From a spiritual perspective--how does nutrition affect you...?

[bliss_eternal]

Do you have a way of eating that allows you to feel most grounded or connected?

In my efforts to correct some imbalances with my system, I'm finding that the little things make such a difference (drinking lots of quality water, getting enough sleep, exercise, etc.). Just adding a daily mutivitamin and a supplement has been a huge help to me.

Just made me wonder what others find helpful in terms of their health and well-being?

:hi:

[I Have A Dream]

1. This is going to sound weird, but I'm currently in a 12 week...

"boot camp" type spirituality program. One of the things that we had to do was do a 3-day semi-fast during this 12-week program. The first day we could only have a soup made from pureed root vegetables; the second day, we could add brown rice to this soup; and the third day, we could add other vegetables that were lightly steamed to the pureed soup and brown rice. It's my understanding that the root vegetable soup focus was to help us to get grounded.

Another thing that we have to do is greatly increase our fiber and give up meat. (I'm already a vegetarian, but the fiber's something that I have to make an effort to do.)

This program was designed by a channeled being with whom I work.

This isn't nutrition-related, but we're also supposed to walk OUTSIDE for 30 minutes and stretch for 15 minutes each day. The walking outside is to help us get grounded and to also put our energy into the Earth. (Apparently, she needs all the help that she can get right now.)

:hi: :hug:

[bliss_eternal]

2. I don't think it sounds weird at all...

...really. :hi: :hug:

It sounds really interesting (and cool), and I'd love to hear how it affects you physically, mentally and spiritually.

I'm one of those very weird people that has a ridiculously sensitive system. I need to figure out what works for me in terms of diet/nutrition.

Adding something new every week or so has been helpful. Trying to do everything at once hasn't been as helpful for me, as i don't know what is working or helping.

[I Have A Dream]

7. I'm going through a very interesting time spiritually, but I don't...

know that it's because of my change in diet because it started prior to my 12-week spirituality "boot camp". (I've been a vegetarian for quite a while, and I never really noticed a difference from it, but I feel better about myself for doing it.)

One thing that I did notice that made a difference for me is kelp tablets. I'm a computer programmer, and I was in crisis because I was having major problems with lack of ability to concentrate and with "brain fog". Now that I take a kelp supplement, I feel much, much better. It and acidophilus are the only things that I've ever taken that I've been able to really, truly tell a difference. No other changes to my diet or supplements have made me feel a difference so that I knew that they were really working.

My biggest fault in reference to taking care of my body is that I almost never get enough sleep. If I were to do that, I'd probably be able to notice other more subtle changes when I alter my diet.

Lastly, about 6 months ago, I by and large gave up aspertame because I was concerned about potential health concerns. (I would have about 4 diet soft drinks a day and about 4 hot beverages a day with 2 packs of aspertame sweetener in each cup.) I started using Splenda, and I developed a rash when using it. Now, I no longer use Splenda at all, and I'll have a diet soft drink about once a month. I now use honey to sweeten my hot beverages. I don't feel a difference (except for no longer having the Splenda-related rash, but I know that it was the right thing to do. (i.e., eliminate artificial sweeteners from my diet.)

[bliss_eternal]

11. What kind of kelp are you taking?

Any specific brand, etc.? What is it generally used for?

Eliminating the artificial sweetners was probably a great idea on your part...the more I read the scarier artificial anything is appearing to me. lol.

It's interesting how the little things, just making small changes can make such a great difference.

[I Have A Dream]

16. I use kelp tablets from GNC. (Do they have GNCs everywhere?

If not, it's a store that sells vitamins and supplements. The tablets cost about $8 for 250 or 500 tablets. I started out taking about 8 a day just to get them into my system. Then after a couple of weeks, I took it down to 2 a day. The difference in my ability to concentrate is phenomenal. I think that it's the iodine in the kelp. The weird thing is that I actually took iodine drops and didn't notice any difference at all. I just feel so lucky to have found something that works for me.

[bliss_eternal]

17. Oh yes--we have those...

:hi: Is that where you got the probiotics, too? Dh went to the health food store in our area, was overwhelmed by all the choices of probiotics. lol. So if there is a particular brand you've liked of those, please let me know!

[I Have A Dream]

21. I personally use PB8 because it doesn't need to be refrigerated but...

still has the same effects as refrigerated acidophilus. (I'm sure that you're aware that most non-refrigerated probiotics are pretty much worthless because the organisms have died.) It's expensive, but it's worth it to me. I had problems with yeast infections until I started to take acidophilus on a regular basis.

