There has been much research in specific diets and food plans correlating with optimal blood chemistry lab testing. The food plan is not considered a diet but a lifestyle food selection to provide the most beneficial foods to help regulate one’s blood chemistry and improve metabolism. There are so many fads and diets which do not result in the best overall health plan to adhere to for achieving both longevity and true health. Here’s a look at some certain foods and tips to achieve a normalized blood chemistry rather than upsetting our body’s ability to fully function at a high metabolism and good health. This food plan also will help to eventually eliminate cravings for extra heavy carbohydrate and sugar choices which weigh our system down and create inflammation in our body.
The first part of the food plan to regulate proper metabolism and optimize blood chemistry starts with eating a small amount of protein frequently. Small amounts of protein under three to four ounces are preferred, not too large. This protein source can be from eggs, nuts, seeds, and organic, free-range meats. Fish is an amazing protein including both the essential fatty acids and minerals. Whole eggs are important because the egg yolk itself contains lecithin. Lecithin is essential for both liver and brain function. The best ways of cooking food is broiled, poached, and steamed. Animal protein should not be with every meal because it requires more digestion. The body actually needs time to focus more on cleanse than digestion.
Vegetables need to be the mainstay of our food choices. A good variety allows our body to function more optimally. The green leafy vegetables should be our major selection. These should include mustard greens, broccoli, kale, swiss chard, beet greens, and spinach.
Lightly sauteed vegetables with cold pressed oils are preferred. Use the lettuces that have darker pigments of green and add sprouts and both raw nuts and seeds. Juicing is very nutritious however chewing is a vital part for allowing the body prepare for digestion. It allows the brain to activate signals that regulate appetite and initiate proper enzyme release to ensure digestion is heightened.
Fruits should be eaten whole rather than juiced due to the sugar content. The fiber and skin of the fruit needs to be eaten as a whole source and it is best not to combine fruits and eat them only on an empty stomach. Fresh and organic choices are always preferred.
Carbohydrates are typically categorized as complex or simple. Complex carbs have many benefits. However, many patients who have imbalanced blood chemistry need to greatly limit grains and use vegetables as their main carbohydrate. As far as breads go, rye bread is the best choice and needs to be a full 100% rye without sugars and fillers. Whole unprocessed grains are wonderful sources of many minerals and vitamins. Minimizing wheat and barley is helpful to regulate blood chemistry. The best choices are organic brown rice, rolled oats, and unprocessed rye.
Manuka honey can be used as a sweetener. It has a significantly higher level of nutritional benefits. These include anti-viral and healing properties. Tupelo honey has a higher fructose content compared to glucose and make it a good choice as well.
The truth about fats is that most of us are deficient in good fats. These fats help regulate our immune system, nourish our brain, joints, eyes, and much more. The best choices are cold pressed olive oils, walnut oil, grape seed oil, and flax seed. When you eat fat, the brain actually receives signals that the body is satiated and full. Less cravings occur. Fats are not only a great energy source but every single cell in the body is affected by this membrane building macronutrient.
During the initial food plan phase, protein source is utilized with every meal and fruits are withheld. This is a two to three week detoxifying phase which regulates blood sugar, metabolism and optimally the blood chemistry of the body. Phase two food plan is more maintenance and fruits are then added in a limited quantity. These choices include fresh prunes, papaya, berries, pears, grapes, and apples. The purpose of limiting fruits initially though they have a major cleansing effect, we want to balance blood sugar levels and blood chemistry to reset the body before introduction to specific choices in phase 2. Limit fluid intake only with meals to less than 4 oz. Hydration should consist of much filtered water, herbal teas, and bone broth.
The studies linked to this specific food plan has been shown to balance many types of biochemistry problems. This also includes controlling blood sugar, weight loss and management, and regulating hormone imbalances. The initial part is more for reconditioning the gut whereas the second part focuses on maintenance and regulation. In my clinic, I combine this with a protocol to further benefit this process with acupoint selection and functional medicine to jumpstart the whole system. Please call today for your full assessment. Let’s begin your journey to optimal health. 772-353-1397
