Fat sources in the diet are extremely important. Focus on food items such as raw soaked nuts, seeds, avocado, raw EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), or a small amount of real butter if needed. Avoid inflammatory vegetable oils and hydrogenated oils, which are added to a lot of processed foods – even some foods we think of as healthy, such as peanut butter. Start reading ingredient lists on packaged foods to ensure you know whether vegetable or hydrogenated oils are included in the product, and if they are, find raw and natural alternatives where possible!
Community News
Photobiomodulation for Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease and the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease. A 2021 research study showed that Photobiomodulation (PBM) resulted in significant improvements in patients’ mobility, cognition, dynamic balance, and fine motor skills and could be a safe and potentially effective option, with no side effects observed. Improvements were maintained for as long as PBM continued, for up to one year in a neurodegenerative disease where decline is typically expected. Home use of PBM by the person themselves or with the help of a caregiver might be an effective option for many PD symptoms.
Music and Brain Plasticity
Brain-imaging techniques have revealed the brain’s plasticity and have identified networks that music activates. The brain areas activated by music are not unique to music. These networks also process other functions. Musical and non-musical functions share systems. For example, motor control and executive control share circuits with music. Music can activate and drive complex patterns of interaction between the other two, so that a stroke patient and someone with Parkinson’s increases movement, and someone with traumatic brain injury increases cognitive functioning, such as problem solving or decision making.
Words To Live By
Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself.”–St. Francis de Sales
Words To Live By
“Iron rusts from disuse; stagnant water loses its purity and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind.” – Leonardo da Vinci
The Dental Diet
Nutrition plays a major role in dental health, helping to ensure gums, teeth and tissue are healthy and free from tooth decay, gum disease and other issues. It’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet for dental health, which includes enough protein, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, folate, and omega-3 fats. Vitamins A, B, C, and D are also important, as are antioxidants. Some great things to include in your dental diet are probiotics from fermented foods, cranberries, soy products, CoQ10, echinacea, garlic, ginger, ginseng, arginine, and green tea. It’s best to avoid heavily processed foods, especially ones high in sugar.
Training Your Glutes
Women over 40 start to experience atrophy (muscle weakness) if they do not keep using and training their muscles. When thinking about our GLUTES, atrophy can lead to what’s known as a ‘sagging’ butt. The good news is the right series of exercises can help combat sagging and lift and tone your butt! Participating in this 30-day challenge will not only lift and tighten your booty, it will enhance your posture, you will slim down and gain nothing but confidence while doing it. You’ll have access to professionally coached virtual live and recorded classes, optional meal plans, real time coaching and a daily checklist of activities to keep things simple. Join Angie and her Team today and FEEL AMAZING!
Improving Thyroid Health
It is estimated that 1 in 10 Canadians suffer from thyroid disease. Up to 60% of those are unaware of their condition. Chemicals found in store bought white flour, bottled water, toothpaste, and many more could be affecting your thyroid without you even knowing it! The thyroid regulates the body’s metabolic rate controlling heart, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance. Removing or avoiding certain toxins and using specific homeopathic remedies are 2 great ways to heal and/or strengthen the thyroid. Check out our free download to learn how!
Celebrate Spring with Healthy Habits
Spring is a great time to start new and healthy habits. Here are a few to try: *Sleep – Getting enough sleep makes you feel good and has a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Strive for 7 to 9 hours daily. *Nutritious meals – Cooking meals at home is a fun activity that often brings people together. *Go outside – Spending time in greenspace has an array of health benefits. *Visit your doctor annually. *Check your hearing health once a year and *Visit your dentist. Are you ready to start new, healthy habits? We’re here to help.
Protein for Women 50+
Maintaining muscle as you age is vitally important in preventing frailty, keeping weight in check and sustaining good health in general. But women over 50 tend to consume less protein than they should to prevent sarcopenia, also known as age-related muscle loss. Currently, Health Canada doesn’t have recommendations specific to older women, but research suggests consuming 25g of protein per meal or snack for a 150 pound woman is beneficial. That’s a lot more than many of us are used to, so talk to your doctor or dietician first. When you get the all-clear, try eating protein throughout the day to help the body digest and utilize it better, as opposed to all at once or in very large doses.
Fear of Falls Causes Unsafe Behavior
When someone is fearful of falling, they start to avoid everyday activities by staying at home and doing less. This lack of activity leads to loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of coordination and balance. This physical deterioration increases the risk of falling and if a fall does occur, it further heightens the fear. Turn your fear of falling into positive actions; remain active, exercise regularly, use assistive devices such as walkers or grab bars and wear sensible shoes. Consider joining a group session designed especially to teach balance exercises for fall prevention.
