One of the most powerful steps to lose weight, stop pain, fatigue and depression is to know your food. Do you know the contents and origin of your food? Do you examine product labels when you go shopping?
Ensuring that you’re purchasing clean foods that aren’t loaded with chemicals is vital. Choosing natural and organic options whenever possible is the best course of action. As a result of the country’s mass food production, many producers have no choice but to use harmful substances like pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. These chemicals can leave residues on the produce, which can be harmful to human health if ingested over time.
Pesticides, in particular, have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, and neurological problems. Additionally, fruits and vegetables can also be contaminated with bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella, especially if they are not washed properly.
Before consuming your fruits and veggies, it’s essential to wash them thoroughly. There are many products available on the market to help you take care of your produce. Soaking your produce in a baking soda or salt water solution for 20 minutes can also help eliminate toxins. Contact us for product recommendations. Learn how to wash your fruits and vegetables properly.
Consuming low-quality foods can result in a range of symptoms. You may first experience fatigue, followed by headaches, brain fog, and sleep disturbances. Being excessively toxic can lead to more serious issues, such as chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Feel free to consult with us for advice on detox methods.
Fats
Ensuring that you consume good quality healthy fats is crucial. Examples include olive or coconut oils, organic grass-fed butter, full-fat dairy products like yogurt and cheeses, nuts such as walnuts and almonds, and seeds like flax and pumpkin. Since fat is essential for the brain, preserving it is vital.
Protein
Protein is an essential macronutrient that is necessary for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues in the body. It is also involved in several other important functions, including the production of enzymes and hormones, immune function, and energy production. Locally sourced and organic protein sources are also preferred as they are typically produced without the use of harmful chemicals and hormones, and they are often more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Animal proteins are essential to the human body. If you are experiencing chronic symptoms, you may be deficient in certain components that come from eating meat.
Sugars
Consuming excessive amounts of sugar, especially in the form of added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, or dextrose, can have negative effects on your health. Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. Additionally, consuming artificial sweeteners like aspartame has been associated with negative health effects, including headaches, digestive issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Grains
When shopping for grains, opt for non-GMO, organic, and minimally processed varieties to minimize toxin exposure, including glyphosate, a frequently used herbicide. It’s important to choose whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, and oats, as they provide important nutrients like fiber and vitamins. Refined grains, like white bread and white rice, have had the nutrient-rich outer layer removed, leaving behind a less nutritious product. It’s also a good idea to check food labels for added sugars, as some processed grain products may contain high amounts of added sugars.
We love to talk about nutrition at Vitality Chiropractic, so please reach out if you are struggling to make better choices.