Because I'm a vegetarian, I also like PB8 because they have a vegetarian capsule (as well as a non-vegetarian capsule) that's not made with gelatin.

I don't get my PB8 at GNC, but I think that they carry it also. I get the PB8 at a local health food store. (I need to buy it more often, and we go to the health food store more often than GNC.)

:hi:

[bliss_eternal]

22. I'm surprised that you found a good one

that doesn't require refrigeration. As you said, I was under the impression the non-refrigerated pro-biotics are worthless. It sounds like PB8 is worth trying--thanks so much, I Have a Dream!

I just got some kelp last night. Today I'm trying out an experiment to check my iodine levels...

[I Have A Dream]

23. I was so happy when I found PB8. I absolutely have to take probiotics...

every day religiously. When I was taking refrigerated probiotics, it was so complicated when I had to travel, especially when staying in hotels. My sister-in-law has a colonics business, and she recommended PB8. I was extremely skeptical because of the fact that refrigeration isn't required, but, because I really respect her knowledge on this particular subject, I gave it a try. It worked just as well for me as the other refrigerated probiotics that I had been using. Traveling's much easier now!

[bliss_eternal]

28. Thanks so much--

I Have a Dream! :hug: I called my local health/organic food store today and they carry PB8--so I'll be trying it soon! Thanks again!

[I Have A Dream]

32. You're very welcome, bliss_e! I hope that it works as well for you...

as it does for me.

:hug:

[u4ic]

24. Artificial sweeteners

are excitotoxins to many with sensitive systems.

I found that by cutting out aspartame-laced gum...only that...my Fibro pain went down by almost half. It was quite stunning.

I'm glad you found the kelp working for you, IHAD. It also has lots of trace minerals in it that our body needs, and often doesn't get from 'land' food.

I soooo understand the 'brain fog'...only a couple of weeks ago, I kept on trying to get the contact out of my eye, when I realized I should be putting it IN. :rofl:

(actually, the CFS does interfere with cognition. The brain fog can be a serious problem, though I try to find some humour in it.)

[Melissa G]

26. Why did you pick kelp over spirulina or other green foods?

[I Have A Dream]

27. I was trying to find a source of iodine, I think. Someone...

who knew quite a bit about nutrition recommended it to me. I tried it (since it was so inexpensive, I didn't even hesitate), and it really worked for me.

I don't know anything about the things that you mentioned. Maybe they'd do the same thing. I didn't need to search further since the kelp worked for me.

[LaurenG]

3. I think you have brought up an interesting point

I have been a vegetarian for many years (since the 1980's) on and off. I had to add fish and poultry due to iron issues a few years ago. Recently I started a vegan diet, (I'm intolerant of dairy)and my health has improved tremendously. At least I've felt better than I have for years. I put on several pounds for some reason (age related I'm guessing) but my energy level is much improved. My husband feels he is more suited to a vegetarian diet with eggs and dairy and so we have started to incorporate changes which we feel support a healthy life style and environment.

With that said, everyone is different and people should do what feels right for them and eat to keep up their strength and vitality. Being a vegetarian may not be the best choice for all people. I know my health deteriorated when I tried cutting out meat years ago as my body wouldn't absorb iron from any other source, including weekly iron injections. (that issue is now monitored and under control, menopause helps, lol)

I found that being grateful for what comes my way is a clue to health. Being thankful for any creature- animal, vegetable or mineral who gave it's life so that I could survive kept me mindful instead of taking anything for granted.

Being grateful has helped me more than any dietary change. My attitude has so much to do with my health personally that I must remember to give thanks always.

[I Have A Dream]

4. That's beautiful, OhioBlues.

Gratitude is amazingly important and often forgotten.

[bliss_eternal]

12. What a wonderful thought--

thank you for sharing this. It's so important to be thankful, and i't so easy for us to forget that, isn't it?

I also appreciate what you've shared about vegetarian diets. You are one of the few I've communicated with that doesn't advocate strict vegan diet for everyone. I've read a lot about the health benefits of such a diet/lifestyle--but I have to agree with you when you say that people have to do what feels right for them and their health. In terms of diet, I don't think one size fits all.

Always great to hear your thoughts! :hi:

[Grateful for Hope]

5. Yes

For me it is multivitamins as well as plain yogurt and flax seed oil. I also need more protein than anything else in my diet.

