The Energy of Love

Did you know you can train your mind to control your exercise goals and diet discipline for the results you've been wanting to see? There has been a lot of scientific talk about how you can harness the power of your mind to control your body - for eating, for exercising, for anything.

Read about the power of thoughts.

Some experts label this as an example of the placebo effect - and probably why so many think they get results from typical supplements. (I'm talking about those "miracle" diet pills that are supposed to help you lose weight rather than the beneficial supplements made from whole foods, herbs and minerals.)

There was an interesting article I read recently that talked about a study which involved two groups. The first group of two research bodies was given a typical energy drink you can find in almost any store.

Here is where it gets interesting. This first group drinking the energy drink was told that what they were drinking would increase their strength and endurance levels. Basically, researchers told them that the energy drink would increase their energy output.

However, the second group was given the exact same energy drink and were not told anything about what they were drinking - not even that it was an energy drink. Nothing was mentioned that it would improve energy, endurance or strength.

Wouldn't you know that the first group that was given the energy drink and told it would increase their strength and endurance actually experienced an increase in their strength and endurance tests. Not surprising!

What is surprising is that the second group, which received the very same energy drink but was not told it would increase their energy, had no improvements in their strength and endurance tests! There was absolutely no indication or measurable results that indicated an increased in energy.

This energy drink study shows us another example of believing in your mind something works will improve the results. Energy drinks don't really help with anything, but if you believe that it can help, the placebo effect is at work. So, much of what we choose to believe is all in our mind.

Applying the power of your mind to nutrition and workouts

1. When you start any type of exercise or workout, you need to believe in your mind that what you are doing will transform your body. What you begin to believe in your mind, your body will return with results. If you believe in your mind that the exercises you are performing will transform your body, the results of training at the gym will improve much more than just routinely moving your body without engaging your mind in exercising.
2. When you are eating healthy food, choose to believe that the right foods you are eating will actually transform your body to make you leaner, stronger and have more energy. By believing the right healthy food is helping you (which it is), then it will nourish and feed your body more than if you didn't think positively about what you are eating.

Now some might say, but I don't need to believe in penicillin or aspirin for it to work, but in fact because we have already been trained to put so much faith in big pharmaceutical patents, we believe that a pill prescribed by a doctor will be the cure for all our ills, when in fact we need to work together with medical advice to make sure we are eating right, especially if we need to take medication.

I believe in the power of the mind, and although it's an impure science, research is gradually revealing that your mind really does play a part in controlling your fitness or lack of results.

Along with getting your mind to work for you to get results from workouts and foods so you can get the exact body you've been thinking about, in turn we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to give our body (and brain) the energy and nutrients it needs to function properly. But again, the information we've been fed over the years has trained our brain to think about food in the wrong way.

Click here for a connected lifestyle.

Go to any grocery store and you'll find thousands of packaged foods with food labels that continually tell us that energy equals calories. For instance, pick up a box of cereal and look at its food label. At the very top, it will read something like "Per 1 cup serving" followed by "Energy = 235 calories". So it's no wonder that for decades we've been brainwashed to believe that if we want more energy we should be eating more calories.

But does that really make sense? I mean, if you go to McDonald's and wolf down a Big Mac combo that contains over 1500 calories are you really going to feel energetic afterwards? I don't think so.

And that's why I want you to reconsider what you might define as the "real" energy in food. And for that matter, what energy foods really are. They aren't energy drinks - that's for sure - as we'll see shortly.

All living things are energetic vessels

In order to understand the real energy of foods, it is helpful to first realize that WE (humans) and all living things on this planet are energy beings. We don't create energy since according to thermodynamics "energy cannot be created or destroyed, simply transferred from one form to another".

Instead, much like flowing through a tube, we simply allow energy to pass through us. We consume energy through food and release energy as heat from exertion and metabolic processes.

The only difference between living things is their vibrational frequency. Without getting too metaphysical let's just agree that the vibrational frequency of a tree is slightly different than that of a human.

All you need to really remember is that humans are energetic beings and that we resonate more and less with foods that either energize us or rob us of energy, respectively.

Certain foods have greater energetic "force" than others. Experts say that these foods should form the basis of our diet, because not only do they give us more energy but they provide our body with everything it needs to thrive.

To help you better grasp this concept, visualise that foods have their own life force emanating from them. Experts say that raw organic food (like broccoli) has far more "life force" than its cooked counterpart. It has been described as the power of "living nutrition", suggesting that if we want more energy, want to feel alive and want great health we should be eager to learn more about raw foods. The proponents to this theory believe that cooking foods above 118 degrees Fahrenheit degrades their inherent life force, and have labelled eating cooked foods as the "dead" food diet.

Heating foods denatures their proteins and enzymes and makes your body work harder to digest them, which it's believed, as a result further drains your body's energy reserves.

