5 Strategies to Help Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Disease
A new study conducted at the University of North Carolina reveals that fully 88 percent of the United States adult population currently is at risk for chronic disease. Chronic disease that will derail your plans for a happy, purpose filled life. We all want to reduce our risk of developing chronic disease. We have the power to do so. You only need to know HOW and to FOLLOW THROUGH.
Here is the how. Following through is up to you.
1. Love Your Liver. It is the liver that detoxifies us. Heavily processed foods, GMOs, toxic fats, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, dyes, prescription medications and environmental toxins (synthetic pesticides, hormones and heavy metals) all place a tremendous burden on the body - particularly the liver. We must avoid these toxins as best we can. We can also incorporate some liver protective foods and supplements like lemon, berries, Quercetin, magnesium, probiotics, milk thistle, whole food Vitamin C, Reishi mushroom extract and sulfur containing vegetables into our diets.
2. Reduce stress. Stress causes DIS-ease, there is no doubt. It puts us in "flight or fight” mode which compromises all of the bodily functions that happen in the “rest and digest” mode, like digestion of food and assimilation of nutrients, detoxification, growth and repair, and the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. There are, however, some stress reduction techniques you can try. Meditation, deep breathing, herbs, tapping, grounding and gentle exercise. Also, if there is an emotional issue plaguing you, address it now before it eats away at your physical and emotional health.
3. Don’t over eat. Malnutrition, in many cases, is due to the overconsumption of ‘empty calories.’ In other words, people suffering with excess body weight and compromised health tend to eat too many foods high in calories but, low in nutritional value. We are over fed but under nourished. We should really eat the opposite way. Eat less but make sure those foods are very nutrient dense.
4. Exercise. Once again, this advice takes center stage. We must move, all day, every day. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, finds ways to incorporate frequent bouts of movement.
5. Get sunshine and ground. We, as humans, are meant to live under the sun and have contact with the earth. Both bring life and vitality to all living things. Want to learn more about grounding? We have a wonderful book on the subject “Barefoot Wisdom” by Sharon Whiteley and Ann Marie Chiasson. Request a two week loan from our lending library.
There are many more strategies to help reduce your risk of disease but these five are a great place to start.
