We’ve all seen the commercials; everyone has an elixir, a potion or a pill that will ease your pain, make you feel and look younger, increase your libido, and make your life generally more fabulous. The truth is, you don’t need any of those advertised products, or medical intervention, to accomplish these goals. (McTaggart, 1996) You simply need to change the way you eat. Want a better sex life? One delicious vegetable can help. Tired of feeling so achy after a long day? You’ll be surprised how good this one little diet addition can make you feel. You are what you eat, and your energy levels, sex drive, immune response, and overall good health and vibrant looks depend on the nutrients you give your body.

The best way to understand what we should and shouldn’t be eating is to look at what our ancestors ate.

The best way to understand what we should and shouldn’t be eating is to look at what our ancestors ate. We know that they weren’t eating at McDonalds or Olive Garden. Processed sugars and simple carbohydrates were not on their menus. They ate what they hunted, picked and gathered. They drank water from clean streams. Coke, Starbucks and caffeine were unknown to them. So were heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity.

The food our ancestors ate was pure. It contained the nutrients we, as humans, require — not fillers, artificial flavors and sweeteners, processed grains, sugars, and trans fats. Eating these pure foods helps your body to function optimally. These foods keep joints lubricated, skin hydrated, and your cardio-pulmonary, circulatory and digestive systems functioning normally, in essence slowing down and even reversing the aging process.

Asparagus — The Love Vegetable

Vitamin B, a critical nutrient, is found in many veggies, especially the darker colored ones. Asparagus is especially high in B; adding this to your diet actually enhances the libido and causes an increased histamine production, which helps testosterone be more effective in the body. And as most red-blooded males know, effective testosterone is key to having a spicy love life. Vitamin B also boosts your overall energy levels, so you’ll feel more like doing something with that revved up libido!

Feeling Achy? Chomp on These

Most of our pain is caused by inflammation; this is why many doctors recommend an anti-inflammatory pain killer for treating the symptoms of arthritis, backache, and all those other lovely aches and pains we feel as we age. Instead of popping the pills, chomp on an apple or other brightly colored fruit. They have the same anti-inflammatory properties as the over-the-counter pain killers. Double up on the health benefit with tart cherries; the antioxidants contained in these tiny nutrient powerhouses are also analgesic and known to reduce pain. Plus they pack a punch of other nutrients.

Drink Up!

Drink plenty of filtered water. Use a filter jug at home, and avoid bottled water, which may contain toxins. As you probably know, at least 64 ounces a day of pure water can help you feel better, lubricate your joints, and even give your skin a nicer glow. (And contrary to what you may have been raised to believe, it’s best to avoid drinking just before or with your meal as this dilutes and interferes with digestion and nutrient absorption.)

Go Lightly on Grains

In general, avoid grains to a large extent. While the current Food Pyramid touted by the government bases a “healthy” diet on a large foundation of grains, this is not a great way for most of us to eat. Due to the way they are processed, bleached and otherwise stripped of their purity (especially white and even most “whole wheat” flours), most baked goods and pastas are devoid of beneficial nutrients and only add calories and contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. (New York Times, 2003)

Food that is high in refined sugar and carbohydrates creates an acidic atmosphere in your body. This acidity causes a perfect breeding ground for inflammation, many types of cancer, joint pain and even higher blood pressure. So skip the second helping of bread and have some more veggies. Not only will your doctor approve, but you’ll feel better and most likely live longer.

More energy, less pain, better sex drive and vibrant looks … all from a few simple changes to your diet. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your diet and how it relates to good health.