Our health is not a stagnant state of being, but rather a dynamic oscillation between degeneration and regeneration. This is true from the moment we are born until the moment we die. For instance, as a fetus we go from one cell to trillions of cells in just 9 months. As a newborn, we double our weight in the first year. As a child, our growth slows down until adolescence, even though most of the hormones in the body are increasing throughout this time. Even amongst the elderly, cells regenerate, just more slowly. In seven years, all the cells in our body are renewed. The biological view of this process is that there are vital nutrients, systems and organs responsible for this renewal. By supporting these vital “upbuilding forces”, we can support the body, even as we age. Helping people age well is one of the strengths of European Biological Medicine. So what are the components of aging well? The first is to ensure proper organ drainage and function. A common mistake is to attempt detoxification without first ensuring that the pathways which drain the toxic load are open. Detoxing without drainage is like flushing a clogged toilet. Without proper drainage, the toxic load remains trapped in the body. The second is to begin to lower hyper-protein levels. A daily intake should be 45 to 70 grams of protein. Many Americans consume around 120 grams per day. This leads to problems in digestion and sinus function, as well as to the thickening of lymphatic fluid. Third, we increase the essential amino acids and antioxidants. Essential amino acids are the building blocks to rebuilding our cells. Antioxidant rich foods such as blueberries and other foods high in vitamin C and E are beneficial. Fourth, we look at the intestinal mucosa lining, the intestinal flora, our gut and liver function. These are the primary focal points for therapy in renewing the regenerative powers within the body. The intestinal mucosa on the intestinal walls takes two to four weeks to rebuild using certain remedies and strict dietary changes. The majority of our immune system lies within the intestinal mucosa with its billions of bacteria that need to be in ecological balance. The liver is responsible for over five hundred functions in the body and is key in maintaining youthful health. The liver can take about six months to rebuild and supporting good liver function will remove a large burden of toxic sludge from the body and stimulate the upbuilding forces within the body. This is done through liver flushes, neural therapy and specialized remedies that open and support drainage and detoxification of the liver. Fifth, our lymphatic system serves as the body’s sewer system and toxic waste dump. By ensuring proper lymphatic flow and drainage of the waste, we again support the body in proper function with less effort and stress on the system. This is best accomplished with sessions of lymphatic enhancement therapy, specific remedies that open and maintain drainage. Easy ways to maintain lymphatic health at home are dry brushing and rebounding. Lastly, we strongly recommend a practice of some sort - this is vital in remaining young. Activities such as yoga, tai-chi, and walking help keep our bodies flexible. Get your body moving! Conventional medicine has rallied around the anti-aging tagline and has worked at selling this idea to the public. If we think about it, everyone ages; only death can stop the aging process. Anti-aging or going “against aging” is not in alignment with the natural processes and forces of life. Fighting the aging process is always a losing battle. We need to age; it’s good to age; it is why we celebrate birthdays! The idea of aging well is in harmony with the principles of life. Aging is the natural progression in life and with it comes experience and wisdom. Caring for our bodies and minds with good whole foods and supporting our regenerative forces will ensure that we can and will age well. A question we frequently hear from clients is “I have been everywhere, I have seen my family doctor as well as other specialists. I am told that nothing is wrong with me and that my blood work looks good. I eat well but still have weird symptoms and generally feel like crap. Why?” The short answer is because there is never just one thing making us ill. There are always a multitude of stressors that need to be discovered and addressed. If it is not just one thing that makes us sick, then it follows that it will not be just one thing that makes us better.
Ian Kennedy is the Founder and Head Clinician of True Wellness of Pennsylvania.