INDEX

Page references for sidebars are italicized.

A

acanthosis nigricans, 32, 221

Achor, Shawn, 191

adenosine triphosphate (ATP)/adenosine, 122, 126, 145, 165, 166, 221

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), 121, 221

adiponectin, 146, 221

adrenaline, 126, 127, 137, 145, 147, 167, 221

aerobic exercise/metabolism, 221

anaerobic exercise/metabolism vs., 165–66, 166, 169–71, 170

calories burned and, 165

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease and, 173

cognition and, 177

fat burning and, 166, 170

lifestyle and, 84

METs and, 161, 162

varied workouts and, 172, 184

weight loss and, 164

aging

attitude about, 11

cognition and, 20, 177–78

cortisol and, 19

exercise and, 178, 179

hormones and, 146

ketones and, 186

meditation and, 145–46

mindfulness and, 145

phytonutrients and, 74

sleep and, 124

stress and, 144

telomeres and, 19–20

yoga and, 143, 144, 144–46

alignment/posture exercises, 182–83

allergies, 4, 37, 42–43, 49–50, 58

alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), 78, 85, 94, 94, 104–5, 106, 221

Alzheimer’s disease, 221

coconut oil and, 101

death (mortality) and, 24

gut bacteria (flora) and, 48

ketones and, 186

LPS and, 41

meditation and, 149

turmeric and, 112

amino acids, 221

arginine/L-arginine, 102, 103–4

exercise and, 168, 169

gut and, 37

protein and, 229

as resource, 2

in specific foods, 60, 115, 168, 169

tryptophan/L-tryptophan, 47, 48, 105, 231

anabolic hormones, 173, 221

anaerobic exercise/metabolism, 165, 166, 166, 170, 170–71, 221, 226, 230

animal foods/products. See also specific types of

in Africans’/African-American diets, 38

eliminating from diet, 55–58

GMOs and, 70, 71

as inflammation source, 8

leaky gut and, 49

in patient cases, 53, 54

protein and, 65

saturated fats and, 91, 93, 230

as unhealthful, 63, 71, 87, 106

antioxidants, 187, 221. See also specific types of

arthritis, x, 32, 110, 111–12, 112, 140. See also specific types of

artificial colorings and/or flavorings, 66, 70

artificial sweeteners, 67–69, 68, 69, 70, 72

asanas, 141, 142, 148, 152, 221

atherosclerosis/atherosclerotic plaque, 221

coconut oil and, 101

endothelial dysfunction and, 27

high cholesterol and, 30

lifestyle and, 84

saturated fats and, 92, 98–99

turmeric and, 113

atrophy, 149, 221

auditory learning, 149, 221

autism, 41, 48, 222

autoimmune disease(s), 222. See also specific diseases

body imbalance and, x

childhood nutrition and, 30

cortisol and, 19

gut bacteria/microbiome and, 37, 43–44

increase in, 3, 24, 50

milk and, 63

treatment for, 49

autonomic nervous system, 15, 16, 46, 126, 154, 222, 228, 230

autophagy, 187, 188

avocados, 100–101, 106, 107

B

beans

amino acids and, 168, 169

butyrate production and, 88

calcium in, 8, 60

canned, 67, 67

carbohydrates and, 79–80

as healthful, 88, 89

as low-calorie dense food, 82, 83, 88

protein in, 8, 82

Bedi, Kiran, 155

beta brain waves, 134, 222

blood pressure. See also hypertension (high blood pressure)

conditioning and, 172

epinephrine and, 224

eustress and, 167

hydration to maintain, 118

norepinephrine and, 228

PNS or SNS and, 15, 20, 46, 167

body composition/body fat, 173–75, 174, 175, 176, 178, 185, 188, 222, 228. See also percentage body fat; specific types of body fat

