Please note that this blog post is the second part of a series titled “Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired”. We suggest you read part one as it will provide a proper introduction to this topic. Please click here to view that post: [Link]
What does my diet have to do with me being sick and tired?
In part 1 of this series we took some time to discuss how the foods you consume can have a tremendous effect on your health. Eating low-quality foods has a significant detrimental effect on the immune system (as well as most bodily functions) and also leads to poor energy levels. With that being said, there are many foods that should be avoided; but in an effort to not overwhelm you, we wanted to provide just a few specific examples.
There are two specific types of food that should immediately be reduced—and possibly eliminated—from your diet. The first is dairy and the second is gluten. Dairy, in all its forms, should not be consumed by humans. Its detrimental effects on the body would be more widely known were it not for the dairy industry and its powerful lobby. We strongly urge you to read our blog titled “The Dairy Dilemma,” where we share important information that should provide sufficient motivation to get it out of your diet. The current form of gluten that is being consumed in the United States has been genetically modified; this version can create gut inflammation and other issues within the body. While there is a very small portion of the population that has celiac disease (rendering them completely allergic to gluten), there also remain many people who have gluten sensitivity. The tests that are currently used for gluten are not developed to reveal sensitivity; they are designed to test for an allergic response. In a previous blog post titled “Getting Rid Of Gluten,” we explored what it is and why you should completely eliminate it from your diet as soon as possible.
There is a considerable segment of the population that is nutritionally deficient, with the primary culprit being a poor diet. Vitamins and supplements can be used to fill in this void and build a solid foundation for health. They should be looked at as a complement to a healthy diet, not as a replacement. We took the time to write an article titled “The Value In Taking Vitamins” that provides some great information and talks about how energy levels and body functions can be greatly improved by taking the right supplements and vitamins.
A very useful tool that patients at Above & Beyond Acupuncture have used is a food journal. This simple exercise is a very helpful way of analyzing what you’re consuming on a daily and weekly basis. By having your diet clearly documented, you can quickly see what is going into your body. By accumulating this data you will be presented with an opportunity for analysis and a chance to make changes that can provide more healthy additions. You will also be presented with an opportunity to reduce (and possibly eliminate) certain types of foods that have lower nutritional value and are poor sources of energy.
Your diet has everything to do with how you feel physically and emotionally. We cannot stress this enough. Nutrition is the foundation upon which health is built. Without a strong foundation, the body cannot function at optimal levels. We have provided specific information as to how your diet can affect you and have also listed specific changes that can be made to improve your health. By taking control of the foods you consume while also taking high-quality vitamins and supplements, your health and well-being will improve steadily.
In part 3 of this series we will provide information on specific activities that can be used to promote and maintain the health of your body. Now is the time for you to end the cycle of sickness and fatigue, and we are here to help support you in that endeavor. If you are in the Scottsdale area please consider setting up an appointment to see us at your earliest convenience.
