How to 'feel' healthy

According to a September 21 blog entry on FitBottomedGirls.com, feeling good and healthy requires four elements. Here are some useful tips incorporating the feel-healthy elements.

The key is to keep your body functioning naturally, optimally, so that you do not fill up with toxins and feel icky or depressed.

Protein: "The human body needs one gram of protein per pound to maintain, grow, rebuild, regulate the immune system and burn fat. When the body doesn't have enough protein, it will feed on itself for survival." In addition to eating animal- or plant-based protein rich foods, you might want to try adding unlikely sources like quinoa and olives.

Liver and the lymphatic system: sweat daily to get the toxins out with your workout of choice. If you are injured try relaxing in a sauna to keep your lymph nodes working and limit your alcohol intake to keep your liver flushing out all the bad stuff in your body. You may also want to try a liver flush: http://www.colonzone.org/liver-flush.php

Digestion: avoid a diet rich in sugars and complex carbohydrates and chew. Health-focused sites (FivePointWellness, The 40-Chew Diet) recommend 30-40 chews per bite.

Breathing: take long deep breaths, 'watch' your breath and make an effort not to hold it in when stressed. You might want to try adding yoga and meditation breathing techniques - here are some tips to watch from YogaYak: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvdiMjSgItg and ExpertVillage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W41V8w00E6o

According to a new poll conducted in the United States between January and September 14 as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, having a body mass index (BMI) that is not normal ups your likelihood of depression and other negative feelings.The poll data showed obese and underweight Americans are more stressed, worried, angry and sad than their overweight and normal weight peers. http://www.well-beingindex.com/