC daily.

Drink plenty of water and drink teas that are high in antioxidants (green teas, white tea). Remember to get plenty of REST. Watch your caffeine intake.  We like to get our nutrients from real food..It’s rare that we order out and we don’t eat processed foods which are usually high in sodium and chemicals (we can’t even pronounce some of those chemical additives!).   

There are some whole food supplements that we do like to take, especially during the winter months.  

Vitamin D is a great addition to your diet especially in the winter months in our geographical region.  Vitamin D helps to maintain strong bones and teeth, and strengthens your immune system. It can help to prevent high blood pressure too. Vitamin D is also called the sunshine vitamin because sunlight is converted to Vitamin D in your body.

 DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), are Omega 3 fatty acids, derived from fish and fish oils.  They’re important for your nervous system and help to prevent the winter blahs, SAD (seasonal affective disorder). DHA is a building block of tissue in the brain and retina of the eye.
DHA / EPA   are converted into hormone like substances called prostaglandins, and they regulate cell activity and healthy cardiovascular function and decrease inflammation .i.e. ‘arthritis!’  It helps with forming neural transmitters, such as phosphatidylserine (PS), which is important for brain function and may help  prevent depression.  As we age, we lose our ability to form DHA  EPA.
Vitamin D rich foods:
- cod liver oil, cold water fish: wild salmon, Atlantic mackerel, sardines
Shitake mushrooms, fortified milk, egg yolk, small amounts in dark leafy veggies

Dosage: for preventative purposes take: 1-2grams.
**People who take blood thinners should check with their physician first as fish oils have a mild blood thinning effect.

You can also get your blood tested at a lab to see what your Vitamin D status is. Health Canada recommends getting 200 IU for people up to 50yrs. Once again,  if you are on blood thinner medications check with your doctor first.      

Are you a Vegetarian or Vegan?  Some ways to get your source of  DHA and  EPA :

Flax Seed Oil , at least 1 teaspoon daily, alternate with ground flax seeds (buy whole flax seeds- it’s cheaper and will stay fresher longer;  grind when needed.                              Ground  flax seeds:  2-4 teaspoons daily.  Do NOT heat any of the oils, and only add the  ground flaxseeds to any foods at a late stage since heating will destabilize the ALA.    Many vegetarians, and vegans get enough LA (linoleic acid: omega 6) which is found in most vegetable source oils.  ALA (Alpha Linolenic acid, an omega 3 fat) is not as easy to get in a vegetarian diet. ALA is more beneficial of these two polyunsaturated EFA’s (essential fatty acids). These fatty acids are called ‘essential’ because the body doesn’t  make them and you have to get them from your diet.  Four grams of ALA per day should provide enough omega 3 to ensure EPA and DHA are formed by the body (ALA is converted to EPA and DHA).  Too much LA (linoleic Acid ) can interfere with this conversion. Try to ensure that the ratio of LA (omega 6) to ALA (omega 3) is at a ratio of 4 to 1..or even a bit lower.

Sources Of Omega 3 (ALA)

Flaxseed Oil- 1 tablespoon (14g) = 8.0 grams of ALA,  Ground Flax Seed- 1 Tbsp= 3.8grams of ALA,  Walnuts 1oz= 2.6g of ALA but also four times as much LA ,  Rape seed oil- 1.6 grams of ALA and 2x as much LA. Broccoli has 0.13g per 100g and cabbage 0.11g per 100g, of ALA.

Make sure you get your antioxidants!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Antioxidants are substances (such as Vitamin A, C, E and Selenium) which help to neutralize or reduce the effects of cell-damaging ‘free radicals’ (negatively charged, unstable molecules that can damage our organs and tissues of the body).  We have a naturally occurring antioxidant enzyme system within the body but we should get antioxidants from foods and whole food supplements. Free radicals are found normally in our cells as they are part of the process of energy production within our cells. We can become over-burdened by free radicals from: stress, pollution,toxins and radiation so it’s important to try to get antioxidants from our diet.  These are just some food sources which are high in antioxidants:  green tea, fruits (berries, prune , cherries, apples), beans(red, kidney, pinto),  legumes, veggies: kale , Russet potato, broccoli, artichoke, and pecans

Be proactive, informed and don’t stress..Our negative thoughts are cumulative and can wear us down….Enjoy the winter season (even though it’s a bit too long for my liking! lol). Try to get some sunshine when you can this winter, exercise and eat wholesome foods.

