Balance is a word you hear often in
wellness topics. We are told we need to create balance in our lives. This is true
but often we don’t take the time to assess if we are out of balance. Do you
recognize the signs of imbalance within you? There are many signs, you could
argue any symptom you are having is a sign.
Here I present three common barometers of
balance. The following common issues suggest you need to take the time and
explore the causes behind these symptoms. This is a key tool for disease prevention.
If left unchecked, often lead to chronic diseases which take much more time and
effort to return to balance.
1. Digestion
Definitely number one for a Holistic
Nutrition Consultant! There is no better
barometer on health than the state of your digestion. It speaks to your ability
to ingest, breakdown, integrate nutrients and eliminate waste. You should have
a bowel movement daily and preferably more than once. You should feel like
eating, be able to eat without discomfort and feel energized by your meal. Obviously
we are talking about food but not exclusively. You ability to digest your life
happenings will also show up in your intestinal tract.
Signs of imbalance include: gas, bloating,
belching, reflux, diarrhea, constipation but also low energy, mood issues,
weight issues, hormone imbalances, skin issues, allergies and more.
2. Sleep
We need sleep. It is not a luxury. It is
necessary for organ rejuvenation and detoxification. We are individual in our
needs but as we know the average need is about 8 hours a night and should begin
before 11pm . You should go to sleep and stay asleep. You should get up feeling
rested and refreshed. I know this sounds like an urban myth but it is true and
possible.
Imbalance here can lead to mood, focus,
weight, hormone issues as well as undermine any healing process your body is
trying to perform.
3. Pain
Headache, joints, muscles…. Listen up. Your
body is talking to you and perhaps shouting! Inflammation is rampant in our
society. Poor diets, poor digestion, poor sleep, lack of love and emotional
support. Pain is the 911 call but very often we just put it on hold with some
sort of pain suppressing medication or libation. If you stub your toe, you now
why it hurts but if you have recurrent pain that you are not addressing the
underlying issues you are setting your self up for more health issues. Oh, and yes
it is common to have more pain as we age but not normal. It is just the
accumulation of years of ignoring the signs. So in the name of heart health
alone don’t ignore your pain.
So it is time to bring balance into all
areas of our lives. This should be an ongoing
practice of assessment and action. Needless to say, I am all about the food. It
is a fundamental approach to support healing and balance within your life – both
physically and emotionally. Sure a healthy diet is important in creating
balance but food can also be used in specific ways to restore balance. If you
are experiencing imbalance in any of the common barometers of balance or in any
others, come get your food prescription to begin your journey to health.
