Supplements-- Do they take care of inadequate diet and exercise?

When used correctly, supplements can be a wonderful way to efficiently fill in the gaps of what your body needs, including extra nutrients and minerals that can be difficult to fully intake even with a very healthy diet.  However, if you’re relying on supplements as a substitute for a poor diet and inadequate exercise, you’re probably not going to get much out of them.  Supplements make a difference, but they are not magic pills. If you make the choice to give your body what it needs through activity and proper nutrition, supplements do a fantastic job of supplementing and supporting your efforts—not replacing them.  In the comments, share some of your supplement and health choice success stories.

Childhood Trauma – Trigger for poor lifestyle choices in the future?

When we experience a traumatic event or period, the effects can have a serious impact on our wellbeing, whether we realize it or not.  This can be especially true with childhood trauma, which can be difficult to fully identify, understand, and process--and as a result, move past.  Unhealed and hidden emotional and mental wounds can do just as much, if not more damage than the physical type. For many, past trauma is the first step in a reoccurring cycle of future trauma and poor choices throughout adulthood—including self-medication through substance abuse or overeating, escape through high-risk behavior, and lacking self-worth which amounts to neglect of one’s health and wellness.  Have you identified a childhood trauma or past event that once led you to poor lifestyle choices? Do you feel as though you’re free from that cycle? If you wish, share your thoughts in the comments.  

Sources:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/emotional_psychological_trauma.htm

http://www.asca.org.au/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=193

Genetic Predisposition - Is it more of a tendency or a reliable predictor of disease?

If you’re genetically inclined towards a certain condition, does that mean it’s a life sentence? There are some genetic health factors that we simply cannot change and must live with, but many can be modified and controlled through a balance of lifestyle changes, personal management and practical treatment.  While many diseases are considered familial, so are habits and tendencies that affect our health.  Do you have an ailment or condition to which you are genetically predisposed? Take a step back and think hard about how much of that issue can be traced to family diet, activity levels, and other lifestyle trends and traditions. Conversely, how much of it is truly in the blood? Further, what have you done in your own life to manage and control your genetic conditions that differs from your family members and relatives? Share your thoughts in the comments.