We have all heard the saying “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” This phrase is attributed to Aristotle some 2300 years ago. Recently I read an article published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The article was titled “Brain-body Communication in Health and Disease.” It went on to describe a Bi-Directional Communications approach between the brain on all organ systems including cardiovascular, hematopoiesis, metabolism, immune and somatosensorial. It looked at how molecules such as peptides, proteins, cytokines help to regulate and express neuropeptides and neurotransmitters throughout our body and that the essential pathways rely on micronutrients and minerals to complete glycolysis and the KREB CYCLE, which modules our immune and nervous system. The article went on to describe the blurring borders of life and the profound interdependence of our body systems.
What is so wonderful to experience is that medicine, maybe finally joining us in what we have been doing for decades. You might have heard of Orthomolecular Medicine, Functional Medicine or Integrative Medicine, these were and are terms used to describe treating a system of care. In the traditional ALLOPATHIC world of medicine, “wholistic medicine” was viewed as a simplistic model of health care, implying that the practitioners that did not understand the value of “specializations.” But there is value in both the systemic approach, and the specialization approach for they balance each other out and must interact to be complete. This, I CALL INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE the BEST OF ALL WORLDS.
The Krebs Cycle, as every student of biology and biochemistry can attest, is the backbone of life. It is a blessing and the most challenging piece of study. It is a complex pathway that takes place in the mitochondria and produces numerous molecules for life, one essential one is ATP (adenine triphosphatase). This is the energy molecule that leads to so many other pathways in the body. It is a well understood complex pathway that relies on essential minerals and vitamins to function. The mitochondria, often referred to as the “powerhouse” organelle is called this because of the KREBS CYCLE.
So, this leads us back to fundamental health practices: you are what you eat.
Eat colorful plants, take in plant protein and if you desire, animal protein. Limit your animal protein to 25% of your overall protein intake. Enjoy complex carbohydrates and hydrate. Limit processed and sugary foods/drinks so that your vascular system remains fluid. EXERCISE and STRETCH OFTEN. Your exercise could be extensive, or a 20 minute walk a day, however, movement is important.
For your mind and spiritual walk, know that the mind holds our narratives, if the narratives of your mind are limiting your openness and potential, let that narrative go, dismantle it, and certainly do not attach to it, own it, or believe it. Your true self, your growing light, is your energy, and your energy is the potential for continued growth and expansion. BE STILL in your LIGHT and let it ILLUMINATE your path as you continue to awaken to your own growth. Only embrace the narrative that supports your own growth and light. Open up to your own self compassion and compassion for all will flow bi-directionally to your physical, emotional and spiritual systems.
