Mark Okita, a remarkable Energy Healer from Hawaii, answers questions of our readers.
I am in my mid-thirties and haven’t given much thought about dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Is this something I should be concerned about?
Answer:That is a great question because the lifestyle that prevents dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is the same lifestyle that prevents almost all chronic diseases. It is also the best way to cultivate vibrant and resilient health, emotional balance, inner joy, abundant energy and a solid foundation from which to launch into the grand adventure of Spiritual Awakening.
Most researchers and doctors agree that one of the primary causes of virtually all diseases is chronic INFLAMMATION. Inflammation is now considered to be a major contributor, if not the cause, of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, migraines, asthma and other respiratory diseases, obesity and inordinate weight gain, psoriasis and eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis and other degenerative diseases, infections and more! Inflammation is now recognized to be a contributing factor in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, schizophrenia, autism and other mental, emotional and cognitive challenges.
The good news is that because inflammation wreaks such havoc in so many of our body’s and brain’s processes, reducing chronic inflammation can have profound and far-reaching positive effects on our physical, cognitive and emotional health. Reducing inflammation allows the body’s natural healing intelligence to work its magic.
My intention here is to provide a springboard from which to dive into doing our own research. An internet search with the words “inflammation” along with a health condition or substance mentioned in this article will conjure a wealth of informational sources. Using “Functional Medicine” as keywords will lead to this relatively new approach to medicine that looks for the root causes of disease rather than just treating the symptoms. Nothing in this article should be construed as medical advice or diagnoses.
What causes inflammation?
First, it should be noted that inflammation is not inherently bad as it is a natural and helpful immune response. However, unremitting stress on the body, such as in the form of toxins or unhealthy foods can cause inflammation to spiral out of control, leading to disease.
Here is a list of substances and co-factors that trigger such inflammation:
• Sugar – including high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, glucose, dextrose and maltose
• Alcohol– the reason why alcohol is so addictive and toxic is that it turns into sugar after ingestion
• Unhealthy fatssuch as partially hydrogenated oils in baked goods, omega-6-laden soy, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, safflower, canola and mixed vegetable oils. These oils become even more harmful when exposed to high heat such as in deep fried foods.
• Processed foodswith chemical preservatives, and artificial colorings and flavors. These foods are also energetically “dead” and nearly devoid of useful nutrients.
• Food allergies and sensitivities such as to gluten and dairy
• Gut biome out of balance
• Stress – emotional and physical
• Lack of quality sleep
• Smoking
• Nutritional deficiencies such as low levels of vitamin D, antioxidants, minerals or amino acids
• Heavy metals – exposure can be from a variety of sources from physical contact, to ingestion, to inhalation of contaminated air. Just a few examples are contaminated food and drinking water, utensils and cookware, eating large fish (e.g. ahi, swordfish, shark and marlin), seaweed, amalgam dental fillings (there is more danger in removal if it is not done properly) and car exhaust, especially diesel.
• Pesticides such as Round Up (glyphosate) and fungicides such as Matin (isoproturon)
• Plastic by-products such as BPA and phthalates (these are endocrine disruptors which can also lead to chronic diseases)
• Nanoparticles/Nanotechnology – sometimes used in sunscreens, make up and cookware (non-stick pans also contain PFOA and other carcinogens). Beauty products such as make up, lipstick and hair dye may have heavy metals, nanoparticles and phthalates. (www.ewg.org is a great resource for finding out which household products are potentially harmful and which ones are safe.)
• VOCs (volatile organic compounds)– “fumes” from chemicals used in carpets, mattresses, furniture, cleaning agents, aerosol sprays, adhesives, paints, solvents, etc.
• Radiation – EMF (electro-magnetic field), RF (radiofrequency) and microwaves such as from cell phones and cell phone towers, WiFi, smart meters, Bluetooth, computers and other wireless devices.
We are all unique individuals. Something that causes inflammation in one person may not do so in another and vice versa. It is of the utmost importance that we each find what is the healthiest diet and lifestyle for our own unique body and being.
What can I do to reduce or prevent inflammation?
Here is a list of factors that facilitate a reduction in inflammation to healthy levels:
• A diet low in sugar and carbs and high in healthy fats such as a ketogenic (“keto”) diet or a paleo diet. (A modified ketogenic diet with reduced animal protein works well for many individuals).
• When looking to increase the intake of healthy oils, almond oil, sesame oil, hemp oil, macadamia nut oil, walnut oil, flaxseed oil, red palm oil and pumpkin seed oil all have a variety of unique flavors and health benefits.
