Food as Communication: What It Tells Your Cells

In her insightful book, Good Energy, Dr. Casey Means presents a fascinating analogy: our cells are like military troops, and the foods we consume act as messages from the general, guiding and motivating them on what actions to take. Essentially, food serves as a communication tool, sending clear signals to our cells about what our bodies need to survive and thrive.

How Food Communicates with Our Cells

  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds, these essential fats send a message to our immune cells that says, “Put down your defense. Things are safe now.” This helps to reduce inflammation and promote a sense of calm within the body.
  2. Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale communicate with our DNA, signaling, “It’s a tough time, and we must produce more defenses.” These vegetables are packed with antioxidants and compounds that support our body’s detoxification processes.
  3. Leucine: This essential amino acid, found in beef, yogurt, lentils, and almonds, tells our muscles, “It’s time to build. Let’s go.” Leucine plays a critical role in muscle protein synthesis, making it vital for muscle growth and repair.
  4. Magnesium: Present in avocados, leafy greens, and pumpkin seeds, magnesium sends a relaxing message to our neurons: “Relax.” This mineral is essential for nerve function and helps to alleviate stress and anxiety.
  5. Fiber: When we consume fiber, it communicates with our microbiome, saying, “I love you.” Fiber supports the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which is crucial for digestion and overall health.
  6. Intermittent Fasting: This practice sends a powerful message to our entire body: “We need to clean things up.” Intermittent fasting promotes cellular repair processes, including autophagy, which helps remove damaged cells and supports overall health.
  7. Synthetic Herbicides and Pesticides: Unfortunately, these substances send a detrimental message to our healthy gut bacteria, saying, “It’s time to die.” Exposure to these chemicals can disrupt gut health and negatively impact our overall well-being.

What Are You Telling YOUR Body?

The foods we choose to consume play a significant role in the messages we send to our cells. By being mindful of our dietary choices, we can foster better communication within our bodies and promote optimal health.

What messages are you sending to your body with your food choices? Consider incorporating more nutrient-dense foods into your diet to support your cells and enhance your overall well-being. Remember, every bite counts!

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

How do you ensure that you’re sending the right messages to your body?
Let’s create a community of health-conscious individuals who prioritize nourishing our cells!

 

Is Seltzer Water Safe to Drink?

In a nutshell, yes! Seltzer water is a refreshing alternative to sugary beverages like soda and alcohol. However, moderation is key, as overconsumption can lead to some unpleasant long-term effects. Let’s dive into the potential concerns and benefits of seltzer water.

Potential Downsides of Overconsumption

While seltzer water can be a great addition to your hydration routine, drinking too much of it may lead to:

  1. Excess Gas and Bloating: The carbonation in seltzer can cause gas buildup, leading to discomfort and bloating in some individuals.
  2. Weaker Tooth Enamel: Some studies suggest that the acidity of carbonated waters may contribute to enamel erosion over time, although this effect is typically much less significant than that of sugary sodas.
  3. Excess Hydration: Drinking too much seltzer water can lead to clear urine, and in extreme cases, it may contribute to water intoxication, a rare but serious condition.

Bottom Line

Seltzer water can be a fun and enjoyable way to add variety to your hydration routine. Unsweetened options provide the fizz of soda without the added sugars, making them a healthier choice. A modest amount of seltzer water daily should be safe for most people, but it’s important to listen to your body. If you experience discomfort, such as bloating or gas, consider adjusting your intake.

In conclusion, enjoy seltzer water as a refreshing beverage option, but remember that moderation is essential. Stay tuned to your body’s cues, and hydrate wisely!

Staying Merry & Bright this Holiday Season

Day 21: Activate C Immune Complex

Because being busy in high gear can wear me down, I kick my immune system into high gear with the power of Activate-C Immune Complex. Whenever I feel my defenses need a boost, I supercharge my immune system by mixing one packet with 6–8 fl. oz. water. Sometimes when I’m feeling especially run down, I mix it with hot water—that little bit of warmth is very much welcomed on cold days.

Each delicious glass contains 1,200 mg of vitamin C, 15 mcg of vitamin E, and 15 mg of zinc powered by Oligo, plus a powerful blend of scientifically selected botanicals, giving me the most powerful support for my immune system!

Are you ready to kick your immune system into high gear with the power of Activate-C Immune Complex?
$12.00 for 20 packets that’s $0.65 a glass!

Staying Merry & Bright

Day 14: Sustain Electrolytes

Because my family runs at supersonic speed. Between holiday activities, shopping, the gym, and sports, we sweat a lot. I know that staying hydrated during physical activity is crucial.

