Natalen

In school, we basically learned about vitamins and minerals in food but that only scratches the surface. What about the other things that are essential for our bodies …peptides, amino acids, essential fatty acids, omegas, etc?

On my health journey, I have found out how important nutrients are for the body. They create the building blocks for health and the processes that make our bodies function. In this blog post I will share some of the reasons I feel nutrition is paramount for people struggling with chronic illnesses as well as to prevent disease, plus a few tips on how to add more nutrients to your diet.

I know diet is a tricky subject because no one likes to change their lifestyle, especially adding things they don’t like or aren’t used to; plus cutting out sweets and junk food is not fun. It’s often easier to take medication or supplements than change your food regimen. Yet I have learned that food is the best way to get a plethora of vital nutrients, especially if you consume superfoods, which have higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, omegas, etc.

Our bodies have the incredible capability to heal themselves when given the necessary resources to do so. Therefore, I have been researching superfoods and supplements along with other things that can help a body heal. I always knew that healthful eating was important but I didn’t realize how much food actually affects our health. Because my body quit functioning properly, I have been on a quest to find what helps the body function optimally.

What got me on this kick? Someone sent me a link to a talk by a doctor, Terry Wahls, that had reversed her MS through diet. I don’t necessarily espouse doing her whole diet, but taking the knowledge and applying it to your life is very helpful. She went from not being able to walk to being able to ride her bicycle and chronicled her recovery. Now she helps many others to find healing through eating specific foods as well. I also ran into some people that have been using nutrition to help themselves or family members and others heal from ALS. Preposterous, right?!? Yet they have seen success in numerous instances to slow, stop or even reverse the progression of the disease. One man, Mark Manchester, has even come off a trach and out of his wheelchair through he and his wife’s diligence to combat the disease naturally and nutritionally. https://healingals.org/alsreversals/mark-manchester/

Things I have learned:

Supplements can be very helpful. COQ10, magnesium, B vitamins, amino acids, curcumin, vitamin D with K2, C, A, E, omega 3s, MTC oil, are just a sampling of what may benefit you if you have ALS. Powdered bulk super-foods can be added to fruit smoothies or protein shakes or feeding tube meals for an added boost of nutrients. Examples include beetroot powder, matcha, lemongrass, mushrooms such as lions mane, super greens, spirulina, nutritional yeast, bone broth, and blueberry powder.

Here are some basic principles of nutrition: Rebalancing the body is essential. Restore your gut for optimal nutrient absorption. Prebiotics and probiotics are very important for your gut. Eliminate inflammation-causing foods. Focus on proteins and healthy fats. Drink plenty of water—8 glasses is recommended. Eat whole foods and choose clean, organic options. Cut out excess sugar and refined carbohydrates. Eat a variety of leafy greens, colorful vegetables and fruits, berries, seeds, nuts, legumes, whole grains, meat and dairy. Incorporate moderate amounts of natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, agave syrup, stevia or monk fruit.

Plants and meat and water play a vital role in our health. Processed foods with added nutrients can never substitute or come close to the complete nutrition found in real, less processed food. Healthful foods have so much more than just vitamins. They are full of compounds that our bodies need to run smoothly and efficiently.…from our immune system to our electrical system to all our other systems. Polyphenols and other antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes, fiber, minerals, vitamins and a host of other substances that I don’t know much about help regulate hormones, generate substances that the body uses, trigger metabolism and keep the body running smoothly in various ways and water helps these processes happen. Without these things, systems become compromised and the slide to illness begins.

In my research , I have found specific foods and herbs and supplements that help the body with specific issues. People can argue the science on some of them, but what’s to lose? The more nutrient diverse your diet is, the more your body has to work with. Spices, herbs and superfoods are power packed ways to counteract problems and improve systems function.

As I have been researching this topic, I have noticed that the least helpful websites are the medical websites. They usually say, not enough research has been done to show any value. Anything not proven is generally rejected or dismissed. Not much research will ever be done that does not provide profit, yet the scientific evidence of what is contained in the foods and what the body needs suggests that they would be beneficial.

I would like to change how our society and health care system works. I believe that ignorance, fear, pride, and self gain are hindrances as to why not much research has been conducted and why people don’t choose to eat better. Join me on the quest for better health and put in the effort to make wellness a reality.

