It is said that this is a toxic world. Health aficionados passionate about their well-being are often paranoid about the food they eat, the beverages they drink, and even the air they breathe.
But one cannot live this way without turning paranoid. Here are some pointers to consider everyday of our lives. As they say, you may want to live to 100, but it’s the journey that makes life worth living.
Omega-6
There are two essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6. It is a known fact that most people get more than enough of omega-6 in their diets, but not enough of omega-3. The reason is that deriving omega-3 from food is almost impossible, as heat, through the process of cooking, destroys omega-3. It is also good to know that only omega-3 fatty acids lower triglycerides as well as cholesterol. Omega-6 cannot do this.
Example: a classic steak dinner of baked potato with omega-6 fats in your salad dressing. This starts a process inside your body that could increase your cancer and vascular risks.
Even if your salad dressing says olive oil, it could be mixed with other oils. If you combine a huge plate of pasta with omega-6 fats, you are setting yourself up for an inflammatory response by the body. That’s because a surge in your blood sugar level prompts excess insulin secretion.
Natural omega-6 sources are oils from corn, olive, hemp, sunflower, soybean, safflower, evening primrose, grapeseed, sesame, walnut and chicken.
Omega-3 is found in olive oils, garlic, fish, fruits, grains, vegetables, flaxseed.
Most, if not all, fast-food chains use omega-6 oils. If you are a fast-food patron, balance your omega-6 intake with omega-3. Both oils are a tandem and work in synergy.
Omega-3 retards arthrosclerosis, lowers CDC cholesterol and triglycerides, results in healthy skin, may prevent depression, and protects against migraines and kidney problems.
Omega-6 may prevent allergies (especially in evening primrose oil), may help reduce hypertension, and prevents ADHD if combined with omega-3.
Essential oils
While essential oils should not be taken internally, they actually work on the inside to make us feel better.
Note: These are not to be used during pregnancy or by people with epilepsy or asthma: basil—for mental alertness; cinnamon—sexual stimulant, physical energy; chamomile—stress reliever, sedative; lavender—muscle pain, stress buster; sandalwood—aphrodisiac, immune booster; neroli—calming agent; ylang-ylang—relaxant, lowers blood pressure.
Essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil, like almond, coconut, etc. Never place directly on the skin. Consult a natural/holistic medicine practitioner before mixing your own concoctions.
Ice cravings
Have you heard of people craving for ice? Apart from finding relief from the heat of the sun, a craving for ice may indicate a mineral deficiency. Chances are, ice-cravers should be deficient in iron, which may be caused by low-grade anemia.
To address this situation immediately, add more of the following to the diet: oysters, liver, dried peaches, asparagus, oatmeal. And take organic iron supplements, like moringa (malunggay). See your doctor.
Soak bath
In a tub of warm water, add 5 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 5 tbsp rock/sea salt, and the juice of one whole orange. Throw in everything—including the orange! This is an energizing detox soak; soak for seven minutes. Rinse with a cold shower.
Affirm today: “Dreams do come true for me!”
Love and light!