Healthier Food Choices

Becoming healthier really starts with the choices we make on a daily basis, especially food choices. For many of us, we have succumbed to the bombardment of foods which are already prepared, over-processed and highly “flavored”. Don’t feel badly about this: you’re one of many millions who have fallen into this habit, a product of advertising just about everywhere we look. How does this happen? Part of the problem is perceived lack of time to prepare meals with fresh, uncooked foods and the other part is the huge assortment of foods in our markets. If you think about it, most of what large supermarket chains sell is prepared and processed foods.

Start to seriously consider what you put into your body. Are you reading food labels to see what you are buying? Are you only looking for price? Many times low cost foods are low priced for a reason; they could be out of date, had been improperly stored so that nutrients are destroyed, or perhaps have ingredients which are downright harmful. The worst of these are substances known as excitotoxins, like MSG. Many people have become so used to these “flavor-enhancers” that they addictively seek out foods with this additive. When you see a food ingredient labelled “hydrolyzed vegetable or animal protein”, “natural” or “artificial food flavorings” and soy protein, these are all excitotoxins. These substances over-excite the neurons in the brain so much that the neurons die. They also destroy the enzymes and microbes we need to digest and absorb nutrients and can create behavioral disturbances.

Pro-biotics can be thought of as the beneficial bacteria we require in our digestive system. They comprise the essentials of our immune system, prevent food allergies and control growth of bad bacteria. They can be destroyed by antibiotics and many other prescription drugs. Pro-biotics can be purchased in a health food store and are also available in some formulations of yogurt. If you have been taking antibiotics or other medications which can suppress your immune system, first read up about side-effects of that drug and then ask your medical provider if you should supplement with a pro-biotic.

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   Mandy Albers says:

   July 30, 2010 at 7:00 am

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   reply
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     Dr. Virginia says:

     August 2, 2010 at 7:30 am

     Thank you!

     reply