Micro of the Macro

Protein: Functions & Risks

This is another in a series of posts from my Nutritional Certification program. I hope you are enjoying learning what I was taught!

Protein is the subject of today’s post. I’ve studied protein in years past, but mostly about the problems it can cause. I know that more protein is required as we get older, so in addition to learning more about it in general, I’ve started paying more attention to how much I consume.

*This delicious rice has 4 grams of protein per serving.*

The functions of proteins in our body are many. In addition to growth, repair, and structure, they also act as chemical messengers, aid digestion, help fluid balance & immune function, play a major role in maintaining pH levels, and transport nutrients. Proteins are critical, but we should be aware of their risks, too.

*The dried beans I’ve bought from this company are by far the best I’ve eaten!* *These have 9 grams of protein per serving.*

Over the past few decades, animal protein has been considered superior to plant protein (due in large part to marketing by those who benefit financially from our eating animal products.) But many functional medicine physicians and other experts on natural healing, including Dr. Joel Fuhrman, have shined a light on studies that disprove that. In fact, research shows that those who eat more animal proteins have a greater risk of disease and a shorter life span.

*Tahini boasts 6 grams of protein per serving & is delicious in sauces!*

Recommendations for how much protein we should get vary greatly. I’ve known many athletic people through the years that swear by a very high-protein diet. Throughout my certification program, various presenters suggested between 1.2 grams to .6 gram per kg of body weight. That’s a huge disparity. Especially considering that too much protein can result in advanced aging, osteoporosis, and degeneration of capillary circulation. (Those are some of the first things I learned about high protein diets, from Dr. Gabriel Cousens’ book Conscious Eating.) A lengthy report on the World Health Organization website includes a table entitled Safe level of protein intake for adult men and women showing .83 g/kg of body weight. I wonder about the word safe in the naming of the chart.

*Broccoli has 2.3 grams of protein per cup.*

I have upped my protein intake in recent months to .6 – .7 g/kg of body weight. Most plant foods have protein – not just nuts, beans, and grains, but also sweet potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, and even seaweed! And soy products, of course, are packed with protein.

*Spirulina supplies 2 grams of protein per teaspoon.*

I have come to believe that it’s best to err on the side of caution, shooting for the lower end of suggested protein consumption and obtaining it primarily from plant foods. But we’re all different, and even the experts are far from agreeing on how much we need. Maybe by becoming aware of the amount of protein we’re consuming and switching out some animal foods to plant foods, we can live longer & be healthier to the end.

Blessings for Healthy Choices,

Lisa

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

What’s Really Up with Dietary Fats?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve lived and breathed the mantra fatty foods cause body fat, and I’ve gone to great lengths to limit or avoid them. There was a period of time that I completely avoided using oil in my cooking. In recent years, I’ve added water for part of the oil required in pestos, sauces, and sautés. I’ve felt guilty eating nuts, but continued to do so because they helped provide the protein that I was missing from animal foods. And of course, sweet treats have been strictly rationed, even raw, healthier ones.

*These healthy treats can be in regular rotation now!*

During my Nutrition Certification course, I learned a little about the importance of fats, but wanted to know more, so I picked up Dr. Mark Hyman’s Eat Fat, Get Thin. Dr. Hyman is the founder and Senior Advisor for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine. I’m happy I chose to learn from his writing, as it incorporates a plethora of studies (not just about weight loss, but health in general), as well as research he himself has done and the experience of thousands of his patients.

One of the most striking truths I will share is that fats, in and of themselves, are not the cause of obesity and other inflammatory issues. (Except for trans fats – avoid them at all costs!) In fact, we need more fat, omega 3 fatty acids in particular, in order to truly thrive. Omega 6s (like in nuts & sunflower seeds) are important, too, but the ratio between the number of omega 3s and omega 6s that we consume is critical. That ratio should be around 1:2, but as a result of the Standard American Diet, about 90% us consume about 10 times the amount of omega 6s we need. This, it turns out, is a precursor for disease.

When looking to increase omega 3s and decrease omega 6s, there are some important considerations. Omega 3s can be found in chia, flax, hemp seeds, walnuts, and wild-caught fatty fish. And the omega 3s in pasture-raised meats, dairy, and eggs are substantially higher than those in factory-farmed animals. Omega 6 overconsumption is largely due to vegetable oils: the inexpensive corn, soybean, canola, and safflower oils sometimes used at home & in restaurants and often found in processed foods. Healthy alternatives include extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, sustainably grown palm oil, and ghee from pasture-raised cows.

