I think that it is miraculous how far we've come in as far as medical technology is concerned. Pace makers, chemo therapies that rid the body of cancer, organ transpants, and the laundry list of other things that save lives. All of these things are lovely and I'm glad that we have them. But I am of the belief that if we eat right and treat our bodies well, going the preventitive route, we can cut back greatly on our doctor visits.
Pharmaceutical companies and hospitals make a killing off of people who aren't well. My mom used to work oncology at a large hospital here in town. Every year the pharm reps would take them out to lunch or dinner and push their goods. They would shut down a whole restaurant and talk to the hospital staff about their goods.
Why am I writing all this crap? Because I went to get some Chinese tea and herbs yesterday, and it made me think about how rarely I go to the doctor. I generally find a holistic item to help me with what ails me, when I can. I do that because there is something sinister seeming about doctors. Also, I believe in the health at every size movement. Every doctor I visit seems to ask, "Are you trying to lose weight?" No, but I am trying to live a healthy life where I ingest good things and move my body in a way that I enjoy a few times a week. That answer never makes them smile. I had one doctor who wanted to test my blood sugars and cholesterol every time I went in. I said, "My blood pressure is better than yours. If you'd like to go race around the parking lot and see who wins, or have a weightlifting contest, I'm more than willing to take you on." He had no response and went on with how I was on the verge of diabetes. Really? 'Cause my blood sugars are better than normal. Oh, that's right, I weigh 215 so you don't need any sort of facts to explain why you think I'm on the verge of diabetes. There are just as many unhealthy thin folks as fat folks, but that's a whole 'nother post.
Doctors want me to be on a few meds for my anxiety disorder and other issues. I have refused because I find that I can function enough to get by. I have no problem with people taking meds to help them maintain their sanity. Some of my best friends take anti-depressants and mood stabilizers. They just aren't for me. I have been tempted, believe me. But until the day that I can't take it anymore without them, I'll continue to drink tea and meditate.
For some the hospital is a necessity. I'm not preaching don't ever go seek medical attention. I'm just saying if you cut out some of the shitty processed garbage, and ate a lot of greenery, antioxidants, and super foods, you may be able to cut back on some copay action and feel better in general. I usually don't push authors, but of all the things I've read, Michael Pollan seems to have the right idea. He is the one who doesn't seem to have a blatant agenda (although I'm sure he does just like everyone else). For a quick idea of his stuff I suggest reading Food Rules. My favorite one is: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." His funnier ones crack me up too though like, "If it comes through your car window, it's not food." He does seem to lean that thin is better, but the rest of what he has to say totally rings true to me.
Here is a picture of huang-lian. It is a Chinese herb that is supposed to help those who have had their gall bladder removed. Apparently it tastes horrible so you just put a tiny pinch in with your tea. It detoxifies. I am excited to have found it thanks to a friend doing some research for me.
Is "huang-lian" just the Chinese word for "magic mushrooms"? Not that I know about psychedelics, but they certainly look like shrooms.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, people are too quick to go to the doctor if they feel sick and too many grabs for antibiotics have proven to weaken your immune system. Little illnesses every now and then are meant to prepare your body for the big one.
Wish I could live by the car window rule, but sometimes really gross fast food is pretty good...in moderation of course.
Haha. That is totally the first thing I thought when I had the guy get them for me. I took MANY a 'shroom in my day.
ReplyDeleteI have a severe weakness for Taco Bell, even though I literally live in the middle of the mecca of the greatest Mexican food in town. I eat it like once a month. And I love it every time I do.
Don't get me started on people's over reliance on antibiotics and running to the doctor for every sniffle. That's how resistant strains of bacteria are created.
I was sick my whole first year working with kids, and now I have the immune system of a superhero. You have to build up your immunity.
I like that..."If it comes through your car window, it's not food." :)
ReplyDeleteHe talks a lot about how Americans eat a ton of "food-like substances" and very little food. So true.
ReplyDeleteAnother one is something about how if your grandma didn't eat it, it's not food.
I second guess every doctor! They want to diagnose you with something and then make you take meds for it. With somethings it may be necessary, but I try not to take things either.
ReplyDeleteMy mom has MS. She almost died from the medication. My aunt has MS. She's never taken ANY of the meds for it and she lives a normal life while my moms body is eating away itself. It's all these dumb meds!!!!
and really? They say you are on the very of diabetes???? That should be illegal. What proof do they have of that?!
I believe that a lot of times in western medicine, the treatment really is worse than the ailment. I'm really sorry about your mom. That is dispicable.
ReplyDeleteThey can say anything they want to fat people. They encourage weight loss over all else in this country. It's absurd.
Dude. Huang Lian. I must try this stuff. It looks like a wonder-herb.
ReplyDeleteWhere does your dude get it?
You can have some. I got it at 99 Ranch Market. That bag is five bucks worth and you use a teeny bit at a time. I'm betting that'll last a month or two. The tea I got to help with my digestion was pricey, but worth it. It was 34 bucks but you can use the same bunch like 15 times. I'm betting what I purchased will last over a year.
ReplyDeleteThe treatment is 99% of the time worse than the disease. One of my friends just passed away. She had lung cancer. The cancer didn't kill her, the chemo and radiation that they destroyed her with did. Very sad...Makes you want to second guess any treatment at all.
ReplyDelete:)
With cancer I think it is very tricky. It really depends what type, what stage, and how strong of a person you are. I know many cancer survivors. I also have had several friends who simply asked that they get on pain meds and be allowed to die. I also know women who have refused meds, and gone alternative medicinal routes and had good results. Cancer scares me. Why is it so much more prevalent now than before? I tend to think it's environmental factors and diet.
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