Again cooked French fries won't give off much energy, compared to a naturally occurring super-food like cacao (the active ingredient in chocolate).

If only we could see this life force - the real energy of food - when going through the aisles of our local grocery store we'd all be making healthier food choices and enjoying more energy and better health. But that simply is not happening.

Instead, we're fixated on food labels that mean little to nothing when you stop and consider the ingredients found in most packaged foods. Some even believe that the ingredient labels on some of our favourite processed foods may be pure fiction, and that you may be exposing yourself to dangerous ingredients without having any clue.

The main culprits are food manufacturers who are diluting their products to save money, and the long list of faux products and food fakers is frightening - "100% pure" olive oils that are actually diluted with cheaper ingredients, bottles of spices loaded with dyed fillers, brands of pomegranate juice that have no discernible traces of pomegranate. And the rise of convenience foods highlights how little retailers and customers alike know what is actually going into the food that we eat.

How often does food fraud happen?

This unreliability isn't just irritating - it can be dangerous to our health. When you're drinking a glass of bargain basement breakfast juice, you may be unwittingly exposing yourself to allergens that weren't reported on the labels, some experts believe. The one step they say could keep us healthy, safe and free from such risks is to be suspicious of food bargains, and to try to buy your food locally from farmers and other merchants you trust as much as your budget will allow.

The hidden secret to greater vitality: Life force = real energy

So, if you want more energy, better health, and a sexy, radiant body then you need to be eating foods that give your body MORE life force. It's as simple as that.

Counting calories and percentages of carbohydrates and proteins won't matter when you simply focus on eating whole foods in their natural state. When more of your diet is comprised mainly of foods that are unprocessed and consumed in their most natural state, only then can you achieve incredible vitality.

The more natural and the more varied your diet, the less you have to worry about counting calories and worrying about getting enough protein. Natural whole foods contain everything you need in the exact proportions in which you need them.

The state of your health starts with the foods you eat. Moreover, if your meals contain mostly meat, refined and overly processed foods, and simple carbohydrates, your body may become overly acidic. To be truly healthy, you need meals filled with the fruits and vegetables that promote the proper balance of acidity and alkalinity.

When you eat the typical Western diet, emphasising heavy animal proteins (especially from meat that isn't raised organically) and processed foods, you create acidity that adds to your health woes. Even worse, eating these foods regularly can increase the levels of toxins in your body, while causing significant wear and tear on other systems, particularly digestion.

Some experts believe that an alkalising diet therefore can offer numerous benefits for long-term wellness and vitality.

A nourishing diet is one of the single most important factors in health and healing. The body works hard to maintain specific acid/alkaline levels in its various organs, tissues and fluids.

Many of our key systems and organs including the kidneys, lungs, bones and others have homoeostatic mechanisms in place to respond to pH (potential of hydrogen) changes and readjust alkaline/acid levels as needed. Hydrogen ions contribute acidity to tissues and organs, such as the contribution of hydrochloric acid to the high acidity of stomach secretions.

A chronically acidic state can tax these homoeostatic mechanisms, contributing to a number of chronic degenerative conditions such as gastrointestinal issues, osteoporosis, kidney disease, cardiac and circulatory issues, muscle wasting, and many others.

For example, bone is called upon repeatedly to contribute calcium to the blood to help buffer an overly acidic environment. This process de-mineralises the skeleton because the alkaline minerals calcium and magnesium are continuously removed from the bone to help reduce acidity. Increased calcium excretion from bone can also increase the risk of kidney stones.

The foods you eat are one of the primary influences on the body's pH. Some experts believe that the right modifications toward a more alkaline diet can positively influence pH values within various systems of the body. Most fruits, for example, are acid-forming, with the exception of a few such as lemons and limes. Lemons and limes certainly have acidic properties, but are actually alkalising once digested, which is why these fruits are so highly recommended during a seasonal cleanse or detoxification program.

The goal is to consume a diet high in green leafy vegetables and herbs (alkalising foods) and lower in proteins and carbohydrates (acidifying foods). It is also believed that adopting a dietary lifestyle of continued alkalising can encourage small quantities of toxins to be removed from our bodies via the urine on a daily basis.

To make it easy, here are a few suggestions that can help you add more alkaline foods to your diet – have a big salad at least once a day using green leafy vegetables (especially collard or mustard greens, endive and kale) and add sprouts, broccoli, parsley, asparagus and peppers. Grind black pepper on everything savoury. Squeeze lemon or lime juice on fish, salads or in your beverage. Munch on pumpkin seeds or add them to salads. Use sea salt (Aztec, Celtic, French or Himalayan preferred) rather than regular table salt, and use sparingly, as it's thought the amount of salt in our diet could attack our immune systems. Use apple cider vinegar rather than balsamic vinegar. Drink ginger tea, or other alternatives, instead of coffee. If you like radishes, eat them like candy.