But omega fatty acids have not been the only misunderstanding. Saturated fats have been blamed for the majority of our cholesterol and heart disease problems for decades. But we were never given the full story. I’ve learned that healthy saturated fats (like those in coconut oil, cacao butter, & humanely raised animal products) can actually suppress inflammation and provide many much-needed nutrients. Here’s what we weren’t told: to avoid health problems, saturated fats should be eaten with plenty of fiber, without refined carbs or added sugars, and in the absence of omega 3 deficiency. (That is not a direct quote, but was gathered from several pages of Dr. Hyman’s book.) So if you are a big junk food, fast food, or even restaurant food eater, it might not be a bad idea to make some lifestyle changes before continuing to consume saturated fats.

*My muesli – an overnight* *soak makes it easier to digest*

As a result of my new knowledge, I have made changes to my diet. I’m no longer afraid to use good olive or coconut oil in my cooking, sauces, and on my salads. I prepare a muesli of oats, nuts, seeds, spices, and dried fruit for breakfast when I’m not having a green smoothie (that also contains nuts & seeds!) I’m eating coconut butter right out of the jar. (Sooooo yummy!) Olives and avocados have become regular joyful indulgences. And before buying anything packaged, I make sure it has no added sugar or bad oils. (Even dried fruit can contain these menaces!)

*Dr. Hyman refers to coconut oil as* superfuel for your cells
*(coconut butter is 60% oil plus fiber*)

I no longer fear fats, and I hope you don’t either. Understanding what fats to maximize, which to minimize, and how best to consume the good ones is key to a healthier you. Now, where is that coconut butter??

Big Fat Blessings,

Lisa

The Amazing Science of Grounding

Through the years, I’ve written a lot about the healing powers of Nature. In Escaping Normal, I shared how my experience of spending many months exploring areas of natural beauty rehabilitated me from burn-out and loss, bringing me back to life. The Waterfall Effect outlined a number of health benefits of natural crashing natural waters. Smellscapes told of how the scents of trees and other plants can bless us physically and mentally. And Healing Made Simple presented the idea that we’re only as healthy as our connection with Nature. But only recently have I learned of and experienced the power of grounding, and I am so excited to share it with you!

Grounding, or earthing, is a technique that realigns the human body with the electrical charges of the earth. When our skin makes contact with the ground, or natural elements touching the ground like trees or lakes, we absorb electrons that act as potent antioxidants. (Manufactured items are also available that allow you to bring this incredible technology into your home.) Studies show these electrons reduce inflammation, lessen persistent pain, help with sleep, and significantly improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue. I have read many self-reported benefits related to a variety of other conditions, as well.

Indigenous peoples of long ago received ongoing benefits of grounding by being closer to Nature: sleeping on natural materials on the earth and wearing shoes like leather moccasins. In modern times, with our indoor beds and plastic or rubber-soled shoes, we’ve lost that daily connection. (For more on the history and science of it, I encourage you to check out The Earthing Movie: The Remarkable Science of Grounding on YouTube.)

As for personal experience, I have been using a grounding mattress pad for about 4 weeks now, and I’ve really noticed a difference in my sleep: I fall asleep more quickly, awaken fewer times, and fall back to sleep faster than before grounding. I also sleep more deeply and feel more rested each morning. (My kitty, Izzy, really likes the mattress pad, too!) Additionally, the swelling and pain in my knuckles that almost always results from climbing disappears fast. And an ongoing pain and tightness in the palms of my hands, also from climbing, is completely gone. In general, I have more energy and stamina, which helps with everything!

Mother Nature offers amazing healing potential; it’s up to each of us to take advantage of the gifts we’re extended. Grounding is an old way of being in the world that may be more advantageous now than ever. Your chances of getting or staying healthy can be greatly enhanced by this natural technology.

Grounded Blessings,

Lisa

5 Ways for All of Us to Work with Our Body’s Hormones

In my last post, I shared that I’d begun a Nutrition Certification Program. Today, I’m excited to share with you some info on hormones from a recent module.

*Even if the morning sun is obscured by clouds, it still helps.*

I knew hormones were important for good health, but never really understood just how important until now. In case you’re unclear like I was, I’ll start with a definition: hormones are chemical messengers secreted in the body that travel through the blood, regulating tissue function. They are produced by both our larger organs, like the kidneys, brain, stomach, and liver, as well as our smaller endocrine organs, like the thyroid, pineal gland, pancreas, hypothalamus, and adrenals. All of us, regardless of sex or other differences, share the same hormones, found in different quantities. There are more than 50 total, including estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, insulin, adrenaline, cortisol, human growth hormone, and oxytocin.

