Nourish and Flourish

By sanjeev sareen

Most of us take for granted the extreme role food has in our health. We eat habitually and not intentionally.

Unfortunately, the media, government, and large corporations have sent so many mixed messages regarding diet and nutrition, that most people are confused about the truth. Our selection of food may often be far from the best.

As a culture, we tend to generally accept that some foods are good and some are bad for us but beyond this level of understanding, there is no deeper meaning behind the way we eat. This may not be the correct approach.

The concept of humans eating is largely limited to tastes, which can be developed and thus not necessarily the truth. Sicknesses are on the increase. Ignorance towards what goes in the digestion process and the lack of will to change affects our health. Once food is ingested, we have little control over it thereafter. It must follow through prescribed process and deliver the outcome, under the control of nerves.

A more reasonable approach to determining the true dietary nature of humans is to study human anatomy and physiology. By studying human physiological nature, certain characteristics of the proper diet can be deduced that are in accordance with the inherent nature and anatomical makeup of humankind. Human physical capabilities and predispositions are the chief factors in determining true dietary needs.

Obviously, anything in the world can be put into the stomach and probably has. If you name a thing, people in some parts of the world are likely to be eating that. But that does not mean we are supposed to eat anything, in any way, in any quantity we like. After all, the human digestion system is the same with all, and every system is designed in a certain way. The physiology of the digestion system is such that only foods in compatible combinations can be effectively digested.

Our health is strongly within our own power to control. You cannot reverse the aging process or prevent death, but you can prevent premature death and maintain a high quality of life and health well into the twilight years by adhering to the advice in this book.

I hope to convince you, to eat more nutrient-dense, health-promoting foods, and less other foods. And that, enough good options are available. Life is all about balance.

The efforts in this book are to present what is best for you, in a very simple and structured way; not just saying do this and don't do that, but explaining things scientifically and logically.

And, if you think we eat solely to feed your physical body, you are wrong: you also eat to nourish your heart, mind, soul, and spirit.

You eat some fruit, and once this food has been digested and assimilated it helps to keep your whole body in good working order. Now, what is this Intelligence capable of bringing each organ in our body what it needs to keep us alive? How can we not be overcome with admiration for this Intelligence? Why not give it more thought and show it gratitude?

The most important thing about food is not the substance of the food itself but the energy it contains, the quintessence locked inside it, for that is where life is to be found. The substance is only a medium; through it, we must try to reach the quintessence, in order to also nourish our subtle bodies.

Unfortunately, we have somehow come to a point in the human experience, where we no longer intuitively know what is correct for us to eat. Let that sink in for a moment. This is spiritual disconnection. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: sanjeev sareen
• Release date: Sep 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223104759

sanjeev sareen

Sanjeev Sareen, is an Engineer, superannuated in 2018, after serving in five large Manufacturing Industries in India. He is into Spirituality and Practicing under a Realized master since 1995. His Book “Spirituality through Science” tries to reflect on the issues with the Traditional Practices in the name of Spirituality. He tries to convince the readers through various examples, to consider spirituality as the highest science and practice it accordingly. His whole emphasis is to inspire the readers for seeking God more and more through Practice and lifestyle management. His other Hindi Poetry e- book- ईशवर- कौन, कहाँ और क्यों. ( God- Who, Where and Why), has already hit Amazon's #1 Bestseller. In this book, He has tried to reflect Holistically on various life situations in a very simple way that the readers can relate with them easily. This book is available in paperback version also on Amazon Platform. His interests in the past had been sports (He was a National basketball player) and Human Psychology. His passion all the time had been Transforming Self and helping others. He is very analytical. His approach towards various life situations had been largely Spiritualistic. This has helped him evolve. He looks at life situations differently which helps him to relate with others in similar situations and help them further.

Book preview

Nourish and Flourish

Demystify the Myths and Explore the Science and Soul of Eating, to Improve Wellness, Immunity, and Attain Spiritual Alignment.

Sanjeev Sareen

https://www.sanjeevsareen.com

A Free Gift

As a token of my appreciation for taking the time to read my book, I am offering a gift.

Please download my book- The Guide: Meditation for Beginners.

If you have no idea about meditation and have not done any type of meditation earlier, then this is for you.

The tips given here are so simple that even the busiest person can practice meditation.

