Energy-Boosting Foods For a Happier Body

As busy and productive people with over-scheduled, stressful lifestyles—sometimes combined with little quality sleep and poor eating habits—it is no wonder so many of us feel drained.

Saying that you “feel tired” usually describes a symptom; however, it could mean that we’re feeling emotionally burned out. We may have brain fog. Or, it could be actual physical fatigue from not getting enough sleep. All of these ailments are rooted in chronic stress, which leads us to not feel as engaged and focused as we want to be.

By managing inflammation, stress, and oxidation and improving nutrition, we can boost our energy levels. Anti-inflammatory foods boost energy because having too much inflammation in your body can cause the brain to experience mental exhaustion and burnout.

Anti-Stress & Anti-Inflammatory Foods for a Healthier You

The two best anti-inflammatory foods to add to your grocery list are dark chocolate and blueberries. Dark chocolate contains both theobromine, for sustained mental energy, and a small amount of sugar, for reducing sweet cravings induced by the stress hormone cortisol. Blueberries are packed with potassium, vitamin C, and flavonoids, which activate the body’s internal production of antioxidant enzymes for profound anti-inflammatory benefits, particularly for the brain.

The body produces more cortisol when it is exposed to chronic stress, which leads to muscle loss, immune system suppression, and both mental and physical exhaustion. Two of the most effective anti-stress foods are pumpkin seeds and green tea. Munching on roasted pumpkin seeds can have a relaxing effect, from the actual crunching action, and their high tryptophan content, an amino acid that has a relaxing effect in the brain. Green tea contains another amino acid called theanine, which has known physical and mental relaxation effects, the ability to improve mental focus, and the ability to improve a state known as “relaxed alertness.”

For a direct injection of energy, be sure to get your Bs, Cs, and omega-3s! Whole grains are a rich source of the entire family of B-complex vitamins, which are essential for the metabolism of food into cellular energy. Eating more omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish or fish oil supplements has been shown in numerous research studies to support mood and reduce inflammation. Brightly colored fruit and veggies provide cell-protecting phytonutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, flavonoids, and carotenoids that reduce oxidation and inflammation—both of which can cause cellular damage, drain energy levels, and accelerate aging.

Avoid traditional caffeinated and sugary energy drinks. The high levels of caffeine and simple sugars in most energy drinks can cause an initial blood sugar spike and a subsequent energy crash a couple of hours later. Likewise, refined carbs and processed foods cause inflammation and lead to the destruction of collagen and elastin in the skin—so you’ll look as bad as you feel. Instead, look for the new generation of “feel good” drinks like those that combine flavonoids, theanine, B-complex vitamins, and other nutrients to maintain sustained mental and physical energy levels with the added benefits of stress resilience, improved mood, and sharp mental focus.

The post Energy-Boosting Foods For a Happier Body appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Are they Evidence-based?

Although evidence for complementary and other medicine is still being developed, there are many benefits to these treatments. They might have tried other treatments, but they were ineffective. Or they may prefer to try alternative therapies because they offer more benefits than traditional care. Alternatively, they might seek complementary and alternative medicines as part of a holistic approach to health. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. If you’re unsure whether a particular treatment is effective, ask your doctor or pharmacist. It may save you money and time over the long term.

What are the benefits of holistic medicine over conventional medicine?

Holistic medicine has been used by many religions and cultures for thousands years. They are based on ancient knowledge, experience, and were created.

These medicines are safe, efficient, natural, and inexpensive. These side effects are far less severe than those from pharmaceutical drugs.

They also help you achieve better health and wellness.

They can prevent you from getting sick and boost your overall well being.

They can even treat diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, arthritis, asthma or depression, as well as high blood pressure.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of traditional medicines all over the world. Each one has its own unique benefits.

The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the population relies on traditional methods to treat illness or injury.

According to some reports, about half a million people depend on traditional herbal remedies for their primary healthcare.

The market for complementary therapies worldwide is estimated to be $22.2 million by 2020.

People are increasingly turning towards alternative medical methods to avoid adverse side effects.

Many people turn to complementary therapies when they do not respond to other treatment options. They might also consider them before considering surgery or medication.

There are many good reasons to choose complementary therapies.

To improve your quality of life
To reduce stress levels
For relaxation
To ease your pain
To enhance immunity
Supportive services for dealing with serious diseases
To boost energy
To control weight
To maintain good nutrition
To improve sleep patterns
To treat chronic conditions

What are the Five Alternative Medical Systems (Alternatives)?

