Seven simple steps to well-being

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Speakers: Andrew Lewis and Maria Elliott

A commonsense, holistic ‘Seven step’ approach to wellbeing, by Andrew Lewis, who dealt with the scientific and nutrition aspects of the presentation and Maria Elliott, who is a physiotherapist and consultant on post natal problems, touched upon women’s health, meditation and general physical and mental interaction. Herewith is a resume without the numbered steps. 

Andrew noted that food acts as a fuel, which we absorb, and is chemically changed so that it produces other chemicals which keep us healthy, change moods, affect our abilities to function and strengthen our immune system. A porous gut makes for allergies and may cause headaches and ‘brain fog’.  We are what we eat!

As is well known to all shoppers, processed foods contain a multiplicity of chemicals and additives to enhance its appearance and taste, keep it looking attractive for long periods on the shelf and act as a substitute for ‘proper’ natural ingredients to reduce costs.  Salt and sugar are used to induce a desire for more, leading to a crash and crave ‘rollercoaster’ which can lead to obesity, diabetes, mood swings, ADD and anxiety neuroses, and this has also been well documented.  The surrounding world is toxic enough with the use of fertilizers, pesticides, germ-killing sprays as well as the addition of growth hormones, and antibiotics to animal feed stuffs. 

For a generally healthy diet one should aim for a plate consisting of half raw or steamed vegetables, a quarter plate of a protein and a quarter of carbohydrates.

More frequent smaller portions are healthier than huge ‘blow outs’. That is not the same as grazing all day.  A good sourdough rye bread is about the healthiest,{yeasts not so good} as is a probiotic yoghurt which contains digestive enzymes. Sprouting beans, seeds, olive or avocado oils and a little butter rather than margarine are good foods.  It was noted that today’s carrots contained 40% less minerals than those grown in the 1940s. Broccoli is good and vegetables have to be treated in certain ways if they are not to lose all their ‘goodness’.  Steaming is best. 

 Note that painkillers taken to excess can kill vitamins.  Andrew did mention vitamin supplements, but there are conflicting arguments, such as a generally varied diet needs no supplements.  If a deficiency is spotted by the doctor then one should take them.  Some people tend to ‘self medicate’ with great amounts of vitamins, the body however will expel the overdoses. Fish oil capsules 1000mg are beneficial.

We are rarely ill in one part only, as there is a reaction by other parts of the body to that part which is malfunctioning.  This extends to the mind, as a trial showed that about fifty per cent of patients given placebos, reported improvements. 

Maria discussed the importance of proper sleep. Preparations for sleeping should consist of a stress-free hour, perhaps milk, and certainly no stimulants.  These reduce cortisols and adrenaline, which cause stress. Stress leads to sleeplessness, which causes stress and so on.   Stress can shorten life expectancy. Stress is fuelled by T.V. and newspaper bad news, and stress can be caused by the wrong friends.  A good sleep pattern reduces the need for quick energy fixes during the day, and aids concentration and an ability to deal with pressures in a rational way.   Maria also spoke of the benefits of meditation, which we all tried, and the concomitant proper way of breathing.  Test trials have shown that those who meditated reduced their intake of medication by 91% and 36% of those with chronic illnesses visited their doctor less often. 

Sunlight provides the vital vitamin D. Sunbathing without proper care is of course dangerous and long exposure should be avoided.  Apart from cancer it causes premature wrinkling.  The wearing of sunglasses, unless necessary, prevents light from entering through the eyes.

As for exercise, twenty minutes three times weekly, enough to raise the heartbeat is the minimum.  Walking is generally considered the most harmless and beneficial method for all ages. 

Finally to avoid stress and the raising of the blood pressure:
Do not build up resentments
Forsake anger
Put all the bad things foisted on you by others into a mythical black bag
Avoid people who annoy you.

Do make time to see good friends and family, and also find time to be alone and think of the good things that have occurred in your life. Accept your own limitations, resolve problems and do not learn to live with things that upset you.  This is insidious and the body gets used to it, resulting in unforeseen stress.  .

As a previous speaker Dr. Soutzos, a psychiatrist, also said ‘ goals are good but the journey is better’. So, make a resolution not to make resolutions, as they never work, but instead say “ I intend ……… That way lies good health and resultant happiness.

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