How To Build a Healthy Human: Part 1:

Written By David Gieske

How The Standard American Diet & Ultra-Processed Foods Are Dramatically Shortening Your Life

What we stick in our mouth may actually be secondary in priority in our desire to be healthy to what we don’t stick in our mouth. With the advent and introduction of processed foods – or what I like to refer to as “food-like” products – to our diet, that contain over 2,500 synthetic, petroleum-derived chemicals, chronic diseases have seen a catastrophic rise in prevalence that’s led to an epidemic of chronic disease. In fact, 90% of the diseases we see today didn’t exist 80 years ago. This epidemic is literally crippling our healthcare system with Medicaid now expected to be bankrupt by the end of 2026.

As of 2023, 75% of Healthcare dollars in the U.S. are spent on treating metabolic disorders that are now responsible for 8 out of every 10 deaths each year in the United States.

In short, people are the unwitting participants in a food system that is knowingly and willingly poisoning them for profit, with countless studies showing the direct impact of the synthetic ingredients in processed foods products on human health and the diseases they create.

With 63% of the Standard American Diet being processed foods, people are ingesting what by every definition are slow acting poisons that food conglomerates are very aware of. And yet, what seems to be such an obvious smoking gun as to the cause of obesity and chronic disease, never seems to occur to the masses. Why? They’ve been told it’s okay to eat them. By whom? Endless marketing that convinced our parents that it was okay to consume and feed to us. Most of society doesn’t even begin to question the innumerable ingredients in the products we’re ingesting.

To be fair, it’s not their fault. Food companies target the masses with clever commercials convincing them these ultra-processed, “food-like” products are benign and harmless to eat, when they are anything but. They’re devoid of virtually any and all nutrition, are made of countless synthetic chemicals the body cannot process, are pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidative, create insulin resistance, 8 sub-cellular diseases, and account for 9 of the Top 10 chronic diseases we die of every year.

Chronic disease has become largely accepted and “normalized” with most people just believing the epidemic of exhaustion, aches and pains, chronic disease and decline is just what happens as we age. What they don’t know is it’s all happening prematurely with our live being truncated by a factor of roughly 30 - 50 years.

Current research in genetics and modern health science indicates that human longevity should average 107 -123 years under optimal conditions. Unfortunately, we live in a bio-toxic world with exposure to countless synthetic chemicals in our diets, water, soil, cosmetics, clothing, bedding, carpet, candles, air, and on and on. Mitigating exposure to threats to our health is a must if one is looking to live a long, happy, disease free life.


The truth is, our diet is the single biggest predictor of the diseases we will develop over the course of a lifetime, and the chronic disease(s) we will most likely die of.


In the quest for optimal health and well-being, your gut (preferably a sealed gut –as the sub title of the article alludes to - and will be explained later) plays the most pivotal role in determining one’s health. Your gut’s role extends far beyond its primary function of digestion, as research in recent years has uncovered a vast array of processes never before understood or even conceptualized. These processes are so vast in scope that scientists are now referring to the gut as the body’s “second brain.” Why will become apparent. Virtually every aspect of our wellbeing, both physiological and psychological, is determined by how well we maintain our gut microbiome (the community of microbes in our gut).

Medical research in the last 20 years in the area of Holistic/Functional Medicine is radically changing our concepts of how to build a healthy body, to the extent that almost everything we’ve been taught in school has been way too myopic in its scope.

In the last 2 years, there has been a mass exodus from the allopathic (prescription-based) model of medicine that only “treats,” and I use that term loosely, symptoms. More and more medical practitioners and physicians are moving away from the pharmaceutical model of treating/managing disease, which isn’t moving towards a cure, and moving in droves to the other end of the spectrum - Functional Medicine - “preventative maintenance” - through nutrition, encouraging movement/exercise, adequate sleep, and managing stress - THE 4 PILLARS OF HEALTH.

