Nutrition Is The Best Medicine

March is National Nutrition Month. Personally, I think nutrition should be front and center in our health all year. It's the only side-effect free medicine!

For example, omega-3 fatty acids are known to help lower cholesterol. The Mayo Clinic lists fatty fish, such as salmon, as it's #2 food to help lower cholesterol. That's because natural wild-caught salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. 
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine produced a study that showed healthy mono and poly-unsaturated fats can lower cholesterol as much as 18%. Eating 1-2 servings of salmon per week and combining that with other food with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, olive oil, flax seeds and Brussels sprouts, can help lower your cholesterol without dangerous medications.

Nutrition also plays a huge role in keeping kids healthy and active. Kids who eat a healthy diet and are allowed to play as children are supposed to experience less illness, are of a healthy weight and have better concentration.

Recently, there has been much controversy over type 2 diabetes in children. Sadly, many of these reports sideline or completely forget that the top recommendation for children is to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and run around to burn energy. What frightens me is the second recommendation is to give metformin to children. 
Not only is this drug not test on children, the side effects are scary. WebMD lists the side effects as sinus infections, head pain, nausea, diarrhea, swelling of the abdomen and inadequate vitamin B12 absorption. The manufacturer's website confirms this, and lists nearly 20 more side effects. Diarrhea and B12 deficiency in children can be fatal side effects in children.

What people sometimes forget is that diabetes is a disease that originates in sugar control problems. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys the pancreas in kids. Type 2 comes from overeating sugar. It's easy to stop overeating sugars: Eliminate pre-packaged foods, soda and candy from the diet, focus on fruits, vegetables and quality meats and get plenty of exercise and fun.

The problem of being overweight can be solved with nutrition. In fact, nutrition and exercise are the only two methods of weight loss that has no side effects, is long term and never been pulled off the market. It's the only safe way. Switching unhealthy pre-packaged foods for healthy, fresh foods is the best way to incorporate good nutrition.

Our local farmers are a treasure trove of fruits and vegetables. Look at some of their stands this month. You will find fresh fruits and vegetables that these very farmers grew themselves. 
Yes, I know it is March and yes, we do have fresh food. Rhubarb, mushrooms, lettuces, spinach, parsnips, radishes and peas can all be grown with a little care to be harvested now. Much more is available from local greenhouses. Apples, squash and onions can be stored and used throughout the winter. Shop around, you will be surprised!

Christina Major is the Naturopathic Doctor and Holistic Nutritionist of Crystal Holistic Health Consulting. Crystal Holistic Health helps people, especially women, who have Type II Diabetes, High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure lower their numbers, get off medication and increase their energy so they can save money, take back control of their lives and improve the health and happiness of their families. You can get a free report on health at http://www.crystalholistichealth.com/

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