Meditation is somewhat differently understood in different cultures of the world and ever so often also within the same culture. It is not concentration as is often misunderstood. Meditation does entail concentration but it is a state of being that is much more relaxed than simple concentration. Much of the world today confuses meditation with a lot many exercises that are geared toward relaxing the mind or releasing stress.

So, no matter what your achievements are, pause and think. Introspect and impartially survey yourself. Unless and until you have truly understood what life is all about, you will always find a leak through which your happiness is constantly ebbing away. Nothing except God can satisfy you and wipe your miseries completely

Therefore, do not be satisfied being what you are, but try to be what you can and should be. If you are one of those who are thirsty to solve your problems, or human problems in general, to understand the mystery of life, then you need to learn the techniques of scientific meditation.

These are Spiritual practices and a higher science, in the name and style of Kriyayoga, which leads to Kundalini awakening- necessary for spiritual health and spiritual awakening- called liberation or moksha. These steps are spiritual, not religious.

Please download the guide using the link given.

https://sanjeevsareen.ck.page/9e70f45dd3

Contents

Introduction

Chapter- 1: An Overview

A) Food Category:

B) Digestive System:

C) Digestion Process:

D) Nerve Regulators:

Chapter 2: The Journey of Food

A) The Appropriation of Food

B) Olfactory Cues

C) Alimentation: From the Mouth to the Stomach

D) The Mouth

E) Mouth to Stomach

F) The Stomach

G) The Small Intestine

H) The Large Intestine or Colon

Chapter 3: Main Energy Components

A. Carbohydrates

B. Protein

C. Fats

Chapter 4: Myths of Nutrition

A) Cholesterol

B) Proteins

C) Dairy Products:

D) Whole Grains

E) Wheat

F) Legumes (Beans, Lentils, Peas, Peanuts, and Soy).

G) Fiber.

H) Salt

I) White Sugar

J) Acid-Base Balance.

K) Vitamins, Minerals, and Phytonutrients.

Chapter 5: Correct Style of Eating

A) Say Goodbye To Compulsive Eating:

B) If You Want To Eat More, Eat Less:

C) Appetite is Not Hunger:

D) Reject Animal Products For Optimal Health:

E) The Optimum Diet:

F) Organic vs. Non-Organic:

G) Portions:

H) Frequency:

I) Fluids

J) Brown Rice

K) Oil

L) Refrigerated food

M) Cooked food

Chapter 6: Correct Food Combinations

A) Food and food Combinations to Avoid:

B) Good Food Combinations:

Chapter 7: Digestive System Disorders

A) Nausea and Vomiting

B) Appendicitis

C) Diarrhea

D) Constipation

Chapter 8: Food Choices for Weight Loss

Chapter- 9: Spiritual Aspects of Eating

A) Spiritual Purpose Towards Eating:

B) Food and spiritual well-being:

C) Eating is a Sacrament.

D) Food and Meditation:

Chapter 10: Summary

References

Postscript

Books Published by The Author

Social Media Channels

Preface

You are what you eat, is the old cliché that you are no doubt familiar with, but have you ever realized just how profound this notion is and applied it in your life? As a culture, we tend to generally accept that some foods are good and some are bad for us but beyond this level of understanding, there is no deeper meaning behind the way we eat.

We eat habitually and not intentionally. We eat without conscious thought as to what this food is doing within our body beyond the momentary taste sensation in the mouth. And all because we have become disconnected from the natural world and where our food comes from.

Most of us take for granted the extreme role food has in our health. Whereas, the research all over, clearly shows us that wrong eating styles are killing us and severely reducing our quality of life.

The fact is; that our diet, inactivity, and stress are the main causes of chronic illnesses. And, most chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, stroke, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's, impotence, blindness, kidney stones, gout, and more are preventable.

You can even reverse some of these diseases, in the early stages, with the appropriate lifestyle changes. You can reduce your risk of many cancers, lose weight, have more energy, and reduce your need for drugs and surgery.

There is no magic formula or pill or quick program that will suddenly cure all your ailments. However, there are simple measures you can implement into your daily life that require some adjustment, commitment, and dedication which will provide lasting results.

Our attitude towards eating is largely limited to taste. Ignorance towards what goes in the digestion process and the lack of will to change affects our health. Once food is ingested, we have little control over it thereafter. It must follow through prescribed process and deliver the outcome, under the control of nerves.

We know that when our system is not working properly, we feel bloated, gassy, and uncomfortable even after a good meal. Because good food can only be good for us if we have good digestion.

