Amira Ayad, PhD
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Online Courses
  • My Books
    • Body Whispers Book
    • Body Whispers Journal
    • Healing Body & Soul
    • The True Secret
  • Resources
    • Chakra Self-Assessment
    • Boost Your Immunity
    • Videos
    • Find the cause & Fix the problem
    • Washwasha
    • kitchen Dispensary
    • My Library
  • My Blog

The Heart of Balance

26/3/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
The myth that our genes control our life, health and happiness has finally come to an end. Now, with the evolution of the science of epigenetics, biologists and physiologist are convinced that the environment in which the cells are present is more determining of their health then their genetic makeup. When we live in a polluted environment, eat junk food, and lead a sedentary stressful lifestyle, we literally intoxicate our cells. People with family history that predispose them to heart disease, type 2 diabetes or even cancer were found to alter their disease susceptibility by simply altering their mode of living, or in other words, altering their environment.

But, what is even more fascinating is the fact that the same environment that shows toxicity for one person, could be totally safe for another. We are the ones who create the “perception of our environment”. And this perception is what truly matters. It actually matters more than the environment itself. Dr. Bruce Lipton, the famous cell biologist, says that there are hundreds of ways our genes can express themselves, and it is our beliefs, thoughts and perceptions, that triggers the chosen gene expression.

To summarize our wellness formula, then, we can say that: Our thoughts and perceptions create your beliefs, which are reflected on our physical environment which in turn affects your physiological response and cell biology. Amazing, isn't it?

But, wait a minute, it doesn’t end here.

Recent studies are now pointing at the fact that our perceptions and beliefs aren’t just function of our brains. In 1991, Dr. Andrew Armour, the pioneer in neurocardiology, introduced the concept of “heartbrain”. This “heart’s nervous system contains around 40,000 neurons” that gather, assess, analyze, and /or feel external and internal stimuli and information and send them to the brain influencing our physical, emotional, psychological and mental health and well being. They also influence the way we handle and deal with information, our choices, decisions, cognitive process, intelligence and awareness.
  Research at the Institute of Heart Math (IHM) shows that our hearts are the masters of rhythm generation in our bodies. When our hearts are in balance, our whole system follows suit. The simple practice of starting your day with intention, gratitude and care, brings you to this place of stillness where your heart rhythm can find better coherence. It’s about slowing down and taking the chance to pause and ponder… to breathe and choose.  
 When they work in harmony, our heart whispers and our mental reasonings collaborate and synchronize for an optimum physical, psychological and mental achievement. When in harmony, this coherence is reflected not only on our mood and emotional wellness, but also on our hormonal secretions, cardiovascular system performance, digestive and respiratory health, and immune functions.

So, we have to rewrite our wellness formula: It’s our heart that generates our guiding overall insight which makes us choose your thoughts and perceptions, which in their turn create our beliefs, which are reflected on our physical environment that affects our physiological response and cell biology.

Take away of the week: 
Find balance in your heart, 
you will find it in your life. 


Have a great week!

0 Comments

Magnesium: the forgotten nutrient

13/3/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
In our modern society with lots of talk about potassium to protect your heart and blood vessels, calcium to protect your bones, vitamin C for boosting your immunity… we tend to simplify our very complex and integrated living system. There is no one element that works alone in the body. Our living system is a holistic harmony perfectly synchronized and controlled by hundreds of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, hormones, proteins and fatty acids. We know a lot about many of them, but still learning and struggling with many many more. This is the reason why I always prefer natural foods and herbs to restore and maintain our body balance rather than individual nutrients.
  
When we mention bone health and osteoporosis prevention, for instance, we automatically think: Calcium! And may be some of us will add: Vitamin D! 
Well, there are many other elements essential for bone health and vitality, a major contributor in this job is: Magnesium.

Today, I want to shed light on this forgotten nutrient.

Magnesium is essential for body metabolism, cellular and brain protection and detoxification, energy production, bone health, enzyme work, proper nerve and muscles functions, and immune reactions. Magnesium also helps us deal with stress, reduces feeling of depletion and fatigue, and assists us in getting good quality much needed sleep and rest.

Magnesium is essential for the production of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), an essential hormone precursor of male and female sex hormones. Recent studies further  showed the importance of DHEA in dealing with chronic stress and depression.

Magnesium is highly depleted in our modern day living and this depletion is largely attributed to our lifestyle and eating habits. We rely so much on refined grains, junk and over processed foods that lack this essential nutrient (or any other nutrients for that matter!). Many of us have been advised to take calcium supplements even when they are not calcium-deficient (more of the good thing makes it better, we have been led to think). This un-natural and unwanted calcium reduces our chance of absorbing magnesium from our food.  And, almost all of us are, consciously or unconsciously, leading a stressful life, that contributes to our magnesium depletion.

