Proper preparation is an important aspect of a nourishing diet. The cookware, oils, and methods used to prepare meals can impact levels of harmful compounds in your food. In general, cooking "low & slow" in quality cookware will minimize toxins and maximize nutrients.
If you are using non-stick pans at home, keep reading....
Non-stick is made from Teflon and contains a manmade chemical as PFOA which does not breakdown in the environment and has a very long half-life in the body once absorbed. The greatest concern for Teflon (polytetrafluorethylene, or PTFE) is in overheating this cooking surface which can cause a number of toxic gases to be released. When heated, cookware treated with this cooking surface can cause a number of toxic gases to be released. In fact, cookware coated with Teflon and other non-stick surfaces emits fumes that can actually kill birds and potentially stricken people.
My goodness: Haven't we all let a pan get too hot at least a few times in a month? Why risk it?
Let's Look at some alternatives...
That’s right, the little indulgences that bring us comfort can actually take away from our health goals. To help you stay mindful of the foods that need to be kept to a minimum to ensure strong bones and overall wellness, here's a snapshot of the ones to steer clear.
- Caffeine: for every 100 mg of caffeine the amount in a small to medium sized cup of coffee, you lose 6 mg of calcium per cup of coffee. Tea and colas containing caffeine also acidify to your body, throwing off the delicate balance of acid-alkaline and leading to bone breakdown.
- Salt: for every 2,3000 mg (approximately one teaspoon) of sodium you take in, you lose about 40 mg of calcium. That may not seem like much but over time this can lead to a considerable amount of bone loss.
- Soft Drinks : the carbonation from phosphoric acid, increases calcium excretion which leads to an imbalance in the calcium/phosphorus ratio .
- Alcohol: blocks mineral absorption (calcium, boron, magnesium, zinc and other bone rooting minerals you eat). Heavy drinking can even interrupt the bone remodeling process by preventing osteoblasts, the bone building cells, from doing their job. So not only do bones become weaker but when you do suffer a fracture, alcohol can interfere with healing.
- Hydrogenated Oils : the process of converting liquid vegetable oil into solid oils, called hydrogenation interferes with bone building because hydrogenous used to saturate the carbon bonds destroys the vitamin K naturally found in the oils. Vitamin K is essential for strong bones.
- Sugar: depletes calcium, phosphorus and B vitamins and increases cortisol - otherwise known as our stress hormone (100 grams of sugar increases production of cortisol and causes problem with thinning of the bones)
- Gluten : thins bones due to being acid producing.
- High (excessive) Protein Foods = acidifies blood leading to calcium loss.
- Night Shades: can be a problem in some people as it can cause arthritic changes in sensitive people.
- Living in a Chronic State of Stress: When we live in constant stress our body naturally produces more cortisol which in turn leads to higher thyroid hormones. Hormones need to be balanced and addressed when trying to rebuild our bones.
Our ancestors did not eat the way we do. Their diets were composed of one or two foods at a time as they came across them, with many meals consisting of nothing but animal protein or fruit or roots with herbs. With the advent of agriculture, a more varied diet became available. However, vegetables and fruits were still generally available only in their season, with the exception of a few root vegetables that could be stored. The food processing we take for granted today had not yet been invented, and processed carbohydrates were not a part of the diet. Rolaids and Tums hadn't been invented either, and it appears that our ancestors did not suffer from the digestive problems so prevalent in modern times. Dr. William Hay is well-known for his research into this poorly- understood (and poorly-followed!) health opportunity.
Ahhhh menopause...
It’s the time in a woman’s life when the dreaded hot flashes kick in, and it can feel like you’re living in a non-stop sauna. Unfortunately there is no single solution to managing these symptoms. But don’t worry, ladies, there are ways to cool off and keep your cool during this time. Here are some cooling strategies to help you beat the heat!
1. Chill out with a cooling pillow. In hot climates, these cooling pillows can be a godsend. They’re filled with gel beads that keep the pillow cool, and can help regulate your body temperature when you’re in bed.
2. Dress for success. When you’re experiencing hot flashes, you want to wear light and breathable clothing that won’t trap in any extra heat. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen can help keep you cool, and loose-fitting clothing can help circulate air better. Additionally, wearing lighter colours can also help to reflect the heat away from the body. It’s also important to stay hydrated during menopause.
3. Take a break in the shade. If you’re feeling the heat, take a break in the shade. This can help keep you cool, and it’s also a great way to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of life.
4. Eat cooling foods. Eating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and celery can help cool your body down and reduce hot flashes. These foods have natural cooling properties, and can help balance your body temperature.
5. Drinking plenty of water can help your body to regulate its temperature and keep you cooler. Avoiding drinks with caffeine or alcohol as these can actually raise your body temperature.
6. Grab a fan. Fans are an easy and affordable way to stay cool, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. You can even put a fan in your bedroom to keep cool at night.
7. It's important to take time to relax and reduce stress levels. Studies have shown that stress can make hot flashes worse, so taking regular breaks throughout the day to relax can help you stay cooler. Break through the stress with stress busting strategies. Deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can be great ways to de-stress and keep your body temperature in check.
8. Knowing your triggers can help you to prevent hot flashes from occurring. Everyone’s triggers can be different but some common ones involve alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods.
These are just a few of the ways you can cool off during menopause. Don’t sweat it, ladies!