If you want something sweet, eat cantaloupe, tangerines, mandarins and assorted berries. Let vegetable juices be your summer thirst quencher. Quell a hunger with celery smeared with nut butter. Smear half of an avocado on toast, rather than margarine.

We know that cruciferous vegetables (including broccoli, kale, cauliflower, collards and Brussels sprouts) have powerful compounds that aid the liver in its detoxification processes and alkalise the urine. Alkalising the urine while following a seasonal fall cleanse is a perfect adjunctive combination for safely excreting toxins. One of my favourite recommendations within this approach is to use a lemon olive oil drink, which has an alkalising effect and also stimulates the liver and gall bladder to discharge toxins to eliminate harmful, acid-forming toxins and heavy metals, without removing essential alkalising minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

However, the safest and most natural way to increase your alkalinity is to balance your diet. But there is no one-size-fits-all approach - you need to get in tune with your own diet. For instance, coconut water may not be suitable to everyone's taste, the nutritional supplement spirulina can give some people headaches, cashews eaten in excess can produce too much gas. We also need to keep in mind that some herbs are powerful stimulants that can cause adverse affects taken in excess. And there are health myths we need to look our for as well.

Take celery, it is said eating celery makes you thinner - the full version of this myth says that celery contains so few calories that you actually use up more energy eating it than you get. The theory goes that the human body uses roughly 10% of its energy on digestion and storing nutrients. But celery is 95% water. The rest contains so few calories, that it can't even provide enough energy to fuel the digestive process. Instead, energy from other foods is needed. So eating celery uses more calories than it produces.

The truth is the amount of energy you spend on eating celery is tiny, and will not help you lose weight. In addition, if you ate only celery you'd quickly become malnourished. Your hair would get think and lank, your skin would look pasty, and you wouldn't have any get-up-and-go. Furthermore, some advocates of alkalising tend to make proteins and carbohydrates into the "bad guys"- and try to cut out most foods termed as "acidic". This is an extreme view that doesn't acknowledge the importance of these types of foods for normal metabolism, immune system support, muscle repair and building, ongoing detoxification, and energy metabolism. I mean you can't cut out fruit from your diet, as fresh fruits are so important to a vital life, and healthy body.

However, the carbohydrate category in the Western diet tends to be highly processed, lacking nutritional value and containing chemical additives. Similarly, the protein category in the Western diet tends to be overused with large portions of commercial animal proteins.

An excellent alternative is to consume organic nutrient-dense complex carbohydrates, along with smaller portions of organic and grass-fed animal protein sources and high quality plant protein sources, which are less acidic than their over-processed, commercial counterparts. These substitutions are not problematic in terms of alkalising; however, they do need to be balanced with frequent abundant portions of fresh organic alkalising foods - mainly herbs and vegetables.

Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits high in alkalising minerals, such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. Foods that provide excellent sources of potassium include red potatoes, avocado, Brussels sprouts and many others. Green leafy vegetables have high magnesium content; and broccoli, sea veggies, collards, chard and other greens are rich in calcium.

An alkalising mineral broth can be easily made by combining potatoes, celery, parsley, green beans, zucchini, beet tops, kale, onions and seaweed in a full pot of water; simmering for an hour or two; and pouring off the liquid for use. This makes a wonderful, mineral-rich liquid for a seasonal cleanse. Organic red onions are especially great as they have a compound called quercetin, which occurs naturally in fruit and vegetables, and if taken over a number of years will give you a much better cardiovascular system. Other alkalising food sources include liquid chlorophyll, green powder supplements which can be added to smoothies, soups or warm water, or the highly alkaline umeboshi plum paste made from a sour plum commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

Since gastrointestinal function can become compromised when the body reaches an overly acidic state, a well balanced diet is believed to help alleviate digestive discomfort such as heartburn and nausea, while improving overall digestive function and nutrient absorption.

By making these relatively simple yet important changes in your diet, experts say you will quickly feel the benefits, like reduced inflammatory symptoms and improved energy.

List of foods in the alkaline diet

Compare recommendations in the chart and the list below and you will notice some disparity between the two, where stand out examples are mainly fruit.

The main difference between the alkaline food charts comes down to this: Some charts determine acidity or alkalinity on the food before it is consumed, and others are more interested in the effect the food has on the body after it has been consumed, while some incorporate a raw food bias - where its believed cooking these foods lowers their alkalinity, making them somewhat more acidic (see chart).

Highly Alkaline Foods: Himalayan salt, Grasses, Cucumber, Kale, Kelp, Spinach, Parsley, Broccoli, Sprouts (Soy, Alfalfa etc), Sea Vegetables (Kelp), Green drinks, Sprouts.

