Forgetful lately? Did you know that doing 35 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise (as little as 4 days a week), cutting out high protein intake from animal sources, and staying hydrated will improve your mental and cognitive health within a few weeks? In addition, adding turmeric and a quality B vitamin can diminish symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Did you know that lack of water, as well as sleep – and even too much sleep, has been associated with risk of stroke? Four hours of sleep or less and 10 hours of sleep or more have been linked to early death. Additionally, a person who is trying to lose fat or has hypo-thyroid issues may not enter a deep REM sleep or may have high stress levels, which can cause the body to create more cortisol fat and further inhibit thyroid function. This, in turn, creates more “fat” around the tummy area. When we store this type of cortisol fat, it also puts us in line for heart attack and or stroke.

Did you know that when you smoke, you create large amounts of free radicals in the body? When you eat adequate amounts of dark green leafy vegetables, the antioxidant-boosting effects soar, removing environmental free radicals that damage our cells. However, the antioxidant effects you would get from eating 800 cups of dark greens would be erased simply by smoking. So why would we do this?

Did you know that a single serving of Brazil nuts can help bring down your cholesterol levels faster than any statin drug? Up to 20 points in nine hours…and the beauty of this type of natural food – “no side effects.” Brazil nuts are amazing for prostate cancer, lung cancer and colon cancers in particular.

Did you know that nutrition alone can often reverse heart disease? Berries that are high in antioxidants can suppress cancer cell growth, help reverse rectal polyps, help remove free radicals and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.

Excess iron found in red meat in particular and supplements that are not chelated can cause a toxic build-up within the system and corrode the artery wall. Red meat contains casein as does dairy which turns the cancer gene on. You can consume enough iron in vegetables, legumes, beans and nuts to sustain correct hemoglobin in the blood.

In conclusion, if you suffer from medical conditions and take medications, those conditions can often be eliminated by feeding your body what it needs to help the healing process begin. Does this mean you can never splurge, or never eat certain foods you love again? No, this means remove the culprits for the time the body needs to heal, and then eat those foods in moderation.

Here’s to your health!

Dr. Beckner is owner of Your Body Code personalized nutrition and wellness programs in Palm Desert and can be reached at (760) 341.BODY(2639). For more information visit www.yourbodycode.com