Just a Little Bit of Everything

Wellness, the state of being in good health, doesn’t mean you close yourself off to the world of life, food, and fun. Instead it opens up many more possibilities.  Starting the journey toward wellness can feel overwhelming at first. The reality is the beginning of your journey will take more of a conscious effort but will soon become second nature. Soon you will taste the world for what it has to offer and wonder what you were ever eating before.

The purpose of food is to give our bodies fuel to function. The body uses carbohydrates as an energy source, protein to build and repair body tissues, fat is used for energy, cell structure, and protection, vitamins and minerals are used to synthesize protein, maintain structures in the body, apart of chemical reactions, and aid with organ function, and water helps maintain homeostasis and transport nutrients.

Although taking daily supplements are great for maintaining health, it is important to know where to find nutrients in the foods we eat. 

Lithium is a element found in many mineral springs, aids in transmission of nerve signals and may also play a role in fertility and behavior.  Lithium can be found in 

Boron, which is also used in laundry product, help assimilate calcium, regulate blood pressure, and balancing hormones. Found in fruits, nuts grains, and leafy vegetables. 

Magnesium which is a metal is vital to enzyme activity. It is involved with the production of cellular energy, synthesis of proteins, and bone formation. It is also important for maintaining electrical fields in the body- meaning it is important for muscle impulses. Magnesium can be found in apples, apricots, bananas, brown rice, figs, garlic, kelp, millet, 

Silicon is used to keep bones, blood vessels, connective tissues, hair, skin, and nails health. It also combats the toxic effects of aluminum. Silicon can be found in beets, brown rice, bell peppers, soy beans, radishes, alfalfa, and other whole grains. 

Vanadium has insulin like properties and important for cellular metabolism. The book suggests being deficient is link to cardiovascular and kidney disease. Found in 

Chromium  is needed for sugar metabolism and synthesis of cholesterol, fats, and protein. Being deficient can lead to glucose intolerance, nerve degeneration, and muscle weakness. Can be found in black pepper and thyme, mushrooms, coffee, tea, beer, wine, liver, and brewers yeast.

Zinc is necessary for protein synthesis, promotes a healthy immune system, and facilitates wound healing. It also helps maintain vitamin E and can be found in seafood, lamb, lima beans, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sardines, sunflower seeds, soybeans, and chicken. 

Iron is used by red blood cells to carry and release oxygen. Good sources of iron can be found in almonds, avocado, beets, egg yolks, parsley, pears, prunes, raisins, and soybeans.

Germanium is an oxygen carrier that protects us from cancer, arthritis, food allergies, elevated cholesterol, and chronic viral infections. It can be found in aloe vera, garlic, leguminous seeds, ginseng, mushrooms, and onions.

Iodine is necessary for thyroid function and important for maintaining energy levels. Iodine can be found in sea foods, sea salt, eggs, and milk.

Selenium is an antioxidant, stimulates the production of antibodies, and helps with pancreatic function. Selenium can be found in broccoli, liver, garlic, vegetables, chicken, and seafood.

What we choose to put in our bodies affects us mentally, physically, and emotionally. When we listen to our bodies and add a variety of nutrient dense foods; we are able to influence change, combat/ prevent illness, promote healing, and more simply by adding more or less of a nutrient.

For example, garlic has anti infective properties. It contains selenium which is an antioxidant, which stimulates the production of antibodies, meaning it boots your immune system. By increasing intake when people around you are sick, can increase your own defenses to prevent or shorten your sick time. With our busy lives it is important to know what we can do with natural products to keep ourselves well. 

The first step to wellness is becoming informed but, there is more to wellness than information. Knowledge without action is simply entertainment. Paying attention to what we eat and choosing better foods doesn’t restrict our diet; it opens us up to many possibilities around us. It also teaches us to listen to our bodies and give it what it actually needs. Choosing to eat foods rich in nutrients and eating less processed, fast, fried, farm fresh, added sugar, and GMO foods can have tremendous benefits not only to your physical health but mental and emotional heath as well. 

Information is only the first step, take action. 

Jasmine Hutchinson BSN, RN, PHN

If you’re looking for places to purchase natural, organic products or essential oils, check out my organic products page for links.

Disclaimer…This blog is intended solely to serve as a resource to health information and to provide you with basic information about the symptoms, cautions, safety concerns, natural remedies, DIY recipes, and nutritional concerns related to all aspects of health. This blog does not provide a comprehensive explanation of all aspects of any health condition or concern or even those aspects that are discussed in this blog. This blog is not intended to be–and you should not use it as–a substitute for medical advice or health care given by a licensed health care provider. Be sure to see a licensed health care provider to help ensure your health and the health and well-being of your family.