To ensure your adequate continuous supply of magnesium, you need to eat a healthy, well balanced diet. Magnesium is naturally found in whole grains, fish and seafood, nuts, beans, seeds, bananas, and leafy greens.

Have  a Healthy week!

0 Comments

Let's "Pay It Forward"

7/3/2012

2 Comments

 
Picture
Last week, I watched a very interesting movie, “Pay It Forward” by Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt. It’s a story of an eleven years old boy who came up with an amazing idea for his social study assignment. The teacher, played by Kavin Spacey, gave his class a year-long assignment to “think of an idea to change our world and put it into action”. Trevor, the young boy, started a chain of ‘pay it forward’. Each person has to give 3 “Big” favors to 3 other persons expecting nothing in return. These three persons, in their turn should “pay it forward” to three more people and the movement goes on in an exponential rate.

This simple idea started a chain reaction that spread good will and altruism beyond the young boy expectations even beyond his awareness. In real life, we could never realize the full effect of our actions. We do not have a hidden camera that follows the chain to tell us how influential we were.

The idea of the film is so simple, yet so powerful. Can a simple idea really change the world? Can a simple action make a huge difference in people’s life?

When we perform sincere actions with pure intention, when we assume responsibility for this world we live in and honestly step forward to make it a better place, when we actually take a step, even a tiny baby step, or when we take a leap of faith while surrendering the results to our Creator, we can surely make a difference. A simple person, regardless of his/her age, level of education, wealth or social status, a simple person CAN make a difference.

Never underestimate the power of your actions, or even the power of your ideas. The blessing hidden in a good will and sincere intention, in a simple act of kindness, in a humble gesture of love, forgiveness, or care, CAN achieve miracles.

While writing this blog, I thought, why don’t I, then, start with myself? Why don’t we, right here, right now, start a chain reaction of good will, of ‘Pay It Forward’?

Let’s each make 3 ‘Big’ altruistic actions. 3 ‘Pay it Forward’ acts. Be them helping someone in need, forgiving a long held grudge, saving a stranger, or supporting a friend… It could be anything, but it has to be BIG. Not just letting someone pass before you in a traffic jam or holding your temper before your teenage boy. Our ‘Pay It Forwards’ need to be BIG things, things that will make a difference in other people’s lives. Things that will help them and help the whole world become a better place to live. Things that will touch their hearts deep enough to make them ‘Pay It Forward’ in their turn to 3 other persons. And let the chain expand beyond our scope of recognition. We do not have to directly ‘see’ the results of our good deeds, but deep in our hearts and souls, we know that we will be generously rewarded in this life and the Next, God willing.

Let’s give ourselves 1 month to choose and perform our 3 deeds.  Note it in your diary, on the 7th of April 2012 reassess your actions. You can give yourself wider time frame if you wish, but you have to specify a date for it to be a real goal not a mere wish or dream.

Let’s make the world a better place to live!

Have a great week!


2 Comments
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    About the Author

    Hi, I'm Amira... I'm all for simple, natural, uncomplicated life... My core values are derived from my Islamic faith... My definition of wellness includes lots of smiles, human interactions, delicious food, music, joy, colorful paint, Mediterranean sunshine, blue sky and turquoise sea, care, love, compassion and deep heart-felt peace.
    I love learning… I love books and art supplies… And, I am saddened by human conflict and intolerance.
     
    I am an introvert who loves being around people... I love building communities and gathering around the kitchen table... I am a teacher at heart... I simplify complex health science and speak openly about heart and soul stuff...

    I've been helping people on their health and healing journey for more than 20 years now and I am committed to be authentic, caring and a beacon of love and peace.

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    July 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    September 2014
    May 2014
    February 2014
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010

    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Categories

    All
    Art Healing
    Body Whispers
    Emotional Healing
    Energy
    Functional Nutrition
    Holistic Healing
    Holistic Living
    Islamic Medicine
    Mental Body
    Mind/Body
    Nutrition
    Recipes
    Spirituality
    Stress Management
    Stress Mangement
    Workshops
    مدونات باللغة العربية

    RSS Feed

 Disclaimer
My wellness coaching, workshops, teachings, and all the services I provide are at all times restricted to education, teaching and training on the subject of natural health matters intended for general natural health well-being and do not involve the diagnosing, prognosticating, treatment, or prescribing of remedies for the treatment of any disease, or any licensed or controlled act which may constitute the practice of  medicine. 
Any questions? Please email me at info@amiraayad.com 

Privacy Policy    Terms of Service