Winter wonderland in Winslow'Winterizing Your Body'
by Mary Louise;Town Jaqua, Health Minister 10-8-08Seasons come and go, and whether we realize it or not, our bodies respond to the
rhythms of the changing seasons by presenting different nutritional needs. Eating
foods in season is a wise approach to healthy eating and part of this approach is
to purchase local foods. Living close to the land is an ancient practice by many
cultures and a lifestyle that our forebearers established in America. This agrarian
way of life, however, has slowly been replaced in our country by a synthetic lifestyle
that, for the most part, is alien to the natural laws of YHVH. Though many studies
exist about the relation of man to his environment, this article will serve to address
simple ways that we can adapt to colder climates and therefore best care for our
bodies.1) EAT PREDOMINATELY LIVING FOODS. The best insurance for survival in any
climate, especially a colder climate, is a diet of whole, living food- fruit, vegetables,
seeds, nuts, and whole grains- in their raw, pure state. Living food contains live
vitamins, live minerals, live enzymes, oxygen, distilled water, anti-oxidants,
phytonutrients, etc. that are, by nature of their make-up, life-sustaining. These live
nutrients build healthy cells and healthy cells build a strong body. A strong immune
system is the best defense against sickness and disease.2) ADD SUPER GREENS TO YOUR DIET: Boost your nutritional intake by drinking
freshly-extracted cereal grasses such as wheat or barley grass. These foods are
called 'super' because they are nutritionally-dense. If freshly-extracted grasses are
not available, they can be purchased in powdered form. Other super-dense greens
include Spirulina, Chlorella, and Moringa. Because our nation's food supply is
nutritionally poor due to less than favorable growing conditions, supplementing with
super greens can be a life-saver. Likewise during the winter season when fresh
green foods are usually not as plentiful or affordable, a few tea or table spoons
of green powders helps keep your immune system strong at a time when it is
needed most.3) EAT ROOT VEGETABLES: Root vegetables such as turnip, parsnip, Jerusalem
artichokes, winter squash, and potatoes are healthy starches that meet the nutritional
demands of the body during colder weather. These natural carbohydrates are
needed by body cells to produce heat, thus enabling the body to keep warm.
As these winter vegetables come in season, we learn that YHVH provides them
at such a time in order to keep our bodies nutritionally fit through the colder months.
Eating foods that are in season is a natural approach to a healthy life. Root
vegetables, including beets, carrots, and radish, are rich in minerals. Their roots
penetrate deep into the soil and draw out minerals that are essential 'winterizers',
fueling body cells for the sake of keeping us warm. Though root vegetables are
popularly eaten cooked, they are more nutritious when eaten raw, grated in salads
or made into raw soups. Root vegetables and winter squashes can be placed in
cold storage (ideally at a mean temperature of 45 degrees) for long-term winter
enjoyment.4) EAT MORE PLANT-BASED PROTEIN: In order to keep body cells firing hotter
during the colder months, consider adding more nuts, beans and/or bean sprouts to
your diet. These nutritionally-dense foods are excellent sources for boosting the
body's protein level, especially when dark, leafy greens may not be available. Though
the body only requires about 2% protein, increasing one's protein intake during the
winter months may be necessary. Sprouts are easily grown indoors in jars, trays, or
linen bags. Nuts should be soaked 2-4 hours and then rinsed before eating. Raw nut
butters also make a healthy addition to one's diet. Recommended serving for nuts is
a modest 1/4 cup per day.5) INCREASE OMEGA 3 AND 6 OIL INTAKE: Essential fatty acids (omega3/6 oils)
are healthy fats that the body cannot live without. Known as EFAs, these essential
fatty acids regulate all systems of the body as well as maintain the flexibility of cell
membranes. If cell membranes are not flexible, nutrients cannot enter the cells and
wastes cannot exit. In the colder climes, body cells require more EFAs in order to
keep the body warm. The omega 3/6 oils energize the cells so that they can produce
more heat. In colder tempertures, the body requires more essential fatty acids to 'fuel
the cell furnaces.' An increased intake of healthy omegas during the winter is a
good safeguard for maintaining overall body performance, especially body
temperature. Hemp oil or Udo's Oil (a blend of healthy EFAs) are healthy oils
of choice. Chapped or rough skin in the winter is usually a sign of omega 3/6
deficiency.6) B Vitamins: Winterizing your body may include adding B Vitamins such
as B-12 and B-Complex to your diet. B-12 is important for folate metabolism,
red blood formation, synthesis of DNA and RNA, maintenance of the myelin
sheath of nerves as well as digestion and absorption of food. Colder
temperatures can sometimes add stress to the body, making it work harder.
