Hint: Nutrition has EVERYTHING to do with it.
"We are only as healthy as the food we include in our diet," said Brandi Grimmer LPhT, CNC, of Keystone Pharmacy. "If we eat nutrient-poor foods, our bodies will respond poorly."
To function properly, Grimmer notes, the cells of our body rely on a constant supply of vitamins and minerals. "If those vitamins and minerals aren't in the food we eat, it begins to take its toll on overall health. Fixing our diet is always the first step."
- Up your vitamin C intake through foods such as kiwi, red and green peppers, strawberries, broccoli and—of course—oranges.
- Aim for anti-inflammatory diet by incorporating consumption of good fat and whole grains.
- Improve your gut health—which accounts for over 70 percent of the immune system—by minimizing red meat, dairy and sugar.
- Remove packaged and processed foods, which contain lots of preservative and food dyes and make it harder on our digestive system to break them down.
- Add fresh juice to your diet whenever you can to help to boost metabolism, increase energy and elevate your overall mood—not to mention promote clear skin, healthy hair and strong nails.
"We are exposed to toxins everyday—from the food we eat to the air we breathe," said Anissa Eddie, co-founder of Malamiah Juice Bar inside the Downtown Market. "The micronutrients in fresh juice can help to detoxify the body and repair the damage from toxins at a cellular level."
Looking for a quick and delicious health boost? Check out Malamiah's Southern Greens juice combo, packed full of nutritional ingredients such as kale, collard greens, cucumber, celery, apple, lemon and ginger. "Juice is like salad in a bottle, without add-ons like cheese, croutons and dressing!" adds Jermale Eddie, co-founder and the other half of the Malamiah team.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Staff Writer for West Michigan Woman.
Main image courtesy of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market.
