Let’s get cleaning…up our life that is!
In our last post, we talked about things we can do to clean up our health. Spring is the perfect time to do that. It’s a time of new growth!
Let’s start with sleep. Did you know sleep is when your body heals itself? There are other benefits to healthy sleep hygiene.
- Strengthens your heart
- Boosts your immune system
- Increases exercise performance
- Improves memory
- Helps with weight loss
What are some small things you can do today to improve your sleep? You could limit caffeine use, especially late in the day. Take care of insulin resistance. Eliminate technology a couple of hours before bed and sleep in a cool dark room. What are some other good habits you could foster?
Moving your body. In our fast pace world, this can be harder than it seems. With pressures of work and family, making time for exercise is difficult, yet so important. This doesn’t mean you have to buy and expensive gym membership, just put on your sneakers and take a walk around the block. Walking can prevent heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and even strengthen your bones. Stress is cumulative and creates a toxic load on our bodies. The best way to dissipate stress is to move.
Diet is always a tricky subject. We may think we make good food choices but there are so many hidden pitfalls in our normal, American diet. Food is over processed and lacking in vitamins and minerals every cell in our body needs. Even choosing vegetables, if they aren’t organic can have negative effects if your system is already depleted. Disease comes as a result of toxicity or deficiency. If overhauling your diet seems like a bridge too far at this point, start with simple choices each day, each meal. Choose fresh, organic fruits and vegetables when you can. Eliminate simple sugar and processed sugar. Keep your meats as clean from added hormones and antibiotics. Not only will this help your overall health but will start to heal your gut too.
Weight management, it’s easier than you think and extreme dieting is not the way to get there. Everything we’ve mentioned above, will start you on a healthy journey. You would be surprised what happens when you get your inflammation down through healthier food choices, moving your body and getting the sleep you need.
Finally, a strong immune system is key to good health and it starts in your gut! Here are some of the best ways to help your gut and in turn, your immune system.
- Keep your gut bacteria balanced. This means lowering your toxic load and increasing good bacteria through the fruits and veggie diet you have adopted as well as keeping your minerals and vitamins balanced and adding pre and probiotics.
- Drink more water. Drinking half your weight in water is one of the best ways to boost energy, move toxins through and keep you regular. Having regular bowel movements is a great way to get rid of toxicity.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Create pockets of time to relax and recharge
- As we’ve mentioned before…stay active.
Maybe you can’t do all of this at once. It’s not intended for a major overhaul, just a little Spring cleaning. Start by choosing one new habit a week to work on. Ease into a better, healthier lifestyle and, take your family along. It’s much better to change your habits with like minded people.
Do you need a little more help getting started? Book an appointment with one of our providers who will help you get started on the right foot.
