For most of us, we think of GOOD HEALTH and DISEASE as a “state of being.” We believe we experience one or the other at any given time. Although this is a simple way of viewing this, it is entirely inaccurate.
Initially, GOOD HEALTH is the natural “state of being” for the majority of us. We start from a cell that replicates trillions of times and does so with a high degree of specificity and perfection. When random aberrations occur, the body is designed to combat them and remove them in order to prevent disease from overtaking the body.
If GOOD HEALTH is the “natural state of the body,” why has DISEASE (in the form of cancer, diabetes, cardiac and stroke) become so pervasive? Has the body evolved into a “weaker” structure that no longer is capable of naturally maintaining a state of GOOD HEALTH?
It is my opinion we have grossly overlooked and underestimated the harm we have caused ourselves by blindly following a lifestyle of malnutrition designed to PREVENT the body from expressing its innate ability to achieve and maintain GOOD HEALTH.
-
We CHOOSE to ignore the warnings about toxic chemicals, dyes, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, etc… FOUND IN OUR FOODS.
-
We CHOOSE to ignore the heavy metals, microorganisms, residual pharmaceutical drug contaminants, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, petroleum products, etc… FOUND IN OUR WATER.
WHY?
.
We then:
-
CHOOSE to eat fast food and processed products void of adequate nutritional content.
-
CHOOSE to eat refined grains and other sugars that interfere with normal metabolic function.
-
CHOOSE to skip meals depleting our bodies of VITAL NUTRIENTS and INFORMATION that directs healthy genetic expression.
-
CHOOSE to exclude or reduce the quantity of ESSENTIAL VEGETABLES and FRUITS and healthy sources of PROTEINS and QUALITY FATS required for healthy cell development and function.
WHY?
.
We then:
-
CHOOSE to exclude ESSENTIAL EXERCISE necessary to strengthen and improve function of our ORGANS, our SKELETAL BODY and our BRAIN.
-
CHOOSE to avoid creating personal time to positively channel STRESS that physically and emotionally damages as our bodies as it accumulates over time.
-
CHOOSE to drink soda, alcohol, fruit drinks, sport drinks, etc… IN PLACE OF NECESSARY QUANTITIES OF QUALITY WATER.
-
CHOOSE to sacrifice QUALITY SLEEP in favor of playing computer games or watching TV.
WHY?
.
The answers are quite simple!
-
THE CONSUMER IS MORE INTERESTED IN SATISFYING THEIR “WANTS“ THAN THEIR “NEEDS.“
-
THE CONSUMER REFUSES TO BELIEVE THESE CHOICES RESULT IN DISEASE AND DYSFUNCTION.
-
THE CONSUMER REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DECISIONS AND ACTIONS.
-
THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THEIR DESTRUCTIVE LIFESTYLE IS CORRECTABLE WITH THE STROKE OF A MEDICAL DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION PEN.
.
Those CHOOSING GOOD HEALTH can no longer follow this PATH OF SELF DESTRUCTION!
.
All About Healthy Choices 
You took the words right out of my mouth Doctor Jonathan. Thank you for writing this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad to see we share a similar approach to health.
Stay healthy and happy!
LikeLike
Great quote at the end.
I have a question about the bar graph. The 121 calories from chicken is illustrated with an image of a deep-fried drumstick (unhealthy), while skinless white meat cooked another way is generally considered healthy and has been recommended in some other posts on this blog. Would be interesting to know how many of the chicken calories come from deep-fried chicken. Would also be interesting to know how many of the total calories come from deep-fried stuff. A lot of fried potatoes go down in America.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Based on the average American diet, a large percentage of calories from chicken comes from fried and deep fried preparations. For the most part, fried and deep fried are the preparations used in most advertising and marketing. If the advertising dollars weren’t successful, fried would be substituted with other cooking methods. Fried is cheap, quick, tasty and UNHEALTHY. At this time in life, the consumer (for the most part) will trade HEALTHY for taste regardless of the dangers. Fried potatoes are likely the most popular vegetable consumed; a very sad commentary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your blog, its so helpful, and I wish you could teach our whole school!! It would mean the world if you checked out my blog. I’m kind of new here, and some tips and comments could help 🙂 I love your blog! hintstolifeblog.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your kind words. The school is exactly where our children need to be educated on these important topics to prevent them from growing up and following the SAME destructive paths a large percentage of our population currently follows. Many adults are unwilling to accept the important responsibilities required for healthy living.