The body is treated like a checking account. Deposit calories (like dollars) and withdraw energy. What good is it if the body is fed protein, only to have it putrefy in the gastrointestinal canal? Carbohydrates that ferment in the digestive tract are converted into alcohol and acetic acids. To derive sustenance from foods eaten, they must be digested. They must not rot.

Unfortunately, the media, government, and large corporations have sent so many mixed messages regarding diet and nutrition; most people and even many doctors are confused about the truth. Selection of food (and drugs) in a world that is undergoing rapid scientific and technological change, may often be far from the best.

The efforts in this book are to present what is best for you, in a very simple and structured way; not just saying do this and don’t do that, but explaining things scientifically and logically. Still, it is expected that, in a few places the readers may find bit hard to digest the truths unfolded before them and to implement the same. It is suggested to just start with the simpler suggestions given here - they are aplenty.

The information provided applies to everyone. This is my guide to give you a foundation of information on diet to improve your life. This is not meant as a guide to treat specific diseases without medical care, nor is it a source of specific research data.

The information in this book is my opinion based on cumulative medical data and research I have studied for years from numerous sources and personal experiences. Being a meditator, eating correctly is an essential requirement for higher spiritual practice.

I have been, largely, following the essential dietary discipline past 25 years. I am a 65-year-old person with a sound body, mind, and soul. I am not on any medication or supplements etc. Still, it is suggested not to follow blindly any of the advice given by me here. Please use your discretion and do take advice from doctors.

I hope to convince you through this book, to eat more nutrient-dense, health-promoting foods and less other foods. And that, enough good options are available. Life is all about balance.

To keep the body in good health is a duty, for otherwise we shall not be able to light the lamp of wisdom and keep our mind strong and clear. – Buddha

Introduction

‘My health is supposed to decline as I age’. This is false. Yes, there are natural changes that take place as we age. Your appearance will change, you will lose some athletic ability, and you have to do things a little slower, but you can still have good mental function, be able to stay active, remain disease-free, and live each day of your life.

There are plenty of people in their 90s and even 100s who still exercise, travel, have good mental function, and are free of common chronic diseases. There is no magic fountain of youth or formula leading to immortality.

Physicians can ward off some premature deaths due to disease, with drugs and surgery. But with the lifestyle changes outlined here, you can greatly improve your quality of life.

Genetics do play a large role, but since we are unable to change that for now, no need to dwell much on it. We all know some people who can eat whatever they want and never gain weight or acquire diabetes, while others are very sensitive to small changes in their diet. Genes lay down the foundation of our bodies, but our destiny to experience disease is not predetermined.

Our health is strongly within our own power to control. We will focus here on the environmental factors that are within our control, mainly what and how we eat.

lifestyle is our number one determinant to avoiding disease and living healthily. Also, since everyone is different, listen to your own body and do what makes you feel good. Be conscious of what foods you can tolerate, what makes you feel good, what gives you energy, and do those things.

You cannot reverse the aging process or prevent death, but you can prevent premature death and maintain a high quality of life and health well into the twilight years by adhering to the advice in this book.

Hopefully, you will see that this book is trying to guide you toward those goals.

Before we proceed, let’s just have a look at the way we, the humans with more freedom, eat and live; versus the way animals, with limited freedom, eat and live.

A comparison of eating habits and health between....

The finding is loud and clear. More freedom given to humans has been grossly misused. Obviously, anything in the world can be put into the stomach and probably has. If you name a thing, people in some parts of the world are likely to be eating that.

But that does not mean we are supposed to eat anything, in any way, in any quantity we like. After all, the human digestion system is the same with all, and every system is designed in a certain way. The physiology of the digestion system is such that only foods in compatible combinations can be effectively digested.

It is a simple logic; We will understand the same in detail in this book. It is all science.

Unfortunately, we have somehow come to a point in the human experience, where we no longer intuitively know what is correct for us to eat. Let that sink in for a moment. Why is it that we are the only species on earth to have this problem? This is spiritual disconnection.

There is not a single animal living in its natural environment that is overweight or suffering a chronic illness as a result of its diet. They just know what to eat. They are in touch with the innate intelligence that drives their food choices, and as a result, they thrive.

The concept of humans eating is largely limited to tastes, which can be developed and thus not necessarily the truth. We can notice that sicknesses are on the increase and the human body supposed to be lasting for 200-300 years, is barely