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Stress: More Harmful Than You Can Comprehend

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by Noor H. Salem

Stress: something you can undoubtedly relate to in some shape or form. Whether it’s being an on-the-go soccer mom or the pile of tasks only growing on your desk at work- you face stress on different levels each and every day. Perhaps, that stress is coming from something more severe, like the death of a loved one, relationship loss, financial stress, or emotional stress.

While stress isn’t malevolent in and of itself, as it allows us to protect ourselves or to perform, just like almost anything eventually too much stress could start to get destructive.

Forthrightly, it may sound absurd to blame it, but it’s a given fact that stress is one of the root causes of the majority of diseases and health conditions you may experience. Whether it’s insomnia, weight gain, irritability, feeling fatigue, lack of sexual desire, unwarranted mood swings, excessive cravings, loss of appetite, or even more serious conditions such as heart disease- stress may be the very seed that sprouted this plant to begin with! While some turn to prescription drugs to relieve themselves of stress, they are not aware of the repercussions on their physical and mental health.

Chronic stress takes a major adverse effect on your body’s overall well-being, as a poor maintained diet, lack of exercise, and deficiency of proper and good quality sleep do. While your body is designed to handle stress, chronic and ongoing stress is when issues start rolling in. Being in a state of fear causes your stress levels to immediately increase, as our bodies carry the “fight or flight” instinct. In this given state, adrenaline, glucose, and the main stress hormone: cortisol, are sent into your bloodstream. Your heart rate and blood pressure increase. Your digestion system, the functioning of your immune system, your reproduction and growth system, are all suppressed and put on hold. This state is supposedly our body’s normal reaction during a “flight” mode. However, if you are under extreme stress daily and your body is not taking a break from releasing hormones to balance itself out and reach equilibrium, you will regrettably begin to deal with health issues as your body is constantly in that mode. The health repercussions may not show up overnight and they might not show up for a while. Chronic stress however, has been proven and linked to heart disease, weight gain and obesity, inflammation in the joints and other organs, digestive health issues, diabetes, mental health issues, and cancer. It’s disturbing to even imagine something that you may think is so irrelevant, can in fact be so detrimental to your health.

Stress:

  • Affects your ability to concentrate
  • Increases your risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Damages blood vessel lining
  • Increases your blood pressure
  • Has devastating effects on your memory
  • Increases inflammation in your body and joints
  • suppresses your immune system
  • Quickens your aging process
  • Contributes to weight-gain and inability to lose weight
  • Leads to digestive disorders
  • Worsens ulcers
  • Increases your unhealthy cravings
  • Can lead to depression
  • Affects your relationships
  • Can increase joint pain due to inflammation
  • Reduces your sexual desire
  • Can cause eczema
  • Can lead to causing gum disease

What can you do to reduce your bodily stress levels without needing to turn to prescription drugs as your treatment method? Thankfully, there are many holistic measures you can take and with effort and patience you will begin to see remarkable results. Adjusting your body to reach for holistic remedies and medicine instead of prescription drugs can save you from a myriad of undesirable health effects on your brain, and your physical health overall. These holistic remedies will aid you to relieve stress, and if measures are taken properly, you will begin to see a transformation rapidly. Best of all, these holistic remedies don’t come with a package of long-term consequences, as the usage of prescription drugs do. Prescription medication usually aids in curing one ailment, but may rob your body of a major vitamin or mineral, and with time leads to another health issue. On pill after another, and you are slowly determining your health from within. When you reach for whole food and natural herbs as medicine, you don’t worry about side effects. I share many of these remarkable remedies in my book, Sunnah Superfoods. They wind up bringing your body other benefits, too, that may not even be a part of your goal at the time being.

Try to implement some of these remedies gradually and watch as both your physical and mental health renovate.

  • Avoiding caffeinated beverages (coffee or tea)
  • Decreasing if not eliminating sugar and sweeteners from your diet
  • Taking Epsom salt baths (search for one with lavender essential oil for a plus)
  • Exercising, daily if possible
  • Getting enough hours of sleep at night
  • Being organized! Use a planner, make to do lists, and plan ahead
  • Use the barakah of the morning hours, as the Prophet (pbuh) promised
  • Taking a power nap during the day (preferably during the afternoon)
  • Sitting in nature, at the lake or beach, or taking a calm walk outdoors
  • Using essential oils such as lavender
  • Decreasing the amount of processed foods from your diet
  • Consuming healthy fats: olive oil, coconut oil, avocadoes, salmon, and nuts
  • Drinking non-caffeinated herbal teas: chamomile, mint, sage, ginger, or rosemary

 

 Noor H. Salem is an author, speaker, and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, from Michigan. Noor works with clients in better understanding their bodies and healing with natural foods through her wellness practice, Holistic Noortrition. She presents various workshops, school lectures, group coaching classes, and community lectures on the topic of holistic health. Noor recently published her book, SUNNAH SUPERFOODS, a culmination of life-changing recipes and remedies, with a foreword by Dr. Waleed Basyouni. Her book consists of prophetic hadith, modern research, and delicious recipes, and is in the process of being translated into other languages.