This rapidly evolving field of medicine is true “HEALTH” care, as it truly focuses on restoring one’s health. It considers diet, food-sensitivities, allergens, toxic exposure, lifestyle choices, habits, exercise, sleep patterns, and tries to form a comprehensive global view of the patient’s current state of health, not just their symptoms. Functional Medicine doesn't seek to “treat” disease, it seeks to prevent it altogether. What most people have been taught are “diseases” are in fact symptom, not truly disease. Every disease in the human body is nothing more than a disruption in a metabolic energy pathway in the body, whether it be at the level of cells, or entire organs. In other words, the body is out of balance or disequilibrium; a departure from what science refers to as homeostasis/balance. Functional Medicine looks beyond symptoms to view everything contributing to or detracting from one’s health and then seeks to bring the body back into a state of balance.

Consider for a moment, is it better to survive cancer, or never develop cancer at all? Is it better to survive a quadruple bypass, or to never develop heart disease? Is it better to manage diabetes or to never suffer from the condition?


Looking through a different lens . . .

We’ve had a fairly comprehensive understanding of how individual cells, organs, and systems of the body work individually, but with all previous understanding essentially falling short in terms of how these systems all work together synergistically. Recent advances in physiological and nutritional research have shed tremendous light on the root cause of virtually all disease, which is not exactly the mystery we’ve been taught it was.

The accumulation of toxins at the cellular level creates oxidative stress on our cells, which in turn, creates chronic inflammation of cells at the cell membrane (the phospholipid envelope encapsulating the cell). This leads to a myriad of problems: epigenetic (triggered) changes in DNA and inside the mitochondria (the power plant of cells), inflammation of the cell membrane and receptor sites, which prevents nutrient absorption and inhibits cellular waste removal, creates cellular toxicity, and prevents hormones from interacting with our cells. This leads to thyroid problems, dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism, insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune diseases and more.

At the cellular level, think of it as a bucket overflowing with water. Once these cells reach capacity, the waste and toxins leak out of the cells into bloodstream and are subsequently distributed though out the body. We now know, 70 – 90% of chronic diseases have a toxic cellular etiology, with 98% Thyroid problems and 97% of autoimmune diseases having a toxic cause, created almost entirely by poor diet and nutrition. In a recent study, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) examined the umbilical cord blood of newborns and found:

  • the average newborn began life exposed to as many as 287 of the 413 toxic chemicals in the study

  • 180 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer - which accounts for the tremendous rise in childhood cancer and chronic disease over the last 70 years

  • Cancer rates in children have risen 67.1% since 1950 - According to the Columbia University, School of Public Health: “95% of cancer is caused by poor diet and toxins in the home environment.”

  • The most common source of these toxins include:

This understanding has led to this new approach in medicine. Prevent disease by mitigating/removing the toxic load on the body, and/or reverse disease by detoxifying the body. This all begins in the gut by addressing a person’s dietary intake which is the greatest determinant of one’s health or lack thereof.

The connections between gut health and various aspects of physical and mental health are profound to say the least.

It's unfortunate, but most of us each carry with us such a woefully inadequate understanding of this avatar (human body) we temporarily animate for this brief lapse of time called a lifetime. How to build it, care for it, and sustain it in a state of optimal health is something that remains elusive for most.

So then, what is this human body we reside in and temporarily call home? I would start by saying, it’s not exactly what you may think and is vastly more complex than most ever bother to even contemplate. Before I delve into the nutritional needs of the body, I really need to reframe most people’s concept of their body. Let me explain . . .

Just as a planet is a vast ecosystem teeming with countless lifeforms in a vast universe, the human body is a universe unto itself, an intricate ecosystem, made of roughly 30 trillion cells, constituting a large part of its mass. But that’s just the beginning. The rest of the body’s mass comes from an insurmountable array of microorganisms numbering in the tens of trillions (now estimated somewhere between 80 - 100 trillion microbes - 3 - 4x the number of our cells) that inhabit the human body and together work synergistically with our cells to perform a multitude of vital functions necessary for our survival,

by Gaby D’Allesandro / AMNH

We are dependent on this symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship to the extent we cannot survive without them. In other words, these are functions performed by the microbiota that the human cannot perform, and yet are so vital that we cannot live without these functions being performed.

