“In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” – Tony Robbins
Epigenetics is the cutting edge of the science of genetics. Epigenetics refers to the finding that genetic effects can cross generational lines. We now know that our toxic load can have a bad effect on our unborn children and grandchildren. We frequently encounter toxins in our food, air, water, makeup, cleaning products and even thoughts.
There is no reason to believe that the toxins people were exposed to in the last fifty years had no effect on those born in that time period. In other words people from 1-50 may be suffering the toxic effects from numerous pharmaceutical drugs that were pulled from the market once it was realized they were killing people. That doesn’t even include the infamous DDT pesticide or medical radiation. Don’t forget those who served our country in the armed forces and were subjected to experimental chemical weapons.
All of those toxins absorbed by people over the past 50 years have had the potential to cause mutations to the sperm and the egg that come together to make a baby. The result is increased susceptibility to a laundry list of conditions.
The good news is that just as epigenetics has shown us we are susceptible to the toxic influences of the past, It also lets us know that we have control over how those influences are expressed in present time. The lifestyle choices we make determine whether harmful genes express themselves. We are never static when it comes to the expression of health. We are either moving up the continuum towards optimal health, or moving the other direction toward death. And, we have a choice in the matter. That is why I say, “Don’t worry, Be healthy!”
How?
The logical next question is, “How can I be healthy, especially in a toxic environment?” Here is a partial list of ways to increase your odds of health in an unhealthy world: Eat well, regular exercise, get enough sleep, have regular stress management activities, get rid of the toxic cleaners and toiletries in your house, get out in the sun and walk barefoot on the earth.
For many people it will be a process of continuing education to be able to do these things. The one I want to talk about now is FOOD.
Americans eat more bad food than any other country. Our sugar consumption is outlandishly higher than any other country. We are the kings of the planet when it comes to junk food and fast food consumption. We buy more refined, processed and pasteurized foods out of boxes, cans and bags per capita than any other country on earth.
Once upon a time meat, poultry, eggs and milk were from free ranging animals. Those foods had healthy fats and higher nutrient value than most of today’s antibiotic and hormone ridden animal products. Once upon a time our food crops were not treated with toxic pesticides. They did not have toxins bred into them to discourage weeds and pests. They were not GMO. Foods with labels should be approached with caution.
The good news is that you can still buy, or raise your own relatively healthy food. It may cost more, but we need non-GMO, organic, unprocessed foods to be healthy. Buy the grass-fed beef, wild caught fish and free range chickens. Use healthy fats like coconut oil and lard that can be used for cooking at high heat. Eat coconut oil, olive oil and butter, There is a glut of diet plans, but a couple that make a lot of sense to me are the Paleolithic diet and the ketogenic diet. Both emphasize very low carbohydrate consumption, and more fat than has generally been recommended. The U.S. government has consistently recommended high carbohydrate consumption, up to 60%. The healthiest societies on earth have good fats in their diets. To my knowledge none of them are vegan, or even vegetarian.
The Carbohydrate Curse
Inflammation is at the root of pain and disease. We control inflammation in large part by what we put into our body. Severely limiting carbohydrates, especially sugar, high fructose corn syrup, all processed foods, and artificial sweeteners; and replacing carbs with healthy fats and high quality protein is often all people have to do to combat their chronic inflammation.
Guess what disease is an inflammatory disease? All of them! Notably cancer needs carbohydrates to thrive. New theories are telling us that cancer is a survival mechanism. Cancer cells devour toxins in our body as their food source. We can starve them by not putting toxins in the body. Their favorite toxin is sugar.
The best way to prevent cancer is to avoid carbohydrates except for the complex carbs found in many vegetables and fruits. The carbs can be replace by healthy fats such as free range meats, wild caught fish, coconut oil, butter, organic pastured eggs, avocado and raw nuts. In disease process an ounce of prevention is truly preferable to a pound of cure in the allopathic world of chemotherapy, radiation and removal of tissues.
Ketogenic and Paleolithic diets deprive our cells of glucose. All of your body’s cells are fueled by glucose and this includes cancer cells. Out of all of our cells there is only one that can’t use ketone bodies derived from fats for fuel. That one kind of cell is cancer cells. When you trade carbs for healthy fats you begin to use fat for fuel rather than carbs.
Carbohydrates also raise insulin and leptin levels. Raised insulin and leptin levels promote inflammation and disease. Diabetes is a prime example of this.
Don’t Worry, Be Healthy!
The choice is yours. You can muddle by in survival mode, or you can thrive on your way to optimal health. You can take control from your genes with your lifestyle choices. While you are at it you will be creating a healthier life for future generations.
If this is overwhelming, then let me help you. Sure, I want to adjust you because a nervous system free of interference is healthier. It will make better decision. The issue of health is bigger than the adjustment, though. I can help you find the diet that is right for you. I can help you find out if you need supplements. I can help you learn to exercise in a healthy way.
Take charge of your life! And, if you need help, or do not yet have a chiropractor call me. Please share this newsletter with family and friends. Healthy people make the world a better place.
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