9 Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick
We spotted this provocative blog post from
lifestyledezine.com, and while the nine “secrets” aren’t really secrets at all,
the underlying theme is sound – biology aside, we have some control over our
well-being. Most of these “secrets” are well known and just one (in my reading
of the literature) is debatable. Here are the nine.
1.
Make
friends a priority. It’s not a
standard recommendation, but the research is clear – there’s a strong
connection between friendships and a healthy immune system. The lifestyledezine article cites studies out
of Harvard, Sweden and Buffalo to fortify the point that individuals with
strong friendships (aka “positive social attachments”) were less likely to
suffer from heart disease, depression and anxiety, and less prone to suffer
memory loss and other cognitive disorders.
2.
Embrace
bacteria. In most circles, “bacteria” remains something of a dirty word,
and that’s probably not the healthiest thing.
The article maintains: “ ‘Good’ germs can improve your metabolism,
enhance your immunity and reduce inflammation,” and then cites a study out of
the University of California, San Diego that found that “the more bacteria you
have on the surface of your skin, the better you combat inflammation.”
3.
Focus on
reducing stress. The lifestyledezine
article highlights three studies (out of Duke, USC and the American
Psychological Assn.) that support what we’ve learned from the popular press: 1.
It’s important to learn relaxation techniques, and the sooner the better (not surprisingly,
the APA study found that stress is a top health concern for high school
students); 2. Stress increases your chance of contracting an infection; and 3.
Exercise can reduce body tension by as much as 20%. And the article offers two more semi-standard
suggestions: laugh often, and eat a diet rich in vegetables (green and raw).
4.
Take more
naps. It’s no secret – we’re a sleep
deprived nation and the more sleep we can garner, the better. Recently a sleep expert offered this tip: if
you’re going to take a nap, make it for 20 minutes or less, or 90 minutes or
more.
5.
Lean on
herbal remedies more than supplements.
As popular as supplements are, and have been for the last decade or two,
they are coming under increasing scrutiny, with experts reminding us that
minerals and nutrients gathered from our food supply – as opposed to synthetic
sources – is the wiser, healthier choice. Adds lifestyledezine.com: “Skip
pre-packaged bottled versions and sip unflavored loose-leaf green tea.”
6.
Eat
garlic. But not in mixed company.
7.
Eat less. I knew that.
8.
Stay pH
balanced. I’ll be honest, as careful
as I am about watching what I eat, I rarely (read: never) think in terms of my
pH balance. The lifestyledezine article says that “when pH levels fall below
[the midpoint], the body suffers from a condition called acidosis, which even
in minor cases can cause fatigue, rapid breathing, stomach problems and
confusion.” No surprise here: most vegetables are alkalizing, balancing the
acidic nature of meats and sugars most common in the American diet.
9.
Detox
regularly. This is the “secret” with
which I take issue. My reading of the literature sees no scientific basis for
this recommendation. Webmd.com quotes Frank Sacks, an epidemiologist at the
Harvard School of Public Health: “There is no basis in human biology that
indicates we need fasting or any other detox formula to detoxify the body
because we have our own internal organs and immune system that take care of
excreting toxins." Webmd.com defines detoxing as follows: “Detoxing is
based on the concept that your body needs help getting rid of unwanted toxins
from contaminants in processed foods and the environment.”
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