Chapter 8: STRESS VS. TOXIC LOAD
One of the most confusing aspects of health these days is the sheer volume of information. Furthering the dismay is the fact that information sources often conflict with one another. Coffee is good for you because it is a mood stabilizer, but too much caffeine can lead to insomnia and stomach problems. Alcohol, especially red wine, has proven health benefits, but too much can lead to a myriad of health issues. Do you see where I am going with this?
Unfortunately, the lens of intended design would not approve of either coffee or alcohol. From the strictest, very black and white viewpoint, neither of these beverages was designed to be consumed by the human body. However, I personally believe that the harmful effects of both of these beverages, along with other stress-relieving activities can fall into the category of “healthy when used correctly”.
Consider this: The Guinness Book of World Records lists Jeanne Louise Calment as the oldest person to have lived at 122 years 164 days at the time of her death. Born in France, Calmet drank a bottle of red wine with her dinner every night and smoked one cigarette. Do you find this counterintuitive? If there is a “secret ingredient” to health and longevity it is finding a way to relieve stress. Stress is the only cause of disease. Not germs, not genetics. The only time the body falls ill is when it is under a stress that it cannot adapt to. Find a way to get rid of stress by exercising, meditating, reading, having a glass of wine, whatever it takes to unwind. Even if that means smoking one cigarette every night I believe that the good outweighs the bad.
As long as the stress-relieving effects of the activity outweigh the toxic load that it puts on the body I would put it into the healthy category. The question then becomes-how do I know if I am reaching the point where the toxic load is exceeding the beneficial effects? This is where your Innate Intelligence becomes very valuable. When you are listening to your body it will give you subtle clues.
All things in moderation, it is really that simple. Everything can be dangerous when abused; even things that are generally considered healthy, like water or exercise. I remember watching a story on the news when I was 12 years old where a man died from drinking too much water. If I remember correctly he had drunk 2-3 gallons in one day after being stranded in the desert for a number of days. Yes, this is a rare instance, but it emphasizes the point quite well, things are not always so black and white where health is concerned.
You may be wondering what Chiropractic has to do with stress, and the answer there is quite simple: EVERYTHING. Your spine and your nervous system together form a neuro-sensory organ that receives, funnels, and adapts to stress. In simplest terms, when your spine if functioning properly you are able to handle stress easier. When your spine is subluxated (misaligned) it is more difficult for the body to adapt to the stress it encounters. You can learn more about the value of Chiropractic by clicking here.