Johnson - The doctors guide to surviving when modern medicine fails the ultimate natural medicine guide to preventing disease and living longer

Copyright 2015 by Scott A. Johnson

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Georgia Morrissey

ISBN: 978-1-63450-052-4

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-63450-053-1

Printed in the United States of America

DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The author provides all information on an as is and as available basis and for informational purposes only. The author makes no representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the information, materials, or products mentioned. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness of the information contained; however, it is not intended to replace any medical advice or to halt proper medical treatment, nor diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease.

Always consult a qualified medical professional before using any dietary supplement, natural product, engaging in physical activity, or modifying your diet; and seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition. Always consult your OB-GYN if you are pregnant or think you may become pregnant before using any dietary supplement, and to ensure you are healthy enough for exercise or any dietary modifications. The information contained in this book is for educational and informational purposes only, and it is not meant to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment in any manner. Never delay or disregard professional medical advice. Use the information solely at your own risk; the author accepts no responsibility for the use thereof. This book is sold with the understanding that neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable for any loss, injury, or harm allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not evaluated the statements contained in this book. The information and materials are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury.

Contents

CHAPTER 7

Introduction to the Best System of Wellness

Of all the wondrous and amazing inventions of man, none equal man himself. The human body is a magnificent interplay of systems, cells, tissues, and organs that all work to maintain homeostasis (the internal bodily process that maintains a relatively constant state). The body was designed to stay in this state. Homeostasis requires a delicate balance between the internal and external environments of the body. Everything that the body encounters both internally and externally can positively or negatively affect homeostasis. The body constantly monitors its internal environment and responds appropriately when conditions deviate from optimal circumstances. That the human body maintains all of these complex systems and processes simultaneously is quite remarkable. For example, the autonomic nervous system continues its duties and responsibilities without any voluntary control from us. It regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, to name just a few functions, without any thought or input from us required. Another extraordinary occurrence is conceptionthe creation of life by two human beings. When one considers all of the processes and conditions that must be met for life to form, it is a miracle that conception occurs so frequently. Despite all of our scientific research and experience with the human body, we have barely begun to understand all its complexities, capabilities, and power.

Unfortunately, this state of homeostasis is constantly under attack and must be maintained by our body while adapting to increasingly strenuous and difficult internal and external environments. The food we take into our body and the environment we subject it to can either facilitate or obstruct homeostasis, and todays world is heavily inclined toward a lack of homeostasis. When homeostasis is disturbed, illness and disease may take place.

Regrettably, to many the modern definition of health is the absence of disease or pain. But health is much more than the absence of adversity; it is a state of optimal spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical wellness. It is a state of oneness that comprises the whole person and all four dimensions of wellness. In fact, the Sanskrit word svasthaoften used to indicate ones current state of healthliterally means standing in ones self or established in ones self, which means a balanced state between mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional health. The natural state of the body is wholeness and health, whereas disease is unnatural and unintended.

So how do we assist our body in its pursuit to remain whole and healthy? Many seek this assistance through modern health care or allopathic medicine. When a state of sickness and disease has set in, many seek treatment that relieves symptoms but ignores the cause. Modern approaches to disease and sickness largely ignore preventive measures. This is a very reactive and unproductive method to maintain homeostasis and optimal wellness. This reactive approach is akin to not performing any preventive maintenance for your vehicle, where you simply ignore the oil changes, tire rotations, and other necessary preventive services and wait for a failure to occur before you take your vehicle to a technician. If this approach were utilized, likely irreparable damage would occur, or at the very least a compounded problem. Vehicle manufacturers would call this neglect and potentially void any warranty that existed on the vehicle. The same applies to your body. You must take a more proactive approach and employ preventive maintenance to maintain optimal wellness. This doesnt mean that you will live your life disease-free, nor that you will avoid illness altogether. But, it does give your body the best chance to maintain homeostasis and achieve the best health you can as an individual. Just as failures can occur in well-maintained vehicles, failures do happen in a well-maintained body.

The saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is an understatement. It may be more accurate to say an ounce of prevention is worth one hundred pounds of cure. Lets look at it from a gardening perspective. A seed has the potential to become a thriving and healthy plant. It requires water, good soil, proper nutrients, and sunshine. Without these things it simply remains a seed, never realizing its full potential. Your body is like the seed. It has the potential to flourish with vitality and optimal health if cared for appropriately. If nutrition, physical activity, protection from harmful chemicals, and management of negative emotions and stress are observed, the body will flourish and reduce the occurrence of disease. Conversely, disease is like a weed, which seems to grow with very little support, and takes nutrients from life that surrounds it. Nevertheless, if you focus on providing healthy food and fuel for your body, reduce and mitigate exposure to harmful chemicals, and participate in regular physical activity, you will be in a state of well-being. Indeed, you can create an internal environment that is hostile and inhospitable to disease, rather than being open and inviting to it.