CRUSHED CRAVINGS

WHAT IS FOOD ADDICTION? A constant obsession with what, when, and how to obtain more; overeating; hiding or hoarding; secretive eating behaviors; inability to stop overeating or continual eating. It can be stopped without drugs.

TONGUE SEES AND EYES SPEAK Indications of vibrant health are a pink tongue that does not have fuzziness, discoloration or a coating. If eyes are clear and not bloodshot, yellowish or discolored then you have a good indication of general health. Monitor both…anything unwanted could be starting.

ADDICTION Overweight only isn’t evidence of addiction. It’s compulsive addiction-like behaviors. Signs are control loss, e.g. continual eating past fullness; being unable to stop despite the self-harm. It’s continuous cravings, secret eating, and many failed attempts with withdrawal-like distress

BEST EXERCISE FOR 65+ No single exercise is best. CDC and National Institute on Aging (NIH) recommend a combination of brisk walking, strength training, and balance exercises for adults. Move It or Lose It and for those in the Battle of the Bulge, we also say Move It to Lose It. YOU CAN DO IT!

LOW BP Weakend adrenal glands can cause symptoms of low blood pressure and becoming dizzy when rising. Remedy possibly could be extra rest and stress reduction. Plus a qualified herbalist or alt physician working with your primary healthcare worker over time could restore and rebuild the adrenals.

BPA High acid foods, such as soups or sauces containing tomatoes, cause BPA (bisphenol-A which is present in almost all cans) to leach into the food. Purchase these foods in glass containers to avoid ingesting BPA and support all efforts to ban it. Alternative is to find cans labeled BPA free.

WHY MORE FRUIT? Some fruits increase longevity w/ increased antioxidants. Consume ones w/ highest levels of anthocyanosides. These keep the body healthy by opposing free radical oxidation. They include: blueberries blackberries cherries red grapes raisins prunes plums Stay healthy, my friends!

EYES FOR BILBERRY Naturalists and herbalists advocate use of Billberry to improve eyesight and night vision. It’s viewed as an outstanding antioxidant herb and has been used for hundreds of years. It was given to aviators during World War II. Research and consult about its use if you have the need.

POULTRY PRODUCTS Majority of animal protein is raised in total captivity with overcrowding. You can lower your carbon footprint and avoid bad food quality issues. Your Goal Either eat less or buy products that are certified organic and/or certified humane. Greenamerica.org has a food labels guide

AVOID COMMUNICABLE DISEASES Best way is keep a strong immune system. Personal habits need to include: *** Frequently wash hands *** Do not touch face with unwashed hands (the mucous membranes around the mouth, nose and eyes) Today’s world your healthcare system is you. Stay healthy, my friends.

PLASTIC WRAPPING FOR FOOD DO NOT keep the plastic film with your food when heating or microwaving. The chemicals interact with heat and moisture. Plastic film used to wrap cold foods is not sustainable. It is a petroleum product, cannot be recycled and does not break down in the landfill.

MERCURY If mercury (neurotoxin) toxicity is high due to exposure to metal amalgams (metal dental filling), many vaccinations w/thimerasol, or too much fish consumption, consider checking mercury levels. If high, research and consult re using Chlorella as a detoxing agent. It binds with mercury.

HEALTHY HOME ENVIRONMENT Good living environment includes air breathed inside the home. Studiously read labels on home products to learn potential risk of exposure to deadly toxins. Eliminate or isolate dangerous ones. Also invest in a quality HEPA air filter. Use an outside air quality app too.

PACKAGING Overpackaged foods and other products end up as 28% of landfill trash. This cost the consumer twice. Try to buy products with reusable or minimal packaging. Helps to bring your own containers and bags when shopping. Saving the environment is a savings for your food and fuel budgets.

SALMON Several studies have found that PCBs (a class of toxic chemicals) and other environmental toxins are present at higher levels in farm raised salmon than wild salmon. GO WILD! GO NATURAL! BUT BE RESPONSIBLE AND SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES! Stay healthy, my friends.

REMOVING TOXINS Detoxification, removal of toxins and heavy metals from body tissues for disposal, can be done with exercise, sweating and saunas through the skin. Chlorella, wheatgrass, barley grass and many green drinks are also natural methods when suspecting toxic overload is causing problems.