Moderately Alkaline Foods: Avocado, Capsicum/Pepper, Mustard Greens, Cabbage, Okra, Celery, Onion, Collard/Spring Greens, Radish, Red Onion, Ginger, Endive, Garlic, Rocket/Arugula, Tomato, Butter Beans, Soy Beans, Lime, Quinoa, Lemon, White Haricot Beans, Chia/Salba seeds, Green Beans, Beetroot, Lettuce.

Mildly Alkaline Foods: Artichokes, Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Carrot, Chives, Courgette/Zucchini, Leeks, New Red Potatoes, Peas, Rhubarb, Swede, Watercress, Buckwheat, Spelt, Lentils, Tofu, Almond mild, Most herbs and spices, Olive oil, Coconut oil, Flax oil.

Mildly Acidic Foods: Black beans, Kidney beans, Garbanzo beans, Cantaloupe, Currents, Dates, Nectarine, Plum, Cherry, Amaranth, Millet, Oats, Spelt, Rice, Soy, Hemp protein, Freshwater wild fish, Brazil, Pecan and Hazelnuts.

Moderately Acidic Foods: Butter, Apple, Apricot, Banana, Blackberry, Cranberry, Grape, Mango, Peach, Orange, Papaya, Pineapple, Strawberry, Brown rice, Wheat, Wild rice, Ocean fish.

Highly Acidic Foods: Alcohol, Over-the-counter and prescribed drugs, Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Sugars and sweeteners, Dried fruit, Beef, Chicken, Eggs, Farmed fish, Pork, Shellfish, Cheese, most dairy (except raw dairy which can be slightly alkalising), Mushroom.

The stimulant myth?

You'll notice in the list above that coffee is listed as highly acidic. Now, like so many people, I love my cup of coffee in the morning. However, there is a lot of scientific studies that people use "for" and "against" coffee, with a growing group touting its "superpowers" on the human body and brain. A cup of coffee, they say, might upgrade you: It can help with hair loss, may prevent cancer, save our liver, and improve our outlook by altering our brain's chemistry. In short, coffee can "trick" you into being more awesome.

For example, elite athletes even make use of the caffeine "hit" to enhance their exercise performance - sometimes up to 30% or more. Caffeine is believed to offer these dramatic results because it blocks the chemical message that tells our brain and muscles we're tired, which means we can keep going for longer. Some scientists say that the most effective time to drink coffee is between 09:30 and 11:30 in the morning, because it's a natural mild stimulant that puts you into your "fight or flight mode", so you're ready for action.

Can coffee be a helpful digestive aid?

But some believe that coffee, in fact, does not "pick you up" even though you may think it does. People who adhere to this theory say it's a kind of wired-anxiety, rather than a pick-me-up. It's not an energiser or a stimulant in that sense. Those that argue this say if you drink coffee regularly you get withdrawal symptoms, and all coffee does is put you back on the same level that a non-coffee drinker is on. It doesn't speed your reflexes, doesn't help you concentrate, it doesn't do anything other than possibly cause anxiety.

What most adherents to this view recommend is that you either drink coffee regularly - in which case you satisfy your body's need and withdrawal symptoms - or you don't drink it all. The problem most people have are those that take long periods off coffee, that's when the problem with caffeine begins, they say.

How to make the perfect cup of coffee.

There also seems to be quite a lot of confusion over whether caffeine might be good for us or not. It's been found to seriously affect men's fertility, while women should also bear in mind that caffeine stops your body being able to absorb iron, which could end up leaving you deficient (anaemic) and making you feel more tired - and reaching for another cuppa. And combining coffee with fatty meals may be even worse.

Eating high-fat, high-calorie fast food can cause elevated blood sugar levels. A study suggests that drinking coffee during or right after may double the blood sugar trouble. You might just want to pass on the coffee if you're taking the day off from your eat-healthy diet and drink water instead, but there are no strict guidelines for consumption. A few suggest that drinking between one to five cups of coffee throughout the space of the day would be considered absolutely safe, because you're allowing for the effects to wear off in your body.

Coffee v smoothies: Which is better for you?

Experts say some of the negative aspects of caffeine are myths - such as coffee being dehydrating. Still others believe how you take your coffee matters, too. You can make your home brewed coffee healthier (like the traditional way my mum makes coffee in her family), while the health benefits of the coffee bean are still being researched. For instance, experts are saying it's the drink that could potentially shield against dementia. A brand new health breakthrough proposes that coffee could help older adults avoid dementia, and with Alzheimer's disease making the health news rounds lately what's promising about this scary illness is how much we're able to help shield our minds from it.

Is coffee healthy for you?

