Balancing the Body with Whole Foods

Did you know the body works extra hard to maintain homeostasis? This critical balance happens through complex mechanisms, and this demonstrates how necessary the balance between cells, organs, and emotions is if a body is to experience health as a whole. Isolated nutrients cannot effectively nourish the entirety of this complex system and can throw off the delicate balance that is the foundation of good health. On the contrary, whole foods and whole herbs support inner equilibrium by nourishing the body in a holistic and all-embracing manner.

While the optimal environment within the human body is overall slightly alkaline, it is important to maintain a healthy pH balance that is neither overly acidic nor overly alkaline.

Acidic vs Alkaline Foods

The Standard American Diet predisposes most Americans to excess acidity within the body. This can result in the depletion of available oxygen, reduced cellular function and repair, and the buildup of lactic acid. These factors lend themselves to the buildup of harmful bacteria as opposed to life-supporting bacteria or probiotics. This can lead to compromised immune function, reduced energy levels and poor skin tone, and more serious diseases and addictions.

A body that has moved away from balance can be gently steered back to health by making some fundamental changes in daily eating habits. Foods that tend to cause more acidity in the body include grains, white flour-based foods, sugar, certain dairy products (including cheese), processed foods, processed meats, alcohol, carbonated beverages, high-sodium processed foods.

On the contrary, eating a healthy selection of nuts, legumes, fruits, and vegetables that both nourish the body and promote regularity is the ideal place to begin.

Greens and Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Barley grass, spirulina, and chlorella are rich in life-enhancing chlorophyll that helps to alkalize and cleanse the body. Raw hemp protein delivers all 20 amino acids and omega-3, -6, and -9 essential fatty acids (EFAs) to help replenish, repair, and revitalize cells, tissues and organs. This is additionally supported by 100-percent whole-food nutrients and antioxidant-rich superfoods such as blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries. These deliver vital protective compounds that help neutralize the effects of damaging free radicals as well as promoting enzymatic activity required to support liver function.

Fiber and Microbiome Health

Ensuring daily intake of both soluble and insoluble fiber will help to maintain regular elimination and removal of toxins. This contributes to the development of a healthy internal environment in which probiotic bacteria can thrive. Healthy probiotics and their contribution to optimal immune function cannot be overlooked. In addition, a carefully selected blend of digestive enzymes such as those in organic greens helps to maximize the body’s ability to break down foods, releasing the nutrients for proper assimilation.

Since emotions and moods have a profound effect on overall well-being, no program aimed at maintaining equilibrium would be complete without the inclusion of adaptogenic botanicals. Rejuvenating and strengthening adaptogens include ashwagandha, eleuthero root, schisandra berry, and astragalus. These play a harmonizing role by supporting a healthy response to the stressful situations of everyday life.

If your world seems to have gotten a little out of balance, start taking some of these simple steps and enjoy a move toward inner equilibrium.

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods