Fresh foods contain the most nutrients

     It is well known that a healthful diet will allow your body (genes, organelles, cells, immune system etc.) to work optimally. A healthful diet should include natural fresh foods that are minimally processed (if at all), do not have pesticides nor have genetic  modification.

     Until modern times, farming was natural and widespread.  Hunting for meat/fish, finding fruits, scavenging for nuts/seeds and growing vegetables was the norm. Presently, some of these are consumed in lower amounts-if at all. The directional change from our ancestral diets has resulted in a loss of dietary balance and gut  health.

     Cows naturally raised with grasses and hay as well as free range chickens will be more nutritious and natural. Adding homegrown vegetables, nuts and seeds add fiber, fats and proteins for a well balanced diet. We do not recommend a low fat/non fat diet. However, if you are going to consume more fats, obtaining fats from olive oils, nuts and seeds, natural meats, fish and avocados for example, would be much healthier than fats from Doritos or McDonald's 'food'.

     Breads and grains like rice or wheat may contribute to the many illnesses and diseases that are prevalent today partly due to processing and additives. In breads, Bromine (potassium bromate, has been linked to cancer and is banned in Europe, Canada, Brazil, China and elsewhere Link) and has been substituted for Iodine. If you have cancer or a tumor, eating less carbohydrates and sugars is recommended. Tumors obtain energy using carbohydrates and sugars to grow-starve them.

     Staying away from processed and 'fake' foods (soda, fast food, packaged non-fresh food like cookies, chips etc.) with little nutrition but high in chemicals and preservatives is highly recommended. The evidence leads us to conclude that sugar is not healthful and causes formation of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) when broken down. It is pretty difficult to stay away from sugar, but there are more healthful sugars like those in natural fruits that one can choose to consume rather than candy, sugar drinks or sweets. 

     The medical literature also reports evidence that sugars feed the 'bad' bacteria in our guts whereas fiber from fruits and vegetables feeds our beneficial 'good' bacteria. Did you know that there are more bacterial cells in your gut than there are of your own cells? It is true, so let's take care of the beneficial bacteria and reduce the potentially 'bad' by consuming less sugars and more vegetables! Interesting ongoing research about the relationship between our gut and our brain has been coming out recently. Essentially, when our gut is healthy, our brain is sharper and can work optimally. By enriching our 'good' flora we will not be in a brain fog and can therefore think and process efficiently.

     It is difficult to maintain a healthful diet! Everyone cheats and that is ok. However, when cheating one can still choose food that may not be as harmful to us. Choosing natural foods over processed foods with additives will positively propel your wellness! 

Lastly, a nutritious diet combined with regular sleep is the key to better health.