May Is All About Paying Attention to the Signs and Symptoms of Your Body

Expressions of our
Body’s Feelings
 
Are you in tune with your body and aware of what it’s trying to communicate to you? When your body’s in need, are you there to nourish it or know what it’s even asking for?
These are just a couple bits of information that I’m going to enlighten you on. You’ll want to keep reading!
 
It is very important to be in tune with your body, keep it fueled properly, functioning optimally and nourishing it to its fullest so your best life can be lived. But let me warn you, patience is a virtue. If you ignore what your body is trying to say, chances are likely the signs and symptoms may emerge more severe. Any damage or imbalances that have been constructed take time, and so does the mending process.
Below are some explanations of common signs and symptoms that individuals experience regularly. My hopes are to help you connect the dots and cultivate more awareness and comfort.
 
Low energy & strength, dizziness, cravings for red meat, ice, or other unusual foods
These expressions could be a good indicator to get your iron levels checked. Low iron is very common in women, as many go through menstruation and experience loss of blood. Iron contributes to energy production and the formation of hemoglobin (the oxygen-transporter in the blood). Alongside low iron, nausea and dizziness can also be linked to inadequate protein consumption. If you chose to supplement, be mindful that every individual has a different iron tolerance - some have weak stomachs on an iron supplement. Some iron-rich foods include: legumes, kale, broccoli, spinach and nuts - especially cashews and almonds.
 
Muscle spasms & cravings for chocolate
A good hint you may be deficient in magnesium. Magnesium is a pretty important mineral that’s involved in many processes throughout the body. Foods that are high in magnesium include: green leafy vegetables, dark chocolate, nuts, seeds and legumes. A supplementary form of magnesium can be a good option too. Keep in mind there are many different forms of this mineral as a supplement, so make sure to do your research and know which is the correct form you need.
 
Premature aging (lines and wrinkles), frequently ill, dry, brittle or dull hair, thin nails, eczema
Your body could be craving protein!! Protein is the main building block to the cells in our body, and after water is the largest component of the body. It’s a large component to the formation of hair, skin and nails as well. Quantity as well as quality are big when considering your protein ingestion. It also doesn’t have to be a meat source - but if it is, make sure you know what’s in your meat or where it’s coming from. You can obtain plant-protein from foods like quinoa, lentils/beans, cruciferous vegetables and more. Try a smoothie with fruits, spinach or kale and adding a powdered protein or collagen supplement. This tasty treat is a great way to absorb lots of nutrients, especially when on-the-go.
 
Eczema, psoriasis, irregular menstrual period, skin imbalances, poor memory
Look into consuming more healthy fats in your diet. These healthy fats must be consumed in food and/or supplemental form as the body cannot construct them, which makes them very important.  It’s also very important to know the difference between ‘good fats’ and ‘bad fats’.
**If you don’t have a gallbladder talk to your physician before considering adding extra fats into your diet.
Fats (aka lipids) are involved in a LOT more body processes and functions then you may think. They are crucial for our hormones, our nervous system and are a component of our cell membranes. Some of my go-to healthy fat consumptions include; good quality olive oil - comes in a dark glass container to prevent going rancid, avocado, nuts, salmon, cashew/nut butter, and quality eggs.
 
Food for Thought
Are you fueling yourself with foods that constantly result in stomach aches, bloating, smelly farts, sleepiness, sluggishness the next day/morning, low energy, bad mood?
Maybe it’s time to consider reducing or eliminating some of those foods. Actually, I encourage you to do so! Why fuel your body with gunk that results in you feeling exactly that way when you could be igniting yourself with lively foods that leave you strong, healthy and feeling GOOD. Do yourself a favour and listen to your body - it’s in constant communication with you. You won’t regret it - and you’ll end up feeling much better in the end.
 
My Story:
About 5 years ago I started producing incredibly deep, painful acne on my face. It took me about 4 years until I even started to see results, why? Because I wasn’t in tune with my body and I had no idea what the signals it was sending me meant. I wanted a quick fix and tried many ways to relieve my pain; a strong face wash, a different birth control pill and different creams to topically zap the zits away - these are just a few of the poor methods I chose to turn to.
 
It wasn’t until I started school to become a holistic practitioner that I started to be more receptive to my body’s messages and what it was trying to express from the inside out. Honestly, I had no idea there was even a connection between what I put in my body and how it feels - but let me tell you, it 100% does!
I also worked alongside other practitioners who helped me greatly along the way, becoming more understanding of what my body needed. It’s truly because of my prolonged health journey that I share my insight on the connections between signs & symptoms and how to understand it all.
 
This information is to be used as an educated guide and is acknowledging nutritional imbalances. It should not be used for diagnostic purposes or taken as medical advice. However, I hope my words have resonated with you.
 
Be happy & stay whole.
Taylor Wilkinson, RHN

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