Food for Thought


I started a chapter on ‘diet’ to share interesting information I came across during my research on food, and in an attempt to foster more knowledge among my readers about some of the chemical processes affecting our wellbeing. There is no doubt in my mind that what we eat influences gene expression, yet it is not the only factor that steers neurochemistry.

There is also a very strong body-mind connection. Scientific studies show that to a great extent, ‘the state of mind’ influences and can even control the way the innate immune system expresses itself (T. Hayashi et al. 2009 185:7). ‘Neurotransmitters’, hormones in charge of delivering information within the nervous system, relay emotions, memories and give directions to our body on how to interpret ‘sensory data’ (cold, hot, sharp, etc.). Studies on rodents published in Science confirm that unmanageable stress –which induces feelings of helplessness- affect the progression of tumors (Science 216, 1982:437-9). In other words, if ‘bad stressors’ compromise our natural defenses, shouldn’t we be challenging ourselves to foster ‘good stressors’ and integrate healthy habits (serenity, happiness) to optimize our immune system?
The social and environmental conditions that underlie our individual feelings can be quite different. So it is up to all of us to find the best approach to counteract whatever is in our life that is causing the release of ‘stress hormones’ and triggering the inflammatory response that will slow down functions such as digestion, tissue repair and ultimately, your immune system (Schreiber 2011 211).

Working in the garden and digging with our hands in the dirt, is likely to increase the production levels of serotonin (Sisson 2013 25). This hormone partially regulates our sleep, our appetite and greatly affects our emotions.
Cooking can be the culinary version of a hug while the touch of a loved one will help reduce the destructive levels of cortisol. This is the stress hormone that puts our body in a state of ‘fight or flight’ and will increase your blood pressure and heart rate.
“Full body massage has been proven to ease the symptoms of diabetes and hyperactivity and improve immunity of HIV-positive patients. Massage can relieve the pain of migraines, help people with asthma breathe, and increase the mental focus of children with attention deficit disorder. The rubbing action of massage stimulates neural networks that cause the brain to lower the levels of stress-related hormones cortisol and epinephrine. Touch also communicates at a basic level, more profoundly that words. A gentle caress says ‘I love you’ better than words (National Geographic 2/2013 64).

So how do we keep our ‘mood’ at a healthy level? How do we tame our ‘to-do’ lists and find balance that will allow us to enjoy the beauty of the now? How do we make the switch today to a healthier lifestyle and regain the lost positive vision of a more fulfilling life when it is gone? We need to learn how to focus on the self and cultivate our strength. Not at all an easy task; I work at it every day of my life. Creating your own personal spa-like moments comes with tons of health perks and therefore, it is worth the challenge. In this chapter I will be posting some suggestions that will hopefully inspire you and help you along the path of becoming a whole you.