Idiot-Proof Your Health
Sometimes being healthy starts by not being an idiot. It may be harsh words, but any health care provider will tell you that those words ring true. By definition, idiot means foolish person. So don’t be a fool or be fooled. With all the false marketing material and the food and health industries vying for your last dollar, it’s easy to get confused, exhausted and feel like giving up altogether.
Good health is dependent upon good decisions, discipline and some (not so) common sense. Don’t fall for the gimmicks. Instead, pay attention and take charge. Here are a few ways you can begin to idiot-proof your health and get on a path to wellness.
Strengthen Relationships
Healthy relationships are attainable when both parties are focusing on a common goal. Even though you may not agree on everything, there has to be a foundation of core beliefs that act as the glue that bonds. This goes for romantic relationships, as well as family and friends. Only a fool would believe that complaining about differences would somehow bring people together. Find common ground and stop trying to make people a carbon copy of you and your beliefs. There’s an old saying that “To find a friend, one must be a friend.” As you journey through life, first seek to be that person you seek in others.
Heal Your Gut
Most people believe that the brain controls the body, and to some extent they’re right. In recent years, the gut has gained more attention, even being referred to as the second brain. The enteric nervous system, which is found in the gut, controls your mood and your general sense of well-being. If you’re good to your guts, they’ll be good to you. Avoid things like artificial sweeteners, processed carbohydrates and fried foods. Just like it would be foolish to put contaminated fuel in your car, it’s foolish to fuel your body with the wrong types of substances. Opt instead for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and high fiber. You’ll find a revived energy and elevated mood. A healthier gut makes for a happier person.
Eat In The Moment
We’ve all heard about living in the moment so that we can enjoy our lives more thoroughly. The same holds true for eating in the moment. In 2020, the buzz term “zombie eating” came to describe what happens when we eat in front of the television or computer. Just like it sounds, zombie eating is about shoveling the food in and paying little to no attention to the flavor, texture or even the quantity of food. This causes people to eat more, packing on the pounds. Because there is little to no memory of the experience, the food offers little satisfaction and leads to continual snacking. Next time, focus on flavor and savor every bite.
Tune Into Your Body’s Channel
Emergency rooms are filled with people who vaguely remembered having chest pain a few days before the heart attack. Likewise, many newly diabetics say things like, “Now that you mention it, I have been urinating much more often.” Signs and symptoms of chronic disease rarely come on suddenly. Only the idiots choose to ignore things like chest pain, frequent urination or changes in bowel habits. Be the better, wiser person and stay tuned to your body’s channel, paying attention to the signals it’s sending you. Be sure to also schedule a full physical examination every year. Diseases caught early are often reversed, so be your own advocate and be proactive.
Judy Gaman is the CEO of Executive Medicine of Texas and a health and wellness expert that can be heard on the "Stay Young America!" podcast. She is an award-winning author and speaker, with her latest book "Love, Life and Lucille" being an Amazon No. 1 bestseller.