Some of the vegetarian info is from: The Vegetarian Society

WHY ORGANIC ?

Posted on November 2nd, 2009 | No Comments »

A definition of “organic”

An organic product is that which is raised, grown, stored, and/or processed without the use of synthetically produced chemicals or fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, or any other pesticides, growth hormones or growth regulators. Only farmers who produce food according to a set of standards, undergo evaluation by other certified growers, and pass a yearly inspection by a trained independent inspector can label their products certified organic.

Why is “Certified Organic” Important?

By choosing to purchase from independent organic growers, the soil is grateful, the farmer is happy and the children are safe. Everybody wins.

Get better flavour

There is a good reason why many chefs use organic food in their recipes – IT TASTES BETTER! Organic farming starts with the nourishment of the soil, which leads to the nourishment of the plant and, ultimately, our palates.

Protect your children

The average child is exposed to four times as many cancer-causing pesticides in their daily lives compared to an adult. Organic food contains no carcinogenic pesticides.

Prevent Soil Erosion

The Soil Conservation Society estimates that more than 3 billion tons of topsoil are eroded from United States farmlands each year, and soil is eroding seven times faster than it is being built up naturally. In organic farming, soil is the foundation of the food chain as opposed to conventional farming where soil is merely used as a porous medium periodically saturated with unnatural chemical fertilizers and controlled with even deadlier pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.

Save Energy

Conventional farming methods have changed drastically in this century from small family farms to large-scale factory style farms, dependent upon fossil fuels.  Typical modern farming uses more petroleum than any other single industry.

Keep chemicals off your plate

The FDA approved many pesticides before research linked them to chemicals that cause cancer and other diseases.   Now the EPA considers 60% of all herbicides, 90% of all fungicides, and 30% of all insecticides to be carcinogenic.  The bottom line is that pesticides are poisons made to kill living creatures, and can also be harmful to humans.

Protect farm workers’ health

A National Cancer Institute study showed that farmers exposed to chemical herbicides had a six times greater risk of contracting cancer than farmers who are not.  The health of farm workers in developing countries is a serious issue, as pesticide use is poorly regulated. 

Help small farmers

Most organic farms are independently owned and operated family farms. 

Support a true economy

Superficially, organic foods might seem more expensive than conventional foods.  Conventional food prices do not reflect hidden costs borne by the taxpayer in the form of subsidies.  Other hidden costs include pesticide regulation and testing, hazardous waste disposal, and environmental damage.

Promote bio-diversity

“Mono-croppping”is the practice of planting large plots of land with the same crop year after year.  Conventional farming uses this method exclusively.  The lack of natural diversity of plant life has left the soil lacking in natural nutrients and minerals.  To replace these lost nutrients which are necessary to farm, chemical fertilizers are often used. Single crops are also much more susceptible to pests, making farmers even more reliant on pesticides.

Organic farming encourages food production that nurtures our soil through the absence of pesticides and the presence of rich compost.  The inherent commitment of organic farming to crop rotation, living soil, companion planting, rural enterprise, pure water and sustainable agriculture is, in itself, a critical step toward protecting our environment and our individual health.  By buying organic, you provide a marketplace for growers who have made the future of our planet a top priority.

Nutrition and Your Brain

Posted on September 17th, 2009 | 2 Comments »

The neurotransmitters of the Brain are: Dopamine, Adrenaline, Noradrenalin and the stress horomone Cortisol.
Adrenal imbalances can wreak havoc on a person’s concentration, energy levels and motivation. The adrenal glands produce the neurotransmitter dopamine as well as adrenaline, noradrenalin and the stress hormone cortisol. When these chemicals are not imbalance a variety of symptoms can present themselves.
• irritability
• nervousness or anxiety,
• restlessness
• excessive sweating
• insomnia
• cold hands and feet
• irregular heartbeat
• raised blood pressure
• teeth grinding
• headaches
• seeing or hearing things

