The human body is resilient and constantly analyzing and repairing itself. Internal systems evolved over time; but, the fundamental aspects are still the same as that of our ancestors thousands of years ago. Back then, day to day survival was key and basic protective mechanisms were in place to face the challenges. To counter an outside stress like a saber toothed tiger, we developed the fight or flight response.
To counter an invasive threat like a cut to the skin or ingesting a toxic substance, we developed a robust immune system whose initial reaction to the threat was inflammation. Over time, our world became safer; but, those responses to stress and inflammation remained in place. The irony is that in addition to protecting us, they have also turned against us. Our body does not differentiate between facing a saber toothed tiger and the daily stresses of modern life. That car that cut you off in your commute this morning is a tiger as far as your body is concerned. When that happened, your fight or flight response kicked in, raising your heart rate and blood pressure and initiated a variety of other protective mechanisms. These events happen every day; but, it doesn’t end there.
Many of us have long term stressors to deal with such as the effects of divorce, loss of loved ones or problems at work. These are also seen as tigers to your body; so, chronic stress can invoke an unrelenting fight or flight reaction. The same is true for our response to a direct invasive threat. We have seen how a simple skin cut results in heat and redness that quickly develop in the area. That same vigilance is also present in your gut. Many of the foods that we eat in the Standard American Diet cause systemic inflammation which affects every part of your body, especially your heart and brain. This causes the whole spectrum of modern illnesses including heart disease, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.
Your primary care physician can give you pills to treat many of these conditions; but, you can help by addressing the underlying processes that caused them in the first place. Countering the effects of stress and inflammation are the cornerstones to achieving wellness. Employing a program of the 3 M’s (MIND, MEDICINE, & MOVEMENT) is a powerful weapon in the war against stress and inflammation.