What Are You Feeding Your Infant?

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by Noor H. Salem

When it comes to purchasing commercially prepared baby food, many are distracted by the cute babies smiling on the packages, that they overlook reading the list of ingredients on the packaging all together. Or perhaps, because the food is marketed as made for infants (although I know many of you mommy’s end up eating half of it with your baby), parents automatically have this high expectation that companies will only use high-quality ingredients. Frankly, many parents feel assured when it comes to purchasing baby food, unfortunately they don’t realize there could be some unwanted additives and preservatives in the product they are purchasing.

One of my main concerns is genetically-engineered ingredients. Some ready-made baby food meals come along with thickening agents like corn flour or tapioca starch. In fact, many times water and thickening agents are used to bulk the meal- this lowers the vegetable or fruit content by and large, clearly for the benefit of profit maximization. Unless you are purchasing USDA certified organic and Non-GMO verified jars of baby food, you’re most likely feeding your baby some genetically-modified ingredients. If there is anything I’d advise you to not feed an infant, or even any of your children, it would be genetically-modified ingredients of any kind. Whether it’s jarred sweet potato puree, cereal or toddler snacks- check the ingredients for possible genetically-engineered ingredients. The crops that are most likely to be genetically modified include, but are not limited to: corn, soy, canola, papaya (if grown in Hawaii), and some zucchini. I have covered all of these in a previous article. For now, read your labels cautiously and seek alternative options to what you may be accustomed too.

More importantly, I advise you be aware of pesticides lurking on both fruits and vegetables. I have mentioned the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists on numerous occasions, and how drastically they can impact the health of infants especially. To refresh, the Environmental Working Group test fruits and vegetables annually in order to come up with a list of produce with the highest number in harmful pesticides. Effects of these pesticides include: cancer, brain damage, infertility, developmental issues and affects to the nervous system, eye health and even kidney health. I discuss this more in my book, Sunnah Superfoods. I recommend to try purchasing all the produce on the Dirty Dozen organic list- rest assured the Clean Fifteen produce can be conventionally grown. The 2017 Dirty Dozen list begins with apples being pretty high, on the top of the list. Apples are extremely high in pesticides thus I recommend all my clients and readers to purchase them certified organic. However, it’s not just apples you should purchase certified organic, but also apple juice, applesauce, baby food containing apples and any other product you purchase with apples in the ingredient list.

Feeding your baby a jar of pureed apples that are swimming with detrimental pesticides isn’t the best choice for them in the long-run- instead, peel and steam apples at home. Once they are tender, puree them in your blender and you have a delicious homemade apple puree, free of additives that are evidently unnecessary. Personally, I enjoy tossing in some strawberries prior to pureeing the apples for a twisted flavor.

I’ve experimented with making homemade baby food on numerous occasions and have been successful thus far. There is no need to purchase jars of baby food, when you can make a delicious healthy meal for your child from the kitchen of your home. One suggestion I found demanding: I would simply steam carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and peas for about ten minutes. After the steaming is complete, I merely puree them in the food processor until they’re nice and creamy. After the puree cools down completely, I’d place it in glass containers will lids. This allows them to burst with a myriad of vitamins and minerals, minus the preservatives and genetically-modified ingredients. Another tasty flavor I’ve made often was a combination of pears with strawberries. It’s simple, scrumptious and pure in its ingredients as well. This same base recipe can be used for fundamentally any fruit and vegetable mix you and your baby prefer most.

While many times jarred baby food can be a great relief, while traveling or away from home, try your best to read the list of ingredients and purchase them organic if possible. I completely understand there are times in which you are traveling, perhaps camping, driving long hours, or at the top of a mountain- it’s undoubtedly difficult, if not impossible, to have a steamer and blender on hand at all times. However, for these times, I recommend organic certified baby jars and meals. Keep the Dirty Dozen list in mind and possibly in your wallet at hand. Try the suggested recipes above and you will become far more comfortable knowing what you are feeding your baby.

Noor H. Salem is an author, speaker, and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, from Michigan. Noor works with clients in better understanding their bodies and healing with natural foods through her wellness practice, Holistic Noortrition. She presents various workshops, school lectures, group coaching classes, and community lectures on the topic of holistic health. Noor recently published her book, SUNNAH SUPERFOODS, a culmination of life-changing recipes and remedies, with a foreword by Dr. Waleed Basyouni. Her book consists of prophetic hadith, modern research, and delicious recipes, and is in the process of being translated into other languages.

Should You Eat Dairy or Not?

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by Noor H. Salem

Previously, we covered common misconceptions of dairy in the food industry and the best type of dairy products you should purchase for optimum health. While I don’t believe everyone should blindly follow every new diet fad, such as the gluten-free or dairy-free diet, I do have many clients and friends who have found relief from certain symptoms, after I put them on an elimination plan. For that, I’d like to indicate a few essential reminders to keep in mind, if you plan to try a dairy-free diet.

