So far I've read:
Eat to Beat Disease: I loved this book! (my husband will probably say that about any book I've done lately as I've eagerly shared stuff with him) It went through 5 different protective systems in our bodies (Angiogenesis, regeneration/stem cells, microbiome, DNA protection, immune system) and what to eat to support each system. Literally, what we place in our bodies will determine if we are working with our bodies or against them. Everyone knows that if we use the wrong fuel source for our vehicles, or swap the windshield washer fluid with the oil in your car, then it won't function properly. Eventually it will break down. Yet, we think we can put anything in our bodies without consequence.
We are uniquely designed by our Creator with protective systems in place to protect our health. I love this Hippocrates quote: "Let food by thy medicine and medicine be thy food." The more we can get back to only eating what God made, the better our bodies will function.
Brain Maker: This book discussed the interesting connection between our gut bacteria and our emotional/mental health. Good gut bacteria (eating a diverse source of plant based foods) leads to a more balanced emotional state and reduced risk of Alzheimer/mental disorders. Eating foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics (including fermented foods) sets your gut and emotional/mental health on the right course.
The Art of Fermentation: I truly skimmed this one. It is very in-depth on the cultural background behind each type of fermented foods, which was way more information than I could process. Basically, you can ferment anything you want to. Cultures around the world have made it part of their dietary regime for thousands of years.
Whole: This book was quite fascinating as it provided an inside look at the biased medical world's treatment of disease and prevention programs, and the one sided reporting of scientific studies, medical successes/failures, and hospital outcomes for patients. When dealing with health, it is important to get the 'whole' story to heal the 'whole' person.
The China Study The main idea behind this study, was to eat a whole foods plant based diet. According to the researcher, eating animal products leads to increased heart problems and cancer risks. Eating a plant based diet, reverses heart problems and alleviates many common diseases. I agree that we definitely need to increase our plant based food sources considerably, but I'm not ready to jump on the non-animal food train due to the benefits of bone broth, etc.
The Plant Paradox: Seeds are created to be tough enough to withstand being tossed to the wind, pooped out a bird, or trampled on in the dirt. The author of this book said it's how we eat plants that causes us problems. His theory was that unless we remove seeds or process them completely, the seed defense systems will work against us in our guts. While I understood what he said, I don't think I can get completely on board. Though, I will start de-seeding my tomato sauces, and pressure cooking more things.
Cultured: This book was a fascinating read on the connections between our food sources, gut bacteria, food allergies, inflammation and disease. The author also included personal stories from his visits with small town farmers, and companies dedicated to creating fermented foods using age old practices. The lack of plant fiber in our diets starves the good gut bacteria in our bodies, which makes them ineffective in doing their jobs. The gut bacteria of an 'average' American is limited compared to someone from a less industrialized area. This book was well written!
Just as with our bodies, what we feed our minds will come out in our lives. I've been feeling so pressed lately trying to keep up with three little ones clambering for food, dogs asking to go out, laundry and dishes piling up, and food to cook/bake. A question I have to ask myself is: "Is this best? Will this information source or activity achieve my desired goals?" The podcasts and music I listen to, books and news sources I read, and activities/discussions I participate in are part of forming my life. What goes in, will come out in my attitude, expectations, and ability to achieve personal goals (or lack thereof).
On a small scale, I see it when my kids relate to me concepts they picked up from kids books and shows. Ideas that weren't overtly taught are picked up on, and expressed in future situations. This definitely makes me a lot "choosier" when it comes to books/shows for them. This last week, at the used bookstore, my daughter was perusing the books trying to find the perfect one to take home. I was getting impatient ready to head home with the cranky baby, but she was taking her time to find one that wasn't "dumb" or "creepy". It was time well spent waiting as she discerned what would be good food for her brain.
Whew! There's so much to learn in life, isn't there? I'd love to hear what you've been learning about! Please send me a DM on Instagram or leave me a comment.
Sojourning with you,
Felicia