When our hormones are working in balance, health is optimal on all levels. But that is seldom, if ever, the case. This fragile system is hindered by lifestyle choices such as poor sleep, stress, & unhealthy foods, as well as chemicals (found in plastics, can linings, nonstick cookware, cosmetics, cleaning products, conventionally-grown food, tap water, & many other sources) called endocrine disruptor compounds. These hindrances can lead to abnormal functioning including cancer & other chronic diseases, infertility and birth defects, nutritional deficiencies, impaired immunity, anxiety, depression, and ever-present fatigue.

Making changes to our daily activities can help correct hormonal imbalances and avoid dire outcomes. Below, I’ve listed some important changes for your consideration.

Find ways to manage your stress, and practice daily. Sing, write, spend time outside, snuggle with pets, meditate, do yoga, get a massage – whatever works best to chill you out. Stress decreases insulin sensitivity and increases cortisol production, leading to diminished progesterone, a hormone which acts as a powerful antidepressant.

Prepare for quality sleep. Make your bedroom cool & dark, turn off screens an hour or two before bed, get out in the morning sun, go to bed & get up at the same time each day whenever possible, and minimize caffeine & alcohol. Quality sleep helps stabilize stress-related cortisol and regulates the release of anxiety-reducing progesterone.

Choose your body’s fuel carefully. Limit or avoid processed foods, fast foods, and factory-farmed meat, eggs, and dairy. Fast and processed foods are not real foods that aid in hormonal balance. And the hormones used in factory farming have adverse effects on animals, including humans. Choose organic whole foods like fiber-rich cruciferous veggies, healthy fats like nuts, avocado, chia, olives & coconut oil, and good proteins like organic tempeh, tofu, and pasture-raised meats, eggs, and dairy products.

*If you don’t love these crucifers, you haven’t had them prepared well.*

Avoid buying and using plastics whenever possible. Switch out your plastic storage containers for glass. If you purchase water, use large refillable glass or steel containers at a refill machine. Don’t microwave your leftover take-out in its plastic container. A compound called BPA found in plastics has been linked with diabetes, cancer, infertility, obesity, and heart disease.

Use clean cosmetics, toiletries, and cleaning products. When feasible, buy organic. Otherwise, buy products with mostly natural ingredients. A great way to check the cleanness of a product is by scanning its UPC code on an app called EWG Healthy Living. (EWG stands for the Environmental Working Group, the same folks who bring us the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen each year.) Over 85,000 chemicals are used in US products, the great majority of which are unregulated, meaning manufacturers can use them as they wish, regardless of the harm they cause our bodies.

I know, I know. The situation is overwhelming and we need to change almost everything. But our new chemically-laden world is dangerous to our ancient biology (as well as that of all forms of life); we must protect ourselves. It is critical for us to adopt new ways of being in the world for the benefit of our health and longevity. (You may have noticed, these changes benefit the planet, as well!)

Hormones are an intricate part of the workings of our entire body, and imbalances are common in our modern world. Making efforts to correct them by managing stress, sleep, food intake, and otherwise limiting chemicals can help us avoid disease, feel better, and live longer.

Blessings for Balance,

Lisa

The Superpower of Antioxidants

Recently, I enrolled in a Nutrition Certification Program. Currently in week 5, I’m surprised at how much I’ve already learned. I’m guessing I’ll be sharing quite a bit of information from the program with you over the next few months. I’ll start today by focusing on antioxidants.

Wikipedia explains: antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation (usually occurring as autoxidation), a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that are missing an electron, making them unstable and dangerous to our health. Wiki continues: Autoxidation leads to degradation of organic compounds, including living matter. In doing so, it establishes the groundwork for disease and premature aging. Any kind of stressor can contribute to oxidation, including chemicals in our food, water, & air, as well as the stress we feel at work or home, so getting more antioxidants into our diets is always a good idea.

According to Christa Orecchio, clinical & holistic nutritionist, there are two primary types of antioxidants: direct and indirect. Direct antioxidants (DA) include those that donate an electron to a free radical, rendering them harmless, after which, the DA is no longer effective. Indirect antioxidants (IA) work for hours at disabling free radicals. Who knew?!