body mass index (BMI), 25, 30–31, 133, 147, 148, 222

bone health, 60, 61, 62, 64, 179–80

brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), 177, 222

breast cancer

body fat/hormones and, 174

death (mortality) and, 24

exercise and, 160, 180

sleep and, 133

specific foods and, 105, 112, 113

stress and, 145

weight and, 31

yoga and, 147

breathing

COPD and, 150, 223

exercise and, 170, 181

gut-brain axis and, 46

as mind/body technique, 141, 145, 149, 157

as prescription, 157

recharging and, 196

sleep apnea and, 125, 132

yoga and, 141, 141–42, 144, 146, 150, 153, 154, 155, 229

brown adipose fat (BAT), 176

butter/butter alternatives, 58, 64, 83, 91

butyrate, 39, 80–81, 88

C

calcium

beans and/or greens and, 8, 62

bone health and, 62

caffeine and, 62

dairy vs. non-dairy consumption and, 59, 60–61, 61, 62, 64–65

high-sodium/high-protein diets and, 60

prostate cancer and, 62

vegetables and, 77

vitamin D and, 61

calories, 222

calorie (caloric) density, 81–83, 82, 83, 100, 102, 104, 222

counting, 88

dehydration/drinking water and, 119, 120

exercise and, 164–65, 165, 181

fasting and, 185, 186–87, 187

increased consumption of, 185

kilocalorie, 164, 226

sleep and, 130, 131

walnuts and, 103

cancer. See also specific types of cancer

body imbalance and, x

butyrate and, in legumes, 81

carcinogens, 56, 113, 222, 229

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease and, 185

death from, 24, 24

diet/nutrition and, 30

environmental insults and, 7

exercise and, 160, 163, 174, 180

fasting and, 187

genetics and, 7

increase in, 3

optimism and, 190

probiotics and, 51

SCFAs and, 39

sleep and, 127, 133–34

specific foods and, 56, 56, 58, 62–63, 76, 110, 112, 113, 114, 115

weight and, 31

canned foods, 67, 67, 76

carbohydrates, 222

complex/simple, 79–80, 87, 88

diabetes and, 26

diet plans and, 79, 87, 88

exercise and, 168

refined, as unhealthy, 92–93

saturated fats vs., 92–93

specific foods and, 79–80, 115

workouts and, 168

cardiac catheterization, 54, 222

cardiac C-reactive protein, 29, 222

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease, 222

ALA and, 104–5

body imbalance and, x

cholesterol and, 30

death from, 24, 24, 29

diabetes and, 25, 26

diet/nutrition and, 29, 30, 48, 55, 84, 98

drugs and, 4, 29

exercise and, 160, 161, 163, 173, 174

fats (dietary) and, 92, 93, 97, 98, 101

genetics and, 7

increase in, 3, 114

inflammation and, 29–30

lifestyle changes and, 84, 147–48

meditation and, 147, 154

obesity/weight and, 31, 32, 185

omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids and, 93, 94, 94, 95

optimism and, 190

in patient case, 23, 54

plaque and, 26–27, 28, 29

sedentary lifestyle and, 163

sleep and, 130, 132, 133

sodium (salt) and, 67

specific foods and, 55, 56, 57, 59, 65, 74, 75, 76, 77, 84–85, 98, 99, 101, 103, 112, 115, 115

stress and, 19, 147

TMAO and, 40

yoga and, 144, 147–48

cardiovascular system, 15, 172, 222

carotenoids, 74, 100, 222

casein, 63, 222

celiac disease, 42–43, 222

cerebrospinal fluid, 136, 223

cheese/cheese alternatives, 64, 65, 91

chia seeds, 61, 104, 105, 105, 228

chicken/poultry, 56–57, 65, 72, 83

children’s diet, 106–7

cholesterol (body). See also HDL; LDL

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease and, 27, 30

diet/nutrition and, 53, 87

drugs/medicines and, 4, 29, 53, 83, 230

exercise and, 160, 178

fasting and, 187, 188

fats (dietary) and, 92, 100

genetics and, 7

obesity/overweightness and, 31, 53

in patient cases, 23, 53, 139

plant sterols and, 229

plaque and, 28

specific foods and, 78, 81, 100–101, 102, 102, 103, 105, 106, 113, 114, 115

yoga and, 140, 144, 148

cholesterol (dietary), 55, 56, 57, 72, 92

chromosomes, 19, 223, 231

cinnamon, 109, 114, 114

circadian rhythm, 122, 125, 134, 135, 223

Clostridium difficile colitis (C. diff), 35, 223

coconut oil, 101–2

cognition, 223

aging and, 20, 177–78

Alzheimer’s disease/turmeric and, 112

DHEA and, 146

exercise and, 177–78

fasting and, 188

galactose in milk and, 59

neurocognitive disorder, 48, 227

prefrontal cortex and, 229

sleep and, 129

stress and, 19

yoga and, 143

collagen, 20, 223

colon cancer, 24, 31, 62, 112, 113, 160, 223

colorectal cancer, 180, 223

constipation, x, 118, 118, 148, 223, 226

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), 150, 223

corn oil, 93, 96

coronary arteries, 26–27, 29, 223

coronary calcium score, 29, 223

cortisol, 223

aging and, 19

body fat and, 174, 175

body imbalance and, 15–17

exercise and, 173

gut-brain axis and, 47

insulin resistance and, 19

meditation and, 191

mindfulness and, 149

negative emotions and, 193

PNS and, 21

rosemary and, 113

sleep and, 122, 126, 127, 131

stress and, 131, 175

TM and, 154

weight and, 18

yoga to decrease, 144, 145, 147

C-reactive protein (CRP)/cardiac C-reactive protein, 29, 132, 222, 223

curcumin, 111, 112

cytokines, 40, 133, 174, 223, 225

D

dairy products. See also specific types of

alternatives to, 64, 69

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease and, 84

death (mortality) and, 100

eliminating, 58–61

fracture risk and, 84

lactose and, 50–51

leaky gut and, 49

osteoporosis and, 62

in patient case, 53

as prevalent, 64

protein and, 64–65

death (mortality)

