TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR
LIFESTYLE CHOICES
VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE
THROUGH NUTRITION
True healing requires conscious intention active participation
commitment and personal responsibility. In reality it’s
not such a tall order but for those of us who have never
truly known what it’s like to feel good yet haven’t
hit bottom, true health is as good as inconceivable.
And yet... it
may only take the conscious intention to get well, with
an understanding that healing begins from within. For the
body to return to a place of harmony and balance, and in
order for genuine healing to occur, a dramatic life shift
may be needed, precipitated by
simple shifts in awareness and lifestyle. Once you have
made the decision, however, it doesn’t mean that you
have to get there alone. Assistance is available from holistic
practitioners who use modalities that provide the necessary
support and education, and who can create an atmosphere
in which healing can occur. Your part, when it comes to
your health, includes finding a zest for life, practicing
good nutrition and exercising properly—three vibrant
aspects to good health.
If we follow the concept of vibrational healing to its center,
we must acknowledge that if health manifests on all levels—physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual—then the healing process
must also include those components. This is true of the
thoughts we think and the food we eat. Everything in our
lives plays a multi-dimensional role, although the extent
may not be fully recognized. Of the components, diet is
probably the most undervalued, and is often seen as only
as being one-dimensional. Diet should be seen far more than
as just a means to satisfy hunger; good nutrition is a critical
key to good health. We gain energy for our bodies by eating
food that has energy in it.
Phytonutrients found in plants and other foods provide sustenance
that, until the last decade or so, we were not aware of.
Now we know, for example, that genistein, found in soy products,
is helpful in supplying a form of good estrogen, and that
women who need estrogen and use Soy regularly in their diets
have less osteoporosis and milder menopausal symptoms. Many
other nutrients found in foods promote all bodily functions:
healthy eye function, mental alertness and normalized blood
pressure, to name a few.
While all plants used for load will contribute some level
of phytonutrients to the diet, organically grown whole,
unprocessed foods provide the highest nutritional value
and vibrational or life giving support. Filtered drinking
water and steamed foods (rather than micro-waved) also contribute
by not adding toxins or changing the molecular structure
of the natural products.
Gary Zukav in his book Seat of the Soul, says of vibrational
nutrition, “When it becomes necessary…for the
physical, emotional body of a person to heal, a dramatic
shift in nutrition is often required wherein a person must
release every one of his or her eating habits and take on
the habits of eating certain foods that are much higher
in vibration.”
These would be whole live foods such as vegetables eaten
raw or prepared simply with low heat or steam. It may not
be easy to change but our willingness to change our eating
habits provides the momentum, for new healthier habits to
form.
HEALING AND EXERCISE
Even the best protocol of nutrition and homeopathy is not
complete without a sound program of strength training and
cardiovascular exercise. Exercise reduces stress and promotes
healing - just don’t over do it! A fitness trainer
is able to outline an in-depth exercise program, although
most health clubs have a well -informed staff to answer
questions.
Please note: Be sure to consult your physician before starting
any physical exercise or nutritional program.
For strength training, health practitioners and fitness
trainers suggest that the average person work with weights
four times a week for 20-minute periods. Ideally, they recommend
that each body part be worked twice a week, with approximately
six sets of 8-10 repetitions per body part.
For cardiovascular exercise, fitness trainers and health
practitioners alike advise workouts three to four times
a week for 20 to 40 minutes with frequent outdoor exercise
such as hiking or biking, or walking being sure not to exceed
your recommended exercise heart rate during any period of
the exercise.
If weight loss is desired, other factors must be considered:
metabolic rate, set point (the place we get locked into
based on metabolism and age), level of athleticism and body-to-fat
ratio. Lifestyle changes are always involved, so it is best
to consult a health care practitioner, rather than engaging
in fads or crash diets.
A wellness program can be both fun and effective. In his
book The Heart’s Code, psychoneuroimmunologist Dr.