[bliss_eternal]

13. Amazing what flax seed oil can do--

A book I'm reading on peri-menopausal nutrition advocates for flax seed oil, which I never would have considered before. It's so interesting what it can do for the individual system. :hi:

[cassiepriam]

6. I think it is a very individual thing.

I am very quirky food wise. I have a loaded sixth house, all in Pisces so I am all water and very very sensitive to anything that goes in my mouth. I have tried to go vegetarian and I just float away when I do it. I am so much water that I have to get lean meat for protein.

Also I do not really like food all that much. I would rather drink beverages all day, water, tea, juices, etc. Have to force myself to eat, and then when I do, I just want to snack. A whole plate of food looks bad to me! It is critical for me to keep hydrated, but eating doesn't really thrill me. I am a terrible snacker however, that is how I like to eat!

I am very sensitive to most things, get drug reactions very easily and never could take regular vitamins, they made me sick. So now I take a pediatric vitamin once a week and I seem to do OK with it, I would like to try taking it more and am working on it.

The most important thing for me is to get enough sleep, and to listen to my body. I tend to push right thru pain and fatigue and then I get sick. So I have to make myself slow down and take it easy from time to time. The best thing for me also is meditation, and when I get sick I do acupuncture and massage. I sit in my job all day long, so I try to walk when I can.

If you look at your 6th house you can get more of a feel for what things you need to look for in terms of health and illness. I abused my body a lot in past lives so now I am supposed to take much better care of it, but I really don't want to! I have never felt connected to my body, it has been a total annoyance to me. Don't get me wrong, it is a very nice body, been very healthy and attractive, but it is just something that is an irritation and gets in the way of my life somehow, and I always just try to ignore it as much as possible, sad to say. So I really need to pay attention to it and be kinder to it.

[bliss_eternal]

14. Wow--this is amazing...

I had no idea that the sixth house is indicative of what we should do for our health. Thanks for the tip, cassie! :hi: I also think your revelations about yourself are so interesting.

It's great that you are so in tune to your system and know what works well for you.

[cassiepriam]

19. Yes, 6h is health and work, service

It can give you keys to issues around health and illness, and past life info on those topics.

I have a strong Neptune presence in my 6th house which means that I am like a psychic sponge that soaks up everything around it, including other people's stresses and illnesses.

Also getting sick from things I put in my mouth. The sickest I have ever been in my life is from prescription drug reactions. I learned to take pediatric doses when at all possible. I believe in traditional health care as well as alternative, I like to cover all bases. I just have to be careful how I do it. Even with acupuncture I am quirky, the needles mysteriously pop out of my body, and I have odd reactions. I tend to be a problem child which is embarrassing. I do not like to call attention to myself, I even try to put the needles back in by myself when the doctor isn't looking!

I have many of the flags for past life abuse of my body, drugs. alcohol, mental stress and illness, got into weird occult stuff.
The damage we do to our body comes with us in each incarnation.
In this life I do not smoke or drink, try to be healthy.

[cassiepriam]

8. Anybody see a connection between psychic abilities and

and how you are treating your body? What food you are eating etc?
For example, a friend of mine notices her abilities are stronger is she does not eat meat.

For me being rested and meditating helps, also listening to certain music helps.

[I Have A Dream]

9. I've never seen any connection. I don't eat meat, and I've never...

noticed any increase in psychic ability. However, I've been told by a channeled being with whom I work that a person's vibrational frequency definitely increases if the person doesn't eat meat.

As you know, the key for me is to not be as overly-grounded as I currently am, so meditation is the key for me.

[cassiepriam]

10. My key is to get grounded, quit floating, and connect with my body

and the rest of the world. The opposite of you.
Too bad we can't trade a bit of each other's energy. :)

And I need to come out of my continual lucid dreaming state.
I think that is why I have a child, pets, husband and demanding job.
They keep getting me out of my head and into the real world. I would be a hopeless mess without them :)

[bliss_eternal]

15. I haven't drawn such conclusions based on diet--

as I didn't really pay attention to what I was eating when I've had more "psychic periods" in my life. For me, it's been more when I'm praying, meditating and physically grounded--then I see and/or know things.

[cassiepriam]

18. That is what I experience as well, but some folks swear by diet...

so again maybe it is an individual thing???

[mrgorth]

20. The things you mention are good

Unfortunately, I'll never enjoy that. I'm a die-hard meat and potatoes man who loves beer. I do get excercise but I don't eat right or drink enough water. Also, I tend to stay up late.