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER If “need” a sugar substitute then go with stevia or xylitol for best health. Aspartame metabolizes into the neurotoxin methanol which causes damage to nerve and brain cells. Studies show a correlation between it and brain cancer. GOOD ORGANIC FOODS TO LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!

GOT SOY? Recent studies tell us that to get the health benefits that other cultures have shown us soy has to be organic (not GMO) and fermented. Eighty-six (86) soy products that are not organic or fermented and all processed and junk foods. REAL ORGANIC FOODS SO YOU CAN LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!

GO LOW CARB Work your diet toward changing to a low carbohydrate one. Aim toward reducing insulin response and sugar cravings by replacing starchy carbs and sugar with healthy fats and/or lean protein.

FOOD AS MEDICINE Many report that increasing the level of nutrients in their diet is helping with their illnesses. These include anxiety, depression, ADD, ADHD, autism and dementia. What do you have to lose changing to a diet of fresh organic fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, and very lean meets?

EXERCISE AND INJURY If non-injury joint pain is problematic, routine exercise is needed to stop joint deterioration, limited movement, pain and weight gain. Try to exercise gently with professional guidance to build strength in the weak area (not injured). Remember that it’s CARDIO and RESISTANCE.

BOWELS Determining if high fiber diet will be good for you depends upon bowel health. Fiber is beneficial but only if the intestines are OK. If not then fiber can scratch and damage the intestinal wall. Monitor carefully with your primary healthcare provider especially if you experience problems.

FOOD GUIDE FOR MAX HEALTH It: Is fresh Has healthy ingredients Is organic preferably Has understandable ingredients Contains vitamins and minerals It does not: Include chemical compounds Have a long best buy date (unless frozen) Have packaging w/too much air space and high ad costs (your $$)

INSULIN RESPONSE For your BEST HEALTH eliminate or at least decrease starchy junk food with high sugar content (including avoiding HFCS), and eat small amounts of protein or fiber with complex carbs to slow insulin response and control high blood sugar.

PEANUT BUTTER A good source of: * Vitamin E * Niacin (vitamin B3) * Manganese * Vitamin B6 * Magnesium Also good source of copper, a mineral that helps maintain bone health, immune function, and blood vessels. Some research suggests enough copper may reduce risk of osteoporosis and heart disease

Health Benefits of Carrots 🥕 Save this post & share it with someone who loves healthy food! ❤️ Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements & American Heart Association. #NIH #AHA

SUPPLEMENTS CAN HELP The need for vitamins and minerals can increase because of environmental chemicals, chronic stress, a highly stressful event and a lack of proper sleep and rest. Consider taking a good brand of multivitamin and mineral supplement daily. A little help can go a long way.

B VITAMINS The body’s “good bacteria” can be maintained well with fermented foods, probiotics, and prebiotics (fruits and vegetables). The B vitamins are in many grain products and they are made by our bodies using “good bacteria”. Eat well and live long. Oh yes! Prosper too.

NATURAL MEDS Don’t underestimate value of healing herbs and spices. Can be taken with food, teas or supplements. Also, when present in creams and lotions, can be absorbed through the skin. Consider including in daily routine. Read and learn before making any type of commitment to using any of them

WHY ORGANIC Go organic to protect yourself from pollution AND for the nutrient value. Studies find that a majority have a deficiency. Many foods grown today have less nutrients than those 50 years ago because of soil depletion and non-sustainable farming methods. Simply stated, they ARE WORTH IT!

SPICE OF LIFE Many who need to eliminate or at least reduce sugar and salt talk of difficulty they have to make food interesting and tasty. Simple solution is to learn to use herbs and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, basil, thyme, oregano, pepper, garlic, ginger, mint, turmeric and others.

WHAT’S THE BEST REST TO DIGEST? Give the digestive system a break and do not eat within three hours of going to sleep. Calories consumed in the evening are prone to become fat and increase weight. Remember the time with the rhyme that the rest that is best to be is eating more than three.

HYDRATION When active in warm weather or decreasing caloric intake or detoxing, many in the health field believe 6-8 glasses (8 oz) of purified water is needed. Proper hydration is necessary for a healthy body, clear mind and stable emotions. Also helps to feel satiated and make good food choices.

SLEEP DEPRIVATION Similar to imbibing alcohol, studies show that sleep deprivation can slow reflexes, affect response times, impair judgment, cause poor decisions to be made and lead to bad food choices. If tired get some rest before deciding what you want to eat. Avoid wasted calorie intake.

