When using the services of a Nutritionist the most common concerns are the following:
#1. Weight
Anti-Aging
Women- Hormones / Male-Erectile Dysfunction
Allergies / Immune System
Depression
Addictions
All of the above are symptoms of the body receiving inadequate nutrition and an unhealthy lifestyle. Symptoms are the body’s way of turning on a warning light. If a warning light appears on the dash-board of our automobile…do we put a band-aide over it to make it go away or do we take care of the underlying issue.
With our body, we often want a band-aide or a quick fix to make the warning light go away. In our society there is always a group, corporation or occupation making money from selling products and services ready to apply a band-aide. These billion dollar band-aide appliers include pharmaceutical drug companies, weight-loss gurus, health care providers and our food suppliers who produce these products and promote the advertising to sell them.
Below are the most common billion dollar band-aides and advertising myths which are directly related to the common symptoms above.
Myth I. Eat Low Fat Foods
The theory that saturated fats and dietary cholesterol clog arteries has been effectively disproved by a number of highly respected scientists. The real culprit is “trans-fatty acids” found in margarine, vegetable oils and foods with partially hydrogenated oils. Zero trans-fats does not mean NO trans-fats in food labeling.
Myth II. Use Artificial Sweeteners to Avoid Sugar
Aspartame, which is marketed as NutruSweet or Equal is used in diet and sugar-free foods. There is a clear scientific line between these artificial sweeteners and chronic headaches, cognitive and seizure disorders, and hyperactivity in children.
Myth III. Eat Processed and Junk Food
Animal growth hormones and antibiotics don’t go away after an animal is butchered, prepared for market or cooked…35 Million pounds per year adds up. Genetically modified, hybridized and irradiated foods are all passed along to the public as processed food.
Myth IV. Have Surgery to Remove “Spare Body Parts”
The appendix and tonsils are very necessary lymphoid tissue which is part of the body’s immune system. Gallbladders and Reproductive Systems serve a functional purpose which cannot be replaced with drugs. All of the stomach is required to digest nutrients.
Myth V. Wolf Down Food Without Chewing
The chewing reflex signals the body to release saliva enzymes. The goal of this process is to deliver food to the stomach in a liquid state which requires that each bite be chewed from 40 to 50 times. Chewing insures proper digestion.
Myth VI. Do Aerobic Exercises
Research indicates that high-intensity aerobic exercise producing an elevated heart rate for long periods of time such as jogging or running on hard surfaces may lower immune response and create chronic ligament and joint problems with long-term tissue degeneration. Regular walking, yogi, swimming and outdoor recreation with deep breathing promote relaxation.
Myth VII. Use Antibacterial Soaps & Lots of Skin Care Products
Most antibacterial soaps contain triclosan which can be absorbed through the skin and pose a liver threat. Skin care products can destroy the natural pH and can introduce dangerous toxins into the body through the pores.
Myth VIII. Medicate Every Symptom
Symptoms are the body’s way of healing itself. Common medications such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and OTC drugs may cause major damage to the immune system, effect the gastrointestional terrain, and alter enzyme & hormone functions.
Myth IX. Use Plastic Wraps & Containers and Reuse Plastic Bottles
Plastic products release or leach carcinogenic toxins into food. Water is one of the most effective solvents and it draws toxins from plastic. Toxicity is increased when foods contain high amounts of water or if they are highly acidic.
Myth X. Stay Up Late and Live Without Sleep
Sleep disturbances set up vicious cycles of pain, fatigue and emotional distress that make sleep even more unlikely. Researchers believe that every minute of sleep before midnight is the equivalent of 4 minutes of sleep after midnight.
