Natural Treatments for a Better Life
1. Avoid Food Triggers
Diet plays a key role in both physical and mental aging Here are some foods to avoid to help prevent the development of cancers, diseases, and cognitive disorders.
- Sugar and processed foods — Eliminate sugars as well as processed foods. This helps to greatly reduce inflammation in your body.
- Gluten — If you have celiac disease, IBS, brain fog,diarrhea, constipation, allergies, you may have a gluten intolerance. Cut it from your diet for 2 weeks and see how you feel.
- Aluminum — Aluminum is toxic, avoid foods package in aluminum and also make sure you’re not using any aluminum pans to cook with or any baking powder with aluminum. Check your deodorant for aluminum, they will say "has no aluminum" on the front if it's safe to use.
- Any food containing toxins or additives — These foods can possibly be neurotoxic. The best way to avoid toxins and additives is to completely avoid processed foods. Better to eat less good food than to be full of toxins.
- Alcohol — Best to avoid alcohol all together since it can cause brain cells to die faster than normal. Try other modes of stress relief.
- Tap water — Water often contains environmental toxins, some of which could be damaging neurologically, so opt for purified/filtered water, no plastic bottles please.
2. Eat Foods that Heal
Eat nutrient-dense real food, good fats and filtered water.
Here are some examples:
- Organic, unprocessed foods — You want to eat foods that are free of harmful, brain-damaging, inflammatory pesticides and additives like MSG, GMO foods (modified) processed and preserved with chemicals.
- Dark leafy greens — Consuming dark leafy greens like kale and collard greens can protect you from free radical damage.
- Berries — A great fruit choice, berries are low in sugar but high in anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
- Wild-caught fish — Great sources of natural omega oils
- Avocados — The good fat found in avocados can help lower depression and anxiety. Avocados have wonderful oils with healing properties
- Ghee — Ghee’s levels of butyrate reduces inflammation in the digestive tract and throughout the body.
- Anti-inflammatory spices — Make a point to use anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger on a regular basis.
- Green tea — Green tea contains polyphenol antioxidants that help fight off free radicals that cause disease.
3. Take Beneficial Supplements
If you are eating whole, natural foods, you may still need some nutritional supplements. It's best to make an appointment with me to see what those might be. Each person is unique and the same supplements are not needed by everyone.
4. Exercise/Movement
I know you have heard that physical movement is a key part of fighting depression, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, diabetes and co-morbid conditions as well as improves our physical function. Research also shows that exercise can slow the progression of cognitive decline in people with dementia. Physical activity during the day is also a great way to prevent nighttime restlessness and allow more restful sleep.
5. Pet Therapy
Assuming there are no allergies present, animal therapy can be excellent for anyone. Especially those who live alone or are lonesome by nature.
6. Massage
What’s sure to lift a person’s mood and also help them to relax? Massage! Additionally, massage helps with circulation and detoxification. Even a brief rub of the shoulders can make a world of difference in reducing tension and we all need that human touch!
7. Aromatherapy
The use of Doterra Essential Oils, like lavender, and sweet orange can be very helpful. Frankincense oil and rosemary oil are also great choices for Lewy body dementia since they both support brain function and neurological health. You can use these oils in a diffuser. You can also put two drops of frankincense oil on the roof of your mouth twice daily and rub rosemary oil into your scalp after a shower.
Listening to soothing music on a regular basis can help to reduce stress and promote wellness and healing.
9. Daily Mental Stimulation
To prevent and slow the progress of any kind of mental decline, it’s very helpful to find ways to stimulate the mind on a daily basis. Doing crossword puzzles and playing games that use thinking skills, computer work,reading books,magazines or newspapers, are great options.
10. Peaceful Environments
Wherever we retreat to at the end of the day, should be relaxing and safe. Get uncluttered, organized enough, and make sure you enjoy your surroundings. Light a candle, infuse some oils into the air, cut some flowers, keep your favorite mementos within sight to increase your joy.
If you want to improve any of the areas above and would like someone to guide you ...call me 800-503-0483 to make an appt.
Stay well,
Sandra