In Week 5: Balance, we are asked to add another dietary supplement, omega-3 fish oil, because it helps to reduce inflammation and prevent chronic health conditions including heart disease. Omega-3 fish oil supports the most fundamental building blocks or our body, cell membrane function and integrity. A common theme woven into this chapter is to maintain balance by reducing our exposure to negative elements in the environment or aspects of our lifestyles that increase inflammation.
In Daily Beat 31 - Think Again - we see that wearing a smile and creating a positive perception in a given situation is very important in controlling our sense of wellbeing. Dr. Lipman refers to the psychology of reframing our thoughts into a positive mode. Studies show that people who are negative and non-forgiving (I call it an inflammatory personality) have a higher risk of dying prematurely. Scientists have actually discovered the neurochemistry and centers of our brain responsible for promoting trust and forgiveness. The hormone oxytocin works in our brain to spur feelings of trust and plays an important role in bonding with others. The hormone allows us to trust others even after they have betrayed us by suppressing a region of the brain that controls fear. Interestingly, oxytocin is the same hormone that regulates the birthing process and must play a critical role in maternal-infant bonding.
Daily Beat 33 - Balance Your Hormones - talks about the important role that hormones play in facilitating normal body functions and maintaining our natural rhythms. Dr. Lipman tells us that years of hormonal imbalance creates a condition called “metabolic syndrome”. Twenty years ago we called it Syndrome-X. It includes a cluster of abnormal conditions including obesity, insulin resistance, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It is estimated that 40% of the adult population may have the signs of metabolic syndrome. The central obesity seen in this condition also creates excess body inflammation. Ultimately, any form of inflammation decreases our longevity.
All of the factors that create greater balance, fish oil, hormone regulation, positive attitude, and good relationships, also help to control the inflammation levels in our body. Seek balance in your life and enjoy Spent - Week 5.
This week we are also fortunate to have a blog by Dr. Lipman, which will be posted on Friday, July 3. We’ll learn from his experience and clinical practice using the Six Weeks of Healing course.
Dr. Tony Linares