When we body sweat, we actually lose more than just water; electrolytes are also lost. Electrolytes are essential minerals. Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Keeping well-hydrated improves my sleep quality, cognition, and mood, but is especially important to sustain physical activity especially during the holidays. We can’t let Santa down!

Packed with essential vitamins, like Vitamins C and E antioxidant support that helps prevent sore muscles, and Vitamin B12 and Riboflavin for energy and cellular support.

No artificial colors.

$12.99 for twenty packets which amounts to $0.64 per 16 ounce bottle.

In the pink!

It’s been a busy on the go kind of day for me! I have to stay hydrated with electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidants. My favorite is this raspberry lemonade pink drink. It has half the sugar of Gatorade and tastes amazing!
You may not hit the gym every day, but Sustain Active Electrolyte Hydration can still help you stay hydrated! With four delicious flavors, Sustain is easy to take along for a quick hydration boost wherever your daily activities take you!
What are your favorite Sustain flavors? Let us know in the comments!

Keeping Your Holidays Merry and Bright

Day 10: Proflex Protein

Did you know that not all protein powders are built the same?
That’s why I choose to rebuild and recover with high-performance Proflex Pro whey protein shakes. Just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t mean my workout time goes away, I still need to keep my muscles strong and healthy so I can carry all those packages and lug all of the decorations from the attic.

I love that this vanilla shake mix packs 30 grams of protein and 6.5 grams of BCAAs in each serving for superior muscle tissue growth and faster recovery. It also comes in chocolate. I like to drink one as a snack on busy days especially after my workouts since it offers maximum recovery and muscle building.

$32.00 – $35.79

Keeping the Holidays Merry & Bright

Day 8: Vitality for Life Collagen Boost

I mix it in with my coffee, smoothie, protein drink, or any drink to give my beverage and my hectic day a boost!

Stress, rushing around, lack of sleep and holiday plans can take a toll on your skin and body. Because beauty begins at the cellar level and not all collagen is created equal, I add Collagen Boost to my busy routine.
Collagen Boost helps reduce the appearance of my fine lines and wrinkles by visibly improving skin elasticity and tone. It even helps decrease the appearance of cellulite. The added ceramides provide improved skin hydration and support for healthy skin barrier function.
Collagen’s critical impact on multiple systems of your body makes it an essential building block of healthy bones, joints, and skin. It’s formulated to support my body’s collagen production to help me look and feel young.
It is a powerful daily collagen drink supplement that’s been proven to boost my body’s collagen production, helping me look and feel young!

$39.89


Are You A Diet Soda Drinker?

Many people justify drinking diet soda because the sugar has been removed, thinking it’s a healthier option.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of Americans drink diet soda on a regular basis.

But did you know that it is still considered an ULTRA PROCESSED FOOD? It’s because of the manufacturing process and ingredients like additives and artificial sweeteners.

So what? Well, research links ultra-processed foods to an acceleration in biological again and a 10% increase in mortality risk. In fact, one study reported a link between ultra processed food consumption and 32 negative health issues, including asthma, high blood pressure, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, sleep disorders, anxiety and Crohn’s disease.

But get this: In another study, 90% of the women who switched to water reached remission for their Type II Diabetes. 

  1. Study participants were randomly grouped to either one group that continued to drink diet soda five times per week after their lunch, and another group that substituted their usual diet soda with water.
  2. During the study, participants were also provided with a six-month weight loss intervention, followed by a 12-month weight maintenance program.
  3. At the 18 month follow-up, researchers found that participants in the water group experienced a much larger average weight loss when compared to the diet soda group.

Additionally, 90% of study participants in the water group reached type 2 diabetes remission, compared to only 45% in the diet soda group.

Might be worth the switch!

Sustain’s sucralose comes from Sugar Beets!

Making Your Holidays Merry & Bright

Day 2: Mela-Out Magnesium

Because we all need a good quality magnesium for a million reasons. Drinking Mela-Out Magnesium will help you relax and feel calmer so you can better manage everyday stress.*

Mela-Out was developed for maximum absorption. When you feel stressed, your nervous system releases hormones that cause your muscles to become tense, your heart to pound faster, and your breath to quicken.

Magnesium relieves muscle tension, which has a dramatic impact on the level of stress you feel. Magnesium also promotes digestive regularity, helps relieve restlessness, improves sleep, and even minimizes cramping after exertion.*

In short…calm mind, better sleep and better recovery from all your holiday plans. I know I Stress less with magnesium as nature intended with Mela-Out.
$24.59

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.