Diseases of Stress
But, you say, I have great genes. My parents lived into their 90s. Or you might say, I’m doomed – my folks had early deaths – cancer and heart attacks. I don’t have a chance. Yes, genetics play a role in disease susceptibility but it’s not as large as you might think. Even though disease-prone genes and a family history of health problems aren’t great omens, the major contributors to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and a host of autoimmune disease can be traced to lifestyle choices and distress.
The impact of stress varies from one person to the next. No question about this. But why? We know that distress launches a chemical assault on our body. But, if we’re in great physical condition, our body has much more energy to deal with the stressors. Are we mentally ready? Do we have a strong social support system of friends and relatives?
When my late wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I had run two marathons, lost 30 pounds, and had an incredible amount of energy. My body’s energy reserves and high immune level kept me healthy during this time. Remember – in the Middle Ages, when an army surrounded a city, blocking off all food supplies and water, defeat was a matter of time.
If Joe Public loses his job but has saved enough to live on for a few years, he is more likely to avoid the physical effects of this stressor than if he lives paycheck to paycheck. If Ms. Lonely, abused in childhood, carries her secret inside her for years or decades, the distress will weaken her immune system. If Bill-the-hamburger-and-fries-lover weighs in at 100 pounds overweight, he’s much more likely to have a heart attack in his later years than if he had a low BMI.
Isn’t it ironic that people often change their lifestyle after they’ve had a serious health issue, not before it happens? Witness former President Bill Clinton. After he had a heart attack and heart by-pass surgery in 2004, Clinton switched from eating his favorite foods – fries, donuts, steaks, hamburgers, chicken enchiladas, and barbecue – to a vegan diet, one with no meat or dairy. He’s lost weight and feels energized. But, remember, this dietary change came after surgeons had to spend hours repairing his plaque-clogged coronary arteries.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather change my habits before disease rears its ugly head. LifeNuts are fit, physically, nutritionally, mentally, emotionally and socially.