A remarkable fact: Every cell in the human body contains mitochondria, which is the cellular organelle, that supplies/creates the energy every cell in the human body requires to carry out cellular functions.

Mitochondria - Powerhouse of Cells

Here’s what’s remarkable. Their DNA (genetic makeup) is completely distinct from our human DNA. Why? Because mitochondria are stowaways, hiding in the human body, and are not actually a human cellular component. They are a wonder of evolutionary design. An adaptation of nature that created a symbiotic (mutually beneficial relationship) with us. These stowaways produce cellular energy. Mitochondria (the powerhouse/energy producer of every cell in the body) are actually modified bacteria that preferred to set up house in our cells instead of the harsh external environment outside the human body.

So, every cell in your body is powered by modified bacteria, that through remarkable evolutionary processes and adaptations, exist in tandem with your cells, contributing to cellular physiological processes that your cells cannot perform independent of them and would be impossible to live without. Imagine that.

Your entire existence is provided/powered by something that’s not even remotely, uniquely human in nature. It’s nature, a species not human, within you, working in conjunction with the most primal, basic functions and structures of your body, the cells, to provide your very existence in this body for you. Our entire lives are powered by something NOT US!

And here you thought you were special and separate from the very nature you are woven together from.

Our body is not a unit that exists as something separate from everything external surrounding it, but rather is something constructed of everything surrounding it, just as a planet is made from a collection of the elemental debris of a burnt-out star that preceded it. Everything in existence is an extension of and an amalgamation (collection) of a pre-existing substrate. Our bodies, just like the entire universe itself, is in a perpetual state of change and transformation, with everything in existence being permanently impermanent. An esoteric concept that could be pondered and expounded upon but, I digress.

The human body is an extension of the very nature that surrounds us and for all of its complexity, is made of only 21 elements and trace minerals (out of the 148 known elements), all of which come from the earth. We’re not living on the Earth; we ARE the living Earth.

For the sake of understanding nutritional needs of the body, a simpler way to conceptualize the human body is to think of it as being made of only 3 things: the air we breathe (the atmosphere), the water we drink (the ocean), and the food we eat (which is essentially the soil) unless you’re consuming processed food-like products. In that event, your body is struggling to build a human out of synthetic, inorganic (non-life) manmade chemicals that the body not only cannot utilize but cannot process or metabolize (properly digest) and therefore stores as fat. If you’re overweight, this is a clear indication your liver is already in trouble and struggling to detox the body.

Though questioning what we stick our mouths has become almost passé, or even seen as snobbish, these are NOT benign chemicals to introduce to the body. They’re toxic to every aspect of your biology and incongruent with the natural cellular functions of the body. Again, their consumption is now well documented, as being the leading cause in the development of 8 sub-cellular conditions that constitute 9 of the top 10 fatal chronic diseases modern humans die of today and were virtually non-existent only 80 years ago.

As mentioned above, recent estimates suggest that the human body consists of about 30 trillion human cells. That pales in contrast to the number of microorganisms residing within us, primarily in the gut, but also on the skin, in the mouth, and other areas, with estimates ranging around 38 - 65 trillion microorganisms - with some estimates as high as 100 trillion. This vast community of bacteria, viruses (exosomes), fungi, and other microbes is collectively known as the human microbiome.

As previously mentioned, everything in Nature exists in a delicate balance that science refers to homeostasis. Predators and the preyed upon species, all create a system of energy exchange that is flawless in its design, as it’s always balanced. As humans have disrupted this balance by destroying entire ecosystems with agricultural runoff, deforestation, toxic groundwater, air pollution and more; we have pushed countless species to extinction and thus, have disrupted the delicate balance in the web of life we participate in. As a result, the planet goes further and further into decline as this balance continues to be disrupted. As without, so within. As the planet becomes ever more toxic, so do we.

