Healthy Eating Habits

There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about what it means to “eat healthy.” The International Food Information Council Foundation’s (IFIC) 2017 Food and Health Survey found that most people find conflicting advice about what to eat or avoid, causing many to doubt their food choices. 

Sometimes we’re told to completely cut out carbs, but we also hear carbs are a primary energy source. One authority claims that coffee is carcinogenic, while another suggests it prevents diseases like Parkinson's. 

Though defining it may be complicated, 19% of respondents in our own survey ranked “eating healthier” as their most important health goal.

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Why is eating healthy so important?

The entire purpose of eating is to fuel the complex systems that function in your body — so feeding it the best nutrients possible is essential.

 Those nutrients, like calcium and potassium, directly influence bodily tasks like hormone creation and heartbeat regulation. Though vitamins and supplements are sometimes helpful, a balanced and healthy diet is the best way to ensure you’re getting the minerals your body needs.

The perks to eating healthy are abundant — it lowers your risk for health issues, improves confidence, increases energy, aids in weight management, and sets a good example for family and friends. 

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The World Health Organization reports that if people ate healthier, stopped using tobacco, and exercised more — 80% of all cases of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes could be prevented. This staggering statistic is reflected in nearly every major health disease — cancer, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and even depression are all less likely for people with a healthy diet.

Which nutrition plan is best for you?

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So let’s get back to what it means to “eat healthy.” A good place to start is USDA’s MyPlate. Basically, the ideal plate for each meal contains a balance of essential food groups. Half your plate should be fruit and vegetables, and the other half should be whole grains and protein. Add a small side of low-fat dairy and you’ve got a balanced meal.

Calculate your calories:Use the MyPlate tool to calculate how many calories you should eat based on personal attributes.

Just like with exercise, drastic changes upfront are hard to maintain when it comes to eating healthy (that’s why diets don’t really work for most people in the long term).

                                      ↚                        While the goal is a balanced plate at every meal, you can start by making small changes to slowly modify your diet. Keeping track of what you’re eating and drinking to help you understand your eating habits. Be aware of portion sizes and don’t over-eat. Try to limit excessive sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. Choose grilled food over fried, opt for fat-free dairy products, and try cooking with herbs and spices instead of salt. Drinking lots of water in place of soda and juice is another simple switch that will benefit your health in many ways.

But know that you don’t need to be overly restrictive or perfect with your eating habits to see success. Making small measured changes over time and striving for balanced nutrition is key to reframing your eating habits. “Eat healthy for 80% of the week and allow for unhealthy choices for about 20% of the week,” Diane Malaspina, Ph.D, Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialistadvised. “This is called the 80/20 rule. This approach teaches the skill of moderation and doesn’t call for complete food restriction so that less healthy food can be enjoyed in moderation.”

“Remember that fad diets aren’t easily maintainable, so it’s best to just adopt a healthier lifestyle that you can carry throughout your whole life.”

Dr. David GreunerCo-founder of NYC Surgical Associates

UCLA research found that the majority of people on diets will regain more weight than they

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 lose within five years. Diets, especially overly restrictive ones that eliminate entire food groups, can be hard on your body, make eating at social gatherings complicated, and if they involve exotic ingredients or subscribing to a food plan, can become pretty expensive. Both the USDA and our experts agreed that general moderation and a balance of food groups is the most effective way to achieve long term healthy nutrition.

Goals to get you started

To start eating healthier, just one or two intentional changes can go a long way.

Some great products and services for better nutrition

The Best Water Bottles
The Best Multivitamins
The Best Fiber Supplements
The Best Probiotics
The Best Meal Delivery Services
The Best Weight Loss Programs

A Guide to Your Best Health

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There are warning signs which can indicate mold toxicity. We are all exposed to mold but the level of mold we are exposed daily can have dangerous impact on our health. Even though mold is usually associated with dirty showers in bathrooms and rotten food, it is literally present everywhere and its presence is not limited to damp or wet areas only. If fact, you are ingesting and breathing this toxic substance on a daily basis, without even being aware of it.

Mold is not visible as it grows undetected practically anywhere, from walls to food. While you may not be able to see it, you are definitely being exposed to its harmful effects.

When the body becomes overrun by mold, it compromises the function of the immune system and creates a perfect environment for the development of illnesses which may take years to be diagnosed.
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THE SILENT KILLER

Not all molds are bad to the same degree, but there are some very poisonous varieties. They are called mycotoxins and contaminate everything, including furniture, draperies, linens and even clothes. Mycotoxins are very difficult to kill and once in the body, they attack the immune system and wreak havoc on the nervous system, the joints, and even the brain. Eventually, it can lead to many diseases, even cancer.

According to a 2005 study published in the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture,

“Acute toxicity generally has a rapid onset and an obvious toxic response, while chronic toxicity is characterized by low-dose exposure over a long time period, resulting in cancers and other generally irreversible effects.”

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MOLD TOXICITY

A 2011 study published in Applied and Environmental Biology has shown that 25-28% of North Americans are genetically predisposed to experience negative effects when in areas with water-damaged such as their workplaces or homes.

Moreover, the study also found that “dampness,” which is the perfect breeding ground for fungi and mold, is present in up to 50 percent of homes and buildings in North America and that “…fungal growth is a problem in 15 to 40 percent of North American [homes].”

In other words, you have a 50/50 chance that your home or workplace will be prone to mold and if it’s, there is up to 40 % that you will experience its negative effects.

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WHERE DOES MOLD GROW?

Mold thrives in the presence of water, such as poorly ventilated bathrooms and basements. It usually starts with a small leak in your roof or behind the shower.  

