.png){kind=small}
1. Do your research. The truth is that there are whole institutions that want to keep YOU submissive and ignorant. Information is purposefully kept from us, from me, from you, as consumers in the health industry. Millions of dollars are spent yearly to convince people that bad health is not due to bad food. Work on gettin informed & take the initiative to seek your own information when it comes to your diet and overall physical needs. ("Eat Fat, Get Thin" - Mark Hyman / End of Overeating - David Kessler / The China Study - Campbell / "What the Health" documentary)
2. Identify the habits that are hindering you rather than helping you physically.
+Sleep: poor sleep habits have been linked to immune system suppression. According to the sleep foundation, one of the reasons is that when we sleep our bodies produce cytokines which are a type of protein that protects us against infection and inflammation. However, naps (if they’re not too long or frequent) can help reverse some of the negative effects of sleep deprivation
+Stress: When we are experiencing stress, our body releases cortisol and adrenaline while we enter into fight or flight mode. Cortisol suppresses our immune system when it’s released. Not because it’s a bad hormone but because our body has finite energy. In order to make sure we are in fight and flight mode when we encounter a threatening situation, it has to temporarily shut down the immune system. When we succumb to chronic stress, the suppression of our immune system is no longer temporary. Thus, we’re more susceptible to infections, cardiovascular complications and high levels of cholesterol.
Of course, there are times where we just can’t avoid the stressors. In these instances, it’s important that we are active in incorporating habits into our schedules that can help mitigate the stress that we cannot eliminate. Exercise has been a proven method to combat stress. According to Harvard Medical School, "Exercise, not only deepens breathing but also helps relieve muscle tension” and it doesn’t have to be CrossFit or bodybuilding, stretching and brisk walks are definitely effective. Beyond exercise, taking periodical and restorative breaks as well as ranting to a friend can also be helpful!
3. Pause before judgmental responses to body image. Reflect before you make judgments about body image, either about yourself or others. First, consider the narratives around weight that we are all familiar with. The concept of weight stigma can potentially have negative impacts on people who are overweight. These effects may contribute to the excess health risks for people who are on the bigger side.
Christina & Bárbara
Comments