Breaking the Cycle of Dependence and Empowering Ourselves in Healthcare

Listeners get ready to be fired up. This episode is all about the medical model and how it prioritizes profits over people. Investing in your gut health can help you break your dependence on a system that is designed to treat symptoms instead of heal at the root. Listen now to be inspired!

Transcript:

Welcome to episode 41; Breaking the Cycle of Dependence and Empowering Ourselves in Healthcare

We are in the middle of a series where my husband Ty is joining me to share the evolution of our gut health journey but I had an experience this week that has me on fire and I need to interrupt the series to share because it is an issue that is close to my heart and I know it impacts all of you in some way or another. I have learned that it is important to pursue a thought when it's hot or it fizzles and the passion isn't there. So please forgive the series interruption. Ty will be back next week and we can't wait to continue sharing our journey with you. 

This episode is about the way our medical system is designed to treat symptoms instead of healing bodies. I am not a negative person, but it's important to face the sad truth about the system we all rely on and trust. I was reminded of this when I visited my uncle Butch at the hospital recently and saw the tray of unwholesome foods they brought him. To give this episode some context I want to introduce you to my uncle Butch. He is a 68 year old man who was given too much oxygen as an infant and therefore is mentally disabled. He has the mental maturity of a five year old, lives in a group home and relies on several medications. My dad and uncle take him for drives every week and uncle Butch is the light of our family. He is always the center of every family gathering and helps keep us all young. He is in the hospital this week with respiratory issues and seeing him there made my heart ache. For him and for our society. Butch’s body is fragile and he needs nourishment. Not only to heal from these respiratory issues but for his strength and longevity. 

As you know, our health is dependent on what we eat, yet the hospital was serving my uncle a meal that did more harm than good. This is a reflection of the larger issue in our medical system - it is focused on treating symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of a person's health issues. We are conditioned to trust professionals more than ourselves, but in order to be fully in charge of our own health, we have to learn about healing our bodies from the foundation - and that starts with our gut health.

Our gut microbiome plays a significant role in our overall well-being, including our immune system, sleep, skin, digestion, mental health, and even our weight. Yet, our medical system doesn't even acknowledge the significance of our gut health. Instead they serve meals that kill the good bacteria in the gut and feed the bad bacteria! All while pumping medications that “might help”.

The hospital's serving of unhealthy food to my uncle showcases the medical system's focus on profits instead of the well-being of patients. Ideally, if the system was centered on healing individuals, it would offer nourishing food that supports and enhances overall health. Regrettably, the priority of the medical system is centered around treating symptoms and maximizing profit, often at the expense of patient care.

So, what can we do to take charge of our family’s health and rely on ourselves before the system that doesn't really have our best interest in mind? Again, we can Start by focusing on the foundation of our body's well-being. Our gut health. 

The first step is to nourish our gut with healthy, nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest. This means reducing or eliminating processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and incorporating more fiber, fermented foods, and probiotics into our family’s diets.

Improving gut health is a holistic process that involves more than just diet though. Other factors, such as reducing stress, getting adequate sleep, and limiting the use of antibiotics, can also have a positive impact on your gut health. Additionally, it's important to avoid over the counter medications like antacids, laxatives and ibuprofen that can harm the gut. Rather than relying on these medications, focus on nourishing your gut and supporting its natural balance. By doing so, you may find that symptoms that previously required medication can be alleviated. With a healthy gut, you have the power to take control of your overall health and well-being.

Nourishing your gut not only benefits your daily health, but it also empowers you to take responsibility for the overall health and well-being of your family. It's important to keep in mind that gut health is a complex and delicate ecosystem, and improving it takes time and effort. But by making small lifestyle and dietary changes and incorporating balancing supplements, you can make a significant impact on your overall health over time. 

The views expressed in this episode are my personal opinions and experiences and are not meant to discredit the dedicated and well-intentioned medical professionals who work within the system. I acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and good intentions of these individuals. This episode focuses on the system as a whole, not individual professionals. My intention is not to bring negativity to the podcast, but rather to bring attention to an issue that I feel is important to discuss. The purpose of this episode is to encourage critical thinking and a proactive approach to our own health and wellness. 

So, that's it for today's episode. I hope you found this information useful and that it inspired you to give your gut health the attention it deserves. Remember, our health is dependent on what we eat, so make sure to nourish your gut with healthy, nutrient-dense foods. Take control of your own health, learn about healing your body from the foundation - starting with your gut health. Until next time, take care.