IS IT NUTS? There are uncontrollable factors for dementia, BUT research indicates a healthy lifestyle of nutrient-rich diet, exercise and proper rest can lower risk and assist with cognitive functioning as we age. Among “brain foods”, nuts are highly recommended and neurologists lead with WALNUTS.

ACID REFLUX Digestion can be difficult for many with acid reflux. These folks actually have weak stomach acid, and problem is worse when using anti-acids and some prescription drugs. Look into research about adding digestive enzymes before meals for better nutrient absorption and less acid reflux.

L-lysine and HERPES SIMPLEX If you suffer from annoying and sometimes painful outbreaks of Herpes Simplex I and II, perhaps L–Lysine supplements can help to control or diminish those Herpes outbreaks. It is inexpensive and can be worth the try. (Also try to avoid L-arginine)

The brain exclusively runs on glycogen and ketone bodies as it's fuel source. It makes logical sense then that artificial sugars would cause issues in the brain. Sugars are not the problem, consuming too much of them at one time are.

NATURAL HEALING If you are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired then commit to lifestyle change of food, exercise and rest. PLUS learn patience and keeping a daily routine. Remedy is not a short term prescription drug. Years of abuse and neglect need time to clean and recreate a healthy being.

VITAMIN A, EH? FER SURE! As a fat soluble antioxidant, it’s needed for an effective immune system to fight viruses and infections and for better eyesight. Get carotenoids by eating carrots, spinach, bell peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and kale. Or consume vitamin A or beta carotene supplements.

STRESS AND VITAMIN C When you are very stressed due to illness or emotional upheaval, you will need a higher level of vitamin C for the immune system to function correctly. Think about eating more citrus fruits or taking a vitamin C supplement during prolonged times of increased stress.

GO BANANAS A study of cyclist athletes found that water and half a banana is just as effective as a sugary sports drink for restoring electrolytes. Also, it’s better for providing vitamin B6, potassium, antioxidants and fiber. For best health when prolonged exercising consider this substitution.

BIG C FIGHT Healthy diet and protective lifestyle keeping toxic environmental exposure to minimum possible are best defense to cancer. Study of identical twins showed toxic environmental exposure is the biggest cause of adult cancer, but a genetic predisposition is found more in childhood cancers.

GO BANANAS For Vitamin A B Vitamins Vitamin C Magnesium Calcium Potassium Selenium Also these for brain neurotransmitter function to enable calmness, decrease depression, and improve memory: Tryptophan Dopamine Serotonin Norepinephrine Get 10 daily servings of fruits/vegs — inc ORGANIC BANANAS

OFTEN SICK? Some need more than medical consultation and prescriptions. Also need to work to make change and put body into homeostasis. Means possibly changing the way to live, eat and cope. Start with increasing sleep and rest, moderate exercise, natural sunlight, and more fruits and vegetables.

HOMEOSTASIS This is the biological process of living organisms to maintain a stable and relatively constant internal environment needed to survive. Permits the body to adjust to changes in external conditions. Includes regulating temperature, pH and blood glucose levels.

SYMPTOMS Unless an illness origin is identified and mitigated, most diseases will become more complicated w/ more symptoms. They’re a message of a serious problem. Objective of medical treatment should be to find cause. When choosing treatment, decide if you are treating cause or hiding symptoms.

MOUTH AND HEALTH CARE Studies indicate strong correlation between unhealthy mouth and major health problems inc cardiovascular and cancer. Recurring dental problems, inc cavities, periodontal disease, and infections might be warnings there are problems needing treatment now to prevent more illness.

p.H STRIP TEST Bad bacteria and cancer do well in acidic environment. Use strips on saliva and urine b4 breakfast. Seek range 6.5-7.5. If out of range, perhaps less starchy carbs, meats, dairy, and sugar. Add organic fruits and vegetables. Moderate daily exercise helps maintain an alkaline system.

WEIGHT AND BODY FAT Avg fat %ages drift upward with age. Due to age-related muscle loss, however, standard body weight can be misleading. For 65+ yo, guidelines allow for slightly higher BMI (+\-27) before health risks increase. Location of fat (e.g. abdomen) is a more critical health indicator.

PROBIOTICS Are live bacteria and yeasts providing health benefits. They naturally occur in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi; also available as dietary supplements. They help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in your gut, support the immune function, and aid in digestion.