5 Ways to Optimise Health

Vishrutha Thulasiram
Jun 1, 2023
3 min read

Ever wondered why certain types of foods affect our mood and productivity? Have you noticed how some foods make you sluggish while others help you feel energized and active?

Well, the reason for this is the fact that food is not merely a source of nourishment, it also works as a source of information to the body. Along with essential nutrients, food also supplies crucial information to the cells of our bodies to behave/react/heal/grow in specific ways. Although this is a fairly new area of research and exact interactions are still being studied. Here is what we do know for sure about the dual role that food plays in our lives.

First, let’s talk about the nutrients that food provides. Our bodies require a variety of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to function properly. These nutrients serve as building blocks for our cells and tissues and play important roles in our metabolism, immune system, and overall health. Without adequate nutrient intake, our bodies can suffer from a variety of health problems, ranging from malnutrition to chronic diseases.

However, food is more than just a source of nutrients. It also contains a wide range of bioactive compounds that can influence our health in other ways. For example, phytochemicals (plant compounds) found in fruits and vegetables have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts have been linked to improved heart health and cognitive function.

Moreover, the way we eat can also serve as a source of information for our bodies. For example, the timing of our meals and the types of foods we eat can influence our circadian rhythms, which regulate many physiological processes, including sleep and metabolism. Research has shown that eating late at night or consuming high amounts of sugar and fat can disrupt our circadian rhythms, leading to metabolic dysfunction and increased risk of chronic diseases.

So, how can we use food as information and nourishment to optimize our health?

Focus on whole foods: Instead of processed foods, aim to eat a variety of whole, minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods contain a wide range of nutrients and bioactive compounds that can nourish your body and provide important information to support optimal health.
Pay attention to timing: Try to eat your meals at consistent times throughout the day, and avoid eating late at night. This can help support your circadian rhythms and improve metabolic health.
Choose nutrient-dense foods: One of the best ways to provide our bodies with the nutrients they need is to choose foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. This means opting for whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Pay attention to your body’s signals: Another important aspect of using food as information is paying attention to our body’s signals. This means tuning in to our hunger and fullness cues, as well as how certain foods make us feel. For example, if we notice that we feel sluggish or bloated after eating certain foods, it may be a sign that our bodies are not responding well to them.
Practice mindful eating: Mindful eating is another important tool for using food as information. This means slowing down and paying attention to the flavours, textures, and sensations of our food, as well as our body’s response to it. By doing this, we can better understand how our bodies are responding to the food we eat and make more informed choices in the future.

In addition to providing our bodies with important information, using food as nourishment can also help protect against chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. By choosing well balanced meals and paying attention to our body’s signals, we can give our bodies the tools they need to function at their best.

This is your reminder that food is much more than just fuel for our bodies. By paying attention to our body’s signals, and practicing mindful eating, we can harness the power of food to nourish and heal our bodies and become our best, most healthful selves.

Until next time, Come along as we #growwiththeflow🌈