13. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
In today’s liberal-minded world, it often seems as though anything goes. As the quote from Matthew suggests “…broad is the road that leads to destruction…” An ‘anything goes’ way of life is definitely not the way to better health and wellness. Excesses throw your body’s equilibrium out of balance.
Now, on the other hand, a person does not have to discipline themselves as if they were training for an ‘Iron Man’ competition. Maintenance of good health does not have to involve endless dieting or require a Spartan-like discipline that is beyond the ability of most people. But better health does, however, require that you give at least some consideration to the ‘narrow gate’.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THE ‘NARROW GATE’
Fast food has contributed to what is almost an epidemic of obesity in North America. Carrying excess weight leads to an array of health issues. Remember…you are what you eat. And, as I have pointed out in other posts, taking control of your thought patterns requires some effort and discipline; likewise, control of what you put in your body requires some effort and a little discipline. It is an easy thing to pack a healthy little lunch the night before and, in so doing, the next day you can avoid heading for the nearest fast-food outlet for lunch.
ALCOHOL IS NOT YOUR FRIEND
Alcohol is metabolized by several processes or pathways. The most common of these pathways involves two enzymes—alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). These enzymes help break apart the alcohol molecule, making it possible to eliminate it from the body. First, ADH metabolizes alcohol to acetaldehyde, a highly toxic substance and known carcinogen. Then, in a second step, acetaldehyde is further metabolized down to another, less active byproduct called acetate, which then is broken down into water and carbon dioxide for easy elimination. It has been suggested that for most people it will take three days for this process to unfold.
Moreover, alcohol is a depressant. In addition, the ‘hang-over’ that accompanies alcohol consumption for many people can be accompanied by a generalized feeling of malaise. Now, I am not suggesting that you need to be a tee-totaller. A social drink once in a while is not going to kill you. However, if alcohol is part of your nightly routine, perhaps it might be wise to consider making an adjustment.
SMOKING
I don’t think that there is anyone, not in this universe anyway, who is not aware that smoking is one of the unhealthiest habits in which one can engage and, if you are addicted, consider reaching out for some support.
CARBOHYDRATES, BLOOD SUGAR and TYPE 2 DIABETES
When people eat a food containing carbohydrates, the digestive system breaks down the digestible ones into sugar which enters the blood.
As blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that prompts cells to absorb blood sugar for energy or storage. As cells absorb blood sugar, levels in the bloodstream begin to fall. When this happens, the pancreas start making glucagon, a hormone that signals the liver to start releasing stored sugar.
Carbohydrate metabolism is important in the development of type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body can’t make enough insulin or can’t properly use the insulin it makes. Type 2 diabetes usually develops gradually over a number of years, beginning when muscle and other cells stop responding to insulin. This condition, known as insulin resistance, causes blood sugar and insulin levels to stay high long after eating. Over time, the heavy demands made on the insulin-making cells wears them out, and insulin production eventually stops. Here’s the link to an article published by the Harvard School of Public Health for those who want to learn more about the metabolism of carbohydrates: Harvard Article
EXERCISE
Just a word about exercise. If you are a couch-potato, consider adding just a little exercise to your weekly routing. The benefits of exercise are too numerous to mention. Just a little goes a long way to improving your health and sense of wellness. Take a little walk now and again. It is a little or no impact form of exercise and it gets out outside which, by itself is good for you.
CONCLUSION
Yes the road to better health requires some effort and a little discipline. That is what I mean by the ‘narrow gate’. “Anything goes” is not the way to better health. If you are indulging in too much fast food or too much alcohol then cut back a little. If you smoke then do whatever it takes to quit. Remember what Mr. Myagi said to the Karate Kid? “Everything in life a question of balance”. Excesses lead to disequilibrium. If you are consuming a lot of carbohydrate then cut back a little. Small steps will lead to improvement. Even small improvements will make you will feel better and you will, consequently, be encouraged to take another small step. Remember that, often, the biggest improvements are made over time by consistently taking small steps along the way.
At The Wellness Channel the focus is on the psychological, emotional and spiritual impact connection to one’s physical health. If you would like to receive our periodic updates please fill in your name and best email in the form below then click on the orange ‘submit’ button. We look forward to having you join us on our journey through this exciting new frontier.
Grant Edward Rayner