When these symptoms are present it can suggest excessive levels of adrenaline or cortisol. Quite often if someone is highly stressed the adrenals will be overactive. After being over stressed for a long period of time a person’s adrenal glands start to tire and the result is a different set of symptoms. The following symptoms suggest adrenal insufficiency:
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Inability to cope with stress
• Lack of motivation 

The  best way to deal with adrenal imbalances are to reduce stress. I realize that’s a hard one. Prioritize, delegate and participate in activities that relax you. Those are my most important stress reducing suggestions. It is also important to get sufficient B vitamins. A B-complex as well as vitamin C would be in order as well as cutting back on stimulants and sugar.
For low adrenaline levels, supplementing with the amino acid tyrosine may help. Also, be sure you are not dehydrated. Chronic dehydration is a huge problem in today’s society and it’s obvious that people just aren’t drinking enough water. I must emphasize…the body cannot not function as it should when we are dehydrated….THE BRAIN NEEDS WATER! 

Blood sugar problems, (aka Dysglycemia,) are perhaps the most common cause of mental health problems. Fluctuating blood sugar will cause energy and mood to rise and fall corresponding with blood sugar spikes and lows. If you experience the following symptoms you may want to ask you doctor about a blood test measuring your fluctuating blood sugars:
• mood swings
• depression
• anxiety and irritability
• fainting, trembling, weakness or dizziness
• excessive thirst
• heart palpitations
• blackouts
• forgetfulness or confusion
• cravings for sweets, simple carbs or stimulants
• aggressive outbursts
• crying spells
• chronic fatigue
• drowsiness after meals

To help with fluctuating blood sugars eat complex carbohydrates instead of simple ones. Think brown. Brown rice instead of white rice, whole grain bread instead of white. The sugars in these carbs take longer to break down in the body and give less of a “spike” in blood sugar levels.

Second, eat protein with your carbs. Protein is palatable, keeps you feeling full longer and it slows the release of the carbohydrates. Third, stay away from sugary snacks and treats……needless to say right? Also avoid dried fruits, eat bananas only in moderation and dilute fruit juices if you are going to have them. Eat 5-10 servings of vegetables per day. They
have very little effect on blood sugar and should make up a large portion of your daily diet.
If I may add one more thing…..please stay away from sugar substitutes. They don’t raise your blood sugar levels, but they still trick your brain into feeling as if it’s having the addictive substance (sugar). Besides, more and more studies show that artificial sweeteners are bad for us. Oh…..and again, DRINK MORE WATER..STAY HYDRATED.
Allergies are common in today’s society but most of us don’t realize we are suffering with them! You may wonder how allergies can affect the brain. This has  been well proven by chemical tests, scientific analysis and the experiences of many people. Specifically, the connection between allergies, autism and schizophrenia are well established, and we are beginning to see more and more symptoms alleviated through the elimination of offending foods. These offending foods are foods that people are most commonly allergic to such as:
wheat, dairy, eggs, citrus, soy, yeast, nuts and vegetables in the nightshade family i.e. potatoes, tomatoes and peppers. Also, many chemicals, food colorings and additives in foods can be troublesome i.e. tartrazine and benzoic acid. I think it is important to note that I am using the term “allergy” quite loosely here.
Although a “true allergy” is one that will show on conventional allergy testing, one can experience food “sensitivities” that do not show on “scratch” or RAST tests but can also present many symptoms. Sensitivities and allergies both evoke an immune response, however this response in a “true allergy” is more obvious and often more severe. We already know many of the symptoms that allergies can cause. The following are symptoms that people often don’t associate with allergies and sensitivities:
• digestive difficulties
• childhood history of colic, asthma, eczema, rashes and ear infections
• weak immune system
• daily mood swings
• depression
• aggression
• learning difficulties
• hyperactivity
• difficulty sleeping
• sinus congestion
• facial puffiness and discoloration around the eyes

Without getting into testing, an elimination diet can be an effective way to pinpoint allergies. This involves a two week “avoidance” and then “challenge” of the food in suspicion. If you don’t already have an idea of which foods may be causing you trouble, I recommend starting with the most common offenders (listed above). Pay attention to how you act and feel during this time. Keeping a food journal, making notes of what you eat and how you are feeling throughout the day, can also be a really great way to see the food/mood connection.