Paul Pearsall, says, “While many of us have responded
by working out regularly or eating more low-fat foods, too
many of us have turned obsessive about fitness and health.
Trying to avoid dying rather than to enjoy living, we use
strict eating and exercise regimens that take all the pleasure
out of eating and all the fun out of physical fitness. We
might make our attempts at healthy living more effective
if we stopped just trying to avoid a heart attack and starting
putting more heart - shared joy and less guilt - into those
things we do to protect our health.”
Remembering to
laugh, to be with friends, and to be open to love in our
lives is often the best medicine. Many times we put off
the joys of life, and do not recognize that true happiness
is not a destination, but a resting point during our journey.
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ABOUT
NUTRITION - THE BASICS
Nutrition
- the science of how the body breaks down and utilizes nutrients
in food.The body cannot make essential nutrients; therefore
we must obtain them from foods in order to sustain life.
ESSENTIAL
NUTRIENTS
Macronutrients: Carbohydrates, Fats, and Proteins –
these provide energy.
Micronutrients: Vitamins, Minerals – critical in health
(but don’t provide energy).
Water – critical to sustain life; the environment
for metabolic reactions and other body activities to occur.
CARBOHYDRATES
The major role of carbohydrates is energy. Every cell in
the body requires carbohydrates (in the form of glucose)
for energy. Some cells utilize glucose with fat, some rely
only on glucose. If not used as energy, the glucose is stored
in the liver (‘depot’ for the body via the bloodstream)
or muscles (‘depot’ for the muscles), or converted
to triglycerides (fat). Excess has to be taken out of bloodstream,
hence converted to fat. Insulin gets glucose out of the
bloodstream. Nerve cells, red blood cells, brain cells don’t
contain mitochondria (energy producers in cells) so cannot
provide their own energy; therefore they rely on glucose
in the bloodstream. Your muscles need glucose to be able
to burn fat. The lack of glucose leads to breakdown of body
protein for energy and glucose thus muscle wasting.
Absorption rate of carbohydrates depends on the type of
carbohydrate (simple or complex) and whether it is combined
with other foods (fats and proteins) or not. Also see the
Glycemic index. Sometimes quick absorption is required but
not always, as excess is turned into fat. When combined
with other foods the absorption rate is slowed down.
FIBER
Gastrointestinal Tract health depends on fiber. It is generally
found in fruits, vegetables, cereals, whole grains and pulses.
Refined products have much of the fiber removed. It’s
best to get fiber from foods rather than supplements. If
there is a fiber deficiency, an increase in fiber should
be done gradually and not done to excessive amounts either.
FATS
Fats are essential nutrients but are the only ones not to
mix directly with water.
Phospholipids have the main role of membrane structure and
immune system function. Triclycerides main role is energy.
It is made up of saturated fatty acids, which tend to aggregate
and deposit within cells, organs and arteries if not used
as energy. It makes up most of the molecules in animal products.
Cholesterol is also in small amounts in animal products
but is not an essential nutrient as the body can produce
its required amounts. Plant products have larger amounts
of phospholipids than animal products, smaller amounts of
tryglycerides and don’t contain cholesterol.
Phospholipids have unsaturated fatty acids that disperse
and add fluidity. The 2 types of unsaturated fats are polyunsaturated
and monounsaturated, which is ideally better for you. These
are the unstable and are chemically more reactive (with
air, light) but they do move along deposited saturated fats.
Trans fatty acids evolved in the food industry to increase
shelf life of unsaturated fats by adding hydrogenation.
However, the change in molecular structure from doing this
makes them aggregate in the same way as saturated fat, thus
the same arterial damaging effects. On food labels it lists
cholesterol, saturated and unsaturated fats. To find out
if there are any trans fats, look at the total fats and
subtract cholesterol, saturated and unsaturated fats to
calculate any remainder fats (probably trans fats).Now they
are listed on the food labels as this has become a hot topic.
