Ask the Expert: Health and Diet

The beginning of a new year means many include improving their diet among their list of goals.

Increasing numbers of people are now considering naturopathic medicine as an option for treating some persistent health problems that have not improved with the help of prescription medications. As an image consultant, I often aid clients in the search for professionals (such as medical doctors, massage therapists, personal trainers etc.) who can help them to improve various aspects of their lifestyle.

Here are some quick tips to get you started. They have been provided by Dr. Yvonne Stiles, a Canadian naturopath.

Everyday health tips & facts: weight management and energy level improvement

• Shop around the aisles of the grocery stores not in them – that’s where the healthier items are usually displayed.

• Stress management is very important and can be done in many ways. When one is stressed, cortisol levels in the body increase which causes insulin to increase and sugar to be stored.

• Decreasing caffeine consumption – this will help to decrease stress, and improve energy levels. For every cup of coffee, drink 2 cups of water.

• Working out 5 times a week (combo of cardio workouts and resistance training) regulates stress and hormones

• Maintain a regular sleep time and amount of sleep (8 hrs is best for most people)

• How much water should you drink exactly?
Your weight in lbs / 2 = # of ounces one should drink each day
(A 128lb person should drink 64oz – which is 2L of water/day)
There are approx. 8 ounces in a 250ml cup.

• Drink fluids away from meals, because drinking with meals can dilute your stomach acid and digestive enzymes, inhibiting proper nutrient absorption.

• Eat in a relaxed environment. When you eat on the run your body is in sympathetic mode. This means you are not able to digest your food as well because digestion takes place when you’re in parasympathetic mode.
In other words, the body is focused on movement and muscle function rather than the digestive process.

Dr. Stiles practices out of Mississauga 905.855.0988 and Etobicoke, Toronto 416.234.1451. She is available for private as well as group consultations and speaking engagements. She can be reached through Zayna Mosam Image Consulting info@zmimage.com / 416.907.8156 or through her website www.yvonnestilesnd.com which features her bio.