bone loss and, 179–80

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease and, 24, 29, 76, 94, 147

causes of (in US), 24, 24

diet and, 57, 59, 76, 85, 94, 98, 100

distress and, 14

exercise and, 160, 161, 163

overweightness/obesity and, 31

saturated fats and, 101

sleep and, lack of, 130, 131

specific foods and, 59, 77, 85, 100

TM and, 154

weight and, 31

yoga and, 144

dementia, 125, 145, 178, 223. See also Alzheimer’s disease

depression

antidepressants and, 4, 47, 47, 47–48, 125, 159–60, 177

body imbalance and, x

chronic stress/inflammation and, 19, 193

as common, 176

exercise and, 159–60, 163, 176, 177, 179

illnesses and, 125

meditation to relieve, 148

negative emotions and, 193

neurotransmitters and, 177

optimism and, 190

in patient case, 159–60

sedentary lifestyle and, 163

seeds and, 105

sleep disorders and, 122, 125

water contributing to, lack of, 118

detoxification, 2, 117, 136, 223

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), 144, 146, 223

diabetes (and/or prediabetes), 223, 229

about, 25–26, 26

death from, 24

exercise and, 174

fasting and, 188

fats (dietary) and, 98

heart disease and, 25

increase in, 114

ketosis and, 87

LPS and, 40

omega-3 fatty acid and, 93

in patient cases, 23–24, 53

sedentary lifestyle and, 163

sleep and, lack of, 122, 129–30

specific foods and, 51, 68, 69, 77

stress and, 18, 19

type 1 and/or type 2 diabetes, 26, 44, 160, 163, 231

weight and, 25, 26, 31

yoga and, 147

diet/nutrition. See also specific diets; specific foods or food groups

balance and, 107, 107

body fat and, 174

cholesterol and, 30

chronic stress and, 18, 21

diet plan failures, 86–88

diseases/conditions and, 25, 48, 49, 84

exercise and, 167–69, 179

fasting, 185–88, 186, 187

gut bacteria and, 38–39, 39, 41, 45, 45, 52

inflammation and, 8

LDL and, 30

leaky gut triggers, 49

LPS and, 40

microbiota and, 49

obesity and, 31, 32–33

in patient cases, 23, 24, 53–54

poor food quality, 11, 25, 30

recharging and, 195, 196

weight loss and, 179

distress, 13, 14, 14, 21, 123, 167, 195, 223

diverticulosis, 54, 223

docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 92, 94, 228

drugs/medicines/pills/prescriptions

antibiotics, 35, 37, 38, 40, 48, 50, 71

antidepressants, 4, 47, 47, 47–48, 125, 159–60, 177

complementary healing vs., xi–xii

gut bacteria and, 38, 40

homeostasis and, 4

ibuprofen, 111, 112

lifestyle changes vs., 84

as “magic,” 4, 4

meat in diet and, 58

neurotransmitters and, 177

omega-3 fatty acid and, 93

in patient cases, 23–24, 35, 53–54

side effects and, xi, 4, 7, 11, 112, 124, 159, 180

for sleep disorders, 10

statins/cholesterol-lowering, 4, 29, 53, 230

stress caused by, 1

dysbiosis, 45, 55, 56, 69, 223

E

E. coli, 223

eggs, 40, 55–57, 56, 57, 60, 64, 69, 69–70, 72

eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 92, 94, 228

electronic devices

filter for, 134

multitasking and, 156, 157

recharging your life and, 195, 196

sedentary lifestyle and, 164,

sleep and, 134–35, 135, 137, 196

stress and, 2, 21, 21, 195

elementary prevention, 11, 224

endocrine gland/endocrine system, 14, 126, 224, 229

endometrial/endometrial cancer, 31, 180, 224

endorphins, 137, 176–77, 181, 224

endothelial function/dysfunction, 27, 29, 55, 56, 132, 144, 147

endothelium, 27, 147, 224

enteric nervous system, 46

environmental stressors/triggers, 8, 11, 43, 44–45, 45, 48, 49, 125, 125

epinephrine, 15, 17, 18, 221, 224

essential fatty acids (EFAs), 91, 224

estrogen/phytoestrogen, 74, 105, 147, 174, 229

eustress, 13–14, 14, 21, 167, 195, 224

exercise. See also under specific conditions/diseases; specific types of exercises