We need both direct and indirect antioxidant foods in our diet, and I’ll share with you some of the best of each. First, because I know you’re as excited as I am to learn about them :-), the IAs include turmeric, broccoli sprouts, ceylon cinnamon, and cloves. Sources of other high antioxidant foods are wild blueberries, pecans, artichokes, kidney beans, green tea, cilantro, parsley, basil, ginger, and garlic.

Superfoods were discussed a little later in the program, and many of them include antioxidants in their arsenal of health properties, as well. They include raw cacao, acai, maca root, goji berries, medicinal mushrooms, and bee products such as royal jelly, bee pollen, and wild honey.

A great way to incorporate lots of these free radical tamers into your daily fare is to toss them into a green smoothie along with some good organic veggies and fruits, which may contain even more antioxidants. This can be done as a sub for any meal, not just breakfast. Additionally, a concentrated form of green tea called matcha combined with medicinal mushrooms, turmeric, and cacao is a potent morning boost!

After just beginning my Nutrition Certification Program, I’m already making alterations to my diet, like getting in more powerful antioxidants, and considering other changes. I hope you can benefit from my learning as well.

Radical Blessings,

Lisa

Where Have All Our Bird Friends Gone?

*With no birds at the feeder, Izzy watches dogs walking their owners*

We were away for the majority of last month, and although I filled the bird feeder before leaving, I was surprised to find it half-full upon my return. (Normally, between the birds and squirrels, the feeder is emptied within 3-4 days’ time.) Even more surprisingly, I’ve seen a total of only 5 birds in our front yard during the 4 weeks I’ve been back.

During the pandemic, I read an article about hundreds of thousands of birds, including warblers, bluebirds, sparrows, blackbirds, and flycatchers, that were found dead in New Mexico. It is thought these birds were forced to flee areas further West that were burning with widespread wildfires before they had enough fat on their bodies to complete their regular migrations. This sad & frightening result of global warming still haunts me.

*Steller’s Jays usually frequent our yard*

And after weeks without birdsong outside my Northern Arizona home, my thoughts have returned to the planet’s ongoing destruction. I find the absence of that auditory delight both sad and terrifying. And my precious kitty Izzy is now starting her daily naps by 10:00 am, two to three hours earlier than usual, because she has no friends to interact with at the front window. 😦

At first I thought the birds abandoned us because they didn’t like the new feed I had purchased, so I ordered another bag of seeds I’d used in the past. Still no birds. Then I decided the cat next door had “hunted” and killed one of them near the feeder & word had gotten out through the all-bird network to avoid the area. After a couple weeks of silently cursing the neighbor cat each time I saw the vacant feeder, I overheard a couple ladies at a gardening presentation discussing the disappearance of their birds.

*Acorn Woodpeckers are typically a common sight here*

Since then, I’ve learned from a local Nature expert that birds can still be found in large numbers in surrounding forest lands. Maybe the combination of almost 14 feet of snow over the winter and the untimely monsoon-like rains that fell last month created watering holes that they find irresistible. I did see many large areas covered with water on my return flight from Phoenix, a sight I can’t remember ever having seen.

I am grateful for the abundance of moisture we’ve had this year, and I’m thrilled to know our forests are still teeming with the little feathered guys. But Izzy and I continue to hope for the return of our bird friends to the feeder & woods around our house. Our world seems eerie without the sweet sights and sounds of them.

Winged Blessings,

Lisa

The Consequences of Choice

Our lives are a sum total of the choices we have made. ~Wayne Dyer

*Florida has orchids (and lizards!) in abundance. This giant beauty belongs to my mom.*

Hello, friend. How are you? What’s new for you over these past few weeks? My experiences this month have been unusually deep, so my post today will be a heavy one. If you’re looking for some light reading today, you might want to pass this one up.

My primary focus this month has been life and death and the choices we make that structure our existence. Like I said, heavy. Sitting by the deathbed of a loved one can give rise to that.

While working with hospice, I learned that a component of the dying process for each of us is a life review: the process of recalling past events and memories in an effort to find meaning in and achieve resolution of one’s life (a description from a paper out of the University of Utah.) I was curious: Where in this process is my loved one? Is the life review detailed at times or one quick summary? Does he have unresolved conflicts that sadden him even now? If he never recognized the meaning of his life before, (too many of us don’t, in my opinion) will finding it now feel like being wrapped in a warm blanket or create a sense of having missed out?

