“Mind, Body, Spirit” is not ONLY an e-newsletter provided to you by the Arthritis Foundation – it is also an idea that is embodied by living a healthful lifestyle of wellness.
Did you know that what nourishes us can also destroy us? Did you know that what is healthy for one person may not be for the next? These ideas and many more were discussed today during an interview with Janet McKee, HCC, AADP – a certified holistic health counselor and drugless practitioner. You will soon be able to hear this interview in its entirety on Arthritis Radio or as an iTunes podcast, but for now, I would like to go over some of the concepts that Executive Director David Martin and myself touched upon with Janet during this fascinating afternoon.
Janet says that it can be easy AND enjoyable to take control of your own health and to live a vibrant life. She claims that we can eat foods that are delicious AND nutritious, and warns against many American “staples” such as fast food, junk food, processed foods, sugars, and fatty meats. Her mission to heal is not only a professional one, but is also a part of her personal journey. Janet herself suffers from an autoimmune digestive disorder that, like arthritis, is inflammation-based. In fact, she claims that many diseases – from rheumatoid arthritis to cancer – are due to inflammation and an out-of-balance immune system. This is where a life overhaul can help patients get to the healthy point of their lives where so many hope to be.
While Ms. McKee acknowledged how lucky we are in America, and particularly here in Pittsburgh, to have such a forward health care system and such scientifically advanced medicine, she also makes note of the fact that traditional medicine isn’t our only choice, and wants people to know that they do have an alternate option.
While she stressed the importance of seeking (traditional) medical attention when need be, and noted that for some conditions, it is absolutely necessary to go, and stay, on medications, she says that by eating healthy and feeding our body the right things, we can avoid getting to this point altogether. Also, even if you are at the point where you have to be on 1 or 2 meds, this healthy and nutritious lifestyle can only assist in the healing process and can help you achieve your goal of overall health and wellness. You may want to ask your doctor if seeking out a nutritionist or health counselor is right for you!
Janet says that there are two “types” of food: primary and secondary. Primary food isn’t what you’d think – it is the less “tangible” things that we feed our body – stress, work, social life, spirituality, etc. Secondary food is what we typically consider, food. Lowering stress, increasing mental and emotional wellness, finding work that we enjoy, finding hobbies that we enjoy, finding something we believe in (whether religious or seeking spirituality on a golf course), having a support system, finding positive energy and letting go of negative emotional blockages to healing are all “primary” foods that we “feed” our body are just as important as what physically goes into our body. The types of regular (“secondary”) foods that go into our body are important because Janet says that they feed us on even a very cellular level, helping to balance the pH of our blood, and thus allowing our immune system (and all systems of the body) to function properly, and naturally.
Janet says to boost immunity and decrease inflammation, we need to do away with overly fatty foods, most dairy and meats, processed sugars, etc. Healthy additions to our diet should be leafy greens, whole fruits and vegetables, legumes like peas and beans, healthy whole grains such as quinoa, and occasionally wild-caught cold fish. She encourages everything to be whole, and organic, and stresses the importance of phyto-nutrients (nutrients that are plant-based) and antioxidants. She recommends cherries for arthritis and also spices and herbs such as turmeric and ginger. Janet, who was a huge advocate of red grapes in any form, says that it is okay to enjoy an occasional glass of (organic) red wine in moderation, but that anyone who is in the early stages of trying to “heal” should avoid alcohol altogether.
Another helpful hint? Walnuts. She says that walnuts also help to combat inflammation and aid with the immune system, therefore being a perfect super-food for an arthritis sufferer. We also need to be certain to stay hydrated. Water is essential for life! For instance, we should drink a full glass of water upon wakening – BEFORE our morning coffee. As we sleep, our body becomes dehydrated and then may therefore not function properly until we hydrate. Also be sure to drink water throughout the day to cleanse and hydrate. By the way, you CAN enjoy a cup of morning coffee – but, like anything, do so in moderation. Caffeine breeds acidity which can send our blood (and immune system) “out of whack.” However, it is high in antioxidants, so if you try not to overdo it, and be sure not to add too much sugar or milk, it is okay to consume now and then, especially if it brings you comfort or joy. She recommends green tea as an alternative to coffee. Plain, hot green tea is an excellent drink of choice for arthritis sufferers – packed with antioxidants and healing properties. She says that peppermint tea is also a great choice.
An interesting concept that kept coming up with Janet was “enjoyment” and “happiness.” She seems to have an attitude that you should enjoy eating. Do not focus on what you CANNOT eat, but what you CAN eat. She says you should do things in life that make you happy – personally, professionally, and health-wise. She also encourages living as natural a life as possible – from the way you eat, to the way you drink, live, shop, and sleep.
Janet McKee is truly a “crusader” for nutrition and overall wellness. She had so many interesting things to say, that these are only the beginning! You will learn much more from this week’s Arthritis Radio broadcast, which will be up within the next few days!
Our Arthritis Radio interview with Ms. McKee will be up soon, and you can hear more in detail from this lovely lady herself, but you can always go back and peruse our past episodes on topics such as Tai Chi, fibromyalgia, Juvenile Arthritis, exercise, and more! For now, feel free to check out Janet’s website at www.janetmckee.com and be sure to subscribe to Arthritis Radio free weekly podcast on iTunes here: http://bit.ly/uiZw3
If this blog has inspired you to “get cooking”, our inaugural podcast Episode 1 with “Cooking with Arthritis” author, Melinda Winner can be heard here or, you can visit her website, here. To read a past blog on how the gluten-free diet can be healthy for arthritis, click here.
Also, be sure to browse our past blogs and Arthritis Radio episodes for much more useful information on holistic/alternative treatments, and diet & arthritis!
Please share your comments on how food or a natural, holistic lifestyle of wellness for mind, body, and spirit has transformed your life! We enjoy feedback, and reading about your triumphs, struggles, and personal stories about surviving with arthritis and related conditions!
Thanks for reading, and stay well!
- Ashley Boynes
Community Development Director
Western Pennsylvania Chapter