A new study monitoring the memory and thinking processes of people older than 65 found that those with higher blood caffeine levels avoided Alzheimer's disease. And coffee was the main source of caffeine for them. There is caffeine in green tea, too - and similar research has hinted the beverage could help protect against dementia and some forms of cancer. Subsequently, some experts say that the subject of caffeine in regards to health is a grey area. Ultimately there is no right or wrong answer. Individuals respond differently to all drugs and caffeine is no differently. However, too much caffeine is never a good thing (as is too much of anything - green tea is said to cause heartburn, for example).

Does green tea guard against dementia and cancer?

Caffeine is the most widely drug on the planet, and researchers are also investigating the safety of caffeine in snacks and energy drinks, worried about the "cumulative impact" of the stimulant - which is added to a growing number of products. Is our tea and coffee-fuelled society too dependent on the world's favourite drug? Most people use caffeine (mainly in the form of coffee) as a means of waking up in the morning or staying awake in the afternoon and avoiding the 3pm "crash".

On the plus side, coffee is known to be packed full of antioxidants, which stop other molecules oxidising and producing free radicals. Experts suggest drinking light or medium roasted coffee as it packs the most polyphenols, while women who drink two or more cups of coffee a day are less likely to get depressed, other research suggests. A recent Harvard study found that a diet full of foods that inhibit inflammation in the body (like vegetables, olive oil, wine, and coffee) can cut the depression risk by 41%, compared to eating foods that tend to trigger it, such as refined grains and red meat.

However previous studies have linked high caffeine intake to raised cholesterol and short-term high blood pressure, and it's best remembered that stimulants like caffeine (especially those loaded into energy drinks) are deceptive. They give you an initial surge of energy, which is short-lived, and is eventually followed by a sense of deep fatigue for some people.

Re-energise and banish fatigue now!

Some think this is because stimulants overwork your adrenals and never really allow your body to renew its own energy. If left to itself, your body would know how to regenerate and renew itself in order to feel more refreshed. Detractors of caffeine believe we should essentially live a vibrant life and allow ourselves to get tired naturally.

Even if it's discovered that caffeine in its natural form is overall good for us in moderation, it does highlight the fact that stimulants in general (especially synthetic and processed ones) are not long-term solutions to providing us with more energy. Yet, we continue to inundate our bodies with faux foods and stimulants which make us more alert in the short-term without recognising the detrimental long-term consequences.

The secret to having more energy is having some

Want more energy? I think we all do. When you have endless amounts of energy you can do so much more with your life. Whether that means being more productive at work, being able to exercise more often, spending more time with your kids, or travelling more often; having more energy is a vital component to living a fulfilled life.

And the best way to have more energy is to have some more energy. That means energising yourself with natural energy foods and a high energy diet. What does that look like, you ask?

Well, I'll tell you what it doesn't look like. Experts say it doesn't consist of eating lots of grains, processed animal products, processed foods, sugar, and commercialised caffeine. It doesn't involve resorting to Red Bull and other energy drinks for a pick me up.

In all honesty, there is not ONE single food that is more important than simply adjusting your overall diet when it comes to boosting your energy and your health.

Therefore, to have more energy your overall diet must consist of foods that are high in life force (refer to the ones mentioned above and the ones I mention further below). It just so happens that these same foods will have the greatest nutritional value, high levels of water, and everything else your body needs to thrive.

We all want to turn our lives around, and face each day with boundless energy. Who doesn't? But you might feel the very idea of having so much energy is nothing more than a fantasy. And the self-help gurus are filled with accounts of rare finds: We read about how 600 years ago, monks in the Northern Kingdom of modern day Thailand stumbled upon a secret that supposedly changed the rules of ageing, bringing it to a virtual standstill. Or something similar.

And we want the dream. To keep our hair thick and full, send our energy soaring, and help our skin stay rosy and firm. But some days it seems that no matter what you do, no matter how much sleep you get or how many energy drinks you suck down, you still feel drained. It's chalked it up to the pace of modern life - we are constantly on the go. The moment you get out of bed, all you want to do is crawl back in and bury yourself under the covers.

Some experts say it's your thyroid. Some say it's an often-overlooked source of fatigue perched atop your kidneys. Others claim the real secret to boundless energy lies in the adrenal glands - the part of the body that replies to stressful situations. When you get stressed, they release cortisol, which helps your body deal with the physical effects of the stress. The cortisol sharpens your mind and provides a burst of extra energy.

The theory goes that in today's modern world we're constantly barraged with sources of stress, and our adrenal glands are just plain overworked. And when they can't do their job, you're basically running on empty.

And if the abundance of clinical studies in this field are anything to go by, doctors have devoted themselves to try and find ways to combat dragging fatigue, muscle aches, and moodiness - to fight fatigue and unlock the secret source of boundless energy.

Some have gone far afield to root our exotic herbs used by primitives, to concoct formulas they claim nourishes and supports those tired adrenal glands. Blends that harnesses the power of the herbs, like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea for example, both of which it's said are adaptogens that help your body stay in balance. Those two herbs are joined by a supporting cast of other energy-boosters. The list is a long one.

