A Nurse's Reflections on Metabolic Health

It is the body's ability to optimally regulate blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is also about having and maintaining a healthy weight; that is, without excess weight, especially in the abdominal area, which is more harmful to our health. Thus, for the body to successfully perform its functions, it must be provided with all the nutrients it needs. A diet low in carbohydrates, but rich in good fats and polyphenols (plants, herbs and spices), and of course quality proteins: that is, organic meats and plant proteins, wild fish and seafood. In addition, it is desirable to integrate periods of fasting into our lifestyle to allow the body to regenerate deeply and thus increase our vitality.

Another essential factor for good metabolic health is regular physical activity. Humans are made to move, whether in our joints, where synovial fluid is activated to nourish them, or in our blood circulation, to ensure our organs are properly irrigated in order to provide them with the nutrients and oxygen they need. Movement is also very important for our lymphatic circulation, which allows toxins to be flushed into our excretory organs.

Thus, as these health factors are less and less respected by today's society, we find ourselves faced with an explosion of metabolic syndrome; that is, people with excess weight, increased blood pressure, sugar levels, cholesterol and blood triglycerides. These parameters being abnormally high, lead to dysfunctions in the body, such as chronic inflammation, thus creating several diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, autoimmune or joint diseases. These health problems have been steadily increasing for years, which are extremely costly for the health network. The most interesting thing here is that many of these pathologies could be avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Furthermore, having worked as a nurse in the healthcare system for 20 years, my observations and discussions with many of these people have led me to one conclusion: most of these people know what they need to do, namely eat better and move more. However, they are not motivated to do so; they prefer to stay in their comfort zone because they do not have the energy to take action.

Indeed, most of these people are inhabited by a certain malaise. I have noticed that many people are unhappy in their lives, whether in their relationships, family, or work. Some experience social isolation, have relationship conflicts with their family or loved ones, and others have developed addictions to alcohol, drugs, or gambling. As a result, these people seek comfort in foods rich in sugars and fats. This temporarily feeds their reward system, and they thus develop a certain dependence on junk food. That being said, given the decrease, or even absence, of good nutrients necessary for the production of happiness and well-being hormones, this creates more gloomy moods, which encourages them to move less, to complain, and to eat fast food, thus allowing themselves to be drawn into a vicious cycle of addiction.

To conclude, in my opinion, for people to awaken to making positive changes, they must first find meaning in their lives; that is, do some introspection to see what they really want to experience on a daily basis, by being aligned with their values, whether at the level of the couple, family or work. Then, this daily life being more joyful, it will naturally push them to take care of themselves with joy and kindness. It will therefore be easier to adopt good lifestyle habits. I deeply believe that the root of the problem, not only for metabolic syndrome, but for many other diseases today, is the lack of love and self-respect. By cultivating these two fundamental elements, we ensure the well-being and evolution of the human being while respecting his nature.