Much like an automobile, how we treat our body will predict how well it runs. When our check engine light appears, it may show up as fatigue, brain fog, pain, appetite changes, weakness, hair or vision loss, or even mood changes. We notice symptoms that may require immediate care or just a warning sign that our body is lacking or in need of something. What do we do about it? Typically, we see our doctor and discuss symptoms but rarely seek out the why. Why are things occurring in my body and how do I take control of it?
YOU are the solution to your own health care. Waiting for your body’s warning signs will often result in illness. This leads to sudden dependency on insurance, doctors, prescriptions, and even hospitals to dictate your health plan. We know our bodies, our personal environment, and habits better than anyone. A 20-minute doctor visit my clear our symptoms, but how can we take control of what brought us there to begin with? How can we prevent that check engine light from showing up again? We shift our focus on health, wellness, and prevention. Here are some tips on changes you can start today!
UNDERSTAND and AVOID TOXINS:
Toxins are everywhere and becoming more aware of ingredients used in our everyday environment can help reduce exposure.
Living room: Open those windows! Toxins are found in our flooring, wood furniture, air fresheners, candles, paint, and cleaning agents. Let the toxins out and the fresh air in!
Bathroom: Diethanolamine (DEA), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), aluminum, parabens, and phthalates are found in many toiletries. Don’t let the fact that you cannot pronounce them steer you away. These villains can disrupt our endocrine system (which controls our mood, sleep, and metabolism) and cause neural and organ toxicity!
Kitchen: Decrease use of microwaves, but if you must, always use microwave safe materials (glass) to decrease risk of chemical leaching. Avoid plastics when cutting, prepping, and storing food. Ditch the non-stick cookware, and use oils safe for high heat instead. Replace vegetable, canola and seed oils with avocado, coconut, and olive oils which have great health benefits when used appropriately.
(Understand why a doctor visit lacks the ability to reveal habits and products that may be impacting our health)?
FOOD and NUTRITION:
Eat for nutrition, not just enjoyment. You know the foods that cause headaches, upsets your stomach, or cause other undesirable symptoms. Listen to your body. Avoid toxic foods that are bleached, processed, loaded with dyes, saturated fats, and with ingredients you cannot pronounce.
Decrease consumption using the 80% rule. Stop eating when you are 80% full.
Choose organic produce and grass-fed proteins. You aren’t just what you eat, but what you eat eats. Did you know deli/packaged meat is one of the top 10 toxic foods you can eat? Other items on that list include salad dressings (unless you make your own), candy, white bread, margarine, diet sodas, GMO foods, commercial dairy, seasoned packaged foods, and sprayed produce.
Pesticide exposure is linked to nervous system disorders, immune system disruption, cancers, hormonal issues, asthma, exacerbation of migraines, ADD/ADHA, just to name a few. Although we can’t eliminate all toxins in our food, reducing our exposure can make a difference.
Avoid the Sugar trap! Sugar has no nutritional value. According to the CDC, empty calories added in sweets and sodas can increase the risk of chronic health issues. So why do we continue to consume? Because it tastes good and is addictive. Don’t let this be the reason you fall short of your health goals. Let’s take control over what we choose to put in our mouth.
DE-STRESS:
Stress can be linked to high blood pressure, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and depression. What can you do to feel in control under moments of stress? BOX breathing is a series of breaths. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, then repeat.
Get your beauty rest! Our bodies repair cells while we sleep. Not only do we reduce cortisol levels, improve cognitive function, and heart health but also lower our risk for chronic conditions and getting sick.
Do things you enjoy! Engaging in activities of daily living such as cooking, cleaning, or hobbies can be rewarding, especially if you have needed help with this in the past. Balance in Motion can assist you in identifying deficits in these areas and improving safety during ADLs.
MOVE IT or LOSE IT!
Our bodies were built to move. Staying sedentary disrupts our physiological framework of being human. That’s why exercise and daily practice at moving correctly can predict our life expectancy and emotional well being.
Exercise can be uncomfortable and hard. So can disease and illness. Choose your hard.
Choose commitment to yourself and invite Balance in Motion to be your coach. We meet you where you’re at, then help you rise to your highest capabilities. Call or visit for a FREE EVALUATION today.