The next few issues also affect our brain they include: thyroid issues, B vitamin deficiencies and essential fatty acid deficiencies.(specifically Omega 3 fatty acids)
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)is a very common condition these days. Often the first noticeable symptom is a distinct sluggish feeling. This sluggishness can range from slight to so severe that a person may be unable to get out of bed in the morning. Depression is also very common in people will hypothyroidism. Blood tests are used by doctors to diagnose it, but they aren’t always reliable. Also, symptoms will often present themselves in sub-clinical hypothyroidism in which the blood work still falls within the range of “normal”. These are some symptoms caused by an under active thyroid:
• physical or mental fatigue
• depression
• irritability
• dry skin/hair
• painful menstrual cramps
• poor memory
• intolerance to cold/cold hands and feet
• bloating, gas, constipation or indigestion
• muscular pain
• sore throat or nasal congestion
• difficulty losing weight/easy weight gain

If you have 4 or more of these symptoms you may want to get tested by your doctor. You can also test thyroid function yourself with the Broda Barnes Temperature Test. Take your temperature before rising in the morning for several days, if it is consistently below 97.7 F, your thyroid may be under active.

Hypothyroidism is often a consequence of long term stress and poor nutrition. The thyroid gland, which is at the base of the throat, makes the hormone thyroxin which tells our cells to keep active. Our thyroid is closely linked to our metabolism. Specific nutrients, stress management and exercise are key in its treatment. The hormone thyroxin is made from Iodine and the amino acid tyrosine. You may want to supplement with 1,000 mg of L-tyrosine first thing in the morning and again at noon, taken on an empty stomach with a multimineral containing iodine, zinc and selenium). It would also be helpful to increase Iodine containing foods like seafood and kelp.

Hyperthyroidism (or over active thyroid)is less common than hypothyroidism. When for any reason the thyroid becomes overactive, chemical reactions in the body are sped up, with many resultant physical and psychological symptoms.
• weight loss
• excessive body heat
• increased urination and bowel movements
• restlessness and sleeplessness
• anxiety
• hyperactivity
• blurred vision
• bulging eyes
• enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• heightened sensitivity
• inability to concentrate
• breathlessness and heart palpitations
• diminished muscle tone
• tremors

A varied diet of whole foods and avoidance of stimulants such as sugar and caffeine are very important for people with an overactive thyroid. It would also be a good idea to take a good quality multi vitamin/mineral supplement along with some extra antioxidants while the body is playing “catch up”. Be sure to eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables such as:
broccoli cabbage or Brussels sprouts and try to stay away from high iodine containing foods such as table salt, seafood and dairy foods to name a few. Stress reduction and ample exercise are also key in treating hyperthyroidism.

B Vitamins are the most important vitamins for your brain. Niacin, B 12, Folic acid and Pyridoxine Vitamin B6, facilitate the function of those neurotransmitters that I mentioned earlier… They help control: methylation, which is how the brain keeps everything in balance, and they also stop the body from producing homocysteine. Homocysteine causes inflammation in the body and is thought to cause many types of mental health problems. B vitamin deficiency can cause and/or accompany depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia and can affect a person’s ability to cope with stress. Some common symptoms of B vitamin deficiency are as follows:
• frequent mood swings
• depression
• anxiety
• feeling “unreal”
• inability to think straight
• poor memory
• seeing or hearing things abnormally
• having delusions
• being overly suspicious or paranoid
• difficult orgasm with sex
• tendency to be overweight
• loose bowels or skin problems at the onset of mental health problems
• high pain tolerance
•
The amount of B vitamins that are needed vary from person to person. For this reason it is best not to rely on blood tests but rather be guided by symptoms. Food sources for B vitamins are whole grains, vegetables, leafy greens, eggs, meat, nuts and seeds, fresh fruit…….so as you can see a varied diet is essential. If you are supplementing B vitamins it is important to do so in a complex or multi vitamin. 

