By SHEILA YONEMOTO, P.T.
Most people know how to improve cardiovascular health, avoid diabetes and obesity, and improve their lung health. Even for the most disciplined individuals it is not easy to do. It helps to stay focused on the end result and avoid temptations that might weaken or sidetrack you.
I went to a nutritional talk recently where the presenter told about his grandfather who had lived a very full and vibrant life until he was in his nineties. Then he passed away in his sleep, two weeks after he had said his goodbyes, announcing to his family that he was not long for this world. What a great way to live your life and a very peaceful way to die.
One of my patients decided to alter her lifestyle to increase energy, have less pain and reduce her risk for diabetes. She eliminated inflammation-producing foods such as processed sugar, fried foods and dairy from her diet. She reduced her intake of meat and started taking a protein drink known as a “medical food designed to reduce inflammation,” plus began doing a special physical therapy program designed to improve organ function. Making changes in her work situation helped reduce her stress level.
As a result, she lost two dress sizes and increased her energy. She can now walk 3-4 miles daily. She has no more pain in her joints and feels like a new person. Surprisingly, this transformation only took 1-2 months. Her doctors are very pleased because they know that most patients do not make this kind of difficult lifestyle transition.
Another patient, who first became vegetarian and then vegan, has lost weight and feels much better. He decided to make the change after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
One of the worse threats to our health is diabetes, and some doctors even believe that Alzheimer’s is Type 3 diabetes. Processed sugar is such a lethal toxin to our bodies that merely eliminating this one item can greatly improve health. I advise all of my patients to stop drinking soda. Not only is it loaded with sugar, but also the carbonation makes it very acidic. Acidic bodies tend to produce more disease. Sugar also makes you more acidic.
Making a lifestyle change, particularly with food, can greatly improve your health and may increase longevity. We don’t have to lose any vitality as we age, nor do we have to expect disease as we get older, if we stay focused and eat foods that make us look better, feel younger, and have more energy.
***
Sheila Yonemoto, P.T., has been a physical therapist for more than 30 years, specializing in integrative manual therapy, utilizing a holistic approach. She can be reached at Yonemoto Physical Therapy, 55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100, Alhambra, CA 91801. Sheila also offers a qigong “Chinese energy” exercise class. Your first class is free. Call (626) 576-0591 for more information or visit www.yonemoto.com.