Trans fats are banned in retail foods in New York.
The body cannot make essential fatty acids. They have many
important functions and deficiency can lead to problems
with the immune system, reproductive system, and central
nervous system and affects the cardio system.
There are 3 types of E.F.A.’s: omega 3, omega 6 and
omega 9. They can be found in seeds and nuts (especially
flax seed) and these nut and seed oils, also in fish and
fish oils and lastly in olives and advocados and their oils.
Keep oils fresh as their properties can be easily destroyed
by air and light. Fatty fish also contain important molecules
made from these E.F.A.’s. Extreme heat damages oil
properties. Where possible, brush on the good oil after
cooking rather than before, for the added flavor. In the
Standard American Diet there is too much omega 6, where
there needs to be more omega 3.
PROTEINS
Protein consists of 22 amino acids. The amino acids are
the building blocks of protein. The body needs glucose to
break down the proteins. Proteins can be used as an energy
source if there is nothing else (3rd choice). However, breakdown
of body protein to meet energy and glucose needs can lead
to muscle wasting.
Protein actually has a multitude of functions and roles:
it builds and repairs, it manufactures replacement of cells,
enzymes perform billions of chemical reactions, it is in
antibodies in the immune system, it is in hormonal molecules,
it is in transport molecules and it is also involved in
blood clotting.
There are 2 types of proteins: Globular protein and Fibrous
protein (in connective and elastic tissue). The body cannot
store protein as it contains nitrogen. Other than a limited
amount in muscles, the body has to get rid of the nitrogen
because it is toxic.
Dietary protein provides the body with amino acids that
it can use to make it’s own proteins. Protein quality
depends on the amount of essential amino acids in a food
and it’s digestibility. A complete protein contains
the essential amino acids and in the right amounts. Animal
products are complete proteins whereas plant proteins are
not. Therefore, combining foods e.g. beans and rice, are
the way vegetarians would get their complete proteins.
This is an outline
of nutrition in general. During a consultation with us,
we can discuss and recommend how to incorporate a healthy
eating plan into your daily routine. We can compile a specific
and detailed plan or give general guidlines according to
your needs.
Want to learn
more?
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of Services
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WHY
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION
NUTRITIONAL NEEDS
TODAY
Nutritional deficiencies are extra ordinarily prevalent
in the American diet. Despite consuming sufficient amount
of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, individuals often develop
vitamin and mineral deficiencies that trigger a host of
ailments and diseases.
Our world is filled with environmental pollutants –
herbicides, pesticides, exhaust fumes, industrial chemicals
and wastes, household and office chemicals, formaldehyde,
hydrocarbon-based synthetics, re-circulating air conditioning
systems, microwave radiation and electromagnetic disturbances
and noise!
All of these environmental stresses place heavy demands
on our bodies’ nutrient reserves, antioxidant arsenals,
and detoxification systems. Our nutrient needs are greatly
increased by such common exposures.
In reality, it is difficult, if not impossible to get all
the nutrients we need from fresh, healthful foods. Modern
farming practices, harvesting and shipping practices are
dictated by marketing demands rather than nutritional considerations.
The soils lack certain nutrients and extensive processing,
storage and so forth contribute towards the loss of optimal
nutrients.
Supplements come in 2 forms, synthetic and natural. Synthetic
supplements contain isolated vitamins only and may also
contain other additives such as artificial coloring and
preservatives. Natural whole food supplements contain nutrients
from food sources and in natural form nutrients are not
isolated and are complex molecules. Therefore natural supplements
assimilate better and taken with meals do so even more so.
Nutrients found naturally are not separate so combinations
are better than an isolated nutrient.
Read labels carefully, and don’t be fooled by marketing
hype. Cheap vitamins often contain other additives and don’t
assimilate so well, (if at all in some cases). There are
certifying agencies that put their stamp on products they
have tested for its contents. A health care professional
will be able to provide accurate scientific knowledge. They
will also be able to provide specific supplements that are
right for you.
