Most of us want to be the happiest and healthiest we can. Who on earth would wish that they were sicker and more miserable? The question is this: If we have more knowledge and technological advances in health care than we had a generation ago, why is chronic illness on the increase? Why does every species on earth (unless we have ruined their habitat) express better health and have less chronic illness than the human species? What are humans doing differently today compared to a few decades ago that is 
ting in declining health in infants, children, the middle aged and the elderly?
Health really is simple. Other species remain healthy because they follow the biological laws that govern health. They live in ways that match the habitat and lifestyle requirements written in the DNA for their species. They consume the nutrients which are right for their species. For example, horses eat grass and lions eat meat. If you swapped their diets over or fed them a lot of processed food containing substances that their bodies have not evolved to digest, they would not thrive. Animals move or exercise in the way that is right for them. Some are constantly moving, such as birds and fish, whereas sloths move a lot less. Some social animals require the presence of others and live in family groups whereas others are solitary most of the time.
So what do humans require to stay healthy and what are the biological laws that we should abide by? Firstly, what we eat or drink will govern the way our body functions. Whatever we put into our system is either good for us or bad for us. Our bodies have evolved over millions of years to eat fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, berries, meat, eggs and fish. We are not equipped to digest the toxins which are found in pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, colourings, hormones, antibiotics. Our bodies cannot cope with the excess fat, sugars, chemicals and additives found in processed food and ready meals. Tea, coffee, alcohol and fizzy drinks contain chemicals such as caffeine, which are toxic to the brain and nerves. What would happen to your pets if you fed them the same food that many of us consume? Yet many people think it’s fine to give children cola and sweets that they would never give to their dog.
Humans used to be nomadic and would usually walk up to ten miles every day looking for food. For example, if we sit in an office and drive everywhere, we are not moving anywhere near as much as our bodies require. It’s madness to think that some people will take the dog for a walk every day, but leave their children at home playing video games. The correct type of exercise is essential for normal growth and good health.
Finally, what goes on in your head can either make you sick or well. How you think governs how you behave, and how you behave governs the biochemical reactions in your body. Too many stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in your tissues lead to chronic illness of all types. If you are feeling under pressure, finding ways to de-stress is essential for good health. Loneliness and depression can be averted by making the effort to mix with others, since humans are social animals who need each other.
In short, in order to be healthy we need to eat well, move well and think well. It’s up to you and it’s never too late to make changes!
If you would like to talk about ways you can improve your health, please contact Sheila Stakim at Emsworth Chiropractic Clinic, 27 North Street, Emsworth. 01243 373721.