Essential Fatty Acids
• are crucial to a healthy brain. Imbalances in “brain fats” are now associated with learning disorders such as dyslexia, hyperactivity and autism as well as depression, manic depression and schizophrenia among others. Many people have a problem metabolising EFA’s normally and require higher amounts of it either through supplementation or diet. Some common symptoms of EFA deficiency are the following:
• excessive thirst
• dry or rough skin or eczema
• dry hair or dandruff
• loss of hair
• aching joints
• PMS or breast pain
• asthma
• dyslexia or learning disabilities
• hyperactivity
• depression or  in some cases manic depression
• schizophrenia

References: ‘The Brain Diet: The Connection Between Nutrition, Mental Health, And Intelligence’by Alan C. Logan

7 Simple Rules for Proper Food Combining

Posted on July 7th, 2009 | No Comments »

1. Proteins and Starches should not be Eaten Together.
2. Fruits Should Not Be Eaten With Starches.
3. Fruits Should Not Be Eaten With Proteins.
4. Fruits and Vegetables Should Not Be Eaten
Together.
5. Melons combine with NO OTHER FOOD.
6. Acid and Sweet Fruits should not be Eaten Together.
7. Eat Desserts first then wait 1 hour.

As any student of chemistry will assure you, acids and bases (alkalis) neutralize each other. If you eat a starch with a protein, digestion is impaired or completely arrested! The undigested food mass can cause various kinds of digestive disorders. Undigested food becomes soil for bacteria, which ferment and decompose it. Its by products are poisonous, one of which, alcohol, is a narcotic that destroys or inhibits nerve function. It plays havoc with nerves of the digestive tract, suspending their vital action such that constipation may well be a result! These are the salient rules for proper food combining.

The Basic Rules of Proper Food Combining:
1. Eat acids and starches at separate meals. Acids neutralize the alkaline medium required for starch digestion and the result is fermentation and indigestion.
2. Eat protein foods and carbohydrate foods at separate meals. Protein foods require an acid medium for digestion.

Nutrition On A Budget

Posted on July 6th, 2009 | No Comments »

 You don’t have to spend a lot of money to eat nutritionally.  In fact, the opposite is true.  Packaged, prepared, brand name, imported, out of season, and convenience foods will eat up your grocery budget in no time.  Here are some healthy shopping tips to get you well on your way to a healthier lifestyle no matter what you dietary needs are.

• Grow your own – cherry tomatoes, herbs, lettuces, and small peppers can be grown in pots on your deck during the summer months.
• Buy the whole chicken and cut it up yourself. 
• Eat more vegetarian meals – meat is very expensive and unless you’re buying free range, you should be questioning the quality.
• Buy in bulk, avoid packaging
• Cook more – eat out less
• Cook/Prepare in quantity – invest in a slow cooker (Cost is approx. .50¢ to operate for 8 hours)
• Buy in season and buy locally – to avoid transportation costs
• Take your lunch to work/school
• Make your own coffee – or better yet, drink green tea instead
• Eat nutrient dense food – you’ll be less hungry
• Stock up on sale items
• Shop late on Saturday night or early Monday morning and take advantage of the marked down meats and produce
• Check out the reduced bins and racks
• Avoid luxury items – reserve these for “treats” only
•  Check out weekly grocery store flyers
• Avoid brand names and choose generic brands instead
• Be aware of the “unit” price.  A less expensive product may also be a smaller quantity
• Use coupons – but remember, coupons are usually for name brands. Even with a coupon the generic brand often still costs less
• Ask the butcher for bones for your dog and use them for soup stock – Fido will have to find his own bones. Shop at local meat stores, support local growers!!!
• Don’t throw out wilted veggies – these make beautiful soup stock that can be frozen and used later
• Don’t spend too much time in the grocery store – you’re apt to spend more
• Be aware that foods at eye-level in the grocery store tend to be more expensive
• Don’t succumb to advertising – taste the samples but don’t buy – these are rarely sale items.
• Avoid “ready-to-eat” foods.  Buying basic food items will save you money and will be healthier for you and your family.
• Read labels – be sure you’re getting the best nutrition for your food dollar.
• Foods that have a Nutrition Facts label will also have an “ingredients” list. The ingredients are listed from “most” to “least” — in other words, if sugar is the first ingredient, you know that the food is mostly sugar!
• Shop wisely by using a shopping list, compare prices, and look at labels
• Shop alone if you can, and be sure that you aren’t hungry when you go – hungry shoppers find it hard to stick to the list!
• Be flexible — if you see an unadvertised special that is too good to pass up, change your plan — add that food to your list.
• Plan meals ahead, know what you have on hand and think about what you would like to cook
• Make a food budget, and stick to it!