I look forward to visiting your blog.
LikeLike
Again, you gift for delivering a sobering message, infused with generosity of spirit and empathy and graciousness is a gift we are so blessed to receive…thank you for sharing….your words are not falling on deaf ears 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much. I appreciate you more than you realize. Just one question (and yes, I’m putting you on the spot with well intentioned motives.) What changes have you applied to your life as a result of reading my posts. PLEASE be honest (if you decide not to ignore my question which you have every right to do.) I ask this question because IF you have truly made changes that have impacted the quality of your life, people need to READ IT! These REAL stories (comments) become the inspiration for other readers. My posts provide education, reasons and solutions, however, change usually follows “real life stories.” This is why I pose the question.
Stay healthy and happy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You honor me with this opportunity…I am privileged to contribute in any way I can (dignity aside. Haha). What follows may seem like small changes, and they are, but I know they are transformative steps that are going to see me reaching unimagined heights.
First, based solely on your influence, I am mindful to drink a minimum of 3 glasses of water per day.
I know it’s nowhere close to 8 (my ultimate goal)–but I can’t tell you how easy it is to get through my workday without a proper lunch break (even though we are reminded to do so)—so, not a fan of water, taking time to fill my water bottle just hasn’t been a priority.
I’ve recently heard the expression, “having a camel’s bladder”…it speaks to not taking (precious) time out for a washroom break until one gets home from work. Yep….that’s been me. Obviously, this practice is evidence of a severe work/quality of life imbalance…
And, (forgive the segue) but, to get back to lunch break (well, lack thereof), grabbing a (fast food) burger and fries (pizza, subs, chicken fingers etc.) has been a go-to more times than I care to admit. However, for the past couple weeks, your messages have been just the speedbump that’s motivated me to cut down on fast food—opting to buy/eat groceries instead. That’s not to say that I am following Canada’s Food Guide, not even close. But, increasingly, I think back on your words, and I know that I could be feeling so much better—mentally physically—if I ate/drank better.
Just last night, when my best friend showed up with burger and fries, I succumbed to the urge—however (given my vow to cut down on junk food), he knew enough to by me a small one; and, instead of eating the fries, I put 5 on my burger and satisfied myself with that (I have a weakness for salt). And, I drank 3 glasses of water afterwards.
Also, just today, I told one of my co-workers that I’d take her up on the workout challenge in January (several agencies will be competing in teams). We will be working out for 45 minutes, 3 times per week. I used to work out—and loved it….so long ago…but—having seen a picture of you and your wife on vacation—it reminded me how great it felt to look and feel strong and vibrant and energetic.
Also, I’ve been trying to ignore the niggling discomfort engendered by the thought of how animals (that are used for meat and dairy products) are treated—and what they are consuming. Consequently, your messages are compounding my motivation to seek alternatives—which, complements my focus on appreciating how much I can directly determine increased quality of life. More energy, increased mental acuity, and a need for less (restless, interrupted) sleep will result in me having the inclination and ability to do enjoyable things after work.
Which brings me to my final point. As someone who is highly spiritual—and driven to do my part to make this world a better place—your generosity of spirit, paved for the way for a wonderful connection. Given my recognition that your heart speaks my language, I could easily listen to/understand your holistic approach to health. Your unbelievable encouragement and positive regard—concerning my writing—is a gift that means so much—and you are teaching me/motivating me to maximize a life that is poised to get even better. I want to have the energy to write and share to be greatest extent possible—for as long as possible. You provide the customizable blueprint for the changes—small, and increasing—that will see to that.
And, that is something I cannot thank you for enough…. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sharing your positives and negatives shows honesty and integrity. This is what people must face to be able to continue to make small positive changes toward improved health. Your obvious strong work ethic may be part of your problem. Sacrificing one’s health (lack of necessary water and healthy food choices) because work’s requirements “eat up” essential time places your PERSONAL VALUE below the value of your JOB. You might want to reconsider this hierarchy.