You can cause just as much harm from taking too much of
a supplement, in fact sometimes manifesting the same symptoms
exhibited from the deficiency.
THE IMPORTANCE
OF WATER
Most Americans do not drink enough water. The body can survive
quite some time without food but very little time without
water. This is especially true in the Las Vegas desert climate
where dehydration is more prevalent. An average persons
intake should be 2 liters a day. This is before other factors
are taken into consideration such as climate and exercise
conditions. The thirst sensation is not a sign to drink
water; it’s a sign to say you should have already
done so. Try to keep the intake as continual as possible
even if you do not feel thirsty.
RECOMMENDED NUTRITIONAL
SUPPLEMENTATION
Included in your consultation at A2Z Wellness, are recommendations
for nutritional supplementation. The testing procedures
give you education on what your own body needs and moreover
what is not necessary for your body. This will avoid you
wasting money on what your body doesn’t need or assimilate.
Many manufacturers do not test ease of digestion or assimilation
and this results in hard tablets that do not disintegrate
properly. Also many nutrients lose potency when bought in
bulk and stored for long periods of time, as with some cheaper
products, thus reducing the effectiveness of the product
too. A Wellness practitioner has knowledge of these quality
differences.
As well as education on health food store products, onsite,
A2Z Wellness has various samples of high quality and effective
products recommended through confidence based on consistent
and effective results.
NUTRITIONAL
TESTING : Muscle Testing Techniques are a main component.
There are many
different Muscle Testing techniques. Whatever the technique,
this modality is a natural, safe and non-invasive method
of doing a complete body analysis uses the body’s
acupressure reflexes, acupuncture points and/or neurological
reflexes.
It is also a method for assessing the body’s specific
nutritional needs. This prevents a person wasting money
on supplements that their body simply doesn’t need,
and also eating foods that are causing unknown adverse reactions
in the body.
In doing a complete analysis a practitioner can seek out
problems at a sub-clinical level so the appropriate nutrition
or therapy can be administered before the problem becomes
acute or chronic.
Techniques are also used to address emotional issues as
well as nutritional or structural problems.
The issues of a person are addressed in order of priority
– if you think about it, it’s taken quite some
time for your body to get into the condition it is in now,
so in response to that, it can take quite a while to reverse
that process step by step, to restore your body back to
it’s former health level. But it can be done with
the use of muscle testing techniques utilized by natural
health care practitioners.
At A2Z Wellness, we utilize the appropriate muscle testing
technique for the issue we are addressing and wish to resolve.
Click
Here for prices of Clinical Nutritional Testing in our Menu
of Services
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WHY
EXERCISE?
Exercise has
always been known to be beneficial. Now proven studies show
exercise to be essential to our well-being. To forego at
least a minimum of physical activity will endanger our health,
shorten our life span and make our life miserable in general.
Specific dangers enumerated in studies by universities and
hospitals show regular exercise strenuous enough and frequent
enough will aid in the following:
- Weight loss, weight maintenance, better body composition
- Reducing Hypertension (blood pressure) with improved cardiovascular
fitness
- Delaying adult onset of Diabetes
- Lowering cholesterol levels, reducing risk of Heart Disease,
Stroke
- Prevention of Osteoporosis through improved bone density
- Improving blood circulation bringing many benefits: improving
nutrient delivery, improving immune response to fight bacteria
and viruses
- Curtailing the use of tobacco and alcohol
- Reducing the risk of some cancers
- Improving emotional well being – a brighter outlook
on life
- Improving mental sharpness
With the improvement of body composition to more muscle
mass, the body has less fat tissue where toxins store. More
toxins are eliminated rather than overwhelming the body
therefore disease is reduced and even prevented. Increased
muscle mass also means the body is a better fat burner/fuel
burner leading to increased energy levels. Being more energetic
makes the body reduce the need for stimulants such as caffeine.
