Knowing Where To Start In Your Health Journey
Knowing where to start in one’s health journey can be challenging not only for the beginner but also the advanced as our body continues to change and evolve.
The goal is stay healthy, active, and vibrant throughout life so what now?
3 key areas you want to focus on to avoid health issues and disease are how well the body functions in immunity, the endocrine system and oxidative stress.
In other words, how do we avoid getting sick, not feeling well, and aging quicker.
Getting general testing in our health and functional movement are key to staying on track. It could be as simple as getting a few labs done and determining which supplements you could add to fill the voids. In regards to movement what evaluation could you seek that would show why you keep getting injured or how to avoid one in the near future?
Your ability to function and perform are based off your ability to assess. Ask the right questions and you’ll get the answers you’re looking for.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
The health of our body's cells plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong and effective immune system. Cells are the building blocks of our body, and their optimal functioning is vital for the immune system to function properly.
Healthy cells support immune system function in several ways. Firstly, they act as a barrier against pathogens, preventing their entry into the body and reducing the risk of infection. Additionally, healthy cells help in the production of antibodies and immune cells that actively fight off harmful invaders.
On the other hand, if cells are compromised or damaged, they can weaken the immune system's response. Unhealthy cells may not effectively recognize and eliminate pathogens, leading to prolonged infections or recurring illnesses. Moreover, damaged cells can release inflammatory signals, which can disrupt the immune system's balance and contribute to chronic inflammation or autoimmune disorders.
Therefore, maintaining the health of our body's cells through proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and minimizing exposure to toxins or harmful substances is essential for a robust immune system.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The health of our body's cells plays a significant role in the proper functioning of the endocrine system. The endocrine system consists of various glands that secrete hormones, which regulate numerous bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response.
Healthy cells are crucial for the endocrine system for several reasons. Firstly, cells in specific endocrine glands, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands, are responsible for producing and releasing hormones. If these cells are compromised or damaged, hormone production and secretion can be affected, leading to imbalances and dysfunction within the endocrine system.
Moreover, healthy cells throughout the body ensure the proper reception and response to hormones. Hormones exert their effects by binding to specific receptors on target cells. If the cells are unhealthy or damaged, they may have impaired receptor function, resulting in reduced sensitivity or altered response to hormones.
Cellular health also influences the overall balance of the endocrine system. The endocrine system works through intricate feedback loops, where hormone levels are regulated by signals from various tissues and organs. When cells are healthy, they contribute to the appropriate feedback mechanisms, helping to maintain hormonal balance. However, if cells become dysfunctional or develop abnormalities, they can disrupt these feedback loops, leading to hormonal imbalances and potential endocrine disorders.
Therefore, maintaining the health of our body's cells through a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, and minimizing exposure to toxins or harmful substances is crucial for supporting the optimal functioning of the endocrine system.
OXIDATIVE STRESS
The health of our body's cells directly influences oxidative stress levels. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses. ROS are natural byproducts of cellular metabolism and play important roles in signaling and defense against pathogens. However, when ROS production surpasses the body's antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress can occur.
Healthy cells are better equipped to handle oxidative stress. They have intact antioxidant systems that neutralize ROS and protect against oxidative damage. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, glutathione, and enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, help to neutralize ROS and prevent cellular damage.
In contrast, unhealthy or damaged cells may have impaired antioxidant defenses, making them more susceptible to oxidative stress. When cells are compromised, their ability to produce antioxidants or repair oxidative damage decreases, leading to increased ROS levels and oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress can have widespread detrimental effects on cells and tissues throughout the body. It can damage cellular components such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to cellular dysfunction, inflammation, and increased risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.
By maintaining the health of our body's cells, we can help mitigate oxidative stress. This can be achieved through various means, including a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, adequate rest, minimizing exposure to environmental toxins, and avoiding behaviors like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption that contribute to oxidative stress.
By supporting cellular health and bolstering antioxidant defenses, we can reduce oxidative stress levels, promote optimal cellular function, and contribute to overall well-being and disease prevention.
In closing, getting a head start is imperative to optimizing your health. Most health issues don’t present for decades so if you don’t address it now, it’ll show up later but in a more aggressive fashion.