Dogs and humans weigh in
When I look at the average weight of people in our area, and other areas I visit, I am astounded at how many more people are overweight. The level of obesity and pudgy bellies today is unprecedented. Then I look at dogs. For the most part, dogs maintain a pretty healthy weight. But more and more, I am now seeing obese dogs too! Is there a relationship?
When dogs are fed their native diets, they don't get fat. They are energetic, they resist many of the common diseases animals are plagued with today, and live happy, healthy lives. If fed properly, you can feed them an excess amount of food, and they will eat what they need and leave the rest untouched. We can learn from them.
What is our native diet? An article came out recently that there was a shortage of Velveeta cheese due to increased demand in January. I'm sorry, but that is sad! That certainly is not our native diet. Whole grains, fresh vegetables, pasture-raised meats, unadultered fresh milk, fresh picked fruit - now that is our native diet. That is what feeds our body and provides strength, stamina, clear thinking and proper weight.
But unfortunately, like us, dogs are being fed more and more processed foods and not surprisingly, they are suffering human ailments like obesity, cancer, thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and many more conditions as well! Is there a correlation?
I think there is. My dogs eat their native diet - fresh meat. We avoid kibble, with few exceptions. It's fun to watch their vitality and it is comforting to know they are free from disease.
We recently acquired another dog. Extremely overweight, unmotivated to do anything, sleeps all day, and barely slugs around. She has been fed processed foods for her whole life, and she is riddled with ailments. Kibble has always been left out for her and her appetite has been excessive.
Since we've started to feed her fresh meat and vegetables like we do our other dogs, she is coming alive. She is more active, there is a sparkle in her eye, she is showing curiosity when we take walks (at the onset, she only walked straight ahead, not sniffing at anything in the forest!). What a change in her in just a couple of months. And, of course, she is losing weight.
Food is not the only reason for weight gain in humans. Disruption or imbalance in the delicate hormonal interactions, blood sugar imbalances, mineral and other nutrient deficiencies (yes, you can be overweight and malnourished at the same time), inactivity, and excesses of the wrong foods can contribute to weight gain.
Of the different metabolic disturbances that contribute as well, there are things you can do to switch the mechanism in your favor. Learn more by attending our upcoming health class, Solutions to WHY You Gain Weight, Wednesday, Jan. 29 7 p.m. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.
Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health-care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic.
Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.