Depleted

In the past few months, I was approached by a few beautiful humans as they inquired about my profession and my services, because they all have SOMETHING out of balance.

As I explained the whole-human approach of Functional Medicine and nutrition, they replied, "I feel fine, except for..., so I don't need that" "I eat a really great diet, so I don't need that," and "If I know anyone that needs that, I'll let them know."

But that created a huge ripple in my consciousness as now I want to ask, "Why would someone think they DIDN'T need it?"

Unfortunately, this thinking is not rare and it tells me that most people still need a much better understanding of health, healing, and the human body that carries us through life.

We have been highjacked into thinking that if there is no symptom, then there is no problem. Or that symptoms are bad so it's best to shut off the alarms and carry-on. Or that nutrition is about weight loss or pants size.

Let's get some clarity.

It is important to recognize that the language of the body is symptoms. Symptoms are subjective measures that let us know where and when the body is attempting to balance or heal. If we ignore symptoms while they are mild, we are likely missing a sign that there is something more significant at play.

One severely inaccurate, and dangerous trap, in evaluating our health is to think that a symptom's origin in one person equals the same origin in another. Or to think that the symptoms shows up where the origin of the issue is located. We are very individual, unique, and rare and even though we can apply physiologic generalities to symptoms, there are infinite variables.

Some of those variables and origins may include genetics, digestion, nerves, immunity, hormones, and inflammation. All of these will factor into nutrients required and the ability to receive and use them.

I guess step one, is to learn a bit about the human body.

And...If you didn't already know...the human body is amazing!!

One of its superpowers is triaging. This means that it will use resources to keep the most vital functions happening first...always. When resources are depleted, it will begin breaking itself down to fulfill these vital-life functions.

Generally speaking, the depletion of resources comes from stressors. Stressors can be a myriad of types, in a complex overlay, and in varying stages. This can range from genetics to toxins to emotional trauma.

If we live a lifestyle that perpetuates stressors and we do not support replenishment and repair, the body loses its inside voice and will begin to yell loudly in the form of a health contrast or a disease. Once in disrepair, it is a more difficult journey back to health compared to one of prevention and lifestyle regulation.

Whether we are ready to acknowledge it or not, much of our lifestyle choices have depleted our bodies from vital nutrients required to deal with stressors. The bad part is that you may not know it, or pay no heed, until the body is in distress. From our medications, booze, and processed foods, to our emotional traumas, are all stressors down the path to depletion of nutrients and to the break down cells.

Eating a great diet and exercising are absolutely important wellness rituals and give the body information that can change the expression of our very code. But have you ever known someone that impeccably incorporated these wellness practices and still ended up with cancer, gastritis, pancreatitis, or a mental illness?

So then, perhaps there is more to the story.

A standard wellness blood chemistry is a nice place to start. All can be done online and via tele-wellth visits.

If we understand the value and the role of monitoring nutrients, perhaps, we can change the momentum and direction of our wellness journey in order to maintain a state of well-being.