amount of, 160–62

benefits of/as important, 2, 83, 88, 160

biochemistry of, 165–67, 166

body composition/body fat and, 173–75, 174, 175, 176

cognition and, 177–78

conditioning and, 172

diet/nutrition and, 167–69, 179

hormones and, 168, 173

METs and, 162

mood and, 176–77

novel ways for, 178

optimism and, 191

overreaching syndrome/overtraining and, 168–69, 170

in patient cases, 23, 159–60, 175

recharging and, 195

sedentary lifestyle and, 25, 88, 161–64, 164, 175

starting to exercise, 181–84, 182–83, 184

tracking, 181–84

weight loss and, 164–65, 165, 175

F

fatigue/exhaustion

body imbalance and, x

chronic stress and, 18, 19

gluten sensitivity and, 43

overreaching and, 170

sleep disorders and, 122, 127, 132

yoga/exercise and, to decrease, 139, 144, 145, 179

fatty acids, 92, 99, 102, 186, 186. See also specific types of

fermentation/fermented foods, 51, 63, 80, 85–86, 224, 230

fiber

gut bugs and, 39, 39

in Mediterranean diet, 84

polyunsaturated fats and, 93

recommended, in patient case, 54

refined foods and, 66, 80

resistant starches and, 230

satiety and, 82

SCFAs and, 40, 45

in shakes, 79

in specific foods, 76, 78, 80, 81, 88, 102, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 115

TMAO and, 55

vagus nerve and, 46

Firmicutes and/or Prevotella, 38–39, 39, 224

fish, 56, 57, 65, 94, 97, 105

flavonoids, 74, 224

flaxseeds/flaxseed oil, 96, 96, 97, 104, 105, 107, 228

fractures (of the bone), 59, 59–60, 60, 61, 62, 64, 84, 179

free radicals, 19, 56, 56, 114, 127, 187, 224

fresh and/or homemade foods, 66–67, 69–70, 72, 77, 88–89

fructose, 66, 70, 76, 224

fruits and vegetables, 74, 75, 75–77, 76, 77, 78, 84–85, 88, 89, 100

functional medicine, viii, 11, 224

G

galactose, 59, 62, 63, 224

gardening, as exercise, 180

garlic, 115, 116

general adaptation syndrome, 14, 224

genes (DNA), 224

autism and, 48

cells and, 19

chromosomes and, 19, 223

fasting and, 187

free radicals and, 127

genetic insult, illness and, 7

genome, 36, 37, 224, 227

GMOs (genetically modified organisms), 11, 70, 71, 224

gut-brain axis and, 47

health destiny and, ix, 11

leaky gut and, 45

microbiome and, 36, 36

optimism and, 190

germ-free hosts, 47–48, 224

ghrelin, 130, 131, 224

glucose (blood sugar), 224

adiponectin and, 221

body’s use of, 185, 186, 186

brown adipose fat and, 176

carbohydrates and, 79–80, 222

diabetes and, 223, 231

exercise and, 160, 165, 166, 170, 178

fasting and, 187

fructose and, 224

glycemic index and, 225

glycogenolysis and, 225

lactose and, 226

metabolic fitness and, 227

pancreas and, 26

in patient case, 24

polycystic ovary syndrome and, 229

sedentary lifestyle and, 150, 163

sleep and, 129–30, 136

SNS and, 16

specific foods and, 68, 114

weight and, 31

yoga and, 146, 147, 152

glutathione, 128, 128, 225

gluten, 7, 42–43, 49, 63, 222

glycemic index, 79–80, 225

glycogenolysis, 15, 225

growth hormone, 126, 136, 144, 146, 173

gut bacteria (flora)

diet/nutrition and, 33, 38–39, 39, 52

eliminating foods and, 55

fasting and, 187

Firmicutes/Prevotella, 38–39, 39

gut-brain axis, 46–49, 47, 49, 225

gut motility, 46

hygiene hypothesis, 49–50, 52, 52

illness and, 37, 37

as important, 35

leaky gut, 41–45, 42, 44, 45, 49, 52, 55, 56, 58, 59, 63

metabolites of, 40–41, 48, 52

microbiome/microbiota, 36, 36–38, 38, 47–49, 50, 52, 227

in patient case, 35

probiotics and, 50–52

resources and, 2

short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and, 39–40, 45, 47, 49, 52, 230

