Written by: Amanda Whitehead, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Is your body in an acidic state or an alkaline state? Here is why I ask this question.
In the society we live in, it’s quite a challenge to keep our body in an alkaline state, which helps our body and mind be balanced and aligned, as well as our gut health to be strong and healthy too.
However over the Christmas period we tell ourselves it is ok to indulge in highly processed packaged foods or take aways, sweet treats like chocolate and cakes and there is usually lots of alcohol involved too.
Throughout the year we often tell ourselves we are struggling for time or can’t be bothered, so don’t plan what we are going to choose to eat or drink or plan our day.
When celebrations like Christmas come around, we give ourselves the excuse that “it’s Christmas” so it’s OK.
We also stay up late and get up early and eat on the go or at least choose convenience foods like toast or cereal to start our day. For lunches and dinner the choices might be sandwiches, fast foods or take aways (which include ready meals from the supermarket) or chocolate bars, cakes, coffee and alcohol to soothe after a “hard day”.
We don’t talk to ourselves in a very nice way and are far too judgemental.
Stress levels are high and we don’t sleep properly.
I have been here myself.
Does this sound familiar to you too?
All of the above factors put your body in to an acidic state, which feeds inflammation and breeds disease and illness.
It keeps your blood sugars unstable and your hormones unbalanced too, which often has your body and mind screaming out for help by making you experience symptoms like:
Anxiety
Insomnia
Weight gain or loss
Mood swings
Fatigue
Brain Fog
Digestive issues
Heart burn
Skin breakouts like Acne, psoriasis and eczema
Aching muscles and joints
Dr. Mark Hyman said: “The simple truth is that we are living in a sea of toxins and it is destroying our bodies and our brains”.
Here are a few tips you can introduce today that will help to put your body and mind in an alkaline state that will help
Balance your blood sugars
Boost energy
Help you sleep
Improve your focus
Regulate your hormones
Improve your mood
Lower stress levels
Improve your digestion
Start your day thinking of 5-10 things you are grateful for and write them down.
Sit in silence for minutes and take a few deep breaths.
Do some squats or lunges whilst cleaning your teeth.
Start your day with a protein shake which is great on the go and add things like berries, Avacado, banana, spinach, nuts & seeds. Or a bowl of porridge with a sliced banana and a sprinkling of cinnamon powder.
Include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables like citrus fruits (lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges) leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, carrots and avocado. Nuts, seeds, herbs and spices and healthy fats like fish in your daily eating routine with as much variety as possible. The more colours you are choosing the more nutrients you are flooding your body with.
Swap your vegetable and seed oils for a good quality olive oil (which should look green in colour) and coconut oil.
If you do enjoy chocolate, choose a good quality dark chocolate of at least 80%. This is a healthier option and contains antioxidants. Check the ingredients too. I always advise my clients that if there are more than seven ingredients on the list, you shouldn’t consume it, as it’s not real food, and anything you can’t pronounce is probably chemicals that preserve the product.
Most chocolate bars don’t actually contain much chocolate at all and contribute to your body being in an acidic state.
Focus on hydrating your body with water that is plain or infused with fresh fruit and herbs like mint or basil. Herbal teas, kombucha and if you enjoy coffee, choose a good quality one and have before noon.
Did you know that caffeine can stay in your system for up to 12 hours after consuming it? This may Interrupt the quality of your sleep.
Listen to postive podcasts or audiobooks whilst driving or doing chores.
Think of one thing you are grateful for before going to sleep at the end of your day
All of the above will help keep your stress levels healthy and your body in an alkaline state.
As Hippocrates said...
“All diseases begin in the gut. Let food be thy medicine”
So what choices are you making right now? What food are you choosing to nourish your body inside, but who are you listening to and how do you speak to yourself.
Is your environment negative or positive?
Are they serving you and fuelling your body and mind in the right way?
All of the above play a role in keeping you balanced in all areas of your being. Mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.
The choices you make today don’t only contribute to how you feel now, they have a huge impact on your health and well-being in 10-15 years time.
Take a look at my website and see how we can work together if you are struggling and just need some guidance and support.
Amanda Whitehead ‒ The Wellness Network.
Amanda Whitehead, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Amanda Whitehead is a Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach. After reversing her own lifestyle illnesses, which were irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid imbalances, and a sluggish liver, she has supported and educated hundreds of women to understand how their body functions, the importance of nutrition, and a healthy mindset. Creating a healthy and sustainable lifestyle and empowering them to become an expert in their unique selves.
This has enabled them to heal from issues like anxiety and depression, gut health and digestive issues, reversing diabetes type two as well as helping to heal skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis too. Her mission is to change the way mental health is approached and see the person as a whole, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual being.
She is the proud founder of Purposefully Nourished, a system used to educate her clients on the mind, body, skin, and gut connection, a one-to-one program that achieves life-changing results and a sustainable way of living.
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