The Canola Con

We have all be fooled “again”...

Just when you think we are doing something good for our bodies we learn that we have been conned.

This has led to today's case of the Canola Con!

How many people use canola oil for cooking?

How many people choose mayonnaise, salad dressings, baked goods, and other processed foods containing canola oil?

I would say a bunch!

In addition, the major fast food chains brag that they no longer have trans fats, but have switched to canola oil. They use it for their french fries, burgers, salad dressings and baked goods, exchanging it for trans fatty acid-laden genetically engineered soybean oil.

Would I eat it? No.

Understanding Food Tolerance

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the region of our body that directly interacts with the external world through the foods we eat. Our GI tract performs two main functions. First, it allows us to absorb nutrients critical to maintaining our health. Second, its protective immune system shields us from pathogens, such as bacteria and foreign invaders. The area of our GI tract—from the esophagus to the rectum—where we absorb nutrients and have our protective immune system consists of a specialized line of cells, called the “mucosal layer.” 

Identifying and Removing Reactive Foods

Identifying and removing reactive foods can be a good first-step strategy that may impact energy levels, skin appearance, digestive comfort, well-being, mood, and more. When multiple food reactions are identified, your healthcare professional may recommend removing those foods from the diet. Taking steps to support the GI mucosa and immune system and address any environmental concerns, as recommended by your healthcare professional, may also be beneficial.

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Self-care is a phrase frequently talked about but rarely understood. We all seem to have plenty of time for stress, but never enough for self-care. A healthy, happy life requires we find a balance between managing care for others while prioritizing care for ourselves.

No matter what takes center stage in your life— family responsibilities, work deadlines or end-of-semester finals— you will be better equipped to everything that comes your way if you are also taking the time to care for yourself. Here are a few ways you can sneak self-care into your everyday routine.

As we age, both our bodies and minds are more prone to pain and malfunction. This is a major challenge for many seniors, who are used to being active and staying healthy. If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic physical or mental pain, there are many things you can do at home or in senior living that will make a big difference. Here are some of the most effective exercises to help seniors reduce pain and improve mental functioning, particularly for those in assisted senior living.

Meditation

Meditation is an incredible exercise for both physical and mental health. Just spending a few minutes a day meditating not only helps to clear your head, but also reduces physical stress as well. Meditation helps reduce muscle tension and can even help you keep your blood pressure down. There are many different types of meditation to choose from, and it can be done independently or using a guided program. If you are spiritual, there are many types of meditation that incorporate aspects of religion, but there are also many secular ways to meditate.

Swimming

For seniors that want to maintain a cardio workout routine, swimming is a very efficient option. It’s very gentle on the bones because there isn’t any impact, but it still keeps your muscles toned and burns calories to keep weight down. Being in the water can also be very soothing both mentally and physically. The feeling of floating in the water is very relaxing if you suffer from chronic pain.

If you are like most Americans, you may be taking steps to improve your health. Eating clean, getting more exercise, and practicing self-care are all helpful when it comes to enhancing wellness. But it may surprise you to know that your mattress can play a critical role in your health. The way we sleep impacts the way we feel, physically and mentally, and it all begins with our beds. Here are four fundamental ways your mattress can impact your overall health.

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a computer-based system that corrects brainwaves safely while you watch a movie or listen to music. Irregular brainwaves are responsible for many neurological conditions such as ADHD, learning issues, anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraines, memory loss, and more.

The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) defines EEG biofeedback (also called neurofeedback) as:

“EEG Biofeedback is employed to modify the electrical activity of the CNS including: EEG, event related potentials, slow cortical potentials, and other electrical activity either of subcortical or cortical origin. Neurofeedback is a specialized application of biofeedback of brainwave data in an operant conditioning paradigm. The method is used to treat clinical conditions as well as to enhance performance”

Eating balanced, nutritious meals and exercising is often associated with your physical health but eating properly and maintaining your fitness can also help keep your mind healthy. What you’re consuming can affect the structure and function of your brain, as well as your mood. Because food fuels your mind, you need to be mindful of what you’re consuming.

Similar to a new car, your brain functions best when it is given high quality fuel — in other words, food. When you choose to consume foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, your brain can perform at an optimal level. When you eat a balanced and nutritious diet, you’re giving your brain premium fuel to protect it from oxidative stress (waste), which can damage cells.

Processed and refined foods can be considered “low-premium” fuel that may damage your brain because the brain has little ability to eliminate them. People who eat a lot of sugar are harming their brain because the excessive sugar can negatively impact the body's regulation of insulin. Refined sugars can also cause inflammation and oxidation stress.

When your brain is deprived of quality nutrition, free radicals, or waste, circulate within the brain potentially causing additional brain tissue injuries.