By: Cory Quirino
Philippine Daily Inquirer
I have been receiving a lot of questions on how to practice a healthy lifestyle. Here are three wellness aids to incorporate into your life. Since testimonials from individuals are the most convincing, let me share some with you.
Apple cider vinegar
The best way to be convinced about the benefits of apple cider vinegar is to hear the story of CEO John Reyes, who is in his early ‘60s. One fine morning, John realized his knees had swelled to the point of extreme pain. Unable to walk properly, he decided to stay in bed. A check-up by his family physician revealed that his uric acid levels were high.
A check on his lifestyle and eating habits revealed he had been living on beans—lentils, lima, mongo, etc. for the last 10 years, while refusing to eat vegetables. In fact, the night before he had the swollen knee episode, he had finished a big bowl of mongo. Apart from standard medication to control the swelling, John decided to try other natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar.
Known as cider vinegar, ACV is a kind of vinegar made from cider or apple. Its true color is pale to medium amber. The best AVC is organic or unpasteurized, which contains the mother of vinegar—a cobweb-like cluster that looks like a small blob of jelly. This is the nucleus of the good bacteria and yeast, combined with the acetic and malic acid, which accounts for the sour taste. Considered a wonder cure for a number of ailments, ACV is a natural antibiotic and has been known to address bad breath, body odor, sinus and infections.
Bad breath/body odor—ACV adjusts the skin’s PH level, helping eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
For armpits—Each morning, wipe on undiluted apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball.
For feet—Fill a pan with warm water and 1/3 cup of ACV. Soak for 15 minutes once weekly.
Acne—dab ACV diluted with water (1 tsp ACV mixed with ½ tsp water). Keep in a bottle and use as acne tincture. Pat gently on affected area before sleeping nightly.
Uric acid—mix 2 tsp of ACV with 1 cup of warm water. Drink on an empty stomach upon waking up in the morning. If your case is severe, take another cup before bedtime.
Constipation—mix 2 tsp of ACV in a cup of chilled or warm water. Take 3 cups daily before meals and a fourth cup before bedtime.
Virgin coconut oil
Elena Gomez, 35, is a homemaker whose problems with acid reflux had dated back 10 years. Frustrated, she sought a natural remedy to combine with her conventional medication.
For a long time, she contemplated on taking virgin coconut oil, but was warned by friends that her cholesterol levels would shoot up. When the rage for VCO swept the Philippines, she did extensive research, which convinced her to give it a try. Apart from popular books by Dr. Bruce Fife and countless wellness articles in prominent magazines, her own personal study on VCO paved the way for her effective regimen.
VCO is a medium-chain fatty acid, even if it is considered a saturated fat. Translation: the fat in VCO is converted by liver into energy, not cholesterol.
With just 2 tbsp taken daily on an empty stomach, VCO can help normalize problems like cholesterol and acid reflux. This was the case with Elena. Moreover, her heartburn got cured within 2 weeks. A bonus for her was normal blood pressure, down to 120-130 from 140-150.
Big breakfasts
The biggest weight-loss secret? A big breakfast. Here is a variety of choices.
• Fresh fruits—apples, water melon, papaya, strawberries. Any fresh fruit will do as opposed to bottled, canned, dried and frozen. Stay away from bananas if you want to lose weight—unless your diet is completely vegetarian.
• Meats—organic, chicken, beef, pork
• Fish—sardines, tuna, mackerel
• Eggs—farm-fresh and organic (if possible)
• Rice—brown or red (in small portions, not more than ½ cup)
• Potatoes—boiled or sautéed with olive oil; one piece at breakfast is okay
Breakfasts give you energy and sustain your power for a longer period of time. Warning! If you starve yourself, stress levels go up and your body’s cortisol will be raised. Also, if you feel sleepy and bloated after a meal, it only means what you ate was not healthy enough.
By eating breakfast, busy salesman Robert Guzman, 23, was amazed at his increased alertness and strength. He was able to think more clearly and accomplish more work.
Affirm today: “I reach for the stars.”
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