Click here to zap your stress levels.

So, just how powerful can herbs be to promoting that boundless energy that seems so far out of reach? Well, let's take ashwaganda. The self-help gurus claim that this herb been used for centuries by traditional healers to help combat fatigue, and that mainstream science even agrees it might just be the real deal. They also claim that in a recent clinical trial ashwaganda extract was found to relieve the fatigue, tension, and exhaustion that can come from everyday stress. Not only that, the root extract also improved trial participant's ability to concentrate and remain alert.

If we believe the self-help gurus, it turns out that ashwaganda may also increase your DHEA levels. DHEA is known as the "energy" hormone. It's the precursor to testosterone.

Naturally, it's "dangerous" for any of us to try and buy this herb ourselves, because it's grown in countries that don't have strict health and safety regulations, and you never know if you're buying the real deal. I mean, what does this herb look like?

So, we have to trust that the self-help gurus promoting the benefits of the herbs they're selling their supplements are going to give us the energy that traditional herbs and methods will not.

Of course, any self-help guru selling such supplements will be quick to remind you that any success stories about their product are anecdotal, and you might not necessarily have the same results.

The healing pharmacy in your garden

For countless years, traditional healers have taught the benefits of easing illness with a healthy lifestyle and the use of herbs and botanicals. But don't think you have to get all your herbs from a jar. Many remarkable healing herbs are growing in your yard. Herbs and spices can be picked a few steps from your front door and used to perk up your cooking and your health.

Today, it's easy to forget that some of the most beneficial medicinal plants can be found growing in our own backyards. Some are considered pesky weeds even though they are valuable herbs.

Read about natural stress-busters.

While Western medicine relies heavily on prescription drugs, most practitioners of Eastern medicine disciplines, as well as traditional naturopathic doctors and herbalists, consider many herbs and botanicals to be safer - and sometimes more effective - alternatives. I believe the integral use of medical advice from our doctors and the use of all-natural nutrients, herbs and botanicals which promote health via numerous mechanisms of action are the best way forward for a healthy lifestyle.

Using medicinal herbs and botanicals in their whole, natural form allows you to benefit from the synergistic effects of complex chemical components such as antioxidants and phytonutrients, as they occur in nature. Surround your home and fill your gardens with healing herbs and plants, and support your health from multiple angles. If you enjoy gardening, you can make your garden into a pharmacy.

Easy to grow medicinal plants

There are numerous common herbs, botanicals, fruits and vegetables that can be easily grown from seeds or starters, and provide a multitude of health benefits, especially when eaten fresh. Turning to your garden for safe and natural plant-based remedies is a simple, eco-friendly and affordable way to maintain health and vitality, while building immunity and preventing many common illnesses. Spring is the perfect time of year to cultivate a healing garden, and nurture your blossoming health.

Here are some commonly grown herbs and botanicals which offer powerful health benefits.

• Thyme - Thyme contains potent therapeutic essential oils and compounds and is considered one of nature's most powerful antibiotic, anti-fungal and antimicrobial plants. Thyme is most commonly taken as a tea, and has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes throughout the centuries. As a decongestant, it is useful in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, whooping cough and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is a powerful agent for boosting immunity and treating various types of infections. Thyme tea can also help relieve headaches and menstrual pain, and helps alleviate digestive issues.
• Garlic - Garlic contains a number of active components, including allicin, alliinase and sulfur compounds, which contribute to its potent antibiotic, antiviral and fungicidal properties. These components make garlic highly potent in protecting against infection, lowering high blood pressure, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and boosting the immune system. Garlic can effectively protect blood cells and blood vessels from inflammatory and oxidative stress, and can naturally decrease the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Garlic's diverse cardiovascular benefits derive from its sulfur compounds and its high levels of vitamin C and vitamin B6. Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant that protects against damage to blood vessel walls and reduces levels of oxidizing free radicals in the bloodstream. Vitamin B6 lowers levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage blood vessel walls. Garlic is also a sulfur agent helpful for the removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body.
• Mint - In addition to carrying a distinct, pleasing fragrance, mint is a cooling herb that can settle the digestive tract or decrease the severity and length of stomach aches and digestive discomfort. The herb can be added to teas, salads or eaten raw to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, hinder the growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach and reduce inflammation of the digestive tract. Mint is highly useful for clearing congestion of the nose, throat and lungs, helping to provide relief of respiratory distress in people with asthma, colds or allergies.
• Cilantro - Cilantro is a popular Mediterranean herb whose leaves and seeds (known as coriander) contain powerful compounds known to efficiently remove heavy metals and other toxic agents from the body. The compounds in this herb bind to heavy metals, loosen them from the tissues, blood and organs, and then assist in transporting these toxins out of the body through the body's organs of elimination. Cilantro is naturally rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre, which is said to help reduce LDL (what experts call bad cholesterol), while increasing HDL (called good cholesterol). The plant's leaves and stems contain an abundance of polyphenolic flavonoids like quercetin, which have been shown to modulate proteins linked to cell survival and healthy cellular growth/behaviour.
• Broccoli - Broccoli is one of the cruciferous vegetables, a group of plants including cabbage, collards, cauliflower and kale, that offer powerful health benefits. Broccoli is high in vitamin C, and is a natural source of critical compounds that support health like DIM and indole-3-carbinol. These and other phytonutrients in broccoli help boost immunity, increase DNA repair, protect cardiovascular health, fight against cancer growth and proliferation, and support overall health and wellness. My mother was right to urge me to eat my broccoli!
• Ginger - Ginger has long been used to relieve gastrointestinal issues like nausea, indigestion and infection. Although well known for its anti-nausea and ability to help with motion sickness and digestive difficulties, it is also an anti-inflammatory. Studies show that compounds called gingerols, naturally present in the ginger plant, have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Fighting inflammation is perhaps the most critical quality of ginger's natural healing properties, since chronic inflammation is the precursor to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

