Often we come across suggestion for nutritional supplementation such as multi-vitamins, anti-oxidants, multi-minerals, HGH, green foods, chlorophyll, and so on. As a result, we get confused and exasperated.
Before embarking on any supplementation, we must first of all understand basic nutrition.
Our precious body operates on a combination of the following nutrients:
1. Carbohydrate (glucose) which is the major source of “fuel” for the body. It includes sugars, starches and fiber. Short of it will hamper brain functions significantly.
2. Fats and oils are required to handle vitamins like A, D, E, K, apart from brain, nervous system and cell functions.
3. Amino acids are the basic blocks for protein synthesis. Proteins are more than hairs, nails and skin. Our digestive enzymes, antibodies, hormones, neurotransmitters, and so on are various forms of proteins, too. We need about 20 types of amino acids to survive.
4. Vitamins are required in minute quantities. They include A, B complex, C, D, E, F, K, biotin, flavonoids, folates, all together about 13 of them. Needed for cellular health, immune functions, and structural integrity.
5. Minerals are the great alkalizer of the body. The acid-alkaline ratio of our body is about 20:80 respectively. Chief minerals are calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium. On the other hand, iron, silicon, chlorine, fluorine, iodine, sulphur, phosphorous, are also indispensable. Minerals activate nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and provide the building blocks for teeth and bones, and are components of connective tissue. We need at least 21 types of minerals.
6. Enzymes are called the “life force” found in all living foods such as fruits and vegetable salads. Therefore 60-70% of our diet should come from such sources. Go for local fresh fruits such as pineapple and papaya, instead of imported ones, to ensure maximum intake of enzymes. Enzymes must be present to facilitate every biochemical process taking place in the body: digestion, defense, transportation, breathing, detoxification, bowel movement, neurotransmission, you name it.
7. Scientists are getting excited about their “discoveries” of UNKNOWN FOOD FACTORS, which are required by our bodies to fights infections, withstand ultraviolet rays, and maintain optimal health. Finally, fresh air and water, in fact, precede all other nutritional requirements. We recommend quality distilled or reverse osmosis water.
So, a fundamental nutritional profile looks like this:
1. Fruits & vegetables (Alkalizer)
2. Meat, fish, fowl; (Acidifier)
3. Eggs, butter, dairy “
4. Grains, seeds, nuts, cereals “
CATEGORY (1) EAT 70%
CATEGORIES (2,3,4) EAT 30% ALL COMBINED.
A typical Malaysian menu would consist of:
·Brown rice, whole wheat bread (use only whole grains where possible)
·Steam or stir fried vegetables. Use olive oil, ghee, or unsalted butter SPARINGLY. Some may like virgin coconut oil.
·Raw stuff such as salad and fresh fruits.
·Fermented food like tempeh, yogurt, etc.
·Dried beans such as dhall, mung beans, chick peas and other seeds of legumes.
STAY AWAY FROM ALL REFINED CARBOHYDRATES SUCH AS SUGAR, WHITE FLOUR, WHITE RICE. THEY ARE NUTRITIONALLY POOR AND LEAD TO POTENTIAL METABOLIC DISORDERS SUCH AS DIABETES, AND OBESITY.
Having done the FIRST THINGS FIRST in nutrition, you may now consider SUPPLEMENTATION. Supplementation is recommended due to our impoverished top soil which often yields low quality produce. Given below is a list of suggested food supplements which you may use daily or every other day:
· Vitamin C 2000 mg daily
· Vitamin B complex daily
· Fish oil 1000-2000 mg daily
· Spirulina 5 grams daily
· Chlorella 5 grams daily
· Barley/wheat grass 5 grams daily
· Probiotics & psyllium / flaxseeds in moderate amounts daily
· Multi-vitamins caps/tabs in moderate amounts every other day
· Multi-minerals caps/tabs in moderate amounts every other day
Not to forget, NEVER over-stress yourself in business, work, or studies as if tomorrow never comes. A balanced life with exercise will ensure optimal absorption and assimilation of nutrients.
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