What is your plan to stay healthy in the new year?

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Q. Dear Terry, “What is your plan to stay healthy in the new year?” – Marisol R., Albuquerque, NM

A. Dear Marisol, One of my top ways to stay healthy is with the food choices I make on a daily basis. I think it’s important to emphasize healthy fats (eggs, olive oil, animal fats, etc.), protein, nuts, vegetables, low sugar fruits, and decrease carbohydrate intake. I recommend avoiding all grains, sugar, soft drinks, refined flour and dairy (with the exception of cream, butter, yogurt, and kefir). Some additional diet resources include: www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com, www.drperlmutter.com, and www.dietdoctor.com. You should also read the books, Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter and Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis.

To stay healthy overall, it’s also important to sleep 7-9 hours per night and exercise several times per week for 20-30 minutes.

In addition to diet and lifestyle, I think there are helpful nutrients for all body systems. I believe a solid foundation with a multivitamin and mineral formula is necessary. Believe it or not, mineral deficiencies are more common than vitamin deficiencies. Therefore, you may want to look for a multivitamin that features chelated trace minerals. I prefer a multivitamin and mineral formula taken several times per day and includes vitamins and minerals in their most absorbable and active forms.

For immune support, some of my favorites include andrographis, melatonin, elderberry, propolis, and vitamin D.

When it comes to aging and longevity, I think curcumin, grape seed extract, glutathione (reduced, active form), and polyphenols are important.

To help with stress and anxiety, I think adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola, ashwagandha, andrographis, and ginseng can be very beneficial. There’s also a clinically studied, narrow-leaved coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia) root extract that is very effective for anxiety.

There’s a lot we can do on a daily basis for our overall health like focusing on diet, sleep, exercise, and supplementing with vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and other key nutrients.

Healthy Regards!                           

Terry . . . Naturally