Insurance Plan For A Lifetime :: Holistic Healing :: Functional Foods/Nutraceuticals

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Insurance Plan For A Lifetime
by author Sam Graci

Every decade of our lives–including those critical months before our birth–is characterized by physical growth, development or deterioration, escalating or diminishing hormone levels, lifestyle stages and certain common health concerns.

The following are some recommendations for optimizing your health and overcoming the hurdles typical of these different life stages.

Each of the following age brackets has new recommendations but also include those of the previous age.

Prenatal to 15

The role of nutrition in a child’s health can’t be underestimated–even before life outside the womb begins. Good maternal dietary strategies and optimal nutrition affects the health of infants and can impact their well-being even in adulthood. Besides disease prevention, an adequate intake
of proper nutrients can have positive effects on mental health, behaviour and cognitive function.

Moms, moms-to-be and children can take a daily protein shake with a scoop of whey protein isolate powder, one cup (250 ml) of rice or almond milk, two tablespoons of soy lecithin granules, a half-cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen) and two heaping tablespoons of natural yogurt. To supercharge this tasty shake, empty a children’s multivitamin/multimineral capsule into the shake before mixing.
Daily, give children a "green drink" powder in one cup (250 ml) of water or a half-cup (125 ml) of unsweetened juice mixed with a half-cup (125 ml) of water.
Make certain your salads and vegetables look and smell appealing.
Supplement with fish oils, cod liver oil or algae extract daily.

15 to 25

During this time, our metabolism is at its peak. Hormone levels are optimum and lean muscle mass is easily formed. Cognitive levels, our immune responses, cardiovascular health, hair quality and skin texture are also at their best.

Avoid fried foods full of biologically destructive trans fatty acids found in hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Be cool–eat naturally.
Try to eat a salad every day.
Experiment with and find vegetables you really like and try them raw, steamed, grated or roasted.
Instead of eating red meat, try chicken cooked with the skin off and the fat removed. And have fresh, broiled fish, such as salmon, three times a week to keep your brain and nervous system full of DHA and EPA.
Make an energizing "green drink" each morning.
Take a multivitamin capsule with breakfast and a multimineral with dinner.
Juice yourself a glass of fresh vegetable juice each day for radiant skin and glowing hair.
Get buffed by working out at the gym five days a week.
Drink lots of water to keep your skin clear; use a sports container with a plastic straw to minimize the amount of air you take in.

25 to 35

In this decade, our bone mass is at its peak. If you haven’t already started, this is the time to do weight-bearing exercises three to four times a week, to maximize bone density. Stretch daily to loosen and lengthen your body. Take some time for your own renewal, especially to meditate, pray, exercise, go for hikes, write poetry, read inspiring books and gaze at stars.

Sam Graci is an renowned lecturer, consultant, researcher andformulator in the field of optimal human health and nutrition. He is the author of the Canadian best-seller The Power of Superfoods and his new book, The Food Connection.

Source: alive #246, April 2003

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