· For mental sharpness, eat seafood such as salmon, mackerel, herring and trout that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
· To boost cognition and memory, eat foods high in antioxidants including blueberries, grapes, nuts and leafy greens.
· For steadier energy, eat complex carbohydrates like whole wheat bread, green and starchy vegetables, brown rice and soy.
· To help regulate levels of serotonin (and mood), eat lean proteins like turkey, chicken, lean beef, eggs and beans.
· Being active can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems including heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer, arthritis and falls. It also helps support better digestion and bone density. Getting regular exercise is also one of the best ways to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, elevate and stabilize your mood (via production of endorphins, the feel-good neurotransmitters), improve sleep quality, and boost your self-esteem!
By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives.
In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.