First and foremost, be wary of dairy-free alternatives. There are now numerous companies making cashew milk, soy milk, flax milk, rice milk, and more. We find dairy-free cheese, dairy-free yogurt, and dairy-free ice cream now popular in the market as well. Many snacks and boxed food now have dairy-free labels being stamped on the front, appealing to consumers. My concern is that many of these dairy-free products come with other additives and chemicals, either to thicken them, or to enhance the flavor and texture. Yogurts and such products may contain sugar and other flavor enhancers. Purchasing cow’s milk that is organic and grass-fed, free of any preservatives and additives, is incomparably better than purchasing soy milk, which may be genetically-modified or contain harmful thickening agents and additives.

Besides the concern of additives and preservatives, these products remain more processed than their natural counterpart. Raw organic whole cheese, organic butter, or full-fat milk- that’s grass-fed– is closest to nature and better for your body. Cheese that’s dairy-free, even if it’s clean of genetically-engineered ingredients, will still consist of more processing. Butter like spreads and sticks are also very popular, but in fact, are of the products I advise my clients to avoid completely. Butter, if organic and grass-fed, however is very healthy. Many holistic doctors are now recommending to clients, and people alike, to put butter back on their plate. Purchasing butter like spreads that are full of soy, genetically engineered oils like canola, or even artificial yellow food dye is extremely unhealthy. These genetically engineered oils are linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, food allergies and other health effects. They are not going to prevent you from weight-loss, but instead have the opposite effect. Organic butter is a natural fat that grants satiety and balances blood sugar, while these alternative spreads mess with your blood sugar spike. Organic butter has one ingredient: butter, while these alternatives come with over a dozen- mostly chemicals you cannot pronounce. For that, it’s best to try sticking with whole foods, regardless of their calories or fat content.

If you have not been diagnosed with a dairy allergy or intolerance, then I highly advise that you keep dairy in your diet. However, I’d highlight that it is best if you stick with organic or grass-fed if possible, to avoid antibiotics and genetically engineered traces. When consuming organic or grass-fed products, you will also be intaking further natural vitamins and minerals not found in alternative products. Most substitutes are enriched with vitamins, often these vitamins are lab-made and not in their natural form. There is no doubt it will breakdown differently in your body.

If you realize that you find relief from removing dairy from your diet, that’s acceptable. Just keep these tips in mind, and be sure to gear towards whole foods as much as possible.

Noor Hani Salem is an author, speaker, and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, from Michigan. Noor works with clients in better understanding their bodies and healing with natural foods through her wellness practice, Holistic Noortrition. She presents various workshops, school lectures, group coaching classes, and community lectures on the topic of holistic health. Noor recently published her book, SUNNAH SUPERFOODS, a culmination of life-changing recipes and remedies, with a foreword by Dr. Waleed Basyouni. Her book consists of prophetic hadith, modern research, and delicious recipes, and is in the process of being translated into other languages.

Getting Your Kids to Love Their Vegetables

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by Noor H. Salem

When we look around, we see most junk food items like cereals and packaged snacks targeting at our young children. Whether it’s through receiving free stickers inside, their favorite cartoon character on the front package, or a toy in the cereal box, there is no doubt this makes it only more challenging for parents to feed their children healthy and nutritious meals. Children end up having sugar-loaded breakfast cereals, with most bursting in harmful food coloring too. When children eat meals from their school lunch, they’ll most likely consume more sugar, processed food, and a meal lacking proper nutrition. Your child may then come home and pick a fight at eating their broccoli, or reaches for cookies before dinner.

What can you do as a parent to deal with picky children who are simply distressed at even the thought of eating something healthy?

First and foremost, get your child educated! I can’t emphasize enough: don’t ever use pressure or force to feed your child a vegetable- it’ll only cause resentment. Instead, teach your child about their body and what effects food has on their mood, energy levels and even their academic achievement. Have your child make a journal, and track their meals, and how their day is- seeing the connection between food, their mood, and energy will open their eyes to making better choices.

Furthermore, allowing your child to take part in writing out the grocery list, or joining you to pick out the fruits and vegetables will cause them to increase their interest in tasting them. Allowing children to interact with preparing a snack, dinner, or simply a smoothie, will cause them to be excited about eating or drinking it. I’ve shared in depth-tips as well as plenty of child-approved recipes in my book, Sunnah Superfoods. Next time you’re whipping up dinner, let your child help wash the salad vegetables, stir the food, or take small steps in assisting you with it. Observe the difference in your child’s interest in eating healthier meals, without feeling like it’s by force or pressure.

Be sure to also read my piece on the fruits and vegetables that you should aim to buy organic and those you can spare the extra bucks and purchase conventional- without any harm to your health.  

Noor Hani Salem is an author, speaker, and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, from Michigan. Noor works with clients in better understanding their bodies and healing with natural foods through her wellness practice, Holistic Noortrition. She presents various workshops, school lectures, group coaching classes, and community lectures on the topic of holistic health. Noor recently published her book, SUNNAH SUPERFOODS, a culmination of life-changing recipes and remedies, with a foreword by Dr. Waleed Basyouni. Her book consists of prophetic hadith, modern research, and delicious recipes, and is in the process of being translated into other languages.