After watching Lee die I decided I would rather die on the street than in a hospital. Since then I have been looking for a health care provider who would work with me to maintain and improve my health so I can stay as healthy as possible for as long as God wills.
I had my first very lengthy appointment last week with Dr. Carling, a naturopath, acupuncturist, herbologist and nutritionist. I feel like I had the most thorough exam I’ve ever had. A few days later I had a follow-up appointment that lasted 4 hours. At the end I was mentally exhausted from the deluge of information. I left with plenty of reading material, seven supplements and a recommendation to eliminate many of my own.
Have you ever had acupuncture? I had my first treatment during the follow-up appointment. I was amazed at how small and flexible the needles were.
Dr. Carling knows where to stick them (she has done this for 30-some years). After resting 20 minutes, an assistant came in to remove them. Four needles in my arms fell out while I was resting -- I fidgeted too much. I understand it will take a few sessions before any benefit is detected.
I also have to modify my diet. Believe it or not, grass-fed butter is good for you. I can use it for frying and slathering on bread or vegetables. Peanut butter isn’t good (and I love peanut butter). Raw, unroasted nut butters are acceptable.
I am encouraged to eat more organic meat and eggs because they provide Essential Fatty Acids to the body. Also quality oils like olive and coconut, butter, nuts, raw seeds and avocados. I will need to share more of my no-gluten chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and not eat so many…
Coffee is also restricted. I don’t use a lot of coffee grounds and I add hot water to make the coffee last through the morning. I have four different brands of organic coffee and I hope she’ll approve. I don’t think I can totally give up drinking coffee.
She provided articles on why organic foods and supplements made out of whole foods only are vital to good health and how to read supplement labels. We take supplements to replace nutrients we aren’t getting in our foods. Fractionated or synthetic vitamin supplements don’t address deficiencies and many times the body uses up more nutrients to process than the value received from them. In nature, vitamins are found in complexes with other essential co-factors that assist with a biological chemical reaction.
Dr. Carling uses Standard Process supplements because they are made from high quality whole foods, organically grown in rich soil and processed immediately after harvest using no heat (heat causes substantial deterioration of nutrients, especially enzymes). The company, established in 1929, is in Wisconsin.
Organic foods are more than just pesticide and herbicide free. While not eating foods with added chemicals is important, equally important is the dramatic difference in nutrient levels in organic versus commercial soils. Quality nutrients are vital to a healthy functioning system.
She also provided a resource list where I can buy nutrient dense foods and local restaurants where I can get nutritious meals. Farmers Markets are great resources.
Exercise is important too. I’m grateful to have Ofelia. She and I walk at least twice a day. I watched this video the other day discussing the amazing benefits of walking. You might like to watch it. https://youtu.be/3Hobt4Pb4iA
I’ll do my best to abide by her recommendations and we’ll see if my overall health improves over the next few months.
In other news, I thought I was going to lose my lawn care guy because he can’t find reliable help, but his wife has stepped up to take care of my lawn and plantings. I will make sure she has cookies whenever she’s here.
The weather is definitely warming up with 80 and 90 degree weather on the way. Thankfully we don’t have high humidity. I appreciate having air conditioning.