Sometimes I think that God uses my health challenges so that others can benefit from my struggles. I’ve been through enough (fibrocystic disease, hysterectomy, upper respiratory infections, adrenal fatigue, depression, pityriasis rosea, osteoporosis, irritable bowel syndrome) that I’ve been forced to look beyond conventional medicine for cures for many ailments. I know what it’s like to feel less than healthy for a prolonged period of time, so, here are six tips for a naturally healthier you.
1. Get your Vitamin D and magnesium levels checked. Many conditions, including asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, fatigue, insomnia, and even certain cancers, are a result of diminished levels of both Vitamin D and magnesium. I recommend getting a magnesium RBC test and a vitamin D test to assess your current levels in order to correctly augment them both.
2. Get the toxins out. One of the best ways to detox is through the skin, and taking a bath in warm water and bentonite clay is an excellent means of getting healthier and pulling toxins out of the body. Even a simple 20-minute foot soak in warm water and bentonite clay can yield marvelous results, not just for the skin but for many internal organs. I try to incorporate a bentonite clay bath into my health regimen once a week.
3. Go green. Introduce more green fruits and veggies into your food world. I never thought I’d be an advocate for leafy greens like kale and spinach, but adding them to my smoothies has been a sure-fire way to ensure that my food rainbow meets its green quota. Other healthier green goodies that are worth a second look are green apples, kiwis, limes, avocados, cabbage, green grapes, cucumbers, celery, broccoli, asparagus, parsley, and cilantro.
4. Read your labels. My mantra is: if I can’t pronounce it, why am I eating it/wearing it? Although we often pay attention to what we’re ingesting, we’re sometimes less well versed about what we put on our skin and on our hair. Our skin is our largest organ and a conduit to our blood stream, and it absorbs the good (and bad!) products that it encounters. The Environmental Working Group is a great source of information on the ingredients of skin and hair products and cosmetics. I’m a strong proponent of coloring hair with henna rather than artificial dyes, and for avoiding hair products with sulfates and silicones. Lotions and oils that feature Vitamin E, sweet almond, grapeseed, and shea butter are naturally healthier and are among my favorites.
5. Be adventurous. We often get into “food ruts” by relying on the same old foods and ingredients and not venturing into new food territory. Last week, I tried lychee for the first time and loved it! The outside didn’t look too appealing, but I went for it still and found a new fruit favorite. Think of the foods that you’ve thought about trying but haven’t as yet. Make a pact with yourself to try one new healthy food each week. You’ll be surprised at how rich your recipe repertoire will become as you become healthier!
6. Crowd out the competition. Joshua Rosenthal, Director of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, shares the concept of crowding out the bad foods in our lives by slowly introducing more of the naturally healthier stuff. I think he’s right on point! We often think that we have to make a one-time clean sweep of our pantries and fridges in order to start anew. That might work for a few people, but for the rest of us? Not so much. Gently introduce healthier favorites and you’ll slowly see your vices (fast food, fatty/salty/sugary treats) begin to disappear from your food landscape.
Which of these six tips can you implement quickest? Which would be the hardest for you to try? Why?
I always think about that time I visited and we had dinner together. Ever since then, I order hot water and lemon when I go out to eat. 😉 Thanks for inspiring us all to be healthy, and happy. Your site looks great! Well done!
Thanks Deidra! We had fun that night. Today I had lunch with a friend and we both had hot water. So looking forward to reading your book! I hope we can catch up in person again, perhaps this year. Hugs, Ali
I got my vitamin levels checked out last year! They were mostly fine but I worry about vitamin D during a New England winter! And magnesium is a big one for me with anxiety.
I LOVE getting out of food ruts, and I use clay to detox. For me, drinking water a lot makes a huge difference, which makes me think I don’t always do so!
Hey Tamara! Glad to hear that your Vitamin D levels were good. Supplementation in the winter months helps to keep them in the ideal range. Transdermal magnesium is a good choice for anxiety to avoid potential side effects with oral doses of that mineral. And keep that water intake level high! It definitely makes a difference. Great seeing you here!
Alison Hector recently posted…Six tips for a naturally healthier you
Hi Alison! I have taken prescription Vitamin D in the past for a low count, now I take OTC Vitamin D. I had no idea how low my levels were! I also take Magnesium daily.
I think what we eat has a huge effect on our sense of well-being and alertness. I loved the photo you have here of all the vibrant natural foods. Looks so good 🙂
Welcome back, and thanks for visiting too!
Ceil
Hi Ceil! Glad to hear that you are on top of your magnesium and Vitamin D levels. They are so important to our health. You’re right re: the effect of our food on our well-being. So often we take our wellness for granted and really mess up re: our food choices!
Alison Hector recently posted…Six tips for a naturally healthier you
I need to get my magnesium and Vitamin D levels checked – on my list to do! I’ve started drinking smoothies for breakfast, and I throw in spinach in addition to the protein powder that also has greens. I’m not a huge veggie eater, so starting the day with some is a win for me.
Sounds like an excellent start, Dana! You’re getting the necessary protein and fiber to get you going (in more ways than one) for the day. Great!
Alison Hector recently posted…Okay, so you’re awake. What do you do next?
Hi Alison
I really liked this article as it gives us pointers as to how we can maintain our health. I shall continue to drink lots of water and eat lots of veggies. I have never been tested for magnesium levels or Vitamin D – perhaps that is something I should ask my doctor about.
I enjoy your blogs so do keep writing.
Definitely check on the vitamin D and magnesium levels; they do make a big difference. By the way, I’m home; I hope you got my message!
Alison!!! I followed back when you launched everything. The blogging circle is so far and in-between for me these days. I’m finally getting a chance to comment and the new site is simply beautiful and quite refreshing. I love what you are doing here!
I am supposed to take Vit D, but I am stubborn, lol! The professional always makes the worse client/patient! The easiest one of these to implement for me is stepping outside the box and trying something new. I had no idea what lychee was but thanks for sharing. I just recently cooked a dish with kale. Would you believe I just tasted kale for the first time in the last few months? It taste pretty good to me and I plan on trying more new things I adapt to cooking more! So good to have you back! Love ya!
Joi, it’s so good to hear from you! I know what you mean about the blogging circle. I’m slowly getting back into the groove. You’re right about the professional making the worst patient. And welcome to the kale club! It is a staple for me (either kale or spinach) and the taste does grow on you. Hugs, Ali!
I need to try some of these! I had neck/spinal surgery at the end of last year and my immune system has struggled ever since. I can’t wait for the warmer weather because I think that is going to help. I do eat healthy, but I can always improve.
The Vitamin D/magnesium and getting out in the sun will help a lot, Michelle. Sorry to hear about the surgery and your recovery.