weight gain and, 37

H

HDL, 225

fats (dietary) and, 98–99, 101

genetics and, 7

as good cholesterol, 30

trans fats as lowering, 97

walnuts and, 103

yoga and, 148

heterocyclic amines (HCAs), 56, 56, 113, 225

high cholesterol

about, 30

butyrate and, in legumes, 81

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease and, 30

drugs/medications and, 4

low-carb diets and, 87

obesity and, 31

in patient case, 53

saturated fats and, 92

high-fructose corn syrup, 66, 70

high-intensity workouts, 153, 175, 178

hippocampus, 131, 177, 225

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), 128, 225

homeostasis, 1–4, 169, 195, 225

hormones, 225. See also specific types of

exercise and, 168, 173

gut-brain axis and, 47

sleep and, 126, 129, 136

stress and, 1, 19

stress incontinence and, 152

visceral (abdominal) fat and, 174

yoga and, 146–47

hydrogenated oils, 7, 64, 70, 97, 101, 225

hygiene hypothesis, 49–50, 225

hypertension (high blood pressure), 225

in Americans, 31, 32

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease and, 29, 31–32

drugs/medication and, 3, 4

eggs/red meat and, 55, 56

endothelium and, 27

exercise and, 174

fasting and, 187, 188

interval training and, 178

meditation and, 147

obesity and, 31

in patient cases, 23–24, 53

plaque and, 27, 28

processed foods and, 65, 67

sedentary lifestyle and, 163

sleep and, 122, 130, 132, 133

sodium (salt) in diet and, 4, 55, 56, 65, 67, 116

stress and, 18, 18

TM and, 154

visceral (abdominal) fat and, 174

yoga and, 144, 146, 147, 148

hypertrophy, 125, 225

I

IL-6, 178, 225

imbalance (of the body), 4, 13, 18, 45, 95

immune system, 225

aging and, 20

cortisol and, 18

exercise and, 167, 168, 170, 173

leaky gut and, 43

microbiome and, 38

milk and, 59

SCFAs and, 49

sleep and, 128, 133

stress and, x

inflammation, 225

blood sugar and, 26

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease and, 29–30

cortisol and, 15–17

diet/nutrition and, 8

homeostasis and, 4

plant-based diet to reduce, 30

stress and, x, 14, 18–19, 20, 21, 21

inflammatory bowel disease, x, 3, 37, 50, 51, 149, 225

insomnia, 10, 19, 168, 170, 225

insulin/insulin resistance, 225, 226

body fat and, 26, 174, 175

chronic stress and, 19

cortisol and, 19

fasting and, 188, 188

leaky gut and, 44

LPS and, 40

pancreas and, 26

polycystic ovary syndrome and, 229

receptors and, 26

sedentary lifestyle and, 163

sleep and, 129, 130

specific foods and, 26, 55, 56, 68, 69, 81, 114

type 1 or type 2 diabetes and, 26, 231

yoga and, 144, 147, 152

insults, environmental/genetic, x, 7, 15, 19, 21, 95, 231

interstitial space, 136, 226

intestinal permeability, 41, 43, 45, 226

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), 10, 148, 226

isometric/isotonic exercises, 142, 171–72, 172, 226

J

joint issues, 3–4, 11, 32, 43, 225. See also arthritis

juices and shakes, 78–79

K

kale, as superfood, 78, 97

ketosis, 87, 186, 226

kidney cancer/kidney issues, 24, 31, 45, 61, 62, 87

kilocalorie, 164, 226

L

lactic acid, 85, 166–67, 169, 170, 221, 226

lactose/lactose intolerance, 50–51, 63, 226

LDL, 226

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease and, 29

fats (dietary) and, 97, 98–99, 101

genetics and, 7

omega-6 fatty acids and, 95

in patient case, 23

plaque formation and, 30

specific foods and, 103, 113, 115

yoga and, 148

legumes, 67, 80–81, 81, 82, 83, 88, 100, 103, 229

leptin, 88, 130, 131, 226

lifestyle changes/choices, 84, 84, 88, 141, 147–48, 174, 175, 190

lignans, 105, 106, 226

linoleic acids (LAs), 94, 95, 98, 226

lipolysis, 15, 226

lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 40, 45, 55, 56, 226

liver cancer/liver issues, 31, 32, 53, 63

lung cancer/lung issues, 3, 20, 24, 31, 180. See also COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

lupus, 3, 44, 226

M

macrophages, 15, 42, 226

macular degeneration, 78, 226

malabsorption, 43, 50, 51, 226

mammillary bodies, 132, 227

maximum predicted heart rate (MPHR), 170, 227

meat

calcium and, 60, 65

death (mortality) and, 100

eliminating from diet, 55, 57, 57–58, 83, 196

ketosis and, 87

low-carb diets and, 87

metabolites and, 40, 52

mortality risk and, 100

plant-based diet vs., 85

protein and, 65

red meat, 49, 55–57, 56, 57, 60, 72

saturated fats and, 91

SCFAs and, 40

stress and, x

studies about, 85, 103

in Western diet, 85

meditation

amount of, 156, 157

cardiovascular health and, 147

exercise and, 191

glucose (blood sugar) and, 152

memory and, 149

as mind/body technique, 141, 145

mood and, 148

optimism and, 191

recharging and, 195

resources and, 2, 3

Transcendental Meditation (TM), 143, 154

yoga and, 141, 142–43, 146, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 231

