An Interview with Camilla Nichols, M.S.
From your perspective as a holistic health professional, is there a “fountain of youth”?
Not that we know of yet, but there are regions in the world that historically have the largest numbers of centenarians. These vibrant people not only live long lives, but healthy ones as well. These regions are called “Blue Zones” and are Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California. What an amazing thing!
That’s five different countries with five different diets, environments, and socio-economic factors, among other things.
What could they all possibly have in common? Interestingly enough, there seems to be a pattern of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual similarities.
How does that guide your work?
Holistic health practitioners like me always consider our client’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual status and view disease is an indication that something is out of balance. Emotional pain, for example, can manifest into an ulcer or depression.
Disease always has symptoms. They start small but get louder as we ignore them. When too loud, people typically go to the doctor and get a pill – they do not change their lifestyle or whatever it may be that they were doing or experiencing that caused the issue. Western medicine typically offers treatments to address the symptoms, rather than the cause. Healing the disease requires finding the cause, which is why holistic treatment plans involve not just food but attention to emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions and life patterns. It also assesses a person’s “support” circles. Healing involves addressing each of these in order to achieve maximum health, which includes balance in one’s life.
Often, some careful observations and trial-and-error are involved because each of us is unique, with unique biochemistry and circumstances. What works for one of us, whether a diet or meditation, may not work for another. Discovering what works for us to find our balance is one of the keys to a long, healthy life. You get to be your own detective.
“Blue Zone” centenarians provide us with some guidance, right?
They do and here’s a summary.
Physical. Stay active and keep moving. The majority, but not all, of “Blue Zone” areas encourage physical activity and walking. Naps are also good.
Diet. Eat to live, don’t live to eat, and make the last meal of the day in the late afternoon or early evening the smallest one. Include fish, especially salmon. Eat red meat rarely and in small quantities. Have vegetables, especially squash, greens, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and yams and sea vegetables like seaweed. Eat pickled and fermented foods; legumes like lentils, chickpeas, beans; and fruit like papaya, melons, bananas, and avocado. Dairy is OK, but from goat or sheep’s milk and cheese rather than from cow. Drink green tea and coffee. Most also consume alcohol and indulge in a daily treat like ice cream. Many also smoke. Moderation in all foods and drinks is the norm.
Emotional/Mental. “Blue Zone” centenarians have family and community support and participate in a variety of social activities.
Spiritual. The majority participate in a church, have religious practices or were individually spiritual. They have a sense of
purpose, are grateful, live a simple life, and love.
Do they offer advice for the rest of us?
They do. They say:
• Keep going
• Keep it simple and live for the day
• Have no fear, relax and take it easy
• Enjoy, smile and be helpful
• Talk to people
• Stay active (walk, garden, shop)
• Treasure your memories
• A spot of whiskey on occasion helps
• Because, after all, age is only a number
Camilla Nichols, M.S., is an author, lecturer and holistic health practitioner who works with individuals, couples and groups.
She is online at www.simplethings.world, and can be reached by phone at 727-534-1406 or by email at info@simplethings.world.