*Magnolia trees were blooming everywhere. This shot was shared with me by a friend in Michigan who had just visited the South.*

After days of pondering, I began to think of how my life review might go. Will I have regrets? Will I wish I had reconciled relationships, or at least attempted reconciliations? Thoughts of two individuals popped into my head. Each of them was a huge part of my life for many years, and I still feel great love for them. But now, we no longer communicate. Not even Christmas card exchanges. I’ve decided to work at bridging the chasms between us.

I’ve also given a lot of thought to lifestyle choices: the environments in which we work and live, the water we drink, the foods we eat, and the activities we pursue. Each of these is important in its own right, and if you’ve read my past posts, you got loads of info on the reasons why. But considering all of them together at the end of someone’s life, after witnessing intense prolonged suffering, creates a lump in my throat and brings tears to my eyes. What if . . .

*Moss hangs from many trees in rural Florida. The water bird on the dock is scanning for breakfast.*

The profundity of life viewed from this angle inspires me to be more grateful, act with more generosity, and love more deeply. It’s as though a reset button has been pushed.

Every choice we make, big or small, has far-reaching consequences. Each one builds on the other and affects us down to the cellular level over our entire lifetime. I strongly agree with the words of French Existential Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre: We are our choices.

Blessings,

Lisa

A Change in Course (For Now)

Hello, my friend. I appreciate your visit today. I’m sad to report that my family concerns continue, and I just don’t have the oomph for a regular post. Do you know what I mean? But I miss you. So for now, I am changing course.

*My version of cashew tempeh, which was sold in the deli of New Frontiers Marketplace* *before Whole Foods replaced them*.

Tell me, what’s going on with you this month? What are you reading or watching? Are you taking a class? Joining a club? Learning to play an instrument? Planning a journey? Volunteering? Building/creating something? Planting a garden? Making a lifestyle change for health reasons?

As for me, frequent travels over the past few months have allowed for a good bit of reading and online classes, and I would like to tell you briefly about what I’m learning. At some point, I’ll probably flesh out these ideas into full posts. But for now, I will enjoy reading anything you might want to share about them.

*Izzy popping in to say hello*. *(She’s not big on eye contact.)*

Transcendental Meditation (TM) – I have recently completed TM training, and am presently reading about different aspects of it, including its fascinating history and health benefits.

Master Gardener (MG) Continuing Education – I’ve attended online classes to maintain my MG Certification, and I’m hoping to plant in early June. (That’s the normal planting time for my area due to the regularity of May frosts.)

Pollution’s role in disease & early death – Pollution is a much bigger problem than we are being told. Not only is it a strong contributor to debilitating diseases, but in many countries, it is sending 10% – 18% of the population to an early grave.

*We had almost 14 feet of snowfall here this winter* *season*.

This is my new format for now. What do you think? Fun? Boring? Let’s chat. (And please know that my response times may lag a bit.)

Many Blessings,

Lisa

5 Ways to Nudge Your Body Toward Optimal Function

Family challenges have me busy physically & mentally this month, so I hope you’ll enjoy this repost from April of 2021. You won’t be able to comment below – let’s be sure to catch up next month.

The human body is a marvel. Its ultra-intelligent design allows it to function in large part without your attention. The billions and billions of chemical reactions occurring each second are nothing short of symphonic. The habits that become your lifestyle radically influence that symphony, for better or worse. By providing your cells with the support they need to function at their highest levels, you make it possible to prevent or reverse disease, increase energy, and lengthen your time on the planet.

In his book The Healer Within, Roger Jahnke, Doctor of Classical Chinese Medicine, explains, “Dozens of spontaneous self-healing mechanisms are programmed to sustain or restore our health and vitality automatically.” And further, “The foundation of all self-healing, health enhancement, stress mastery, and personal empowerment is deep relaxation.” Below, you will find some of the best techniques I know to help you develop that foundational sweet spot.

Yoga – It took me many years to understand the statements get out of your head and drop into your body, bits of advice often dispensed by well-meaning yoga teachers. But finally, it hit me: by placing attention on my breath and body alignment during poses, I put aside the process of jumping from one distracting thought to another for the duration of the class. Dropping into my body calms my mind, and this calm stays with me. According to an article in Psychology Today, regular yoga results in the central nervous system’s release of GABA, a chemical which works to suppress anxiety for hours after the practice ends.

Massage – According to an article from Mayo Clinic, massage is good not only for stress release, sore muscles, and circulation, but also insomnia, nerve pain, fibromyalgia and digestive disorders. I have been a huge fan of massage as long as I can remember, primarily because it feels so good on tight fascia and sore muscles. My twice-monthly massages are a prerequisite to my ability to continue being active. No massage therapist? No problem. Even self-massage can yield benefits.