Grey Bruce Food Link

Operated by the ‘Grey Bruce Agriculture & Culinary Association.’

www.foodlinkgreybruce.com

Alkalizing Your Diet

Posted on June 7th, 2009 | No Comments »

 Disease will only live in an acidic body.  In order to maintain a normal pH balance, the diet should consist of 75-80% alkaline foods and 20-25% acidic. The large base of your diet will be raw fruits and vegetables, which are alkaline to the body.  The acidic part of the diet is as important as the alkaline, but it does have to be moderated. This category includes dairy products, grains, chicken, fish, and eggs. 

Eating a balanced diet and following some of the following recommendations will ensure a healthy pH balance.   

1.      Drink the juice of half a lemon or lime in water as a beverage.

2.      Eat one cup of alkalinizing greens daily (kale, collards, mustard greens).

3.      Eat millet and quinoa as an option to the acid forming grains like wheat and brown rice.

4.      Learn to make miso broth:  (1 tsp of miso dissolved in one cup of hot water, not boiling water). Experiment with adding cooked daikon radish rounds and a small amount of cooked wakame seaweed to the miso broth.

5.      Make blender drinks using alkaline juices, green powdered supplements and fruits.

6.      Choose fish and lamb over beef and chicken for less acid forming animal protein.

7.      Use olive oil as it is less acid forming than other vegetable oils.

8.      Use buffered Vitamin C to alkalinize the system.

ALKALIZING AND ACIDIFYING FOODS

In order for the body to heal itself, and detoxify itself properly, we need to eat more alkaline based foods, instead of acid forming foods, which tends to make up a large percentage of foods most people eat.  

ALKALIZING VEGETABLES:

Alfalfa
Barley Grass
Beet Greens
Beets
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard Greens
Chlorella
Collard Greens
Cucumber
Dandelions
Dulce
Edible Flowers
Eggplant
Fermented Veggies
Garlic
Green Beans
Green Peas
Kale
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Mustard Greens
Nightshade Veggies
Onions
Parsnips (high glycemic)
Peas
Peppers
Pumpkin
Radishes
Rutabaga
Sea Veggies
Spinach, green
Spirulina
Sprouts
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Watercress
Wheat Grass
Wild Greens

ALKALIZING FRUITS:

Apple
Apricot
Avocado
Banana (high glycemic)
Berries
Blackberries
Cantaloupe
Cherries, sour
Coconut, fresh
Currants
Dates, dried
Figs, dried
Grapes
Grapefruit
Honeydew Melon
Lemon
Lime
Muskmelons
Nectarine
Orange
Peach
Pear
Pineapple
Raisins
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Tangerine
Tomato
Tropical Fruits
Umeboshi Plums
Watermelon

ALKALIZING PROTEIN:

Almonds
Chestnuts
Millet
Tempeh (fermented)
Tofu (fermented)
Whey Protein Powder

ALKALIZING SPICES & SEASONINGS:

Chili Pepper
Cinnamon
Curry
Ginger
Herbs (all)
Miso
Mustard
Sea Salt
Tamari

So that makes up a great number of alkaline forming foods that people should try and eat more of. Especially great for you if consumed raw, and organic.

Now here is a list of acid forming foods that we should try and largely avoid. Keep in mind that we do need some acid forming foods in our diet, about 20% acid, and 80% alkaline would be ideal, to maintain a healthy balance.