Mediterranean diet, 84, 85, 96, 98, 99–100, 100, 102, 105

melatonin, 125, 126, 133–34, 135, 227, 229

metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs), 161, 162, 180, 227

metabolic fitness/issues, 122, 127, 139, 163, 165, 187, 227

metabolic processes, 224, 226

metabolic rate, 176, 179

metabolic syndrome, 18, 129

metabolism, 227

adiponectin and, 221

aging and, 20

dehydration and, 119

endocrine and, 224

exercise and, 160, 166, 169, 170, 171, 172

fasting and, 187

hormones and, 146

lactic acid and, 226

metabolites and, 40

sleep and, 129, 132, 133

type 1 diabetes and, 231

visceral (abdominal) fat and, 174

yoga and, 147, 150

microbiome/microbiota, 36, 36–38, 38, 47–49, 50, 52, 227

milk, 58–59, 59, 62–63, 64, 65, 72, 91

mind-body connection, 139–40, 141

mindfulness, 141, 142, 145, 148–49, 155–56, 227

mitochondria, 145, 172, 176, 227

monounsaturated fats (MUFAs), 91, 92, 96, 98–100, 101, 103, 104, 227

mood

acupuncture and, 11

exercise and, 167, 168, 176–77

gut bacteria (flora) and, 35

neurotransmitters and, 159–60

optimism and, 189

play and, 181

serotonin and, 47

sleep and, 122, 135, 137

yoga and, 144, 146, 148

multiple sclerosis, x, 44, 227

multitasking, 155–57, 156, 157, 195

muscle fatigue/soreness, 102, 166, 167, 168, 170, 170

myelin sheaths, 30, 227

myocardial infarction (MI), 85, 154, 227

N

National Institutes of Health, 36

natural killer cells, 15, 227

nerve conduction, 30, 227

neurocognitive disorder, 48, 227

neurodegenerative conditions, 125, 227. See also specific types of

neuroplasticity, 177, 228

neuroprotective, 110, 228

neurotoxins, 136, 228

neurotransmitters, 15, 47, 48, 159–60, 176, 177, 228

nitrates, 56, 56

nitric oxide (NO), 163, 228

nonsense syllables, 131, 228

norepinephrine, 15, 17, 18, 167, 177, 228

nuts and seeds, 102–7, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107

O

obesity, 228

BMI and, 25, 30–31, 222

body imbalance and, 3

diet/nutrition and, 31, 69, 88

diseases and, 26, 31–33

environmental triggers and, 32, 45

fasting and, 187

hydration and, 119

increasing, 185

microbiota and, 37, 39 in patient case, 23–24

prevention and, 4

sedentary lifestyle and, 25, 163

sleep and, lack of, 129, 130

oils (dietary), 96, 96, 100, 107. See also specific types of

olive oil, 96, 98, 99, 99, 100, 103, 107, 227

omega-3 fatty acid(s), 228

amounts of, 95, 96

benefits of, 2, 78, 93–94

blood vessel narrowing and, 95

breakdown and, 92

as essential fatty acid, 91

fermentation and, 85

sources of, 97

in specific foods, 57, 78, 96, 96, 102, 105

omega-6 fatty acid(s), 92, 93, 94–96, 98, 101, 102, 226

optimism, 189–93, 190

osteoarthritis, 24, 171, 179, 228

osteoporosis, 62, 179–80

ovarian cancer, 62

overreaching syndrome/overtraining, 168–69, 170, 228

overweightness

BMI and, 25, 222, 228

calories and, 185

death/illness and, 31

diet/nutrition and, 33, 83, 87

fasting and, 185

in patient cases, 53, 139

sedentary lifestyle and, 25, 31, 32, 33

sleep apnea and, 132

oxidative stress, 228

chronic stress and, 18

diseases and, 7, 112

distress as trigger for, 14

exercise and, 168

fasting and, 188

free radicals and, 19

MUFAs and, 98

phytonutrients to aid against, 74

sleep and, 127, 132

specific foods and, 56, 59, 59, 63, 76, 102, 102, 110

yoga to decrease, 145

P

packaged foods, 66, 70, 88, 89, 93

palm oil, 101

pancreatic cancer, 24, 228

parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), 15, 16, 17, 46, 127, 142, 154, 167, 195, 228

