In order to live a healthy, rich and abundant life you need to look at what you’re putting into your body to add vitality to your energy system. Examine whether you’re injecting life-force or detracting from it each time you consume a meal.

Food is a drug, since it changes the biochemistry and hormonal balance of your body. We’ve heard the saying: “One man’s poison is another man’s medicine.” Rings very true when applied to nutrition. The prevalence of allergies and intolerances has never been so high in human history. Our immune systems are struggling to cope with the high levels of toxins, chemicals, preservatives, colours, additives and sprays that go into the production of food.

The food pyramid is no longer applicable in our times. It was first created in 1943 by the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) and subsequently updated and officially released in 1992. It is terribly misleading and flawed. The Food Pyramid has not kept up with scientific nutritional research. The original food pyramid made a number of claims supporting its food list, such as, all fats are bad; all complex carbohydrates are good; protein is protein; dairy products are essential; potatoes are good for you; and there was no recommendation for exercise.

Look at the types and quality of foods you consume at present. Are they drawing you closer to health or further away? Food creates health and nourishes the cells – such as those packed with minerals and vitamins. Alternatively food can be a drug and cause disease and ill health if consumed regularly and in quantities. So if food is a drug, what drugs are you choosing to allow into your body?

The digestive system is the first line of defence in your body, since it serves to assimilate and process incoming food matter which is formed into energy. Approximately 80% of your immune system is contained within the mucosal lining of the gut. The gut is the second brain. When our digestive system is working in harmony and balance, our entire body is renewed with an energetic life force and sustained health. When digestion is out of balance, numerous diseases and illness take hold. Listed below are some symptoms due to an unhealthy digestive system:

• Lower abdominal bloating
• Constipation
• Belch or burp after meals
• Frequent gas
• Headaches after eating
• Cravings for certain foods i.e. bread, chocolate, other
• Excessive appetite, never feeling full
• Abdominal pain, cramps, distension and discomfort

Over the years, I have eliminated certain foods from my diet and have found that as I matured, I’ve retained much of my strength and stamina especially during exercise. Like most things, certain foods did not serve a place in my life anymore. It took some time and persistence to wean them out, since I had been consuming them for years. These foods included: wheat, dairy, gluten, alcohol, caffeine and sugar as the primary food groups.

Now I know many of you are crying argh, how will I start the day without caffeine? The truth of matter is that you do not need caffeine to start your day. Do you think our Palaeolithic ancestors had a short black every morning upon waking? Many of our wants, needs and habits have arisen from bad behaviours formed over the years. The term, “Let’s grab a coffee.” has now become mainstream vernacular in our language.

My suggestion is to strike a balance of eating healthy to support your energy requirements, health and wellbeing. Conduct your due diligence and investigate further any statement or claim you stumble upon which challenges your ideas or beliefs around nutrition.

So start your own journey (there is no destination) of health and wellness. Identify stressors which are causing your body harm. If you’re unsure what they are, seek assistance from a health professional versed in the area of natural remedies. Not all general practitioners are well trained to give nutritional advice. Their study of nutrition falls short of dispensing sound advice, unless they continue with further nutritional study during Medical school.

My suggestions in the interim would be to investigate and implement the following into your life:

• Find a good Probiotic to take that will balance your internal flora. A natural health professional can assist you with this. You may need to have some tests conducted should you suffer from allergies, intolerances or related digestive imbalances to determine the right balance of intestinal flora.
• Refrain from eating foods which irritate your gut. The long term damage to the gut lining is irreparable and not worth the short term pleasure.
• Drink plenty of natural spring water sourced from an artisan well, where possible. Use the following formula to determine your daily requirement of water intake: 0.033 x your body weight (kg) = litres
• Eat at least 80% organic foods which are free from pesticides and are labelled accordingly.
• Eat regular meals throughout the day and listen to your satiety signals (feeling of fullness).
• Develop a relationship with your body. Listen to your body’s internal signals (known as interoception). The body speaks in soft, quiet whispers.
• Have fun, enjoy life. You’ll make mistakes. Learn from them and don’t take yourself or the world too seriously – watch your life take on new meaning.

If you enjoyed this article by Tony Fahkry, why not gain access to Tony’s full body of knowledge by getting a copy of his new book ‘The Power to Navigate Life’