These five alternative medicine systems are Ayurveda (acupuncture), Ayurveda (homeopathy), energy healing, aromatherapy, and homeopathy.

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate the flow (qi) of energy throughout the entire body.

Ayurvedic Medicine refers to an ancient system that balances three of the most important elements of health care: water, fire and air. It involves diet, exercise, herbal remedies, massage, and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine takes its name from the Greek words homoios, similar, and pathos, meaning disease. Homeopaths believe in natural causes for all diseases, but not necessarily symptoms. They prescribe small doses of substances to treat symptoms similar to those that are experienced when a person is ill.

Energy Healing is also known for Reiki, EFT Rolfing Therapeutic Touch, Rolfing and Rolfing. This therapy is based on the belief that each person is connected to a universal life force called Ki. If this Ki flows freely though us, it makes us feel well. Energy healers use touch, intention, and touch to restore harmony between our physical and emotional, as well as spiritual selves.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils derived from plants for therapeutic reasons. Aromatherapists believe that certain smells can alter mood and behavior. The most common essential oil used in aromatherapy is lavender.

Statistics

category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)

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What are the advances and drawbacks of holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine refers to a medical approach that stresses the importance of the mind, body and spirit in healing. It was first developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), and his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure in 1924. He relied on simple techniques like visualization, meditation, and hypnosis. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. This therapy can also help patients deal with their problems and improve their quality life.

While holistic therapies remain popular today, little evidence supports their effectiveness. Some studies do show that these therapies can be used to reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer and heart disease.

These are the highlights and pitfalls of holistic medicine:

Lack of scientific evidence. Only a few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluate the benefits of holistic therapies. The majority of researches show positive results.
Comparable to traditional medicine, alternative medicines are less expensive. Alternative medicines are often cheaper than conventional ones, especially if the patient follows an organic diet.
Patients don’t feel pressured to follow the prescribed protocol.
Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture is usually done along with medication or surgery.
People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
Alternative medicines can be considered more natural than conventional drugs.
Many patients also use complementary treatments to support their lifestyle changes. They not only want their health to be good, but they also want to have fun with their lives.
Patients who follow holistic treatments tend to be healthier.
Older adults are increasingly turning to holistic treatments.
It is important to conduct more research on complementary therapies.
Studies have shown that the majority of people would rather try alternative treatments than see a doctor.
Doctors must understand that not everyone will benefit from alternative treatments.
Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
Holistic treatments may not be safe for all.
To help patients make informed decisions about treatment options, it is essential that we learn how to do so.
Holistic therapies are not only for hippies.
Certain diseases can’t be treated holistically.
Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
Holistic therapies are highly effective.
Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
It can be difficult to learn holistic therapies.
It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
Holistic treatments can be too costly.
Holistic treatments can be very costly.
Holistic therapies can be more cost-effective than traditional medicine.
Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.

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Holistic Medicine–A Brief History

Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It promotes prevention over cure.

Bastyr University in Seattle established the first holistic medical school in 1972. After the 1996 publication of “Spontaneous Healing,” Dr. Andrew Weil’s book, holistic medicine began to take root. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. Today there are hundreds of holistic medical schools all around the globe, including Bastyr University. Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons. Maharishi Ayurveda Institute. Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Holistic medicine was named by the World Health Organization as one of the five most important trends in healthcare. This trend is focused on integrating conventional care with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, massage therapy, reiki, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.

Holistic medicine is based on the interconnectedness and harmony of the body, mind, spirit. An imbalance in any of these components can lead to illness. For example:

You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Your body responds by producing cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation throughout your body. It causes fatigue, weakness, and even sickness.

Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings create stress in your brain. If you don’t treat this stress, your body can produce adrenaline (and cortisol) if it isn’t addressed. Adrenaline stimulates your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Cortisol is a hormone that affects your immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Both hormones can lead to fatigue, muscle tension headaches and dizziness, anxiety, depression, and other health issues.

A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. Also, you may lack self-esteem. This could lead to unhealthy eating habits, low energy, and unhealthy relationships. Healthy spirits make you happy, positive, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic.

There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.

Allopathic medicine is founded on science. Doctors use xrays to diagnose patients. If necessary, doctors prescribe medications and may perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine involves herbs, vitamins minerals, diet, exercise and spiritual healing. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. You can call it natural medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.

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By: Dick Benson
Title: Energy-Boosting Foods For a Happier Body
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/lifestyle-2/energy-boosting-foods-for-a-happier-body/
Published Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2023 20:54:27 +0000