[u4ic]

25. I have a couple of chronic illnesses

(Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia) and am quite sensitive to a lot of foods. I developed many intolerances since getting sick. All gluten, yeast and dairy are out. (I can use goat milk products, however)

The main thing I try to do is listen to what my body needs. I don't eat a lot of meat...I tried veg, but couldn't do it...my body needs meat protein once in a while.

Personally, I feel lighter (I have lots of earth, water and fire energy...no air in my chart at all) when I eat veggies, and beans. I grew up on meat and potatoes, and it makes me feel heavy. I eat very little in the way of potatoes or rice (once in awhile, but not much) and prefer to fill up on other vegetables.

I eat a pretty bland diet, and I find that works best for me - very little processed food, fresh is always best. A little honey (I drink ginger tea every day...I stew the fresh root, and pop in a dash of cayenne pepper for good measure) and I'll treat myself to chocolate once in a while.

As for supplements...holy cow. I take a lot of them...a green drink in the morning (greens+multi+), fish, evening primrose, and flax oil; extra B, C, D, E, Cal/Mag, zinc; CoQ10; an antioxidant formula that includes NAC and alpha lipoic acid; milk thistle; gingko; d-ribose; serrapeptase; I also give myself B12 shots. I eat organic goat milk yogurt everyday for the probiotics; lots of fresh garlic; and will rotate between spirulina, royal jelly and ashwaganda.

I've tried a lot; I've had to...and still continue to try and improve. I always listen to what others are doing - I never know when I hear a great idea that I can incorporate. :hi:

[bliss_eternal]

29. Hi u4ic--

I'm so sorry to hear of your chronic illnesses. :hug: What I've read of both, neither sounds like something you can easily deal with. Despite that, it does sound like you've worked hard to find solutions that work for you. I really appreciate your sharing.

I never thought I would, but I adore goat cheese. ;) Haven't had any in many years--but I recall it was quite yummy.

[u4ic]

30. Hi bliss_eternal

Thank you. :hug:

There's been a lot of trial and error, and there were times when I was bedridden, sometimes even unable to talk, needing help with bathing, etc. Sometimes I wasn't able to get out for 2-3 months at a time. I hope I am never in that spot again...I'm slowly coming back to life again, able to get out more, do some short distance driving...start living again, though I'm still pretty limited by normal standards. Diet and supplements were not the be all and end all for me, but they definitely did contribute a lot.

Acupuncture helped a lot, too, as has meditation.

I hope that you find what you need for your optimum health...it sounds like you are on the right path. :-)

This is the goat cheese I eat: http://www.woolwichdairy.com/products.htm
They have a few different ones, not just chevre. (which I'm not particular on, actually) A friend just told me of a Middle Eastern market in town that has many more kinds of goat cheese, so I'm going to be investigating that soon.

I use organic goat milk (on cereal), and goat yoghurt. I get the plain, and use it both in salad dressings, and put fresh or frozen fruit in it, sans sugar.

[DemExpat]

31. Eating macrobiotically in the 80s brought me the most grounding,

balance, and connectivity to my life. At the time I was raising my 2 babies after a decade of total body and mind abuse with drugs - recreational as well as prescription, tobacco and alcohol. I was definitely trying to kill myself in those years, and getting pregnant with my fist child acutely opened my eyes and turned me around.

Since then I have not adhered to this way of eating (Kids wanted their occasional Burger King, etc.) - trying to eat a healthy, balanced diet, but still too much processed stuff and sometimes bad fats and sugars. I have been looking for an approach to eating which isn't as austere as the Macrobiotic approach in the 80s, and I think that I found it - first on UK television - on a show called You are what you eat, and then yesterday at the Club library I volunteer at, there were her 2 new books on the shelf.

Dr. Gillian McKeith
http://www.drgillianmckeith.com/about-mid2.php
http://www.drgillianmckeith.com/pub-mid2.php
She is amazing in her show how she helps people eating such poor diets and feeling so bad to turn their diets around - most often they balk at the food choices at first, but when they feel and see the health and happiness benefits, they all are very enthusiastic about it.

She incorporates Macrobiotic (and other Holisitic) principles into her more accessible, and IMO palatable, program - matching modern lifestyles much better IMO.

Check her out - she might be inspirational and helpful to some of you here too

I want to try her advice, tips and meals to see if I can move some of my extra weight that I carry without hunger pangs or limiting my food choices too much so that I can go into "mature age" :-) more healthily.

DemEx