The foundations of health

Healthy fatty acid deficiency is epidemic. It has led to a lot of conditions such as: musculoskeletal issues, cardiovascular health issues, skin issues, mental and emotional issues. Cooking and industrialization, and adulterated fats are all factors to this. Inflammation management is hampered if there is a fatty acid deficiency

Fats are needed for:

• Source of energy
• Building blocks for cell membranes and hormones
• Required for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K
• Protective Lining for organs
• Increasing satiety
• Makes food taste good
• Management of inflammatory/anti inflammatory responses
• Heart health
• Toxin removal- healthy fats ensure healthy bile, which is the river which toxins are removed

There are two fatty acids that are essential to the body that we must get from the diet (the body cannot make them):

Omega 6- Linoleic acid

Omega 3- Alpha Linolenic acid

Eating grass fed/pasture raised animal products provides a healthier balance of omega 3/ omega 6 fatty acids. 

Healthy fats to include in the diet:

• Avocado
• 100% grass fed butter/ ghee
• Pasture raised eggs
• 100% Grass fed beef tallow 
• Organic unrefined coconut oil
• Soaked nuts and seeds, nut butter
• Wild Caught Salmon
• Cod liver oil
• Flax seed oil
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Dairy from organic full fat100% grass fed animals (cows, goats, etc)

Fats to avoid:

• Trans fats
• Fried foods
• Canola/vegetable oils

Water is the most common nutritional deficiency in the American population. It makes up 55-60% of body mass. Most of the volume of the cells and body fluids is water. 

Water is needed for:

• Transporting nutrients, proper blood viscosity of blood
• Good hydration supports good lymphatic flow, dehydration can exaggerate histamine activity for the purpose of water regulation which can play a role in asthma and allergies
• Improving oxygen delivery to cells
• Empowers body’s natural healing
• Cushioning bones and joints
• Proper elimination of waste (urine and bowels)
• Flushing toxins
• Regulating body temperature
• Cell communications
• Maintaining electrical properties of cells

Dehydration

• Early signs: fatigue, anxiety, irritability, depression, cravings, cramps, headaches
• Mature signs: heartburn, joint pain, back pain, migraines, Fibromyalgia, constipation, colitis

Drink ½ of your body weight in ounces. 

• Diuretics: coffee, caffeinated teas, soda, alcoholic beverages, packaged fruit juices
• If you drink an 8oz diuretic beverage, add 12-16oz of water to daily intake (oz of diuretics x 1.5) + body weight/2

Mineral Balance:

Almost everyone gets enough calcium, but most are missing the cofactors (a substance that is essential for the activity of an enzyme) that allow the body to absorb and use it. 

Minerals are needed for:

• They help to maintain the pH balance in the body
• They facilitate the transfer of nutrients across cell membranes 
• Maintain proper nerve conduction
• Contracting and relaxing muscles (calcium and magnesium)
• Regulating tissue growth
• Provide structural and functional support (bones!)

Try adding a pinch of unrefined sea salt to your water for a cheap electrolyte drink- instead of drinking a sugary Gatorade!

I love Redmond Real Salt and Celtic Sea Salt