Your work out challenge is another point to consider. If the goal is weight loss, the long time outcome typically fails. If the goal is increased energy, greater structural/mental development and focus (respectively,) greater function, and overall improved HEALTH the success rate for LONG TERM RESULTS increases. This is because these goals are ONGOING and never culminate. If the goal is a number on a scale (and it’s achieved) where is the ongoing motivation? Keeping the reduced number doesn’t outweigh stressful conditions that tend to reproduce old patterns of destructive behavior.
I’m so glad you were willing to express these thoughts. They reveal an ongoing battle within yourself. Create the LONG TERM objectives and REGULARLY check your path and see if it is heading in the right direction. The more you begin valuing YOU, the easier it becomes to achieve the goals you DESERVE!
LikeLike
I love this “no holdbacks” post Doctor Jonathan. It’s about time that we as a society take responsibility for our health and stop blaming food manufacturers, fast food chains and the like for the abysmal state of our overall health. Once we take responsibility for it, we can change it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sometimes attempting to avoid “stepping on eggshells” blurs the meaning of words. I want to make certain (respectfully) that people are clear on responsibilities they must accept to attain/restore and maintain GOOD HEALTH. In general, it is NOT based simply on good luck! It takes work and effort to be healthy. If people aren’t willing to take the time to learn and implement the various components necessary for GOOD HEALTH, how much do they really VALUE their lives? Getting people to see the BIG PICTURE is challenging, but I believe people (in general) are worth the effort on my part.
Wishing you only GOOD HEALTH and much HAPPINESS.
LikeLike
Hi Jonathan, I hope you are doing great. I appreciate your articles. They are always very informative and full of substance. More so, the holistic approach that you’ve taken to educate us, lay people on health issues by stressing on the importance of a wholesome lifestyle is beyond amazing. There are only a handful of doctors who convince us that the ability to maintain a good health, in body and spirit lies in our hands; that it is our choice to be or not to be hale and hearty and that drugs treat not causes but merely symptoms-you’re one of those gems. So thankful to have come across you in the blogosphere.
Have a joyful December and stay in the pink of health, Doc! X
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was a very kind response. I am glad you understand my mission with this blog site. People are not learning the reality about HEALTH and HEALTH CARE. They live under false assumptions that ultimately affect their quality of health and life. Some do not want to hear the truth and would rather rely on a pill to control their outcome. This is certainly their right. There are countless numbers of people, however, that are living under FALSE assumptions. Those people wishing to HEAR the truth and willing to accept responsibility for their health will likely find value in these postings. Hopefully, more and more people decide to be among this group.
Thank you again for your thoughtful comment. Wishing you the best in good health and happiness. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you aren’t tired of my go to line for your post….but really As Always another great informative post….thanks for caring and taking the time to educate all of us out here….Ho HO Ho kat
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never get tired of you, Kat! Loved the recent Full Moon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder what my daily caloric intake would come from. That would be a fun little survey to run on myself!
LikeLiked by 1 person
People are typically surprised.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find it very sad, if so many people in US survive at fried food. I do also see a lot of fried food here in Spain and I don’t understand, how people can eat so much fat/oil, without feeling bad in the body. It is not difficult to create healthy food, it just demands some thoughts about what will be good to serve and with some planning, it is also possible to create good and healthy food for several days, to have easy and healthy food from the freezer for busy days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These foods have addictive qualities even if they make people feel bad. People are not truly happy or satisfied with themselves (in general) if these are the type of foods they eat (unless they are unaware how unhealthy these foods truly are.) I hope my messages help educate and improve the quality of lives for those seeking a better and healthier solution.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really hope so too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent post! Food is not only a source of nutrition but our medicine (preventive health).
LikeLiked by 1 person
…as well as the source of cellular INFORMATION…
LikeLike
[…] via WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU PUT TOXIC CHEMICALS INTO AN UNDERWEIGHT, NORMAL WEIGHT OR OVERWEIGHT MALNUTRITIO… […]
LikeLike