Parkinson’s disease, 125, 228

pasteurization, 58, 65, 228

percentage body fat, 31, 173, 175, 178, 179, 222, 228

phosphatidylcholine, 40, 228

photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), 134, 228

phytoestrogen/estrogen, 74, 105, 147, 174, 229

phytonutrients, 2, 74, 110, 111, 229

pineal gland, 134, 229

plant-based diet/lifestyle as beneficial, 8, 83, 84, 84–85

calcium and, 61

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease and, 30, 59

children and, 106–7

dairy and, 64, 72

microbiota and, 49

omega-3 fatty acids and, 94, 103

in patient cases, 24, 54

as prescription, 52

protein and, 65

SCFAs and, 40

plant sterols, 64, 74, 102, 102, 106, 229

plaque, 229

coronary calcium score and, 223

diseases and, 26, 27–29, 28, 30, 31, 112, 114, 221, 227

endothelium and, 27, 147

exercise and, 163

formation of, 28

LDL and, 226

linoleic acid and, 95

oil and, 102

plant-based diet and, 84

polyunsaturated fats and, 99

specific foods and, 102, 105, 113, 114, 115

statins and, 29

TMAO and, 55, 56, 231

platelet aggregation/platelets, 27, 95, 115, 163, 229

play, as exercise, 181, 184, 196

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 56, 229

polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 147, 229

polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), 92, 93, 95, 98–99, 101, 102, 229

positive psychology, 192–93

positron emission tomography (PET) scans, 176, 229

pranyama breathing, 141, 141, 142, 229

prefrontal cortex, 149, 229

preservatives, 25, 55, 66, 67, 69, 229

probiotics, 40, 48, 50–52, 85, 229

processed foods. See also specific types of

carbohydrates and, 79

eliminating, 52, 65–67, 69, 72, 82, 83, 196

gut-brain axis and, 49

leaky gut and, 49

plant-based diet vs., 65

stress and, x, 3, 11

as unhealthful, 70–71, 107

unsaturated fats and, 93

in Western/American diet, 85, 86–87

prostate cancer, 31, 62, 74, 104, 112, 113, 180

protein (body), 128, 136, 145, 168, 174, 221, 229. See also specific types of

protein (dietary)

amount of, 64–65

calcium absorption and, 60

dairy replacement and, 59, 65

diets and, 45, 87, 88

exercise and, 168

in plant foods, 8, 74, 78, 80, 82, 104, 105, 115

SCFAs and, 40

tryptophan and, 47, 48

psychomotor performance, 128–29, 229

R

receptors, 26, 176, 229

recharging, 195–96

refined foods, 66, 70, 77, 79, 80, 92, 93

REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, 123, 124, 131, 230

resistance exercise, 171–72, 172, 173, 184, 188, 230

resistant starches, 80, 81, 230

resveratrol, 74, 230

rheumatoid arthritis, viii, x, 3, 6–7, 44, 51, 171, 230

rosemary, 110, 111, 113

S

saponins, 115, 230

saturated fat(s), 230

about, 91–93

breakdown and, 92

diseases and, 7, 98

drugs/medicines and, 4

as environmental trigger, 7

HDL/LDL and, 98–99

historical use of, 101

MUFAs vs., 98

obesity and, 31

specific foods and, 55, 56, 65, 101, 102, 103

as unhealthful, 70, 93

sedentary lifestyle (“couch potato”), 7, 25, 32–33, 161–64, 164

serotonin, 47, 47, 48, 177, 230

short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), 39–40, 45, 47, 49, 52, 80, 230

sivasana, 154, 230

skin cancer, 112

sleep

aging and, 20, 124, 124

amount of, 123, 123, 124, 137

as antioxidant, 127–28

appetite and, 130, 131

blue light and, 134, 134–35, 135, 137

cancer and, 133–34

circadian rhythm and, 122, 125, 134, 223

cortisol and, 126, 127, 131

exercise and, 137, 167, 168

hormones and, 146

illness recovery and, 127

as important, 2

insomnia, 10, 19, 168, 170, 225

lack of, 2, 10, 121, 122–23, 127–28, 130, 136

learning & detoxification and, 136–37

melatonin and, 125, 126, 133–34, 135

memory and, 131–32

recharging and, 195, 196

REM sleep, 123, 124, 131, 230

serotonin and, 47

sleep apnea, 23–24, 125, 132–33, 133, 230

sleep debt, 123, 125, 125–27, 126, 127, 128–30, 129, 131–32, 133–34

sleep fragmentation, 124, 230

sleep hygiene, 137

sleep latency, 124, 230

stages of, 123–26

stress/stress hormones and, 18, 19, 21, 126–27, 127, 145, 147

teens and, 135, 135

tryptophan and, 47

yoga and, 143

smoking, 7, 27, 28, 45, 84, 126

soda/diet soda

avoiding, 120

complex carbohydrates vs., 80

as convenient/habit about, 32, 33, 86–87, 119

as dehydrating, 119, 119, 120

diabetes and, 68

sleep and, 125

weight gain and, 68, 69, 88

sodium (salt), 4, 31, 55, 60, 65, 66, 67, 67, 116

spices or herbs, 109–10, 116, 116. See also specific spices or herbs

statins, 4, 29, 53, 230

stress. See also distress; eustress; specific causes of; specific diseases/issues