The American lifestyle – automobile, fast food, using
the remote control to check the weather channel instead
of heading out the door - has created a culture of sedentary
observers rather than participants in life.
A bit of walking in the park, a few sit-ups, a yoga class
or two, stretching, even grooving to the oldies will add
years to your life and life to your years.
Combining weight loss with muscle building can be as easy
as adding a bout of lifting heavy cans of vegetables 20
times in the morning, then stepping out the door and taking
a 5 minute walk to the corner and home again. Do this early
in the day and in the evening, and you’ve started
a workout program. At the end of the week you will have
walked 2 hours and 20 minutes and lifted 560 lbs. Good start!
Our life seems too busy but thinking out a way to fit exercise
into your routine is not as difficult as it seems - you’ll
feel so much better and find you have improved performance
in other aspects of your life too.
During a consultation with us, we can discuss exercise options
and recommendations most suited to your needs and lifestyle.
Member of American College of Sports Medicine
Click Here to complete your own Physical Activity Readiness
Questionnaire
Click
Here to find out more about Personalized Exercise Program
Options
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Here for prices of Exercise Programs in our Menu of Services
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WEIGHT
MANAGEMENT
This is subject
of constant debate nowadays in the USA and the rest of the
world: most of the problems have evolved through today’s
work commitments and lifestyle habits. There are more obese
kids than starving kids for the first time according to
the United Nations.
NUTRTIONAL INTAKE
/ BODY TYPE
The most basic element to consider is your calorie intake,
portion sizes and composition of food intake in relation
to your activity level. Eating more than your body needs
obviously will increase your weight, but also a balanced
intake is necessary as too much of one food group is not
so beneficial either.
The next element is to get educated on how your body works.
Certain conditions are genetic (such as cholesterol levels
and the disposition for diabetes), whereas sometimes an
imbalance in hormones or food allergies can also be pertinent
factors. A health practitioner or wellness consultant can
test you for all these things so you can understand what
your own body needs and doesn’t need; what your body's
weekness and imbalances are.
EXERCISE
At present our lifestyle has become more sedentary which
is detrimental to health as mentioned in more detail in
the information on “Why Exercise”. This explains
how our bodies utilize food more efficiently and effectively
if you lead an active lifestyle thus preventing in part
the onset of health problems.
WEIGHT LOSS
There are so many diet plans in the media that claim to
work and show amazing results of successful people. Don’t
be fooled by marketing hype - remember they don’t
show you the unsuccessful people for which their diet was
not right.
Understanding your body’s own particular disposition
will help you figure out what will work for you nutritionally,
so education from your health practitioner or wellness consultant
is essential. Work with your body and not against it.
Any plan for weight loss should include an exercise plan
and if this means quite a change for you then, as always
stated, you should consult your physician before beginning
any new exercise regimen.
Click
Here to find out more about a Healthy Weightloss Program
Also available
a BIO-IMPEDANCE ANALYSIS
TEST
This tests Body Composition, Cellular Health, Hydration
Status, Body Mass Index and Basal Metabolic Rate.
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BREATHING,
RELAXATION & STRETCHING
BREATHING
It’s no secret that one of the keys to longevity is
to keep breathing as long as you can. But simple breathing—the
involuntary act so many of us take for granted—is
much more than the mere physiological act of taking in oxygen.
Ancient practitioners of Chi Kung, Tai Chi and other forms
of martial arts have long known that disciplined, intentional
breathing affected physical as well as emotional vitality
Virtually every major spiritual discipline uses a form of
breath awareness as part of its practice. In most languages,
the word for breath is the same as the word for spirit.
In Japan the word is ki, in Hindu writings, prana, and in
China, Qi or chi. Breath is the life force and the significant
carrier of energy in the human system. Through mindful breathing
techniques, individuals have learned to control their heartbeats,
blood flow, blood pressure, immune system, mental conditions
and even pain. Qi Gong masters direct the breath to heal
specific body tissues and organs.