Just as we’ve disrupted this balance on the planet, our negligence is now showing up in our health. Our human body is no exception to the laws of nature. Our bodies too, strive for homeostasis/balance. The foods we eat, pharmaceuticals we take, antibiotics administered (that are also ingested in meat, poultry, and dairy products, especially milk – wreaking havoc on our microbiome by killing “good microbes” in our gut), and exposure to chemicals both ingested, inhaled, and applied topically. All disrupt this balance, predisposing our bodies to countless diseases as homeostasis/balance is lost. It’s crucial to our health that we mitigate and manage these assaults to our system if we hope to maintain our health.

Virtually every aspect of being human, both physically and emotionally, is not only influenced by, but almost entirely determined by the microbes in your system you’ve never even considered. Keep them happy and believe me, you’ll be happy.

It's important for individuals to consult with a Holistic/Functional Health healthcare professional before making significant changes to their diet or lifestyle, especially if they have existing health conditions. A healthcare provider can offer personalized advice and direction to ensure that any underlying conditions contributing to symptoms are properly addressed.

Conclusion

The connection between gut health and overall physical and mental well-being is undeniable and cannot be understated. By understanding the latest findings in this field and implementing gut-friendly lifestyle choices, individuals can significantly enhance their physical and mental health and even reverse disease states in the body. As research continues to uncover the complexities of the gut-brain axis, the adage "you are what you eat" has never been more pertinent, highlighting the gut's central role in building a healthy human.

 

Love and Light to You in your continued Journey of Discovery and optimal health.

I would love to hear from you and have you share your thoughts and/or questions in the comment section below. I look forward to hearing your perspectives.

An Invitation:

To truly transform your health and overcome chronic fatigue, chronic disease, and other challenges, it's crucial to uncover advanced health strategies and adopt new, healthy lifestyle habits. Imagine making conscious nutritional choices, creating a chemical-free, non-toxic household for your loved ones, and finding companies that provide products with certifiably safe ingredients. Picture yourself with a structured daily fitness regimen (suitable for all levels of fitness), experiencing deep restorative sleep, and effectively managing stress.

I want to personally invite you to explore the SHIFT ETHOS WELLNESS PATHWAYS PROCESS (Tab at the top of this page or link provided below) – a journey back to true health. Dive deeper into these essential elements and experience a comprehensive approach to wellness by enrolling in this revitalizing process, transforming your life, and embracing a healthier you!

Click here: SHIFT ETHOS WELLNESS PATHWAYS PROCESS, to learn more and consider taking the first step towards revitalizing your health. Schedule a free consult by pressing the blue button at the bottom of the WELLNESS PATHWAYS page.

Disclaimer: 

I am not a medical doctor or a medical practitioner. I am not legally permitted to claim I treat, cure, or heal disease. I can, however, provide educational content with respect to building/restoring and maintaining optimal health through nutrition, diet, sleep support, and exercise, which can reverse health conditions.
Any information provided on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this web site.
This website summarizes information on the role of nutrition, diet, and exercise in health, disease and wellness. Readers should be aware that knowledge of nutrition and medicine is constantly evolving. They are encouraged to frequently check the most current information available on preventive and therapeutic measures. It is your designated clinician’s responsibility, relying on their experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine the best course of action in providing care and your choice to follow it or not.
 The author, editor, and publisher of information on this website accepts no liability for any injury arising out of the use of material contained herein, and makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the contents of this online publication, or from the contents of sites or articles we provide links to. 
David Gieske https://www.shiftethos.com
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How To Build a Healthy Human: Part 2:
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The Bittersweet Truth - How Processed Foods & Sugar Creates the Top 10 Chronic Diseases We Die Of