Beware of Trendy Health Food – it May Not be Your Best Bet (Part 2)
If you’re on the constant journey for maintaining and improving your health – chances are you’ll meet many contradictions along the way. The world of medicine vs. herbal and food remedies is painted almost entirely in shades of grey. Doctors, writers and experts can only reveal their part of the truth. But, there are many basic concepts at the core of true health knowledge that tend to get neglected for the sake of money and marketing. Now that it’s so cool to be healthy — we have to be extra cautious about what we decide to put into our bodies.
I’ve spent years studying people like Dr. Andrew Weil and Doctor Mercola (who have varying views, but extensive knowledge on how food can heal). And, on the other hand I see moms “thanking God” that McDonalds now offers apple-dippers as a snack option for their kids’ happy meals. If these moms had some basic knowledge of proper food combining, perhaps they wouldn’t be thanking the deities (so much).
Think about all those cereals that you see in the organic food aisles. Yeah, those $7 or more per box all natural granola things. Do you think those are healthy? Do you feel better after eating them? Well, what would you say if I told you that they may actually be causing an imbalance in your intestines?
When we eat anything our bodies must release enzymes to help break down our food and turn it into useful energy and waste. Different enzymes are released for veggies, animal proteins, carbs etc. So, when you combine dried fruits with grains and pour some milk over the top (soy, or otherwise) your body becomes confused about which enzymes to release. This can result in the food actually fermenting in your body (which turns the food to sugar and feeds the bad bacteria and yeast), staying in your body too long, and causing a variety of sometimes un-noticeable symptoms.
Much of the ingredients in your organic cereal can be beneficial to you. That is, if you have no allergies to gluten or sugar (etc). It is much harder to gain that benefit when your body has to work double-time just to digest breakfast.
Some of us are so used to occasional headaches, acne, joint pain, stress and fatigue that we write off these symptoms. But, these little signs can be related to how we combine our meals. And, even the healthiest of us can feel better if we decide to combine our meals properly. Studies show that if 80 percent of our meals include veggies, and 20 percent is either protein OR carbs – we will get maximum nutrient assimilation.
For more information on this you can research proper food combining and the 80/20 food combining rule.
2 Comments
UofL Fan
June 23rd, 2007 at 11:46 pm
I think buying fresh and local in always a sure-fire way to eat better. I think it’s more sustainable as well.
Michael
June 25th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Hi Gina,
As a young entrepreneur, and owner of an all-natural energy bar company, you make a good point. People should be more aware of what they are eating. I try to eat only foods that are made from ingredients I know of and can pronounce.
However, it is important to point out that one should eat a proper balance of everything (protein, carbs, fats, etc.), not focusing on one. Protein and fiber are most important, I think.
Thanks for posting.
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