The Biggest Conspiracy Theory In Health.
There’s a conspiracy theory infiltrating our society and gaining momentum at an alarming rate. I see examples of it every day and shake my head each time. It’s a bipartisan concept; somehow, both the left and the right agree to propagate this one to the masses. And while some conspiracy theories are actually interesting and inspire critical thinking, this one is just a flat-out lie. A total rewriting of our basic human physiology.
What is this concept that I think is so deleterious to the human psyche and well-being? That humans are dependent on external products to be healthy. A couple of recent examples that come to mind: “Your hormones are crashing,” “Your cells are aging,” and “How your collagen powder is harming your health.”
Every day, we are peddled stories that instill a sense of fear at our most basic level of survival. That somehow, our body is inherently unwell and we need external commodities to correct it. We become convinced that our health lies in the next greatest gadget, gizmo, pharmaceutical, or supplement. There seems to be a spin on everything these days to get you to buy, buy, buy, to try, try, try the latest pharmaceutical, supplement, or in-home health hack.
If what bleeds, reads, then so is its equal: what fear compels, sells. Tapping into the human instinct of survival through fear creates a great marketing strategy. However, this tactic comes at a high price: the total disempowerment of an individual in taking charge of their health. And the mistaken belief that we are somehow broken, doomed, or unable to handle what external stressors come our way.
Please don’t misunderstand me: I do think we live in a world that throws a lot of toxins our way. I filter my water; I use non-toxic pans; I am conscious of where my food comes from, etc. I mitigate basic risks and try to align with supporting my body in basic ways. While I appreciate information and education, I do not appreciate a sense of panic that can come alongside “health news” these days. I certainly consume some external products for myself or prescribe to my patients; however, I use strategic interventions to encourage the body’s vitality and return to health from a place of resiliency - not fear.
There is a message I think is undersold and not propagated enough: the inherent resilience of our own human bodies. The innate capacity to self-correct, handle stress, and return to homeostasis. It’s a concept that won’t sell anything: your body is a walking miracle. The coordination of the trillions of your cells; the ability of your liver to handle and process toxins; the capacity of your GI system to break down and assimilate food; the lungs’ conversion of oxygen into carbon dioxide; a cut that heals… the list is truly never-ending. While things can certainly go wrong in the body, there is certainly a whole lot that goes right most of the time. If fear is a powerful incentive, I would say gratitude is just as potent in creating a healthy growing medium.
But wait… there’s more! For the cost of $0 and a lifetime warranty, basic health interventions are free and accessible to you right now. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! The latest research in longevity has shown that quality sleep, consistent movement, eating fiber and whole foods, and maintaining a sense of purpose and connection are the biggest movers for a long health span. These can all be yours at the incredible price of $0 per month, with financing available. None of these sound like something you can bottle up and sell, but they sure do sound like something in your control.
Don’t let fear become your relationship with your body. Feel empowered in your own health. Employ simple strategies consistently for best outcomes. And recognize the resilient walking miracle that you are.
