How Will You Pay For Your Health?
The Cranberry Story
I was checking out of my neighborhood membership warehouse the other day and I had 3 large bags of cranberries. (I would have gotten more but these were the last of their stock.) The employee loading my cart couldn’t believe I was buying so many cranberries and asked why I needed that many. I explained to her that I make a quick and easy nutrition shake every morning for breakfast and that cranberries are very high in antioxidants and good for my brain.
She made the assumption that I use the store’s brand of protein powder and proceeded to tell me how good it is. She seemed a bit dismayed when I explained to her on the front of the package in bold letters it says, “Artificial Flavors.” I further explained that when I coach people on nutrition I always take them off of any product with anything artificial in it. She said, “I should come and see you for nutrition.” I handed her a business card. She then proudly proclaimed she was only on one medication….a statin (a class of cholesterol lowering drugs.) She didn’t think this was any big deal because it was “only 1.” Then she followed up with, “oh, and I’m also on Prilosec but that’s no big deal.” I explained to her that these drugs treat lifestyle related symptoms and simple nutrition and lifestyle coaching would address the actual cause of the symptoms.
That’s when the shut-down happened. As soon as I mentioned getting proactive in regaining her health by changing diet and lifestyle habits, she began to walk away and said, “I’m sure I couldn’t afford to come and see you anyway. I’m sure it would cost me an arm and a leg.” I stood there stunned. She may as well have just said, “I really don’t want to be responsible for improving my health.”
The truth is, we all pay for our health in some way. Granted, some companies capitalize on “health food” by increasing costs and giving “eating healthy” a bad rap. But, when people really learn how to shop and take care of their health the right way they recognize tremendous cost savings not only in food but in medical bills as well! Most Americans pay more than they realize in expensive medical bills, drugs, salves, creams, surgeries, and poor quality food choices.
How Sick Are We?
According to the World Health Organization, the United States is ranked 35 in life expectancy. According the CDC, 1 in every 4 deaths in the U.S. is from our number one cause of death, heart disease. And yet, one in four Americans over the age of 45 takes a statin to “help prevent” heart disease. We are in a health care crisis. Those are not healthy numbers to me! The only way they add up is by way of massive profits for the drug companies.
The Prilosec that she claimed was “no big deal” is actually quite harmful. I could write for days on this but I’ll keep it brief and simple for now. Shutting down acid production in the gut causes an improper breakdown of food. We no longer get the necessary micronutrients for our body’s repair but instead we get actual food particles. This leads to a condition called “intestinal permeability” or “leaky gut.” This condition leads to an increase in inflammation in the body which is the precursor to most diseases. Lastly, calcium needs acid to absorb so in the absence of the proper amount of acid you also get improper absorption of calcium leading to conditions such as osteoporosis.
So, is it really more expensive to eat healthy?
Here’s an economic exercise for you: For one week, save all your receipts for any purchases for food, prescriptions, and over the counter medications. Also, include things like bottled water, fashion water, pop, salves, and creams, lozenges, gum, etc. This also includes eating out and your daily Starbucks. Save receipts for anything that goes ON or IN your body! Scan all your receipts and email them to me with your contact information to [email protected]. But, here’s the deal. I’m only willing to show you where you can save money, if you’re willing to be proactive and step into a healthier future!
The bottom line is, you can choose your future road to health. You can pay for your health now in the form of good healthy, nutrient dense food and live a long healthy life. Or you can choose to eat nutrient poor food and treat symptoms with unnecessary medications and interventions and pay the price for the path of chronic disease that lies ahead of you. It’s never too late! I’m looking forward to seeing those receipts!