about, x

acute, 17, 145, 147

adapting to/changing perception of, 14, 144–45

autonomic nervous system and, 15, 16

body fat and, 175

breathing technique and, 142

chronic, 17–21, 18, 19, 20, 21

cortisol and, 131, 175

diet/nutrition and, 18, 21

as environmental trigger, 45

exercise and, 167, 175

gut-brain axis and, 46, 47

homeostasis (balance) and, 1–2, 3, 4

hydration and, 118–19

meditation and, 145–46

mind/body techniques for, 141

mindfulness and, 148–49

minimizing, 54

optimism and, 189, 190

recharging and, 195

sleep and, 147

SNS and, 17, 46, 145, 147

yoga to decrease, 143, 144, 144–45, 149, 149

stretching and balance exercise, 179

stroke, 230

butyrate and, in legumes, 81

death from, 24, 24

exercise and, 160, 163

obesity and, 32

sleep and, lack of, 130, 132

TM and, 154

stroke volume, 172, 230

subconscious, 46, 230

subcutaneous fat, 174, 230

sugar in diet, 8, 26, 67–70, 68, 72

sunlight, x, 2, 61, 122, 134

swimming, 171

sympathetic nervous system (SNS), 230

about, 15, 16

exercise and, 167

gut-brain axis and, 46

recharging and, 195

sleep and, 126, 127

stress and, 17, 46, 145, 147

TM and, 154

sympathetic overdrive, 136, 141, 167, 193, 231

T

Tabata, 178

T cells, 42, 128, 231

telomeres, 19–20, 85, 231

testosterone, 147, 173, 174, 180

TNF (TNF-alpha), 178, 231

toxins, 3, 11, 83, 120, 160, 231. See also specific types of

trans fats, 4, 70, 93, 97–100, 101, 231

triglycerides, 231

fasting and, 186, 187

fats (dietary) and, 97, 98

glucose and, 186

omega-3 fatty acids and, 93, 94

in patient case, 23

specific foods and, 101, 114, 115

yoga and, 148

trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), 55, 56, 231

tryptophan, 47, 48, 105, 231

turmeric, 111, 111–13, 112, 116

U

underweightness, 25

unsaturated fats, 92, 93, 102, 231

urine/urinary issues, 35, 60, 61, 118, 120, 149, 152

V

vagus nerve, 46, 47, 231

vegetarian diet, 8, 40, 55, 60, 84, 143

visceral (abdominal) fat, 18, 146, 174, 175, 187, 188, 231

vitamin(s)

complex carbohydrates and, 88

D, 59, 61, 62

fermentation and, 85

in fermented foods, 85

in fruits or vegetables, 61, 74, 77, 78, 100

gut and, 37

K, 60, 62

in nuts or seeds, 104, 105, 106

Vogel, Robert, 99

W

walking, 181–84, 196

water/hydration, 83, 88, 117–20, 118, 119, 120, 168

weight. See also specific weight issues

body mass index (BMI) and, 25

chronic stress and, 19

cortisol and, 18, 18

fasting and, 187

gardening and, 180

illness and, 25

microbiota and, 37

in New York City, as an example, 10

in patient cases, 23–24

retailers/vanity sizing and, 32

sedentary lifestyle and, 163

sleep and, 130, 131, 133

yoga and, 144, 146

weight gain, 79, 86, 100, 105, 118, 119, 136

weight loss

coconut oil and, 102

diabetes and, 26

diet plans and, 87, 88

drinking water and, 119

exercise and, 143, 160, 164–65, 175, 179

fasting and, 188

hormone balance and, 164

hydration and, 119, 164

in patient case, 175

sleep and, 122, 132, 164

whole foods and, 89

yoga and, 143

Western/American diet, 39, 64, 85, 96, 103

whole foods, 44, 52, 77, 78, 79, 86, 88, 93

whole grains

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease and, 84, 85

as healthful, 49, 79, 80, 88, 89

in patient cases, 24, 54

refined vs., 66

World Health Organization (WHO), 75, 176, 191, 231

Y

yoga

about, 141, 141–42

aging and, 144, 144–46

alignment/posture and, 149–52, 151

amount of, 157

as balance exercise, 179

benefits of, 143, 144

bone loss prevention and, 180

as calming exercise, 142

cardiovascular (coronary artery/heart) disease and, 147–48

community programs and, 154–55

high-intensity workouts vs., 175

history of, 143

hormone balance and, 146–47

isometric exercise and, 171, 172

learning & memory and, 149, 149

mood and, 148–49

in patient case, 139–40

pelvic floor and, 152

recharging and, 195

as resource, 3

techniques for, 141

types of, 152–54, 153

yoga nidra, 154, 154, 156, 231

yogurt, 50–51, 63, 64, 65, 69