are you aging faster than you'd like...?

ageing comes with age. its happens to all of us. some faster than others. genetics do play a role (facial features etc.) but so does your diet.....

you might be too acidic. what do i mean you say? the human body has a normal balanced pH level around 7.4 on the pH scale (pH = power of hydrogen) look at the image below... to maintain ultimate health and age gracefully you have to maintain a balance.

At rest, the normal blood pH of a human being is slightly alkaline, with a pH around 7.4 on the pH scale. Anything above that value is considered alkaline; anything below is described as acidic. Both, in their extremes, are life-threatening for the human body; if the pH value drops below 6.8 or increases above 7.8, the cells of the body cannot function properly anymore and the human will die.

Most Americans are below the balanced pH levels. More acidic foods just sounds bad for you don't they? Foods such as animal foods – meat, eggs, dairy – processed and refined foods, yeast products, fermented foods, grains, artificial-sweeteners, fruit, and sugars are acidifying, as are alcohol, coffee, chocolate, black tea, and sodas. Look at the way we celebrate getting older--hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza, cake and soda. No way to kick off a new year at all :(

So how can I slow down the aging process?

well we get old because we are not disposing of all the internally generated wastes and toxins, and accumulate the leftovers within our body.  healthy cells end up living in a toxic environment and are screaming out for help. our biggest organ, the skin starts to show since it is our external billboard of health. cells need to regenerate and thrive but how can they if your body is a toxic landfill. our bodies need an opportunity to release its highly positively-charged toxic heavy metals and other toxic acid waste stored in the cells. Alkaline water and alkaline foods/forming foods will help. (FOODS!!)


typical aging:
dehydrated skin
dry flaky areas
little glow or no glow
lack of color
wrinkles
lines
fatigued look
grey hair
and you know the rest...


I know you've seen girls and guys that have lost their youthful look and glow. I am 99.9% sure it is what they are recklessly putting in their bodies. I met a 65 year old woman that seriously looked 40...she ate mostly raw foods and only drank water and was active at least 3 times a week. I also then met a nurse at my Obgyn's office. We started talking and had a little in common and she asked "so how old are you?" and I said 30.."WOW, I thought you were 24 or 25" then she said I just turned 30...I thought in my head oh my gosh I totally thought she was 38 or 40. She was not taking care of herself...anywho...


How can I reverse it?!


They say "eat healthy" and "'be on a healthy diet" helps you look younger but by what standard?
A diet filled with grains, breads, meats and veggies (as per the food pyramid) or a diet filled with greens, low sugar fruits, nuts and lean meats in moderation. Well lets see...since the birth of the food pyramid its been downhill for humans and uphill for food companies.


Eat MORE veggies, greens!!! drink more water!!! You need to hydrate you skin and clean out the toxins so your healthy cells can thrive and re-energize!

In some extreme cases, the build up of acidic elements are so great that it starts to destroy healthy cells around them. Healthy cells must maintain a slightly alkaline pH level. Some cells change their formula in order to survive in an acidic environment. If they are successful, this is the beginning of cancer. Cancer cells are acidic while healthy cells are alkaline. Even if the cancerous tumors are completely removed surgically, as long as the acidic conditions in the area remain, the chances are that new tumors will develop around the same area.

To maintain a balanced pH in your blood and tissues, your diet should consist of at least 70 to 80 percent basic foods that is, no more than 20 to 30 percent acidifying foods. Its weird because our " FOOD PYRAMID" says otherwise. Too fill your diet with acidic foods. So what right!! wrong...your blood is your body’s living ‘river’ and needs to be kept at a p. Once again "NO GRAINS"  Having a healthy intestine is essential to maintaining a healthy body. Eating refined, fiber-less foods has resulted in sickness and disease because of a dysfunctional colon. Eighty-percent of all the nutrients from food are absorbed through the intestine. 

DRINK ALKALINE WATER IF POSSIBLE or a ph around 8.5

It will help to:
o Assimilate vitamins and minerals from foods and supplements you take
o Combat arthritis and heart disease
o Cleanse the kidneys, intestines and liver
o Protect your body from free radical cell damage
o Increase muscle and joint mobility
o Increase your oxygen levels
o Control digestive problems
o Regulate blood sugar
o Manage blood pressure
o Neutralize harmful acids

Some of the benefits of going alkaline…

• Prevention and cure of disease, helping to avoid many widespread and preventable diseases such as colds, yeast infections, even diabetes and cancer.
• Weight loss, as your body releases excess acid stored in fat.
• Anti-aging, as your body’s cell life is prolonged.
• More energy than ever! No afternoon sluggishness.
• Great skin, as it no longer needs to release acidic toxins through it.
• Better sleep and great sex life!
• Optimum health – there’s more to health than absence of disease. An alkaline diet lifestyle will make you feel alive and vital, improve concentration, mental and physical stamina and overall self-esteem.

why apples rule

Apples are rich sources of flavonoid and polyphenols both are powerful antioxidant.