*Massage tables on the cliffs of Big Sur, CA*

Meditation – This practice dates back for thousands of years, and I believe the reason it’s still around is because it is so advantageous. U.C. Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine published an article stating that in addition to meditation boosting emotions, decreasing anxiety, and helping with depression, it also improves heart function, slows age-related cognitive decline, and strengthens the immune system. What’s more, I’ve read from other sources that it increases creativity. Years ago, when living and working at a Buddhist Retreat Center in Northern California, I began my first regular meditation practice. I have recently renewed that commitment.

Music – Research shows that Celtic music, jazz, classical, and Native American music are great for reducing stress, says an article on Chopra.com. In addition, playing an instrument or singing causes endorphins (happy chemicals) to be released in the body. The article goes on to say this is especially beneficial for children and cancer patients. Personally, I can’t imagine getting through a single day without listening to music, humming, and singing. Can you?

Nature – I’ll bet you knew this was coming, didn’t you?! As I wrote this post, I was sitting outside in the warm Arizona sunshine listening to birdsong and wind blowing through the trees. According to the article Why Nature Sounds Help You Relax, According to Science on Health.com, sounds such as rustling leaves and a babbling brook can help reduce stressful fight or flight feelings and increase the body’s capacity for relaxation.

As you can see, these techniques not only help you achieve the foundation of relaxation needed by your body for optimal function; they have beneficial side effects as well. Combining one or more of them with other healthy habits can be the key to unlocking your best possible life. What could be better?

Blessings for Healthy Foundations,

Lisa

Understanding the Pleasure Trap

*Brightly colored goodies at San Diego’s farmers market*

Last year, I came across a TEDx talk by psychologist Douglas Lisle on what he calls the pleasure trap. It is a hidden force in today’s world, he says, that can hijack your inborn satiation circuitry and undermine your pursuit of health and happiness. After a little more exploration, I discovered that he co-authored a book by the same name with Alan Goldhamer, DC, that goes into much greater detail.

The ideas presented in this work answer the question When it comes to eating, why do we make choices that harm us? In the book, the doctors review evolutionary history, throughout which our ancestors ate only amounts needed to sustain health. Any more or less, they write, would have resulted in an unsuccessful perpetuation of our species. What happened over the course of the centuries to change that so dramatically? Why is much of the current population (in industrialized countries) afflicted with obesity and disease?

The doctors explain that humans, like other complex animals, are innately motivated to survive and reproduce. The mental tools for this motivation include neural feedback by means of good and bad feelings. We are wired to seek pleasure, avoid pain, and conserve energy. In the short TEDx mentioned above, Dr. Lisle gives a clear (and entertaining) talk on how this motivational triad works – and can malfunction – in the life of a desert bird called the gray shrike.

The shrike goes about its business day to day, happily doing the things needed to stay alive and produce offspring as long as it’s in a natural environment. But if that environment is disturbed by the introduction of unnatural substances or situations, the gray shrike, via this system of seeking pleasure, avoiding pain, and conserving energy, can begin making bad decisions. This can lead to poor health and early death.

The same applies to humans. For example, cocaine prevents dopamine from its normal process of reabsorption, resulting in an extended sense of pleasure. Processed foods, loaded with calories, unhealthy fats, refined sugar, and salt, act on our brains in a similar manner. Like cocaine, these magic foods, as they’re called in the book, cause neuroadaptation, a gradual decrease in sensory responsiveness. That causes us to need more and more of a substance to make us feel as good as before. This can result in habitual overeating, leading us down a perilous path.

*My Southern roots are showing: beans, mustard greens, cornbread & onion*

It is possible to change poor eating habits, lose weight, and halt or reverse disease. By eating only whole, healthy foods from the earth for several weeks, Dr. Lisle points out, dopamine receptors can normalize, leaving us feeling better without a desire for the bad stuff. But those weeks are tough, he says. A better way to downregulate neural signals and cause taste buds to become more sensitive is a 24-hour water fast (with physician approval.) However it’s accomplished, making the change to healthy eating habits is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

*Homemade muesli soaked overnight served with fresh orange & banana*

In the modern world, we are subject to a great many unnatural foods and other substances that can quietly steal our health, leaving us with chronic disease and a shorter life span. The Pleasure Trap elucidates why and how easily it can happen, but also how we might recover proper brain response and health. Cheers to eating well and avoiding disease!

Blessings for Healthy Pleasures,

Lisa

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