Most people do not realize how good their body should feel. Lack of energy, stomach issues, and pain have been accepted as a normal part of life. I am here to tell you that it is not normal to live with these symptoms.
Do a little exercise and ask yourself what aches and pains you have accepted as normal. Write down two or three things that stand out to you. If nothing comes to mind, keep reading and try this exercise again when you are done with the article.
If you have a formal diagnosis, this question can be especially important. It is easy to believe that the diagnosis means your symptoms will be part of your permanent story. But, this does not always have to be the case.
We need to begin by looking at the bothersome symptoms you may face. They may tell us something about how your body performs basic human functions. When one of your basic functions is not optimal, it can lead to unpleasant symptoms.
Let's consider what these symptoms may be trying to tell you.
Issues to Address
- Hydration - Can you urinate without discomfort? Is your urine a “normal” color? If you are unsure, check out the following chart.
- Digestion - Can you take in food and process it normally? Do you have regular pain-free bowel movements of proper consistency? Check out the following chart if you are unsure if your stool is “normal” or not.
- Nutrients - Are you giving your body the nutrients that it needs? Are you eating foods that lead to inflammation within the body? Do most of your meals consist of nutrient-dense foods? If you are unsure, let's talk about it at your next appointment.
- Stress management - How often do you feel stressed? What is your tolerance for handling small, medium, and large stressors? If you are unsure, consider how long it takes to calm down if an officer turns his lights on behind you to stop someone else. If you feel the impact hours later, your body is probably not handling stress well.
- Sleep - How many hours do you sleep each night? 7-9? Do you have trouble falling asleep? Do you have trouble staying asleep? If you are not sleeping well, it can drastically impact your immune system and ability to heal. Keep a sleep journal and read some of my blogs on sleep quality.
- Movement - Are you able to move without discomfort? Do you recover after movement? It is natural to be able to move without pain; if you can not there may be an underlying issue. Schedule a time for us to look into your pain; don't let it linger.
- Energy - Is your energy stable throughout the day? Are you more energized or sleepy after you eat a meal? Both could signify that your body is not regulating your blood sugar well. Other metabolic issues can impact energy levels as well.
- Sexual function - For females of reproductive age, do you have a regular and symptom-free cycle? Or do you experience pain, cramping, headaches, or other uncomfortable symptoms at times in your cycle? For males, can you get and maintain an erection? If not, this could indicate inflammation or early blood flow problems.
- Cardiovascular - Can you do an intense activity comfortably? Does your heart rate come back down quickly when you are finished? Do you ever feel like your heart is skipping a beat or beating out of your chest for no reason? All of the muscles and organs in the body need blood flow, so having these systems working well is crucial for health.
- Immune system - Do you get sick more than you think you should? When you do get sick, are you able to recover quickly? Do you have environmental allergies or reactions to foods? If your immune system is constantly in overdrive, there may be an issue your body is battling under the surface.
- Brain - Do you feel like your brain is working? Do you often feel anxious? Depressed? Foggy? Recently, depression specifically has been strongly linked to inflammation.
- Skin - Is your skin clear? Do you get rashes? Acne? Rosacea? Psoriasis? Dry skin? Your skin tells a lot about what is going on under the surface and may indicate inflammation under the surface of the skin.
The Amazing Ability to Heal
If any warning lights are on, it is a sign that your body isn't functioning ideally. The good news is that the body has an amazing ability to heal when all of its systems are functioning and working together. Supporting the fundamental systems in the body through lifestyle changes can play a huge role in helping you overcome unwanted symptoms. It may even reverse some diagnoses.
So, pay attention to "warning lights" that may indicate the fundamental systems of the body aren't functioning properly. Noticing them is the first step to being able to address them. You can make a big difference in how your body functions if you pay attention to what it tells you. We want to get you feeling the best you possibly can. And, if you already feel great, we want to keep it that way.
Systems Are Interconnected
It is important to know that all the basic body functions are connected. A malfunction in one system of the body can cause a problem in other areas of the body. Here are a few examples of this concept…
- Low Energy/Fatigue - A patient came to my office complaining about low energy and fatigue. When going over her history, she noted a 10-year history of constipation accompanied by bloating. She thought this was "normal," but testing found an overgrowth of bacteria in her small intestine. After treatment, she experienced regular daily bowel movements of a more normal consistency. After this began, her energy levels improved dramatically.
- Acne - I suffered from breakouts on my face and back well into my adult years. I tried creams and was even prescribed medication at one point. I didn't realize the huge connection between the gut and the skin. When I started eating a less inflammatory diet, my skin cleared right up.
- Foot Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) - One of my patients had a history of chronic foot pain for years. She had seen many specialists and tried many therapies to no avail. After 11 days of making dietary changes, her foot pain dissipated. She had no idea that muscular-skeletal pain could be linked to general inflammation within the body and that changing her diet could help.
- Infertility - Someone approached me who stopped using birth control, but their cycle didn't return. She thought that she was healthy because she was thin and active. I knew that not having a cycle was a sign that her hormones and body systems were struggling. I introduced her to the idea of eating a more nutrient-dense diet. She did this along with stress management. It took some time, but her cycle returned. Now she has a happy and healthy little one!
Over the years, we get used to feeling a certain way. We don't realize how good our body should feel. Paying attention to the warning lights and addressing them can have a profound impact on your body. You might be surprised at how good you start to feel!
Dr. Jamie
P.S. I'd love to guide you through this process. You can make an appointment online or call our office to schedule at 630-448-0255.
*Photo credit: Becci Hethcoat Photography