Health Articles:

The Naturopathic Refrigerator

by Dr. Markian Babij, ND

The state of our refrigerator can speak volumes about our health and where it is headed. Some of my friends open our refrigerator and say, “you have no real food.” I often respond with “does it look fake?” Our family spent a lot of money on “nothing”. Yes, eating healthy food can be expensive, however, it seems like the fuel for your body is as important as many of the other expenses incurred in life; for instance the gas we put in our cars.

If you own a car that requires a premium fuel, you will purchase premium despite the increase in cost. You want your car to run well, don't you? There is no owner's manual for the human body; however, if there were, I believe that it would state, “This engine is capable of running on many types of fuel; however for best results, use premium blends”. These “premium blends” are what power the cells in our bodies. The operations that take place on a cellular level have already been compromised by the myriad of chemicals that we ingest from our air on a daily basis. The addition of chemicals in the form of foods is simply an insult that our bodies do not have to endure.

The Naturopathic refrigerator contains simple foods and condiments that are free (as free as possible) of these chemical additives. Think of your refrigerator as the fuel pump. Use the premium blend to fill your pump as much as you can. These premium blends are organic (when possible) and fresh. Foods should be dark skinned-berries, dark, leafy greens, and cold pressed oils. Protein sources should be variable and include, fish, poultry, soy and red meats (organic with no hormones).

There are many helpful additives for the fuel you put in your car, and every once in a while, you take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out. The same rules should apply to your body! A Naturopathic refrigerator has healthy items to add to the fuel, such as Probiotics, essential fatty acids, and foods high in fiber.

The term “Probiotics” refers to a group of bacteria that we have throughout our digestive tract. Most of us know about acidophilus, a probiotic found in yogurt and cheese. These bacteria (probiotics) are like the soldiers that line our insides and larger numbers of soldiers impart a stronger defense against enemy bacteria. The bottom line is that a healthy number and variety of good bacteria will keep invaders at bay and we are less likely to become ill. Foods such as kefir, bio-k, miso, sauerkraut, and kim-chee are great sources of probiotics. There are also a variety of probiotic formulas offered at your local Naturopathic clinic.

Essential fatty acids (EFA's) are those such as omega-3, 6, and 9. These fatty acids are called “essential” because the body does not make them; therefore, we must eat foods such as cold water fish, coconut, nuts, and seeds. The naturopathic refrigerator has a variety of tasty (Yes, I said tasty) fish oils and foods high in EFA's.

What is in your refrigerator is important; however, I place emphasis on what is not in there. There should be no hydrogenated oils, foods with coloring agents, foods with sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, sucralose and Splenda. Fewer additives are better! The freezer can be a whole new world of temptations and I suggest that when you by ice cream or other frozen treats, that you buy smaller, more expensive portions (if it costs more you are likely to have smaller portions). For instance, try buying a small pint of ice cream made with 4-6 ingredients rather that the large tub made with 34 ingredients. Any treat with fewer additives is certainly easier for your body to process and a smaller size means you are less likely to be gluttonous.

Lastly, the refrigerator should have many choices of fiber, such as fruits and vegetables. Fiber will ensure that your body eliminates wastes in a timely manner and prevent spikes in blood sugar.

You have to keep things fun and interesting- otherwise no one will open your fridge. So don't forget to have some fun items in your fuel pump to keep it interesting. Making healthy treats is possible and there are many healthy cookbooks available.

It is always a good idea to see your Naturopathic physician for your five-point inspection and tune up. We can certainly advise you how to best stock your refrigerator and address your particular health concerns. Your body is certainly worth it!