Dearest readers, I hope your final stretch of July is going great. :) That's because, you know, after July comes August and then summer is over - especially here in Canada haha (sometimes I yearn for a fall that doesn't look that different from summer time). While my summer is really busy (ugh!), it's not that much of a drag. I say this because I made two excellent decisions regarding my health this year that give me enough of a boost that I have enough energy to enjoy life even after a busy work day. You may not think that's special, but after hearing so many of my friends talk they're too tired to do anything after work except couch surf, I'd like to think it's special enough. Having energy to go out after work, or go to the gym, or to a class of some sort and not get chronic fatigue syndrome is the holy grail of modern life. That's why, without further ado, I'm sharing the two things I did for my health that put me on the right path.
I went to see a naturopath, and chose two important groups of tests. Yes, a naturopath- someone most people out there think is a person helping out rich or gullible people; there's lots of misconception out there about them. My main reason for seeing a naturopath was very pragmatic. As you may know, I've spent years living a healthy lifestyle, taking lots of vitamins, minerals and a few select supplements (workout and wellness supplements), and embracing a low-carb diet. While this has allowed me to function on a level coveted by many, I have been running into strange health and performance issues. Things were a bit off- not enough to constitute an illness, but not too little to simply ignore. So, I figured a naturopath could refer me to tests that would check my vitamins, minerals, nutrients and allergies on a high level and in detail.
My naturopath therefore had me check my nutrients and my food allergies and sensitivities. These two batteries of tests were the best things I did for myself so far this year, as the results have since been invaluable to my health, energy and everyday life. First, the tests showed conclusively that I was right to take all vitamins, minerals and supplements the way I've been taking them - with exception of iron (had to decrease it), and 3 vitamins (had to increase). My naturopath remarked that those people who take only a fraction of what I do, and also don't eat right, are most likely screwed and have no idea how diminished their performance is in everyday life (or they do, but they just accept it as a fact of life and end up trapped). Once I fixed what little I had to based on these test results, I got to the top of my game. The second set of tests showed me all the foods I'm allergic to, as well as foods that don't cause an allergic reaction in my body, but do cause inflammation. Inflammation can cause serious illnesses in the long term. In the short term, it causes discomfort (mental and physical), and it diminishes one's performance level. Needless to say, I've been feeling great ever since I adjusted my groceries and dining out based on the test results.
If there's one thing I learned from this experience, it's this - always check your vitamins, minerals and nutrients before you try anything that'll supposedly fix or improve your physical or mental health. Oh, and if you think that whatever it is you're buying at the grocery store is enough , well, it's not. You need both; give it a try and see the difference shortly thereafter. :)
I went to see a naturopath, and chose two important groups of tests. Yes, a naturopath- someone most people out there think is a person helping out rich or gullible people; there's lots of misconception out there about them. My main reason for seeing a naturopath was very pragmatic. As you may know, I've spent years living a healthy lifestyle, taking lots of vitamins, minerals and a few select supplements (workout and wellness supplements), and embracing a low-carb diet. While this has allowed me to function on a level coveted by many, I have been running into strange health and performance issues. Things were a bit off- not enough to constitute an illness, but not too little to simply ignore. So, I figured a naturopath could refer me to tests that would check my vitamins, minerals, nutrients and allergies on a high level and in detail.
My naturopath therefore had me check my nutrients and my food allergies and sensitivities. These two batteries of tests were the best things I did for myself so far this year, as the results have since been invaluable to my health, energy and everyday life. First, the tests showed conclusively that I was right to take all vitamins, minerals and supplements the way I've been taking them - with exception of iron (had to decrease it), and 3 vitamins (had to increase). My naturopath remarked that those people who take only a fraction of what I do, and also don't eat right, are most likely screwed and have no idea how diminished their performance is in everyday life (or they do, but they just accept it as a fact of life and end up trapped). Once I fixed what little I had to based on these test results, I got to the top of my game. The second set of tests showed me all the foods I'm allergic to, as well as foods that don't cause an allergic reaction in my body, but do cause inflammation. Inflammation can cause serious illnesses in the long term. In the short term, it causes discomfort (mental and physical), and it diminishes one's performance level. Needless to say, I've been feeling great ever since I adjusted my groceries and dining out based on the test results.
If there's one thing I learned from this experience, it's this - always check your vitamins, minerals and nutrients before you try anything that'll supposedly fix or improve your physical or mental health. Oh, and if you think that whatever it is you're buying at the grocery store is enough , well, it's not. You need both; give it a try and see the difference shortly thereafter. :)