The aging process described by Deshaun Hammer in the 1950’s are manifesting at earlier ages. Metabolic Syndrome – high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, cancer and heart disease have drastically increased in the last 20 years. Many observational studies support the theory that these ill effects are exerted by free radicals upon the cell – lipid membrane, DNA and other protein structures which form the underlying basis for degenerative disease. Free radical damage creates inflammation which further pushes the cascading effects of disease.
The logical conclusion is what creates free radical damage? Here’s a short list of stimuli that turn on pro-inflammatory genes.
1. High glycemic index foods that create insulin secretion: once activated in the gut, immune cells crave sugar, use up serotonin, creating a serotonin deficiency in the brain which results in sugar blues/ “crashes” and more craving of sugar.
2. Chronic and acute stressful fight or flight thinking activates these same immune supporting cells in the gut and cortisol an anti-inflammatory hormone begins to act like insulin, creating blood sugar imbalances. When cortisol secretion becomes chronic, receptor sites on cells become cortisol resistant: more uncontrolled inflammation.
3. Skipping meals creates cortisol release (see above)
4. Excess athletic training at high heart rates creates cortisol imbalance (see above) , inflammation and many other health issues.
5. Chronic activation (repetitive) of the innate immunity appears to be the underlying basis of a wide host of degenerative diseases: high blood pressure, type II diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, all inflammatory conditions (arthritis, colitis, sinusitis, thyroiditis…anything followed by “itis”), auto-immune (shogrens syndrome, lupus, SLE) and many more..
Research shows that in some instances pathogens (disease causing microbes) or industrial pollutants can be present. However in the majority of cases no specific exposure or pathogen can be found. We know this as B.E.S.T. practitioners too well. The key to understanding chronic immune activation is current, recent and distant unresolved emotional experiences. Some which can be remembered and others which can not be consciously recalled, yet nevertheless act as a constant autopilot for inappropriate immune physiology. Once the experience is balanced and the person learns not to resist or attempt to control life and embrace it as it is, the mind and the body become more appropriate, no longer responding in fight/flight and true healing becomes a natural by product of normal homeostasis.
In Health & Service,
Dr. Roland Phillips BA, BS, D.C.