  Ginger is also a warming herb that promotes circulation, heat and sweating, helping to clear your body's systems of toxic build up and fight infections, and used as a preventative for flus and colds. This is because the ginger makes you sweat a healthy type of sweat, and according to The World's Healthiest Foods, "that sweat contains a potent germ-fighting agent that may help fight off infections". That is some excellent immune boosting action, which is why it's believed that drinking tea infused with ginger may help prevent cold and flu. Ginger is hearty and can grow outside of its native tropical climate. But if you live in a colder area, simply keep it in a pot and bring it indoors during winter to avoid freezing.

The talk about silent inflammation

A lack of energy contributes to a weak immune system, and a good diet - as already mentioned - helps to reduce inflammatory symptoms and improve energy.

Fight inflammation and boost your immune system.

You might have heard about the dangers of silent inflammation in recent years, as it's grabbed the front pages of popular magazines like Newsweek and Time. The term is becoming widely recognised as the root cause behind a whole host of health concerns. Left unchecked, it can wreak havoc on your heart, brain, endocrine, and immune systems. Yet, unfortunately, most people don't know how to take action to protect themselves. Why? Well, quite simply, because there are no initial signs.

Now, experts are quick to point one thing out: inflammation is not always the enemy. In fact, it can be enormously helpful when it comes to healing wounds and fending off bacteria and viruses in the body. The moment our bodies are under attack by potentially harmful invaders, inflammation marches in to defend any tissue that may have been infected. Under normal conditions, once the job is done, the inflammation retreats, and healing can begin.

The trouble arises, however, when that inflammatory response doesn't "turn off", but rather stays in a constant state of alert.

Inflammation is like a small fire in the body. Eventually, if not put out, these ongoing "fires" can cause serious damage to your heart, joints, waistline, accelerate the ageing process, and more.

Because silent inflammation goes virtually undetected, it can exist in the body for years, if not decades, before it's discovered. But make no mistake, it can be wreaking havoc on the cells of your body all along.

Is it something you ate?

So, what's to blame for the spread of this "condition"? In a word: diet. As already mentioned, the Western diet is devoid of many vital nutrients and antioxidants and is, instead, packed with processed foods, sugars, and fats that speed up the ageing process and work against us in the fight to stay healthy.

It's no wonder that experts believe "silent" - or low-grade, systemic - inflammation is reaching pandemic levels. The body's natural response to injury is inflammation - and our bodies are on fire!

But it's not all bad news. As Hippocrates himself said more than 2,500 years ago, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." Just as the foods we eat are sometimes at the root of poor health, as I hope this article as shown, they can also be the healing solution our bodies crave.

Not surprisingly, that thought applies to silent inflammation as well. In fact, there is a simple and exciting solution that has tremendous potential to "break the inflammatory cycle" and stop it in its tracks - naturally.

Curcumin, which is found in the spice turmeric, has been linked to a range of health benefits. It has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help keep cells, organs, and systems healthy and help prevent accelerated ageing.

Curcumin occurs naturally as the major antioxidant found in turmeric - a plant that's a member of the ginger family and native to Southern India. You might be familiar with turmeric, as it's been used for centuries as a condiment and in both traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. But, most famously, turmeric is the main ingredient in curry powder and is a staple in the Indian diet. It also happens to be one of the most powerful antioxidants in existence.

Below I list a variety of supplements and herbs that have been known to be useful in decreasing inflammation.

Herbs and supplements

Are you taking advantage of hot and healthy herbs and spices? Most often both herbs and spices go largely ignored - viewed as something to make your food look or taste better. But many of these herbs and spices have potent nutrient capability that can enhance your health.