Studies show that by eating 100g of an apple can give an antioxidant effect that equal to taking about 1,500mg of vitamin C. (read below)

Apples contain a large amount of minerals and vitamins that can strengthen the blood.

Apples contain malic acid and tartaric acid, that can help prevent disturbances of the liver and digestion.

Apple cider vinegar when used as beverage can help to prevent the formation of kidney stone.

The skin of an Apple contain pectin that can help remove toxic substances from the system by supplying galacturonic acid. Pectin helps prevent protein matter in the intestine from spoiling.

Eating an apple daily can lower cholesterol and reduce skin diseases.

Apples have been recommended for : Obesity, Headache, Arthritis, Bronchial asthma, Inflammation of the bladder, Gonorrhea, Anemia, Tuberculosis, Neuritis, Insomnia, Catarrh, Gallbladder stones, Worms, Halithosis, Pyorrhea

Nutritive Values : Per 100 grams

Vitamin A : 900 I.U.
Vitamin B : Thiamine .07 mg.;
Vitamin C : 5 mg.
Vitamin G : Amount uncertain
Calcium : 6 mg.
Iron : 3 mg.
Phosphorus : 10 mg.
Potassium : 130 mg.
Carbohydrates : 14.9 gm.
Calories : 58

EXTRA Info.....Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal growth and development.

Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of such vitamins in your diet.

All fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C.

Foods that are the highest sources of vitamin C include: (limit the high sugar fruits and stay with citrus unless sensitive to candida, apples, grapefruit and watermelon)

Cantaloupe
Citrus fruits and juices, such as orange and grapefruit
Kiwi fruit
Mango
Papaya
Pineapple
Tomatoes
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries
Watermelon
Vegetables that are the highest sources of vitamin C include:

Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cauliflower
Green and red peppers
Spinach
Cabbage
Turnip greens
Leafy greens
Sweet and white potatoes (do not eat white or limit)
Winter squash

don't beat yourself up

it takes time to drastically and permanently change your lifestyle. The stress some people put on themselves about food and exercise is just insane! Eat...don't starve and make better choices one meal at a time till you reprogram your brain and body for ultimate wellness. Don't worry we all cheat here and there but once you get to the point where food does not run your life and food is not your focus it is pure. I am almost there I can feel it ;) join me if you'd like to feed your mind and body and make decisions for health...read, educate yourself and don't follow anything blind...but please start with a baby step.

so many people are walking zombies or aren't even aware that they are not functioning at 100% it's a fact you are what you eat. my story is I've always been thin so I ate like crap for years. never gained weight so why not eat bags of oreos right...? well my outside may look good and lean but my insides were not. my cholesterol was high, I had headaches, bad circulation and damaged intestines. I took a baby step and almost 1.5 years later I'm happy with the progress. it's hard when you travel but it's getting easier everyday. I'm craving tomatoes and lemons now. baby steps!!!

a whole cherry pie to oreos to ice cream to jello to flavored yogurt to an apple for a snack took about 12 months. what a great change

hawaiian chicken salad (lacto-paleo)

1cup chopped macadamia nuts*
1 small container (8 ounces) light sour cream
1 cup organic mayonnaise
4 cups grilled organic range free chicken breast, chopped*
1/2 cup chopped scallions
1 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained well
fresh ground black pepper
salt to taste
lettuce leaves to wrap salad in and stuff down you mouth

Whole grains or No grains

So what are the pros to eating grains? Do you know? Why do you eat them? They taste good, food is food, it's in everything, it's easy, full of fiber, it's nutritious, it helps with heart disease and helps people lose weight.....really? Why?....I'm curious as well! Let's see here......

If you can get it from grains you can get it from somewhere else!

One slice of whole wheat bread has around 80% less folate and vitamins than lamb or veggies. So what it has fiber right?

Yup whole grain foods have fiber for sure and different grains have different nutrients and properties....but you can get higher fiber content from other sources such as greens (better for you and more nutrient dense, and not processed)
For example:
100g or brown rice = 1.8 grams of dietary fiber
100g of collard greens = 2.8 grams of dietary fiber

Grains are no competion for greens. Is it that we get told we need whole grains? Is that why we eat them? Or is that an excuse? but do we honestly need them?...I don't blame the preachers because they are making $$$$ of the industry of processed foods.

