Archive: May 2007

Eating right

Knowing how your body reacts to the right nutrients could improve your health

by Dr. Larry Green

Your body is fueled by what you eat and drink. Do you give your body “premium” fuel to perform at its best? Think about your last workout or athletic activity. What did you eat or drink before, during, or after the event?

SIMPLE, WHOLE, AND FRESH
Simple, whole, and fresh foods can be considered “premium” fuel. Take a look at what you are eating and ask yourself:

• Was this food processed or packaged? Simple, whole foods are minimally processed, come without additives, and have little or no packaging.
• How was this food prepared? To retain more nutrients eat foods raw, if possible. When cooking foods, steam or bake at the lowest temperatures recommended for safe cooking.
• How long has it been since this food was living? The length of time from harvest to your table will affect the nutrient content of foods. Fresher is better.

WATER, WATER, WATER
If you lack one glass of water below that your body needs on any given day, you can lose ten percent of your energy.

SUPPLEMENTS
Foods alone may not be enough to supply an active body with all the quality nutrients it needs. In choosing an effective vitamin and mineral supplement it is important to discover the right combination of ingredients.

Single vitamins and minerals are rarely found in nature, so they must be harmonized with other co-factors for effective utilization. Often a vitamin or mineral deficiency will cause a pattern of symptoms which can easily be recognized by a professional.

To use supplements most effectively, consult an experienced practitioner who can analyze your specific nutritional needs and provide you with a high-quality, well-researched product. (Appropriate supplementation will be cost-effective, too.)