Herbs and spices are more than culinary ornaments. They contain powerful nutrients and more and can play a significant role in your nutritional intake if you use them consistently. They are so powerful, in fact, that you don't want to overdose, but just consistently apply a moderate amount to do the trick.

One of the best elements found in some herbs and spices is the anti-inflammatory effects it can have on your body. Eating herbs and spices that are anti-inflammatory can help you recover better from your workouts. Some of the herbs and spices with the anti-inflammatory benefits are oregano, cinnamon, mint, turmeric, rosemary, clove, and parsley.

These same herbs and spices also come loaded with anti-oxidant nutrients, and even contain fibre, protein and healthy fats. Many of the top herbs and spices such as oregano, cinnamon, mint, turmeric, rosemary, clove, and parsley are very good sources of anti-oxidant nutrients, containing vitamins and minerals.

Herbs and spices contain much more than just "anti" inflammatory elements - they have other "anti" factors such as antibacterial and anti-fungal elements as well.

One of the best elements in some of these herbs and spices is their ability to control blood sugar levels. Cinnamon is particularly strong in this area. Doses as small as 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can provide improved insulin resistance, which in turn decreases heart disease risk and also helps with weight control. If you are eating something sweet, add a half a teaspoon of cinnamon to it to moderate any blood sugar spikes.

In addition, a variety of herbs as supplements can be useful in reducing allergic reactions, decreasing inflammation, boosting immunity and helping to thin and expel mucous in chronic sinusitis.

• Medicinal mushrooms, particularly reishi and cordyceps, support immunity, digestion and circulation and help reduce inflammation.
• Honokiol, a compound extracted from the Magnolia officinalis bark, is said to offer powerful anti-inflammation and immune support, along with additional critical health benefits.
• Vitamin C has antihistamine, anti-inflammation and immunity-boosting properties.
• Zinc is a nutrient that is necessary for optimal immune function; a deficiency can impair immunity and increase inflammation.
• Quercetin and hesperidin are plant flavonoids that inhibit inflammation-producing enzymes and reduce the release of histamine from immune cells.
• Bromelain, a pineapple enzyme, has anti-inflammatory properties and helps thin and expel mucous. Clinical trials have shown that bromelain helps reduce inflammation of the nasal mucosa in acute sinusitis patients.
• Jin Yin Hua and Lian Qiao are two Chinese herbal combinations that can reduce inflammation and increase immune response.

Let your brain breathe easy

I utilise some of the suggestions above in my own diet (and my family's diet) because I do believe that overall health can be improved safely and naturally. I find it not only helps my natural energy levels, but it's good for the brain, too. And a healthy brain is paramount for a successful life.

But it's not just food (or exercise and sleep) that boosts brain function.

A little-known therapy that helps boost brain function is something with an energy all its own - music. Music has many well-documented positive effects when it comes to mental health. Music can soothe frazzled nerves at the end of a long day.

Click here to rewire your mindset for success!

Music can also help you release bottled up emotions, lessening the chances of these pent-up emotions causing physical ailments. Music has also been used to improve quality of sleep and even to lower blood pressure. But what about triggering some really hard-core physiological changes in the body after suffering injury? Can listening to and participating in music accomplish something this sophisticated?

According to researchers at the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function in the Bronx, New York, the resounding answer is "yes". They recently conducted a clinical trial to investigate the benefits of singing in patients who had suffered brain damage.

In many brain damage patients, the ability to speak, articulate and even understand other people's verbal communication can be compromised. The researchers found that, by getting patients to engage in singing, a number of measurable benefits could be seen.

First of all, breathing improved in the patients. By taking in deeper breaths, more oxygen was supplied to the brain, aiding in the healing process. Next, the researchers found that singing increased verbal and non-verbal communicative behaviours, again boosting brain healing by giving the brain more exercise.

Singing also, not surprisingly, improved articulation and speech patterns. Singing helped to exercise the vocal chords and attune the brain to changes in rhythm, pitch and volume - all important aspects of verbal speech.

All of these beneficial effects were enhanced or diminished by the choice of music and the way it was interactively delivered. The researchers concluded that there are definite benefits from music therapy that could help heal brain damage in patients suffering from head trauma.

It stands to reason that, if music could help the brain heal after injury, it could also boost the health of an uninjured brain. Some experts are saying we should take this health advice to heart and consider joining a choir. It could help to keep your speech and thought patterns functioning at a high level, affording you more cognitive agility as you age - and may even help you battle serious diseases.

Protect your brain from burn-out!

And finally of course, music is the food of love, as Shakespeare said, and anything done with love gives it a stronger energy. Remember that when we prepare food with love, eat with love, it all adds an extra energy and vibrancy to life, because the energy of love is the energy of life itself.

Yours in love,