Here are questions to ask yourself:

First, what areas does your body need support with?

Brain health

Immune system

Inflammation

Stress

Muscle tension

Detox

Respiratory issues

Cardiovascular health

Et cetera

Second, what is a realistic, balanced diet for you?

Third, what foods have potential benefits for your specific health needs?

Fourth, how can you easily incorporate the added nutrients into your diet and lifestyle?

Here are some lists of superfoods and supplements that you should consider:

Food that is good for brain health; compiled from the Wahl’s diet

Seaweed 1 x week—iodine

Herring /salmon/ grass fed beef—omega 3

Colorful Berries/fruit/veggies 3 cups x day—antioxidants

Cabbage, kale, broccoli, radish asparagus, onions, garlic, mushrooms 3 cups x day— sulfur (*lion mane mushrooms and apples help heal myelin sheath)

Kale spinach parsley 3 cups x day.—Vitamins and minerals

Organ meat 1 x week—vitamins, minerals, coenzyme Q

Diabetes herbal Solutions

Maringa

Aloe Vera (2x as effective as metformin)

Psysllium seeds

Fenugreek

Nettles

Black seed

Berberine

Ginger

Turmeric

Cinnamon-less effective

Oregano oil

Cloves

Curry leaves

Garlic

Papaya seeds

Liver health:

NAC

Milk thistle

TMG/Betain for alcohol issues

Artichoke

Dandelion

Reishi mushroom-regeneration

Taurine

Lemon

Matcha

Inflammation and metabolism:

Matcha/green tea

Salmon

Tuna

Nuts

Beans

Sulfur rich vegetables

Leafy greens

Berries-strawberries, blueberries, blackberries

Oranges and citrus fruits

Apples

Tomatos

Turmeric -Curcumin

Ginger

Garlic

Olive oil -healthy fat, polyphenols

Dark chocolate

Green tea /matcha-polyphenols

Black and white tea-polyphenols

Bananas -bromelaine

Yogurt-probiotic

Asparagus

Artichoke

Onion

Garlic

Sweet potatoes

Legumes

Beets

Although I can’t eat by mouth, I have made a point of getting the best organic, nutrient dense food I can get (insurance supplied food) for my feeding tube. Initially, I ate KateFarms but I had trouble with nausea and eventually shifted to Liquid Hope. It has been a powerful upgrade for my nutrition. In addition to that, I keep several powdered or liquid things in my cupboard that I add daily or as needed.

My go to list:

Lemons—fresh

Lion’s mane mushroom powder or tincture

SuperGreens powder

Beet root powder

Black garlic powder

Lemongrass powder

Matcha

Golden milk—blend of turmeric , ginger, ashweganda, and black pepper

Cider vinegar

Olive oil

Avocado oil

Flaxseed oil

Omega 3 oil blend

Bone broth

Oregano oil

Black seed oil

Trace minerals

Nutritional yeast

Nasturtium tea—great for cough

I have done the research on these and know they are helpful for my body. I have been able to maintain a good immune system. I feel energetic and healthy on a consistent basis. My mind is very clear. I have very little pain or fascillacions. I have had very slow decline in ALS symptoms, which isn’t usually the case with this disease. I have more to learn and incorporate into my life and I find it very intriguing at this point, having reaped the benefits so far. I don’t have anything to lose and much to gain.

Let this list inspire you as you do your own research. YouTube and the internet are very helpful as well as local workshops at health foods stores, chiropractic clinics, etc. Have an open mind and find what will help your body heal and be healthy. You are worth the time, effort and expense. It’s much more cost effective to prevent disease and to support healing naturally than to wait for medical bills and emergency treatments.

People who can eat, consider tapanades, chutneys and sauces to incorporate some extra healthful ingredients to your diet. Make smoothies, soups and cuisine with lots of healthy fats, berries, spices, herbs, protein, etc for power packed nutrition. Sprinkle helpful spices, nuts, seeds and berries on your oatmeal, yogurt or salad. If you are brave enough, switch to whole grains and eliminate refined sugar and remember to drink plenty of water. Remember that daily choices will contribute to a lifetime of health.

Please consider what I have learned and research for yourself. Then try incorporating your own curated foods into your diet and see how it works for you. I believe your body will thank you!