Rx #1: Get OUTSIDE into NATURE!
There are no gimmicks when it comes to the basic foundations for health. It turns out that NATURE has given us most of what we need, but it does take effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle in our modern world. Rather than trying to medicate or supplement our way out of an unhealthy lifestyle, the following basic foundations are emphasized, not as temporary fixes, but as WAYS OF LIFE*:
# OPTIMIZE LIGHT & OTHER ENERGIES
Human beings evolved with the rhythm and spectrum of natural sunlight, and our metabolism and cellular function depend on it. There is no substitute for natural light, and we need sensible sun exposure to our eyes and skin every day. Equally important is to mitigate exposure to artificial light, which contains unbalanced blue light. Simple steps to reduce exposure to blue light include: switching out fluorescent and older LED bulbs for warmer, lower wattage incandescent bulbs or newer generation, warm LED bulbs (or non-toxic candles); turning our computer monitors and device screens (iphone/android) red at night; inverting colors on our screens (so that the background is darker than the text; and wearing blue blocking glasses at night.
And speaking of our devices, we're all participating in a huge experiment as we bathe in non-native electromagnetic frequencies ("nnEMF") like cell phone signals, wi-fi, and other radiation. Some people seem to be more sensitive than others, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that these exposures may be harmful to our health. It's nearly impossible to avoid all EMF, especially in cities and areas of dense population, but there are many things we can do to reduce exposures, starting with the "three D's": Disconnect, create Distance, and reduce Duration.
Most importantly: GET OUTSIDE into NATURE!
Walk or stand with bare feet, grounded to the earth for at least 10 minutes a day, preferably while looking in the direction of morning sunlight without sunglasses or any other obstruction to the eyes. This is also a great time to stretch and focus on your breath.
# PRIORITIZE SLEEP
Focus on light, energy, and grounding (see above), and get yourself to bed on time so that you can get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
Sleep is the time when our cells perform critical repairs.
There are no shortcuts here. Don't skimp on sleep!
# MANAGE STRESS
Stress can be the most challenging thing to tackle for many of us. But if we don't manage our own stress, no one will do it for us.
Take steps to SIMPLIFY your life.
CONNECT WITH NATURE and focus on your breath.
Practice daily gratitude and meditation.
# EAT REAL FOOD
Hippocrates had it right: "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."
Focus on fresh (preferably organic), colorful plants; lots of greens, and "eat the rainbow." Variety is the spice of life!
Include healthy fats and healthy sources of protein (as tolerated) with every meal.
Minimize or better yet, ELIMINATE processed "foods," especially refined sugar, refined grains, and highly processed oils.
Work with your doctor to fine tune your nutrition.
# MOVE YOUR BODY
Play, HAVE FUN, and be active in your daily life!
Take the stairs. Don't sit too much. Consider working at a standing desk.
Google "7 minute workout" for a no-nonsense, no-excuses workout. (Hint: Do more than one set.)
Practice high intensity interval training ("HIIT") - short sprints several times a week.
Lift heavy things (safely). Consider working with a personal trainer.
Don't overdo it!
# MINIMIZE TOXIC EXPOSURES
Avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals found in most personal products, and opt for products that are found in nature.
Avoid hormone disrupting plastics. Never heat food in plastic in a microwave. Opt for glass or stainless steel containers.
Choose organic. GMOs have been modified to be heavily sprayed while they grow, and non-GMOs are sprayed right before harvest.
Prioritize clean food, clean water, and clean air.
Avoid excessive alcohol.
Don't smoke cigarettes.
# CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS and COMMUNITY
The people we surround ourselves with strongly influence our health.
Find your tribe and thrive!
* The above information is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to diagnose or treat any disease. Work with your doctor or other health care provider to determine the best plan for you.
There are no gimmicks when it comes to the basic foundations for health. It turns out that NATURE has given us most of what we need, but it does take effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle in our modern world. Rather than trying to medicate or supplement our way out of an unhealthy lifestyle, the following basic foundations are emphasized, not as temporary fixes, but as WAYS OF LIFE*:
# OPTIMIZE LIGHT & OTHER ENERGIES
Human beings evolved with the rhythm and spectrum of natural sunlight, and our metabolism and cellular function depend on it. There is no substitute for natural light, and we need sensible sun exposure to our eyes and skin every day. Equally important is to mitigate exposure to artificial light, which contains unbalanced blue light. Simple steps to reduce exposure to blue light include: switching out fluorescent and older LED bulbs for warmer, lower wattage incandescent bulbs or newer generation, warm LED bulbs (or non-toxic candles); turning our computer monitors and device screens (iphone/android) red at night; inverting colors on our screens (so that the background is darker than the text; and wearing blue blocking glasses at night.
And speaking of our devices, we're all participating in a huge experiment as we bathe in non-native electromagnetic frequencies ("nnEMF") like cell phone signals, wi-fi, and other radiation. Some people seem to be more sensitive than others, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that these exposures may be harmful to our health. It's nearly impossible to avoid all EMF, especially in cities and areas of dense population, but there are many things we can do to reduce exposures, starting with the "three D's": Disconnect, create Distance, and reduce Duration.
Most importantly: GET OUTSIDE into NATURE!
Walk or stand with bare feet, grounded to the earth for at least 10 minutes a day, preferably while looking in the direction of morning sunlight without sunglasses or any other obstruction to the eyes. This is also a great time to stretch and focus on your breath.
# PRIORITIZE SLEEP
Focus on light, energy, and grounding (see above), and get yourself to bed on time so that you can get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
Sleep is the time when our cells perform critical repairs.
There are no shortcuts here. Don't skimp on sleep!
# MANAGE STRESS
Stress can be the most challenging thing to tackle for many of us. But if we don't manage our own stress, no one will do it for us.
Take steps to SIMPLIFY your life.
CONNECT WITH NATURE and focus on your breath.
Practice daily gratitude and meditation.
# EAT REAL FOOD
Hippocrates had it right: "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."
Focus on fresh (preferably organic), colorful plants; lots of greens, and "eat the rainbow." Variety is the spice of life!
Include healthy fats and healthy sources of protein (as tolerated) with every meal.
Minimize or better yet, ELIMINATE processed "foods," especially refined sugar, refined grains, and highly processed oils.
Work with your doctor to fine tune your nutrition.
# MOVE YOUR BODY
Play, HAVE FUN, and be active in your daily life!
Take the stairs. Don't sit too much. Consider working at a standing desk.
Google "7 minute workout" for a no-nonsense, no-excuses workout. (Hint: Do more than one set.)
Practice high intensity interval training ("HIIT") - short sprints several times a week.
Lift heavy things (safely). Consider working with a personal trainer.
Don't overdo it!
# MINIMIZE TOXIC EXPOSURES
Avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals found in most personal products, and opt for products that are found in nature.
Avoid hormone disrupting plastics. Never heat food in plastic in a microwave. Opt for glass or stainless steel containers.
Choose organic. GMOs have been modified to be heavily sprayed while they grow, and non-GMOs are sprayed right before harvest.
Prioritize clean food, clean water, and clean air.
Avoid excessive alcohol.
Don't smoke cigarettes.
# CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS and COMMUNITY
The people we surround ourselves with strongly influence our health.
Find your tribe and thrive!
* The above information is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to diagnose or treat any disease. Work with your doctor or other health care provider to determine the best plan for you.
GET TO THE ROOT.
WILDWOOD FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
WILDWOOD FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE