A Healthy Life

My quest for better health and fundamentally better food choices landed me in the world of herbalism. Herbalism, the practice of using plants and plant extracts for medicinal purposes, has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for centuries. Integrating herbalism into your lifestyle can support overall health and well-being in numerous ways.

As a nurse, coming from the background of the traditional health model, where you treat the disease and not necessarily the overall health of the person, I ventured into learning about nutrition and its effects on our bodies, which in turn brought me to herbs and the practice of herbalism. 

There is no doubt, that the modern diet, which often includes highly processed and contaminated foods, is a significant contributor to poor health.  Processed Foods are nutrient-depleted Depleted and highly processed foods often lack essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They are typically high in calories but low in nutritional value.

Additives and Preservatives often contain artificial additives, preservatives, colourings, and flavourings, which can have adverse health effects over time. Most processed foods are high in Unhealthy Fats, Sugars, and Salt.  Processed foods are usually high in unhealthy trans fats, refined sugars, and excessive salt, which contribute to conditions like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

Chemical Contaminants and the use of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals in conventional farming can lead to food contamination, posing risks to long-term health.

Artificial Ingredients in many processed foods contain artificial sweeteners, flavour enhancers, and colourings that can have negative health impacts and contribute to food sensitivities and allergies.

The Impact on our health is significant leading to obesity. The high-calorie, low-nutrient content of processed foods contributes to weight gain and obesity, which are linked to a range of health problems. Diets high in processed foods are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Lack of fibre and the presence of artificial ingredients can disrupt digestive health, leading to conditions like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Poor nutrition can also affect mental health, contributing to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

Herbalism and Natural Living are the Emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods in your diet ensuring you get a variety of essential nutrients needed for optimal health.

Using herbal supplements can help fill nutritional gaps and support overall health. For example, herbs like spirulina, chlorella, and nettle are rich in vitamins and minerals. Of course, these are just examples, as most herbs are very high in minerals, vitamins and many phytochemicals and bioactive substances.

Herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion root, and cilantro can support the body's natural detoxification processes, helping to eliminate toxins and contaminants from processed foods.

Herbs like peppermint, ginger, and fennel can aid digestion and alleviate issues caused by poor diet.  Herbs like echinacea, elderberry, and astragalus can boost the immune system, helping the body to fend off illnesses linked to poor nutrition.

Growing your own herbs and vegetables or sourcing them from local organic farms reduces exposure to harmful chemicals and supports environmental sustainability.

Taking Steps for a Healthier Lifestyle by opting for whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins, being mindful of food labels and avoiding products with long lists of unrecognizable ingredients. Prepare meals at home using fresh, whole ingredients to control what goes into your food. Use culinary herbs not just for flavour but also for their health benefits. Herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano can enhance both taste and nutrition.

Drink plenty of water and herbal teas instead of sugary or artificially sweetened beverages. Whenever possible, buy organic and locally grown produce to reduce your exposure to pesticides and support sustainable farming practices.

Today's diet, dominated by highly processed and contaminated foods, is a major contributor to poor health. By embracing herbalism and a natural, whole-foods-based lifestyle, you can mitigate these negative effects, support your body's natural healing processes, and enhance overall well-being. Making conscious choices about what you eat and how you live can lead to a healthier, more vibrant life.