Why Can't I Relax? (Part 1 of 2)

The human body was designed to heal itself and, among its many talents, the human brain was crafted to calm itself. The first point is illustrated by the intricately fashioned immune system which, unless interfered with, protects us from harmful fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The second point is demonstrated by the complexity of the organ systems involved in triggering the cascade and reabsorption of neurotransmitters and hormones.

Why then, you might wonder, does my body, which is supposed to heal itself, ever feel achy, congested, or run down? Additionally, if my brain is constructed to calm itself, why do I have all this anxiety?

This article will explore the role of internal communication involving the body; specifically, the immune system, and ways to sharpen it after it goes off track. The second article (Part 2) will address the role of the mind and spirit in facilitating relaxation. Below we will touch on the following:

·?????? Internal communication

·?????? Physical illness

·?????? Physical distress

·?????? The role of simple carbohydrates

Let’s dig in.

Internal communication within the immune system. Can we agree that a keyboard is intended to deliver messages to the inner workings of your tablet and/or laptop?? When the keyboard is wireless, it requires one kind of connection and, if wired, another. When messages don’t get through (the screen shows gibberish, blank, or displays something else that doesn’t follow our commands), among the things we check are the WiFi, Bluetooth, and/or physical cable connections in an effort to diagnose the source of the problem so we can then address the issue.

When we feel physically ill, it is difficult to relax because our body is at war. At this point I’ll address the immune system and what interferes with its ability to defend the body from attack by viruses, fungi, and unfriendly bacteria.

Physical distress may be because of a strained, torn, or broken ligament, muscle, or bone or by a ?compromised organ system. To restore the body’s natural state of self-healing we need to understand what may be distracting it from fulfilling this wonderful wellness potential. The bottom line is that we get in our own way by distracting with sugar intake, avoiding the vitamins and minerals that facilitate healing and failing to recharge (sleep restfully).

There are important reasons to eat simple carbohydrates and even straight glucose; that is, for one living with Diabetes Type 1 (if accidentally injected with too much insulin, for example). The purpose of this essay is to stimulate your own research, and to encourage you to actively seek clarification when speaking with your primary healthcare provider. Note: before ever changing your lifestyle to incorporate or omit supplements, foods, exercise etc., you must speak with your trusted doctor who is well-informed about your unique chemistry through lab reports and physical examination. Only a professional who has physically examined your body and bloodwork deserves to have an opinion about how to keep YOUR mind and body safe.

Analyzing the role of honey or juice. If either is poured onto the laptop or tablet keyboard, how effective would striking the keys be at delivering the coded messages to the motherboard? Not very, I can assure you. Eating too much sugar (in the form of simple carbohydrates i.e. donuts, cookies, cake) delivers the same interference regarding the internal communication of the immune system as honey or juice on a keyboard to the motherboard. Simply stated: sugar depresses the immune system. Your body offers flags when it needs help; that is, when it wants you to get out of your own way.

The connections. What if the WiFi, Bluetooth, and cable connections are fine? We delve deeper to get to the source of the issue. (Note: Modern society interferes with this by offering liquids and pills O-T-C that treat symptoms and flags rather than root causes).

Takeaway points:

1.???? Pick up on clues from your body that you are under physical attack (i.e. itchy eyes, tickle in the throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches – particularly lower back) and cut out sugar and simple carbs until symptoms abate. (Note: if you live with Diabetes Type 1, this does not pertain to you).

2.???? Always check with your wellness provider about whatever you learn online or through friends, magazines, TV etc., before incorporating products advertised to boost the immune system.

a.????? There are indeed helpful herbs and supplements out there, but what works for one might be harmful for another.

b.???? Your own clinical professional (nurse/ doctor) is familiar with your unique chemistry and can advise regarding incorporating herbs, supplements, and/or O-T-C products into your daily routine.

You deserve to be healthy, happy, energetic and joyful. Here’s to your healing journey and success along your sacred path.?? ~ Dr. Nancy Iankowitz DNP, RN, FNP

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