Science has always fascinated me - the hypotheses, theories, inductive and deductive reasoning, the understanding of biological and ecological systems, and so on. Hence, having a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Never mind the fact that I don’t use. Baby, I earned that thang! Anywho…
Although my life’s work consists of discipleship, leadership development, and creating organizational structure, the sciencey part of me does not go neglected. Adding books like Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford and The Fertility Formula by Natalie Crawford, MD, to my library for “pleasure reading” and religiously listening to The Huberman Lab podcast are how I get my fix. I ingest and digest information, coupling it with godly wisdom to put protocols in place because total life prosperity - that nothing missing, nothing broken kind of existence - is my aim.
HEALTH IS SO MUCH MORE THAN WHAT MEETS THE EYE OR TIPS THE SCALE
The scale, though? It taunts me something serious! My weight has been a lifelong battle, but a bit of strategic reframing has me committed to this wellness journey because health is so much more than what meets the eye or tips the scale. I am finding that this endeavor requires more data points.
The more information I have, the better equipped I am to develop healthy habits and change the trajectory of my life as an almost forty-one-year-old. This decade will be the difference-maker!
About 74 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, and 93.2 percent have metabolic dysfunction. These numbers sound high until you realize how many levers of modern society are stacked against our mitochondria and metabolism: too much sugar, too much stress, too much sitting, too much pollution, too many pills, too many pesticides, too many screens, too little sleep, and too little micronutrients. These trends—with trillions of dollars behind them—are causing epidemic levels of mitochondrial dysfunction and underpowered, sick, inflamed bodies.
Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Dr. Casey Means
The quest for more insight into what’s going on inside me led to Vitals Vault, a preventative health platform that empowers individuals to understand their bodies and create pathways for healthy living without jumping through hoops for insurance providers.
NEWSFLASH: I’m healthier than I look 🙌🏾
Five vials of blood were drawn effortlessly.
145 biomarkers were tested.
108 biomarkers were in the normal or optimal range.
28 markers were undetectable, with no action required.
9 were abnormal and are either being treated by the low-dose prescription I’m currently taking for a thyroid issue or will be remedied by adding iron and omega-3 to my supplement regimen.
There were ZERO critical findings.
Oh, and I’m biologically younger than my years would have you to believe.
As the saying goes, knowledge is power. It can also be comforting and an advocate of sorts. This broader view of my health not only educates me; it will also inform my primary care provider on how to best partner with me in achieving my wellness goals. Just as I am not fumbling around in the dark, trying to find my way to “healthy,” I’m also not going at it alone. My PCP, chiropractor, hair stylist (because sheds light on our health, too), friends, and YouTube trainers are all on this journey with me.
Obesity will NOT maintain its hold on me.
A plethora of prescription medications will NOT be my portion.
The Lord my God WILL satisfy me with a long, healthy, thriving life.
GOD IS NOT IN THE BUSINESS OF NORMALIZING YOUR RESTRICTIONS
Joshua Giles
LET’S REFLECT
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. II Corinthians 5:17
The internal newness of salvation is instantaneous. Our minds, words, habits, and lives become new over time.
Grab your journal, get cozy in a quiet corner, and allow Holy Spirit to reveal:
The area(s) in your life where He is calling forth newness
The additional information that needs to be added to your toolkit for this round of growth
Those called to walk with you during this season of becoming
We’ll chat again soon, friend. Be well.
Sincerely,
LaToya NaShae