Holistic Nourishment

In the United States, Alzheimer’s disease is currently at epidemic proportions, with 5.4 million Americans—including one in eight people aged 65 and over—living with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2011 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.

By 2050, this is expected to jump to 16 million, and in the next 20 years, it is projected that Alzheimer’s will affect one in four Americans, rivaling the current prevalence of obesity and diabetes.

There is still no known cure for this devastating disease, and very few treatments. Alzheimer’s drugs are often of little to no benefit at all, which underscores the importance of prevention throughout your lifetime.

While memory loss is indeed common among Westerners, it is NOT a “normal” part of aging, and cognitive changes are by no means inevitable. Research repeatedly suggests the best hope for patients lies in prevention through optimal diet, exercise and staying socially and mentally active. (more…)

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, degenerative disease of the nerves in the brain and spine.  The disease causes the body to attack an insulating substance around nerve cells called myelin.  When the myelin is damaged, the function of the nerves deteriorate, resulting in symptoms such as muscle weakness, imbalance or loss of coordination, vision loss, and tremors.  Research is now showing that the disease can be reversed by adopting a paleolithic diet (primarily meat, veggies, and nuts), optimizing vitamin D levels, and avoiding artificial ingredients, especially aspartame.

While the exact cause of MS is still largely unknown, it is now understood that environmental factors play a large role in the development of this degenerative disease.  Diet is one of the most important ways for individuals with MS to control and reverse their disease.  The Paleo Diet, consisting of organic, whole foods from grass-fed meats, vegetables (sea and land), fermented foods, and nuts, is packed with nutrients that protect the nervous system and immune system. The Paleo Diet is high in B vitamins, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids (animal based EPA and DHA) that support myelin growth and repair.

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Vitamin D:  Is Your Deficiency an Obstacle in Your Health?

Vitamin D is actually a prohormone that is critically important for the development, growth, and maintenance of a healthy body.  It activates hundreds of genes that promote health and reduce your risk of getting any chronic disease.

It is produced in the skin when exposed to UVB light.  UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and causes wrinkles and damages DNA.  On average, getting 15 minutes of sunlight at least a couple of times a week, will keep your vitamin D levels in a normal range.

Phytoplankton, zooplankton, and algae have the capacity to produce vitamin D.  However, most animal and plant foods we consume do not contain vitamin D.  Sunlight is the natural way of getting our vitamin D.

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A vegan diet has many health benefits, but it can also deteriorate health as well.  Having a good understanding of the benefits as well as the dangers will help you make the healthiest dietary choices in accordance with your biochemical individuality.  (more…)