Very often, mold appears in flooded places which have not been properly cleaned.  Places such as dirty HVAC system which have accumulated dust and moisture over the years are also susceptible to mold. Sometimes, it can be brought into the home by untreated wood or construction materials.

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HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE MOLD POISONING?

When you are chronically exposed to mold, the symptoms may start as mild but as the body begins to become overrun by mold, the symptoms progress. 

The symptoms are very similar to the ones of other diseases, such as Celiac disease, Lyme disease, and fibromyalgia, which often leads to an incorrect diagnosis.

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14 WARNING SIGNS OF MOLD POISONING

1. Inflammatory problems
   2.      GI problems/food sensitivities
   3.      Numbness and tingling
   4.      Sensitivity to light
   5.      Blurred vision
   6.      Auto-immune issues
   7.      Joint pain
   8.      Fatigue
   9.      Headaches
   10.  Weight fluctuation
   11.  Neurocognitive problems
   12.   Brain Fog/Confusion/Memory loss
   13.   Mood issues
   14.  Sleep issues

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WHAT CAN I DO?

1. Test Your Environment

ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index), which was developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is the most reliable test.  

In case it detects mold in your home or workplace, it also determines whether it is toxic or not.

2. Find a Professional Mold Remediation Expert

If the test determines a presence of mold, it is recommended to find a professional mold remediation company which removes contaminated materials, make all necessary repairs to leaks, and clears air exchanges.  Make sure you test the area once again after the work is finished in order to ensure all spores are absent.
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3. Find a Doctor Who is Familiar with all the Signs of Mold Toxicity

Look for a doctor who is trained in the “Shoemaker Protocol” or is familiar with the signs of mold toxicity so that you can begin the detoxification process.

4. Eat Healthy

Once you are done with the detoxification process, it is important to eat and live healthy, by staying away from foods that contain mold, fungus, and yeast.  

In other words, you should avoid sugars and carbohydrates. On the other hand, it is recommended to take supplements, such as olive leaf, activated charcoal and glutathione which help restore the body.

14 Early Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity Everyone Should Know (Millions Are Exposed Every Day)

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The digestive tract is a rather complex part of the human body. It starts where food enters the mouth and extends down the esophagus, through the stomach and intestines and eventually, it exits the body. There are also many side processes that are part of it as well, including the pancreas.

The pancreas is a very important part of the digestive system as it neutralizes and regulates acidic food through the use of enzymes. These enzymes also help your body to digest the proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids from the food you eat. When your pancreas is healthy, the sugar in your system is regulated properly and it results in a stronger digestive system. The following foods can help your pancreas to do its job properly.

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1. Turmeric↚

2. Garlic↚

3. Spinach

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4. Broccoli

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5. Grapes

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6. Sweet Potatoes

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7. Oregano

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8. Dandelion

Bonus tips for a healthy pancreas:

Turmeric is an aromatic powder that comes from a plant in the ginger family. It is frequently used for coloring and flavoring various food dishes, particularly, Asian food. 

It is also something that has many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory benefits that can reduce pain. The pancreas can experience certain burning sensations and turmeric can help to reduce them significantly. In addition, this natural product helps the pancreas to produce insulin and that helps to prevent diabetes and to regulate your blood sugar levels.

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If there is one product that has received a lot of press over the years, it is garlic. In fact, you have probably heard individuals talking about eating a combination of honey and garlic on an empty stomach. It certainly can help with the digestive process but it goes much further than simply easing digestion. Garlic contains antibiotic properties and when it is combined with certain foods, the effect is multiplied. Some of the foods that can combine nicely with garlic include onion, honey, and fenugreek. By eating these foods regularly, you can boost your immune system and help with the workings of many internal organs, including the pancreas.

Spinach is a rich resource of iron and vitamin B. The vitamin B nourishes the pancreas and the iron helps to reduce inflammation. Spinach can be combined with various foods to help the pancreas even further. Many people enjoy spinach and a stirfry along with garlic or with onion and a salad.

Another benefit of spinach is that it contains a lot of MGDG, which is known to naturally fight cancer and can help to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables are known for their cancer-fighting abilities and they can keep the pancreas free of disease and healthy. Cruciferous vegetables including cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli. They are packed full of flavonoids, perfect for detoxification of the human body.

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It is often recommended to eat red grapes because they contain resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant substance. When you eat red grapes, it can reduce inflammation in the pancreas and may remove cancerous cells in the pancreas as well.

Eating raw red grapes on a daily basis is generally recommended. A little red wine can also help in achieving those benefits.

There is a theory that we should be eating food that looks similar to an internal organ because it is good for that organ. For example, you may hear about eating celery for your bones, tomatoes for the heart or walnuts for our brain. Sweet potatoes look a lot like our pancreas. They not only have that appearance, there is evidence to show that they may reduce pancreatic cancer risks by up to 50%. They also are low glycemic, so they release their blood sugar slowly into the bloodstream.

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Many disorders associated with oxidation can be treated with oregano. It has a powerful antioxidant effect and may be anti-hyperglycemic, which is just right for the pancreas.

Drinking dandelion tea on a regular basis can help to detoxify both the liver and pancreas. It gives the pancreas an overhaul, removing damaged tissues and helping with the production of bile juice. There is also some evidence to show that dandelion root extract may fight cancerous cells without being too harsh on noncancerous cells.

If you suffer from pancreatitis, approximately 30-40% of your calories should come from fat from natural resources.

Avoid processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol.

You can reduce your risk of pancreatitis by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

8 Foods That Are Perfect For A Healthy Pancreas

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