Diseases, they’re everywhere; undeniable and prolific to the point that millions will continue to die of them. But where do they come from? In the wake of Ebola, SARS, Bird and Swine Flu and the recent Covid virus, as well as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity, why is it that people who live and eat healthfully hardly ever suffer from these? Do diseases have some strange aversion to healthy people? Or is there a more logical explanation?
The simple truth is that illnesses and diseases are the result of a lifestyle and diet that severely compromises our body’s defenses.
What Is Disease?
The modern era has brought a unique host of problems. About 27.2% of US adults have been diagnosed with multiple chronic diseases, such as arthritis, cancer, coronary heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and so on. Of the population 50 years and older, the number with at least one chronic disease is estimated to increase by 99.5% from 71.522 million in 2020 to 142.66 million by 2050.
At its core, sickness and disease stem from the infringement of physical health principles. They’re typically not caused by a single factor but rather by a combination of various exposures such as chemicals, unhealthy foods, and stressors that can hinder the body's ability to recover.
Basically, our body's always trying to keep things balanced on the inside, by adapting to stress, fighting off infections, and removing toxins. Ideally, it operates in a state of health and well-being, rather than succumbing to disease. Disruption of this balance occurs when harmful substances are introduced, leading to illness. For example, overconsumption of processed food packed with chemicals, unhealthy fats, sugars, and salts can significantly disrupt our internal harmony. While genetics do play a role, they are not the main instigators of disease.
The fact that eight out of ten people are currently dealing with diseases underscores the reality that they’re overlooking essential health factors, resulting in unnecessary suffering.
Why No Cures?
Despite advances in medical science, there is still no cure for common illnesses like the cold or flu, as well as many chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and obesity. The limited success in finding “cures” can be attributed to the medical system's focus on treating symptoms with drugs, rather than preventing the root causes of illness. Prevention would also mean acknowledging potential financial losses from the sales of medications, treatments, and surgeries.
The only true solution to disease involves addressing diet and lifestyle issues that weaken our bodies' natural defenses, factors that most of the public ignore. People confine themselves indoors for work and shut their windows at night, missing out on sunlight and fresh air. They consume unhealthy foods leading to weight gain, neglect exercising, and spend excessive time on phones and computers, resulting in inadequate rest.
These practices diminish our immune system, the internal mechanism that protects us from illness. By prioritizing self-care, we reduce the likelihood of disease gaining a stronghold within our bodies.
Greater Challenges Today
The challenges we face today are far greater than even 100 years ago. Here are some factors to consider:
Air Quality: 100 years ago the air quality was generally better due to lower levels of industrial pollution and fewer vehicles on the road. Today: Exposure to chemicals is widespread, including in consumer products, food additives, and the environment. This leads to a range of health issues, from respiratory problems to endocrine disruptions.
Water Quality: 100 years ago water quality was generally better, with fewer industrial effluents and less pollution from agricultural runoff. Today: Water pollution has worsened, with increased levels of heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants in rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
Soil Contamination: 100 years ago, soil contamination was less of a concern, with fewer chemicals used. Today: Soil contamination is a significant issue, with widespread use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides leading to increased levels of toxins in the environment.
Food Supply: 100 years ago food supply was limited and varied seasonally, but was highly nutritious. Today, due to advancements in agriculture and global trade, we enjoy a abundant and diverse supply of food year-round. But it’s far less nutritious and often adulterated, ultra-processed food.
Sedentary Living: 100 years ago, sedentary living was not a real issue as physical activity was a part of daily life, whether through work, transportation, or leisure activities. Today: Sedentary lifestyles are a modern phenomenon, particularly due to the proliferation of technology, convenience of transportation and a generally more laissez-faire attitude.
Sunshine/Fresh Air: 100 years ago, we didn’t fear the sun and exposure was not a big problem since most everyone had plenty of outdoor time and breathed in enough pure oxygen. Today: There is a fear of the sun which we mitigate with spending increased time indoors and/or slathering on sunscreen that prevents getting enough vitamin D. Lack of outside time also prevents enough fresh air from getting into our lungs.
It is no simple feat to prevent illness in today's world. The abundance of chemicals surrounding us is overwhelming. Simply wearing a T-shirt or using a band-aid containing harmful “forever” chemicals can expose us to health risks. Environmental and digital pollution, contaminated food and water, as well as the presence of chemicals and pharmaceutical drugs, all inundate us to the extent that they can impact our health in significant ways.
However, even in the face of growing challenges, we can never lose hope. It’s not occasional indulgences, unhealthy eating habits, or lazy days that bring about disease. Rather, it’s the consistent lack of focus on prevention that ultimately leads to this condition.
How To Stay Healthy!
Despite experts repeatedly stating during the Covid crisis that we cannot enhance our immunity, this notion is largely misleading. Maintaining healthy habits not only helps prevent illnesses, but also vastly reduces the risk of diseases. Some of these beneficial habits include:
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Regular exercise: Physical activity improves blood flow and circulation, reduces stress, which helps your immune system function. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Get enough sleep, by aiming for 7-9 hours of quality rest each night. While sleeping, your body releases cytokines, proteins that help fight infections and control your stress response.
Manage stress through activities to lower your cortisol levels. Deep breathing, meditation, and listening to calm music help control stress.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Practice good hygiene, such as good sanitary habits and maintaining a clean living environment.
Spend time outdoors in natural sunlight to boost your mood and vitamin D levels.
Manage your weight: Obesity may affect your immunity, so maintaining a healthy body weight will strengthen your immune system. Obesity also raises the risk of chronic illnesses, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which weaken immunity.
You are what you eat and do! Stay on top of bad habits to stay ahead of illness and disease. The effort is worth the abundant life it returns.
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Really simple.