Carola Speads, a German movement therapist, in her book
Breathing: The ABCS, says that disciplined breathing “gives
us physiological and psychological balance and the balance
of yin and yang,” a symbolic expression of masculine
and feminine energy
Recently, there has been an upsurge of interest in the various
techniques of breathing and the many ancient practices that
utilize breath to develop the exploration and empowerment
of the inner self. Breathing from the chest is too shallow
and limits the amount of oxygen that enters the blood stream.
Breath must be drawn in from the belly, expanding the abdomen
in smooth and rhythmic movements.
RELAXATION
The word relaxation should bring to mind the definitive
work of Herbert Benson M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine
at The Harvard Medical School. In his book
The Relaxation Response, Benson elaborates on the necessity
to learn relaxation techniques in today’s stress-filled
existence. He outlines a simple meditative technique that
can be used alongside any other discipline or spiritual
practice:
•Find a quiet environment - a place free from distraction.
•Find a comfortable position. Avoid undue muscle tension
- sitting position works well. You call use a chair that
supports the head if the idea of sit up and relax doesn’t
come naturally to you. Only a few are comfortable with the
lotus position of the yogis. Do not attempt to lie down,
as you may get drowsy or fall asleep. (Sleep itself isn’t
a bad way to relax, but it’s not a form of active,
conscious stress reduction - and consciously falling asleep
doesn’t count!)
•Choose a mental device - a sound, word or phrase
- repeat it silently or aloud. Follow your breathing, become
aware of your breath, Relax. Do this as you fix your gaze
at a stationary object - preferably not the TV
•Assume a passive attitude. Don’t worry about
how you’re performing, what you’re getting out
of the exercise, or what you should be doing instead of
the exercise. Just let it happen. Let the words sink deep
within you. Do this twice a day for at least fifteen minutes
- it has been proven to help heal the body.
This is meditative, intentional relaxation. Finding the
still point in your life and letting all the to-do stuff
and heavy baggage go for a while can be truly challenging,
but well worth the time. Pursuing other means of relaxation
such as swimming, canoeing, playing chess, or any participating
in any activity that relieves anxiety will also contribute
to your physical and emotional well-being and balance. Be
sure a do those things that you enjoy doing! Life is too
short to be doing things that you don’t enjoy. Enjoyable
activities give you a zest for Iife!
STRESSED?? STRETCH!!
Stretching is a “simple, painless way of getting ready
for movement,” says physical fitness expert Bob Anderson,
author of the book titled Stretching. Anderson has taught
stretching techniques to the Denver Broncos, New York Jets,
U.S. Olympic teams and many other athletes. According to
Anderson, taking time to stretch before and after physical
exertion keeps muscles supple, heightens performance, and
prevents injury; simple stretching is a great way to melt
off the stress that leads to sore backs, stiff necks and
uptight attitudes. The practice of stretching is worthwhile
even if it’s not associated with physical exertion,
and especially for those less able or inclined to be physically
active.
Stress in the muscles has as much to do with resistance
to acceptance of change as it does with pure tension or
over-exertion. Both of these attitudes can affect you no
matter active or inactive you are. Before getting out of
bed in the morning even a minute or two of stretching prepares
the muscles for the days events. What is more, it feels
great!
PROVEN EFFECTIVE
AND HEALTHY
While there are many approaches to stress relief, these
methods have proven to be most effective: mindful breathing
techniques, learning to relax using a simple meditative
practice, and simple stretching before and after physical
exercise. These healthy lifestyle habits may seem simple
but they are proven to help reduce stress and prevent potential
illness caused by the constant exposure to and impact of
the stresses of life.
Without daily
physical exertion, our bodies become storehouses of unreleased
tensions.
With no natural outlet for our tensions, our muscles become
weak and tight and we lose touch with our physical nature,
with life’s energies”. - Bob Anderson, Author
& Sports Trainer
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