ACIDIFYING VEGETABLES:

Corn
Lentils
Olives
Winter Squash

ACIDIFYING FRUITS:

Blueberries
Canned or Glazed Fruits
Cranberries
Currants
Plums
Prunes

ACIDIFYING GRAINS, GRAIN PRODUCTS:

Barley
Bran, oat
Bran, wheat
Bread
Corn
Cornstarch
Crackers, soda
Flour, wheat
Flour, white
Hemp Seed Flour
Kamut
Macaroni
Noodles
Oatmeal
Oats (rolled)
Quinoa
Rice (all)
Rice Cakes
Rye
Spaghetti
Spelt
Wheat Germ
Wheat

ACIDIFYING BEANS & LEGUMES:

Almond Milk
Black Beans
Chick Peas
Green Peas
Kidney Beans
Lentils
Pinto Beans
Red Beans
Rice Milk
Soy Beans
Soy Milk
White Beans

ACIDIFYING DAIRY:

Butter
Cheese
Cheese, Processed
Ice Cream
Ice Milk

ACIDIFYING NUTS & BUTTERS:

Cashews
Legumes
Peanut Butter
Peanuts
Pecans
Tahini
Walnuts

ACIDIFYING ANIMAL PROTEIN:

Bacon
Beef
Carp
Clams
Cod
Corned Beef
Fish
Haddock
Lamb
Lobster
Mussels
Organ Meats
Oyster
Pike
Pork
Rabbit
Salmon
Sardines
Sausage
Scallops
Shellfish
Shrimp
Tuna
Turkey
Veal
Venison

ACIDIFYING FATS & OILS:

Avacado Oil
Butter
Canola Oil
Corn Oil
Flax Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
Lard
Olive Oil
Safflower Oil
Sesame Oil
Sunflower Oil

ACIDIFYING ALCOHOL:

Beer
Hard Liquor
Spirits
Wine

ACIDIFYING OTHER FOODS:

Cocoa
Coffee
ketchup
Mustard
Pepper
Soft Drinks
Vinegar

ACIDIFYING DRUGS & CHEMICALS:

Aspirin
Chemicals
Drugs, Medicinal
Drugs, Psychedelic
Herbicides
Pesticides
Tobacco

ACIDIFYING JUNK FOOD:

Beer
Coca-Cola
Coffee

What is a Holistic Nutritionist?

Posted on May 5th, 2009 | 5 Comments »

Holistic nutrition looks at the total person, their dietary intake including supplements and lifestyle. Nutritionists believe food is our most important medicine, and should be addressed first in the healing process. Holistic nutrition will show you ways to change your diet to provide a path to better health now and in the future.

Holistic nutritionists’ are nationally certified and regularly interface with health care practitioners aiding in addressing health challenges that respond to changes in food choices, allergens, supplements, deficiencies and imbalances. A holistic or wholistic, approach attempts to treat the whole person. Practitioners place great emphasis on the patient’s environment, emotions, values, and nutrition, as well as on his/her physical symptoms. Some examples of holistic practitioners would include general holistic medical, acupuncturists, chiropractors, herbalists, and nutritionists. Holistic practitioners help people use their own capacity for self-healing.

It’s about balance

In holistic nutrition it is believed that we need a certain balance of protein, vitamins, and other nutrients to help our bodies reach maximum energy levels and overall physical and emotional health. It is also believed that each individual is unique and requires different amounts of these proteins, vitamins, and nutrients to make that particular individual healthy. Holistic nutritionists devise nutritional protocols match each individual’s health and nutritional. Holistic nutrition addresses digestion, adequacy, balance, and moderation for each individual. Remember that a diet that is balanced for one person might not be balanced for another person. Experiment and find what balance of foods is best for your health.

Go Natural

A natural foods diet is very important in holistic healing and nutrition. Locate Natural or Health Food stores in your area. Most large supermarkets even provide a small natural food area. Try to avoid most of the highly processed foods. Local farmer’s markets or farm stands are great places for finding a variety of natural foods. Some of our local restaurateurs are providing local produce. Check out the ‘Grey Bruce Agriculture & Culinary Association’ to find out everything you need to know about local food!!

Take cooking classes and purchase cookbooks that are geared toward using natural, local foods. Freshly cooked and prepared meals provide more energy (chi) than previously prepared or leftover foods.

Have fun experimenting with different foods. Enjoy making a healthier you.