2016 in Reflection
2016 in Reflection
It seems every year on the topic of health, something new and exciting opens my eyes to how magnificent our bodies are. For example, how amazing is it that we live with billions of organisms called our flora working in precise unison with our human cells, keeping our bodies and minds functioning to create the whole of who we are.
Diet and nutrition were running in the forefront this year, with stem cells, placenta, and human derived amniotic tissue (HADT) a close second, and the power of hormones continue to amaze me as they help create the foundation of our personalities. I stand in awe. I stand in awe as I see human stems cells, human amniotic derived tissue (HADT), and placenta extract derived from the afterbirth of C-sections used as tissue transplant to help another human being heal physically, mentally, and emotionally.
If you don’t believe food is our medicine as Hippocrates stated thousands of years ago, please get David Perlmutter, MD’s book, Grain Brain or Brain Maker. Both are excellent and cast a different view on what we should eat and why. The Anti-Aging movement has long been a supporter of a whole food, no sugar, no gluten, little dairy diet. At least 10 years ago Nicholas Perrecone, MD, would show pictures of faces before and after that were outstandingly different. Then he would tell his listeners, “These changes were precipitated by diet alone.” As we see changes in our appearances with a different diet, we see changes in our personalities and well-being. Know the changes you see on the outside, are also happening on the inside.
In 2016 I saw we are not happy unless our attitudes are positive, our bodies are functioning without undo stress, and we are living out our passions. Our hormones being in balance is integral to the creation of these aspects of our being. Not many people are cognizant of that fact. Hormones are not just about replenishing ‘low T’ or to squelch hot flashes and night sweats. They rule our body’s emotions, motivation, and ability to feel and be passionate. They are also fed by the foods we eat.
Stem cells, placenta extract, and human derived amniotic tissue (HADT) have long been a favorite way of healing in my practice. These are messenger cells that signal the need for body repair and gathers the factors together to repair our physical bodies. I have always felt an amazing energy emanate from these tissues when using these growth factors, repair factors, cytokines and many more that are derived from the afterbirth. Our minds can negate this repair. We can stop it any time we like. Hence a positive attitude is also necessary in healing. One of the best ways to keep these repair cells functioning is to eat whole good foods. We now have the ability to be able to use these signaling repair cells from one human being to help another human being heal. How incredibly awesome is that! A world of sharing, repairing, and caring between humans.
Light, color, and sound vibrating in harmony also exerts a great effect on our well-being. We live in this environment and are affected by it every day. One of my favorite things to do is to lie down in an apparatus called Light Portal that uses light, color, and sound to allow the body to go into a meditative-like state. It takes me away from the stresses of everyday life and I feel it helps balance my body, mind, and being. Think about it. As the earth tilts to increase the amount of daylight, our bodies respond in kind increasing or decreasing our moods. Not too many people have an appreciation for how intricately our bodies react to light with the exception of people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). When you have SAD, seeking more light is your first priority in creating a better mood.
As we start 2017, I am anxious to see what new discoveries there are in the field of health, healing, and well-being.
May we allow the blessings of infinite potential and loving ways fill our being and heal ourselves in the creation of the Best Us Ever in 2017.
Happy New Year
Valerie Donaldson, MD