Good Energy for Better Health

In her book Good Energy, Casey Means argues that all diseases have the same root cause. She describes how our modern lifestyle prevents our cells from getting the energy they need to function properly. Metabolism is the set of cellular processes that transform food into the energy required by every single cell in our body. When cells are inadequately powered, they become dysfunctional, which leads to disease.

Three bad things happen when our cells don’t get enough energy: 1) the mitochondria in our cells, which are responsible for converting food energy into cellular energy, don’t work properly, 2) the resulting unhealthy cells send out distress signals that leads to chronic inflammation, and 3) the cells create damaging waste called free radicals, which cause oxidative stress.

These three dysfunctions play a key role in nearly every chronic health issue. Bad energy can cause Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, arthritis, cancer, dementia, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, infertility, sinus infections and migraines, autoimmune conditions, and chronic fatigue.

Here are ways you can help your cells get the energy they need:

• Move frequently throughout the day, aiming for at least 7,000 steps, and do some resistance training.
• Eat a diet that maximizes micronutrients and antioxidants from fruits and veggies, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, fermented foods, and protein and removes refined added sugars, refined vegetable and seed oils, and refined grains.
• Eat at consistent times and reduce your eating window by cutting off food intake early in the evening.
• Prioritize the quantity and quality of your sleep and have a consistent bedtime and wake time.
• Go outside within an hour of waking, spend as much time as possible outdoors, and minimize exposure to bright light after sundown.
• Expose yourself to extreme temperatures, like saunas or cold showers.
• Try to minimize your exposure to toxins by eating organic food, avoiding plastics, and using clean, unscented products.
• Manage your stress through breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, practicing gratitude, spending time in nature, or therapy.

Which good energy habits will you try out this week?