by Michelle SauberzweigIn the late twentieth century, food was found to be an important healing force. In fact, food acts as a foundation of medicine. Food affects all systems of the body and if diet is used correctly for prevention and treatment you will find that medication is used less frequently if at all.
Did you know that on a daily basis the average American obtains 20% of their calories from sugar alone? That is 150lbs per year! Are you aware that two thirds of all deaths are directly affected by improper diet and poor eating habits? These are startling facts but the undeniable truth. Obesity rates are skyrocketing, autoimmune diseases are on the rise and medicinal and surgical procedures are at an all- time high. This increase in disease can be explained very simply – poor diet.
What we need is higher quality foods and better food choices. We need to limit those choices that poison our body and the world around us. Instead, we need to trust in cleaner, healthier alternatives that support the body’s natural balance.
Here are some suggestions to assist you in changing your diet.
Eat fruits and vegetables that are in season – Foods in season are cheaper and agree with the current season which our bodies are in synch with, therefore foods are easier to digest
Buy locally as much as possible – This supports our local farmers, is better for the environment, keeps costs down and is always in season
Limit consumption of foods containing growth hormones, food colorings, additives and preservatives – These add inflammation to the body and are hard to digest
Read food labels before you buy anything
If you eat beef, buy grass fed beef – Cows cannot digest corn which is most often fed to them and make them sick
Use healthy alternatives to sugar, such as molasses, honey, date sugar, stevia and barley malt or brown rice syrup
Eat smaller meals throughout the day - Will keep your energy and digestion at its’ strongest
Incorporate protein with every meal and snack - Helps with energy
Eat a warm breakfast every day - This wakes up your digestive system and boosts metabolism
Try to eat foods that are warm or at room temperature - Avoid cold foods as much as possible since your body has to work harder to digest them
To satisfy your sweet tooth, try naturally sweetened vegetables such as corn, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, yams and squash
Eat fruit daily – High in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants
Add more green into your diet – Broccoli, kale, mustard greens, Chinese cabbage are packed with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and K
Eat more at home – Try one new healthy recipe a week
Be prepared - Create a menu and do your shopping for the entire week
If you would like more information or have questions, please feel free to contact Living Well Acupuncture at (740) 206-8705.
by Michelle SauberzweigDid you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? One in every three deaths is caused by heart disease and stroke. This is approximately 2,200 deaths per day. These conditions are also leading causes of disability preventing people from working and enjoying family activities. Cardiovascular disease is also very expensive—together heart disease and stroke hospitalizations in 2010 cost the nation more than $444 billion in health care expenses and lost productivity. However, we can fight back against heart disease and stroke in Littleton, Colorado!
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be helpful in the treatment of heart problems, especially in the early stages. Licensed Acupuncturist, Michelle Sauberzweig, is trained in examining the pulse, which can detect heart irregularities often before symptoms such as heart pain even appear. She can also prescribe a heart healthy diet which Chinese doctors have been prescribing for thousands of years.
This month, we are highlighting some ways that you can prevent the nation's leading killers. Prevention is key!
1. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes per day.
2. Know your ABCS:
A) Ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin every day.
B) Monitor your Blood pressure or Cholesterol.
C) If you smoke, get help to quit.
3. Eat a heart-healthy diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and trans fat.
4. Following your doctor’s prescription instructions.
5. Get preventative acupuncture treatments to decrease your risk of disease.
To set up your Acupuncture appointment with Michelle, call Living Well Acupuncture at (740) 206-8705 or email michelle@livingwell-acupuncture.com.
by Michelle SauberzweigFlu season is here and it has quickly become an epidemic. If you truly want to avoid illness and disease, then it is up to you to take a look at your daily choices and consider what changes you could make to advance your health. Your best ‘insurance’ against illness is to transition from reactive symptom- based care to a proactive, wellness-driven lifestyle. To help you obtain this lifestyle, we would like to provide you with some simple ways in increase you immunity this season!
Wash your hands often!
Your hands are home to bacteria and potentially dangerous germs from time to time, such as staph, strep, and the intestinal bacteria that cause food poisoning and diarrhea. Public places are notorious for bacteria! Viruses are also able to spread from contact and cause diarrhea and respiratory infections from the sniffles to the flu so be sure to wash your hands frequently.
Receive a B12 shot once a month!
The reported benefits of regular doses of Vitamin B12 Injections are more energy & stamina for daily life activities, healthier or improved immune system, improved sleep patterns, reduced allergies, reduced stress, reduced depression, improved moods and less frequent and severe headaches. Vitamin B is an essential vitamin that your body needs to maintain good health and overall wellbeing!
Take Chinese Herbal Formulas or Homeopathics!
Herbs are commonly prescribed during a change of season to help a person adapt to the changing weather. By planning ahead and taking herbs accordingly, one can drastically reduce the frequency and severity of catching the common cold or the flu. Engystol homeopathic injections are available during the winter months as well. They work like a flu shot without any side effects!
Commit to Acupuncture!
Acupuncture is primarily a preventive form of medicine—it makes us stronger so that we can avoid disease rather than dealing with it after it happens. There are specific points that will strengthen your immunity and improve your chances of avoiding the flu this year or prevent a recurrence if you have already suffered through the flu.
