HOW TO FEEL AND LOOK BETTER IS the quest of many people. Here are ways to enhance one’s looks, increase energy level and strengthen defense against illness.

We eat to live, although most foodies would say they live to eat (in which case, they are probably overweight or battling with high blood sugar). Truth is, the gastro-intestinal tract begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. It is the largest component of the immune system for it includes the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

Its system is so complicated because of its extensive network of nerves, neurotransmitters and nerve receptors which actually allows it to operate independently from the brain. Try not to have a problem with acid reflux, indigestion, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome. Look after your gut health now.

Eat chemical-free food. Organic is best.

Chew food slowly and thoroughly.

Take probiotics (like acidophilus and bifid bacteria).

Eat raw food daily.

Take digestive enzymes.

Replenish lost stomach acid with “hydrochloric acid.”

The form of betaine supplements minimizes alcohol and carbonated drink intake.

Cut back on junk food and sugar.

The the gastro-intestinal tract will deteriorate if abused and problems like allergy, cancer, auto immune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis may arise as a result.

Exercise is best

Try easy exercises like walking, hiking, jogging, strolling, swimming and dancing. Or, if you wish a gentle regimen with stretching and strengthening, enroll in yoga or Pilates.

Some busy housewives put on their fitness shoes and go up and down the stairs of their home for 15 minutes daily.

That’s good enough for circulation, waking up the lymph system (which removes the toxins in your body) and heart stimulation. Better yet, step outside and find a park. Sunlight and fresh air will work wonders for you.

Get enough sleep

Few people today get enough sleep. That is why pharmaceutical companies are booming with the rise in consumption of tranquilizers. A warning to those who take sedative hypnotics, they can cause sleeping pill-induced hazards.

Know that sleep is almost impossible if you have a hormonal imbalance. A major hormone like the adrenals, if in high level together with cortisol could be the reason why you’re not getting enough sleep.

For example, if you are highly stressed (physically, emotionally) your stress hormone cortisol is hyperactive. If you had a heavy day at work, fought with your spouse or dealt with family problems, your hormones become imbalanced.

Every minute of every waking hour, all of us are battling with the stress hormone cortisol. Chronic high cortisol will lead to heart attack. Chronic poor sleep will leave one fatigued and depressed. High cortisol can lead to high insulin and eventually, weight gain.

What to do

Recommended sleeping time is 9 p.m. or three hours before midnight.

Sleep in complete darkness. Why? Because cortisol is sensitive to light. Any amount of light will stimulate the body to wake up. Cover all sources of light, unplug electronic appliances.

Take melatonin supplement before bedtime. It helps.

Take a hot bath at night.

Avoid violent TV programs.

Do this nightly while sipping a cup of chamomile.

Today’s affirmation: “I sleep the sleep of angels.”

Love and light!

Christmas sale

Buy-one, take-one on selected items at CQ World of Wellness stores in V. Mall, Greenhills, San Juan, and SM Fairview. QC (tel. 7233878, 3323864).

Reference: “Breakthrough,” by Suzanne Sommers