We are all working hard to preserve and protect the planet we live in. We must live 'greener' lives to offset indiscretions taken with the environment in the past. But do you have the same 'green' consciousness with one of the most important environments under your control -- your body?
At first glance it might seem silly to think green when talking about the human body. But like the Earth, there is a balance of important systems, process and chemical reactions that comprise the human experience -- it has it's own ecology.
The human body, like the Earth, is greatly influenced by chemicals.
The balance of biochemistry is influenced by the air we breath, the foods we eat, the liquids we drink, and the medications we take. It is interesting how we grasp the concern for fluorocarbons in the environment and the 'big business' influences that created the problem but miss concerns for widespread use of high fructose corn syrup in our foods and the same 'big business' influences.
The need for restraint in the use of plastic, paper and fossil fuels is important for our future. This comes from understanding the relationship of these products with water, air, soil, plants and the animals of our world.
Using a similar process of logic, I understand the relationship of the body to sugar, trans fats and "foods" that are more preservative than food (see ingredients on a bag of Doritos) and medications that aim more at comfort than creating health (Health being the improved function of the organ).
Unfortunately, as with our planet, the agenda of comfort and profitability still move many to continue to pollute both the planet and their bodies.
As an example look at what many consider the safest of all pharmaceutical products, acetylsalicylic acid, which you know better as aspirin.
Do you know what aspirin does in the body? It decreases the production of a hormone called prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is created by the body naturally and is involved in a variety of functions in the body, including the expression of pain, raising the body temperature, decreasing blood platelet coagulation, and reabsorbing hydrochloric acid (created by the body to break down protein in the stomach). When you take aspirin, you limit the amounts of this hormone and restrict those functions.
Most of us have heard someone say "I take aspirin daily to keep my blood thin."
The antiplatelet effect of aspirin on blood clotting does keep blood viscosity low. (which is why you can't take aspirin before scheduled surgery) Of course, the same sources that recommend this usage list risk factors supporting daily aspirin use such as family history of heart disease, past heart problems, elevated cholesterol, lack of exercise and/or poor eating.
What occurs to me is that, perhaps, most of the heart problems we suffer are related to unhealthy lifestyle choices as opposed to organic and/or genetic predisposition for heart disease. Maybe not.
But does it make sense to you that Americans need to take 80 billion aspirins each year? These people are repeatedly interfering with a natural inclination to produce prostaglandin in response to things like headache pain from too much coffee or sugar and too little sleep. The medication also interferes with a healthy immune system generated fever or the body's appropriate response for blood to coagulate because a blood vessel was damaged.
I realize that there is a time for everything, including the use of aspirin. But the biochemistry change that typically occurs and the enormous volume of aspirins ingested causes me to question.
I may be going out on limb here, but I think the popularity of taking aspirin may have something to do with the fact that aspirin is a billion dollar industry. It is more about address of an effect (pain) than resolution of cause (in most cases, lifestyle choices).
But then that would be akin to creating and using a chemical for the primary purpose of making money by putting the comfort of an individual before long-term or overall health.
Now, where have I heard that before?
Dermot Connole Jinks has been a chiropractor for more than 19 years. He is currently affiliated with AAC Family Wellness Centers in Ballston Spa with concentration in chiropractic biophysics and focus on pediatric development and adult wellness. He can be reached at (518)