May 13, 2018
These days, you can’t check your email or check Facebook without being told conflicting things about what to eat, how to exercise, how much sleep to get, and how to live your life. One thing that gets lost in this barrage of information is that each person’s body is unique- and, as with all things in nature, our bodies go through cycles and seasons. What is true for you today may no longer be so in two months. In this article, we’ll look at some ways in which your body’s needs change over time. Always keep in mind, however, that you are your own ultimate guide, and by learning to tune into your body deeply, you will be able to understand your deepest needs.
Changing Seasons
We often hear that it’s best to eat seasonally. Just as trees bloom in the spring and shed their leaves in the fall, our bodies have different functions and needs depending on the season. For instance, our hair grows the most around March, and sheds the most in early fall. Our bodies become more insulin resistant around that time as well, to enable energy storage for the winter. It has even been shown that bone density increases in the summer and fall, and decreases in the winter and spring. So how should we change how we take care of our bodies during different seasons?
Location
Nature supplies the right kinds of foods depending on different climates. For instance, desert climates, like that in Phoenix, are abundant with succulent plants, which help cool the body and retain moisture. Consuming plants like aloe vera and cactus are great for staying healthy and hydrated. Tropical climates are abundant with fruits, which help to keep the body cool. Cuisines from colder climates often feature warming root vegetables as well as more animal-based products native to those regions. So, if you travel or move to a different climate, consider incorporating the foods of those regions to help your body to adapt.
Stage of Life
Our bodies’ needs change dramatically throughout our lives. When we start life, our bodies are designed to only handle human milk, which contains about 50% fat, 40% carbohydrates, and 10% protein, in addition to many bioactive compounds. Our bodies grow the most during this period. After about two years, we lose most of our ability to digest lactose, and our bodies have fully transitioned to solid food. From then on, nutritional requirements change depending on gender, and vary from puberty to midlife and old age. Here are a few general guidelines.
As you can see, your body’s needs change over time, so there is no one exact diet that will serve you throughout your life, without modification. It’s always a good idea to get your blood levels of various nutrients tested regularly, and work with a naturopath or other qualified practitioner to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
Stress and Activity Levels
While your activity levels may change seasonally, the varying demands that are unique in your life require that you adapt your lifestyle to keep your body in balance. Children, job stress, travel, and other stressors can wear us down, and when we feel tired, self-care becomes especially important. If you struggle with anxiety or just need help relaxing on a regular basis, try our Anxiety Relief and Daily Calm teas.
Whatever changes your life brings you, nature has the tools to help you stay balanced and healthy. For tips or recommendations, come by to our store and speak with one of our friendly staff members. We’re always here to help!
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