mannabliss Medicine for the Soul January/February 2017 | Page 28

How to restore the right bacteria? Probiotics like Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Lactococcus are often found in yogurts with live cultures, drinks like kefir, and fermented foods like sauerkraut, some pickles and kimchi. They can also be bought as supplements. Studies have shown that taking certain probiotics on a regular basis improves anxiety levels,

perception of stress, and mental outlook. There’s also

a growing body of research on prebiotics, or encouraging the good bacteria to grow by feeding them precisely what they need to thrive. Soluble fiber like that found in bananas, berries, Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, garlic, leeks, beans and leafy greens are known prebiotics.

Good nutrition has a huge impact on overall health, not just mental health. Consider these statistics on Americans’ health: 37% of us will experience cardiovascular disease; 35% of us will experience hypertension and another 36% prehypertension; 11% will have diabetes; 47% will have cancer; and 50% of women and 25% of men will have osteoporosis. All of these diseases have a direct connection to diet. In fact, the World Cancer Research Fund International published that over 30% of all cancer is preventable with diet, exercise and a healthy BMI (body mass index).

So what does a healthy diet look like? It’s colorful! It’s fresh! It’s minimally processed or cooked. Where possible it is organic and not genetically modified. An optimal diet includes lots of whole fruits and vegetables, with an abundance of greens and sea greens; whole grains; beans; nuts; and fermented foods. It also contains a small amount of seafood and grass-fed meats that are raised humanely and are free from toxins. The ideal diet is limited in animal proteins, gluten, refined sugars, diary, caffeine and processed foods. Good mood foods and supplements are rich in iron, antioxidants, calcium, the B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, folate/folic acids, omegas, fiber, prebiotics and probiotics.

For additional assistance in finding the right diet for you, or if you find yourself having a difficult time sticking to a good diet, consider consulting with a conscious nutritionist in your area. Although this option may appear pricey on the front end, the savings in health costs and quality of live far outweigh the investment.

- Vivian Demille

MANNABLISS MEDICINE FOR THE SOUL

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