Does anyone else get... what's the word... sick of, overwhelmed, annoyed by the contradiction of information that exists in the health and wellness world?
It's one thing to stumble upon new information that's helpful and easy to implement in your daily life, if so chosen. Like learning about the importance of fat and fermented foods in our diet, or that it would be a healthy (and resourceful) idea for me to start making my own bone broths. (not that I don't still question some of these types of things or make gradual changes)
It's entirely another thing to learn about contradictions that are contrary to what you have known to be true your entire life and seem to go against what society believes as a whole. Topics such as:
- Is sunscreen necessary? Or is it better to just soak in the sun and the benefit it provides, fighting off the harmful effects with an antioxidant rich diet. Because soaking up the sun actually fights cancer... don't worry about it causing it. (a very simplified and over-generalized summary of the article)
- The measles vaccine actually spreads the virus. Which is why as more people get vaccinated there are so many cases of the measles, right??
- Diary causes osteoporosis. You should not drink milk to have strong bones.
... and the list could go on and on.
I am naturally curious about health topics and am drawn to reading these kinds of articles.. but clearly some of them are not helpful. It's after I read the ones above that I stop and just think "really? Like what I've known my whole life to be true about these topics is actually false?!" And most of the population has no idea?! How can it be that there is this small group of people that is privy to discovering all the secrets to good health and how we should Really be living our lives?
Some topics are easy to brush off and not worry about, but with others it's harder to decide if it's actually important.
As I thought about this, I realized I do have a few "rules" of sorts for processing these kinds of things, but it doesn't always take away the uncertainty I feel after I intake new information.
(in no certain order)
1.) We live in a fallen, sinful world. There is no perfect answer to anything, nor can anyone completely control their health and environment. People that are diligent to live responsible, healthy lifestyles still get cancer (or other life-treatening diseases), while very irresponsible and careless people can live to 90 and never have an illness. At the end of the day God is sovereign and in control.
2.) God has created many people that are smarter than me and called them to jobs that I will never know much about. While there is a sect of distrust for the medical world, I have to believe that they are smarter than me, the FDA is not out to kill me, and I can kind of believe what I'm told. I don't want to live a fearful and distrustful life, questioning everything I'm told.
3.) If the general public embraces this without obvious consequences, then it's probably ok for me too. [things like vaccines, eating x,y,&z, applying sunscreen, or using gasp, store bought formula (vs homemade, if you didn't know you could actually do that)... ]
4.) Would it be stressful or expensive to implement? Then it's probably not worth it.
5.) If it's something that would affect the whole family, would Chad be on board? If I know he wouldn't or would feel dumb even bringing it up b/c he would think I'm weird/crazy, then I can probably forget about it.
6.) If it's about food I talk to my food scientist sister Amber. She provides a very practical, facts-driven, the public has no idea what they are talking about perspective. It usually brings me back to reality. Thanks Amber. :)
7.) If I find a natural alternative to the "normal" that works well and is price-comparable, I'll probably switch that... things like deodorant, cleaning supplies, lotion... most any household/personal care product. I tend to not go the homemade route due to time/energy and have found lots of Honest products I like.
8.) Stay balanced and don't get extreme in any one thing. Information is always changing. Read one article and you will feel like you should never eat carbs again, and other one will explain the importance whole grains have on your body and if you avoid them you could be missing out on good nutrients and protein your body needs. I'm waiting for the day we learn that organic is worse for you than regular food and that it's actually good for you to drink wine while you're pregnant. :)
So how do you analyze these topics? Or new information that doesn't align with what you've always thought? Maybe this all is far off your radar (which sounds kind of nice), or you are far more level-headed and can analyze much better than I?
Maybe I give way too much thought to all this stuff, and should just cut it off completely... but it is interesting and sometimes helpful, so I will probably keep reading and trying to filter the good from the bad. :)