Therefore, an adequate daily amount of B-12 ( usually 2.4 micrograms per adult)
is a good safeguard to maintaining optimum health, especially during the winter.7) VITAMIN D: Vitamin D, known as the 'sunshine vitamin,' is essential for calcium
and phosphorous absorption and utilization. A calcium deficiency can result in
osteoporosis, cancer, schizophrenia, seasonal affective disorder, muscle weakness,
diabetes, obesity, heart problems, etc. Studies show that over 60% of Americans are
vitamin D deficient. The best source for vitamin D is sunlight, wherein the ultraviolet
rays hit the skin and change a form of cholestrol, a precursor of vitamin D, into
cholecalciferol (D3). Those living in higher latitudes where sunlight is less available
during colder months should consider vitamin D supplementation.8) MAGNESIUM: Magnesium is the fourth most abundant element in the human
body, following calcium, sodium, and potassium. It is important for nerve conduction,
muscle contraction, maintaining proper blood pressure and normal heart beat. Low
levels of magnesium can result in heart rhythm changes, blood pressure problems,
and low calcium levels. Without magnesium, the body cannot absorb calcium. Most
Americans have a magnesium deficiency. Natural sources of magnesium include
dark, leafy greens, nuts, and kelp. However, additional supplementation may be
needed. In such case, we recommend mineral supplements, especially transdermal
magnesium therapy.9) EXERCISE: Though cold temperatures usually preempt outdoor activity,
exercising should not be put on hold during the winter. Keep your body tuned by
doing stretching exercises, taking short walks in the fresh air and sunshine, and
using a mini-trampoline (aka rebounder). Toning body cells knows no season.
Exercise is in, especially during colder months when the body clock may shift
toward a seasonal slow down. Avoid hibernation, by adding more oxygen into
your life in the form of healthy exercise!10) REST: Winter is a good time for extra rest. While the outside world is dormant
and, in some places, snow-covered, consider giving yourself added time to relax.
Take advantage of longer nights by tucking in early. The body recharges itself
during sleep, healing and regenerating body cells. Rest well so that you can wake
up feeling refreshed instead of feeling like a 'left over.' Winter is a good time to
unwind and rethink your lifestyle choices.11) DRESS FOR THE SEASON: Caring for the body is an inside-out experience.
Through proper diet and exercise, cell integrity is maintained and a strong immune
system established. However, the body also needs outer wear for protection during
the colder months. Dress warm for the season (especially in freezing temperatures)
with hat, coat, scarf, mittens, and boots. Over one half of body heart escapes from
the head, so consider donning a hat. Wear natural fibers- wool, linen, and cotton- as
ordained by YHVH. These natural fibers are non-toxic and allow the body to breathe
properly. Natural fibers do not leave harmful chemical residues as do synthetic
materials. Smart dressing inside and out for the winter will result in fewer, if any,
colds and flu.Winter is a season dreaded by some; nevertheless, it can be a time of re-creation.
If we care for ourselves properly, we will not only last the season, but achieve a
level of health that we perhaps never knew existed. Instead of looking at winter
as a possible 'down-side of life,' consider the colder months as an opportunity
to explore life in a new dimension. Indulge yourself in healthy activities: read a
new book, start a craft project, volunteer for a worthy cause, visit friends and
family, or tackle a household job. Most importantly, nurture your spirit. Life is
a spiritual journey and starts by having a personal relationship with Yahshua
Messiah. Invite Yahshua into your life, and you will never be the same. Ultimate
health involves spirit, soul, and body. Therefore, feed your spirit by reading your
Bible, feed your soul by desiring what is good for you, and feed your body with
healthy food. Don't drag yourself through the colder months. Instead, emerge
from the long winter season a new creation. Give yourself the opportunity to
become truly healthy and truly FREE!
