Our DNA is virtually IDENTICAL to that of our ancestors that walked the earth thousands of years ago. As far how our bodies process nutrients and adapt to our behavior, we are indeed still cavemen and cavewomen. Why should you care? Read on…
Let’s imagine what life was like before civilization: Humans were primarily hunter/gatherers. That is, we survived on berries, nuts, and the occasional meal of very lean meat. Food was very hard to come by. Small amounts of food were eaten throughout the day, and in between meals, humans were highly active…. escaping from predators, making shelter, moving around to find food. The daily schedule depended on sunrise/sunset and the seasons. When stresses like predators and conflicts with other humans occurred, an immediate response was necessary, allowing the adrenalin and cortisol released in one’s system to be put to use in the “fight or flight response.”
Fast forward to modern day America. We eat largely refined, processed, stored, and altered foods with plenty of additives; and we eat too much of them. Our diet is heavy in saturated fats from grain fed animal meats and dairy products. Most of us lead sedentary lives, with the occasional foray into exercise. Our sleep/wake cycles are dictated by an alarm clock, not our individual needs. And we are buffeted with sources of stress from our jobs, cellphones, and bad news pouring out from the radio and television at every turn. These stressors are long-lasting and we most often allow the stress to simmer all day long, bathing our bodies in toxic stress hormones like cortisol and adrenalin.
So what is the answer? Simply put, we need to go back to our caveman roots. TAKE THIS HOME:
1. Eat NATURAL FOODS. Instead of processed foods with articial ingredients (e.g. food colors, refined sugar, preservatives), choose foods that are closest to how nature made them. Anything that comes in a box or bag is probably not ideal.
2. EXERCISE to lose fat and release stress. Studies show that even ten minutes of moderate exercise (e.g. brisk walking) three times a week can make a huge difference in your mood, metabolism, and weight.
3. SLEEP as much as your body demands. Though not everyone has the same needs for sleep, 7-8 hours a night of quality sleep is a good general rule to go by.
4. DRINK WATER. Most of us walk around chronically dehydrated, leading to poor elimination of toxins and body waste products through the kidneys. About 4 glasses of water a day is a good starting point. And remember: sugary, caffeinated drinks don’t count!
Look out for more related e-newsletters from Visionary Eye Care in the coming weeks. I know you will find them useful. Feel free to use the “forward to a friend” link in the email you receive from us if you know someone else who may benefit from the knowledge in these articles.
As always, I am available for questions at fhidaji@visionaryeye.org.
Live, Learn, Enjoy!
Regards,
F. Fred Hidaji, M.D.
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Thank you so much for the email updates…I love the information.
You are most welcome! F.H.
Simple but good advice!
High praise from the fitness guru! FH
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