• Eat an abundance of greens such as broccoli, chard, spinach, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, kale, collards, arugula, tatsoi, broccolini, broccoli rabe, etc.
• Bone broth is a superfood that is deeply nourishing for cellular health, the immune system, gut biome, hormones, joints and muscles
• Organically grown vegetables are free of the toxins in conventionally grown produce which cause inflammation. Organically grown produce and naturally raised animals (such as 100% grass-fed beef) are rich in the micronutrients that lead to vibrant health
• For a healthy gut microbiome, natural sources of probiotics include sauerkraut, Japanese natto, kombucha, kefir and yogurt. Kefir and yogurt are not appropriate for those with dairy sensitivities. Most commercial yogurt is loaded with sugar and is not recommended.
• Get blood and urine lab tests such as those by Genova Diagnostics and SpectraCell Laboratories which can identify specific nutritional deficiencies. Quicksilver Scientific is a leading-edge resource for testing and treatment of heavy metals.
• Probiotic supplements such as a SBO (soil-based organisms) probiotic and/or a spore-based probiotic are excellent choices. There are also probiotic soaps, household cleaning products, toothpastes, and even probiotic air purifiers.
• Earthing (also known as grounding) is the phenomenon where connecting the body with the earth, such as through walking barefoot outdoors, neutralizes ionic imbalances that causes inflammation. Breathing air rich in negative ions such as in a forest or at the beach is also beneficial. Even moderate amounts of direct sunlight can also be therapeutic.
• Water purification systems remove toxins found in both tap water and bottled water
• Exercise is also important in overall health including reducing inflammation. However, over-exercise can increase inflammation especially if there are underlying injuries.
• Sleep a good 8 hours a night, going to bed before 10:00 p.m. There are important regenerative biological processes that only happen between 10:00 p.m. and midnight.
• Be aware of your breathing throughout the day, making sure you are taking deep, full breaths. Over-thinking tends to cause shallow breathing so be especially aware when doing brainy type tasks.
• HEPA Air Purifiers remove air-borne toxins and irritants. This is especially helpful for those with respiratory issues
• Essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile, peppermint, frankincense, ginger and hemp have anti-inflammatory agents. Make sure to purchase only high-quality pure oils verified through GC/MS (gas chromatography – mass spectrometry) testing.
Wow, that is a lot! Where do I start?
Inflammation is the result of a domino effect where many interactive co-factors come together to create a inflammatory storm. Hence, changing just one factor can break the cycle and facilitate significant health benefits. To start this wonderful adventure of co-creating more robust and vibrant health, select just one item. For example, simply reducing and eliminating sugar and/or eating more greens can have revolutionary effects on our physical and emotional health. If this feels daunting, then start in a lighter or playful way such as experimenting with essential oils, walking outdoors or doing breathing exercises.
One of the ego/mind’s favorite hiding places is to set ourselves up for failure by taking on too much and then feeling victimized by circumstances or by our own weaknesses. Be wary of “brilliant ideas” and mood swings of feeling overly inspired to do a complete and instant overhaul of our life. To be successful, it is best to select just one change at a time and allow enough time for this to unfold. Allow months, not days, for this to be completed before going on to the next item. For a total change of diet and lifestyle allow two or three years, not weeks or months.
Success is more assured if we notice and celebrate small incremental changes rather than pining for a goal that seems unattainable. Like the Tortoise and the Hare, slow incremental progress gets us to the goal. The Hare is the ego/mind with all of its bright ideas fueled by enticing images of an idealized outcome and quick fixes but with no real staying power. The Tortoise is the steady power of the Soul, possessing the innate intelligence of instinct. Everything has a natural rhythm, and nothing is rushed.
In next month’s My Indigo Sun, we will cover the exciting subject of inflammation in consciousness. We will explore how unease in consciousness leads to disease of the body, not just personally but collectively for all of humanity. We will see how reducing inflammation in this arena will facilitate an awakening to a new level of Harmony and ultimately, Love and Liberation.
Mark Okita
Mark Okita is a born energy healer and his diverse life experiences have further expanded and refined those gifts. He trained for many years in the martial arts with an emphasis on meditation and cultivation of internal energy. Mark loves nature and has had wilderness experiences in Alaska, Arizona and Hawaii.
His work experience has included working in the HIV/AIDS social services and medical fields. He has undergone extensive training in various forms of body and energy healing, as well as training and retreats pertaining to awakening human consciousness. He has been on numerous group and solitary retreats including a Self-directed 8-year retreat.
Mark has been a healer on a professional level since 1993 and has been doing spiritually oriented Energy Work for the past 20 years. His specialty now is distance healing and telephone sessions.
www.MarkOkita.com