The Paleo diet is a great example to show you don't need grains, and it becomes clear how addicting grains are. Yummy breads, cake, cookies, cereal, pizza and pastas to name a few. It is true that there is an addictive component (that's another article)

10 reasons to quit grains...get the will power and you won't regret

1. You can get everything elsewhere. More of it and better quality
2. Grains aren't good for you gut. Intestinal health is critical (read previous article)
3. Grains cause inflammation. Due to high starch they are an inflammatory food
4. Your probably gluten intolerant to some extent. 30-40% of European descents are intolerant
5. Grains aren't good for your joints. Inflammation + immune cells = attack on soft tissue
6. Grains aren't good for your skin. Elevated insulin leads to hormonal issues
7. Grains are bad for your teeth. Grains contain phytates which is linked to decay
8. Eating grains makes you crave grains. Foods rich in carbs such as grains give you quick energy and rise in insulin levels which starts the vicious cycle.
9. Grains are in foods that are processed. We all know that is no good no matter if it says organic blah blah blah
10. Grains are fairly new on the scene. Think about how long we have been without grains. Hunter gatherer!

But you lose weight! Well of course you will because your eating more fiber silly but at what cost. You could permantely lose weight with veggies and no grains plus feel healthier, not rely on processed junk and look great...Plus your getting way more fiber, vitamins and minerals!

Why do I have a gut...?

INFLAMMATION IN ACTION

Why do some people have a small, medium or large gut then look thin or average everywhere else?? (you don't have to be thin to have a flat healthy stomach, it is not about size its about health)

some say:

- that is where i carry fat

- it's genetic

- i'm just bloated

- it runs on my moms side

- stress etc....

if you believe that then that is fine I am merely here to give you some personal information and compile learnings from online articles to book and stories so that you can think differently if that is something you choose to be aware of and better...

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The Digestive System

a set of organs that digest the food you eat and absorbs the vital nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, grow and function. Two major parts are the small and large intestines. Just like any other organ you have it can cause problems and diseases that could dramatically affect your life.

in simple terms:

-it extracts nutrients from foods

-turns nutrients into units small enough to be absorbed (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants)

-eliminates waste

The Immune System

When most people think of their immune system the last thing would be their intestines.

-poor digestion leaves the body and immune system wrecked. when you eat bad your not providing nutrients your body needs, and your digestive system has nothing to absorb and give to your body.

- your using your digestive enzymes to process unhealthy processed, rich, glutenous foods. we only have a limited amount of them and then your left with none which leads to gas, bloating, belching, muscle pain, skin disorders, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn and even emotional symptoms.

- a ruined or weak digestive system will "STEAL" enzymes from the immune system to process the crap you are eating. when this happens your are increasing your toxins and impurities.

-It’s not surprising that your immune system first clicks into hyperdrive in your digestive tract — it was designed to eliminate viruses and bacteria in your food before they infect your body.

Symptoms that something in your gut is haywire

symptoms of digestive problems may include abdominal pain, allergic symptoms, belching, bloated feeling, a burning sensation after eating, chronic bowel irritation, chronic fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, gas, insomnia, joint and muscle pain, nausea, rumbling stomach noises, skin disorders, sugar cravings, vomiting and indigestion.

Allergies

probiotics are closely related to mediating certain allergy symptoms and when you don't have probiotics...well you get it.

Inflammation

inflammation is one of the first responses of the immune system to infection. many experts now see inflammation as arising from an immune system response that’s out of control. with most of the population eating processed foods their body can actually think its being attacked and cause inflammation. inflammation is easy to understand...

we give our digestive systems plenty of work to do. our evolution from the hunter-gatherer diet to convenience and fast food is overwhelming our metabolism and GI tract. the deck is now stacked in inflammation’s favor. the modern diet offers us an upside-down ratio of fatty acids (omega-3, -6, and -9), too much sugar and carbs, and high levels of wheat, dairy, and other common allergens.

foods that cause inflammation in the body >

-polyunsaturated veggie oils ike safflower, sunflower, corn, peanut and soy

-high-carb, low-protein diets

-refined sugar and other foods with high glycemic values jack up insulin levels and put the immune system on high alert

-common allergens like casein and gluten

-synthetic fibers, latex, glues, adhesives, plastics, air fresheners, cleaning products

-pesticides, pollution, and heavy metals

-stress and cortisol

Why inflammation is on the rise

our wonderful bodies weren’t designed for a daily barrage of toxins, chemicals and pesticides in our food. eat clean, natural and feel better now!

hungry and don't want to cook GFree

www.pfchangs.com

click on image below to look at PF Chang's extensive GF menu

In the past I have tried the Singapore noodles, egg drop soup, garlic spinach, and lettuce wraps. Very good choices and so far I have not seen an Asian menu with so many choices!