The Greek physician Hippocrates once said, "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food." Our diets are very poor when it comes to eating for our health. Fast food, processed foods, and insane portion sizes have all attributed to our poor health and it is through healthy eating that we can get back into great shape!
With every generation, our life expectancy increases steadily. Science and technology have extended our lifespan and more and more people are living active healthy lives well into their 80’s and 90’s. Take Katherine Switzer, she competed in a marathon at age 70 and was eighth in her bracket.
Yet with all of the scientific breakthroughs over the last 50-60 years, it is still important to understand that living healthy is not just about going to the doctor once a year and popping pills to help with our aches and pains, it is about getting back to the basics and helping our bodies heal naturally. Adding some natural supplements to your daily routine will help you avoid the doctors' office like an apple a day.
Adding supplements to your healthy eating lifestyle
For those who want to be out in the world living an active life, you want to give yourself a head start. Living healthy has so many benefits, but with all of the toxins out there, both internal and external, your body could use a little help.
These natural supplements will help keep your body running right and feeling great!
Turmeric -- The spice that gives curry that yellow coloring. This powerful herb's main ingredient is curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory which the body needs to fight off bacteria that are harmful. Along with the increased production of antioxidants and a great way to fight heart disease, another important benefit of taking Turmeric is the growth hormone called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, decreased levels of BDNF can lead to brain disease and decreased functions in the brain. Curcumin can increase levels of BDNF, which can delay or even reverse many brain diseases or age-related decreases in brain function.
You will want to add this to your supplement routine, as curcumin makes up only three percent of Turmeric, so taking it as a supplement is better.
Cinnamon - Not only is cinnamon a great addition to most meals, the many health benefits include increased production of antioxidants, reducing cardiovascular disease, boosting cognitive function, and reducing the risk of cancer. Cinnamon is great for diabetics as it helps lower blood sugar levels by decreasing the levels of glucose that enter the body while eating. It is recommended that you take 1-6 grams of cinnamon per day.
Dandelion Tea - This bitter tasting tea is a good addition to your natural supplements. It has cancer-fighting abilities along with helping with weight loss and digestion. I generally have an 8-ounce cup heated with some honey in the morning. It's not the best tasting drink out there, but it's not that bad either and will help if you have problems digesting some foods.
Fish Oil - Everyone knows that adding fish to your diet is essential for anyone who is living healthy. The Omega-3 fatty acid has numerous health benefits such as fighting heart disease, anti-inflammatory benefits, better eyesight, and help fighting depression and anxiety. According to the US Nationaal Library of Medicine, studies have found that people suffering from major depression have lower levels of Omega-3, so adding Fish Oil to your daily supplements is a no-brainer.
Garlic - Everyone loves garlic, except maybe Vampires. This small yet powerful herb contains high levels of Magnesium, Vitamins B6, & C, Selenium, and Fiber. The active ingredient in garlic that is responsible for all of the amazing health benefits is called Allicin and in ancient history, Garlic was mainly used for its medicinal properties.
By adding Garlic to your daily supplements, you will help fight against the common cold, heart disease, Alzheimer's, dementia, reduce blood pressure, as well as improve bone health. This super food has so many health benefits that adding garlic to your daily routine may help you live longer. It definitely will help make you healthier!
Help your body do what your body was meant to do
While there are pharmaceutical medications out there to help with pain, depression, weight loss, inflammation, and so on, they are not allowing your body to heal naturally. Instead, they are replacing your body's natural ability to heal. If you ever stopped taking the prescription pills, your body will go into withdrawals because it "forgets" how to produce the needed chemicals to address the issue.
With natural supplements, all you are doing is giving your body a boost of what it is already doing. Replenishing vitamins and minerals will assist your body in fighting back and allow you to naturally heal.
Please see your doctor before making changes to your diet or adding supplements that you are unfamiliar with. There are Nutritionists who can help build you a specific eating plan to help fight whatever battle your body is going through, whether it be depression, aches & pains, diabetes, etc., they can help you get your body back on track to a healthier you!
