PART FOUR - CELLULAR COMMUNICATION - see bottom section for some great links to read!

Our cells constantly sense and respond to their environment inside of us. They send physiological messages back and forth from one part of the body to another. Our brain and other parts of our nervous system connects the brain to all different areas in the body. As hormones, neurotransmitters, and a range of other chemical messengers circulate throughout the body they find their corresponding receptors on the surface of the cells with which they are communicating and influencing the physiologic function of that organ.

These messengers affect inflammation, oxidation, growth and repair of the cells, and more. The individual cells themselves receive messages and carry to its genes within, thereby also changing the cell’s physiological function. So, you see, everything you put in your body or your body is exposed to can literally effect you. Any altered function along the way can give rise to the signs and symptoms associated with numerous chronic disorders.

Bottom line: We want our cells to be healthy so they talk nice and support one another.

Adrenals, hormones, cortisol, insulin, oxytocin, estrogen, testosterone, dopamine, serotonin, vitamin D, thyroxine are just a few messengers that you may have heard of.

If our diets are filled with simple, processed carbohydrates, this stimulates insulin to get glucose out of blood stream and if not creating enough energy to use it up, extra fat will get stored. Think of breads that aren’t truly whole grain, white rice, noodles, bagels, muffins, crackers, pretzels, chips, etc. Do you have cereal for breakfast? A sandwich for lunch? And pasta for dinner?

You may want to start thinking “whole” foods.

If our lives are constantly filled with stress and we hang on to stressors, this stimulates more cortisol which is also a fat storage hormone. A substance produced by the liver called hs-CRP (high sensitivity c-reactive protein) is a biomarker blood test your health care provider may check as it indicates a shift in the balance of cellular communication toward chronic “inflammation”. The immune system also plays a role in inflammation.

You have probably heard of anti-oxidants, phytonutrients, and spices like ginger, turmeric, curcumin, and frankincense. Whole plant foods, licorice, green tea, red grape skins, cranberries, pomegranate, and blueberries act as phytonutrients which science has studied and found that if we eat them, we reap the benefits of their protective capabilites on our cellular communication processes.

Now you also know how medications work. When we progress to certain chronic disease states, we are prescribed medication that goes to the receptors associated with the organ affected to produce an effect. A good example is blood pressure medication.

So, knowing that cellular communication depends on your diet, environment, and lifestyle and virtually every chronic disease is caused by an imbalance in the cellular communication network, WOULDN’T YOU WANT TO MAKE A CHANGE TO IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES TO REMAIN HEALTHY OR SEEK BETTER HEALTH?

Cellular Communication Questionnaire:

1. Do you suffer from arthritis-like pain or inflammation?
2. Do you have night sweats?
3. Does a change in weather produce joint pain?
4. Do your joints swell after physical activity?
5. Do the stresses of your life affect your health?
6. Do you suffer from a feeling of low energy in the morning that takes until noon to overcome?
7. Do you feel wired and tired?
8. Is your libido low for your age?
9. Are you chronically depressed and feel you shouldn’t be?
10. Do you think you’re more forgetful than you should be and does that concern you?
11. Is it difficult to get to sleep? Stay asleep?
12. Do you have chronic infection of the sinuses, tonsils, intestines, skin or mouth?
13. Do you routinely take anti-inflammatory medications?
14. Are you on blood pressure medication?
15. Do you take antidepressants?

Reference: “The Disease Delusion” by Dr. Jeffrey S. Bland

Learn more about FOOD CRAVINGS:

https://askthescientists.com/food-cravings/?id=13299749&source=copiedlink

Learn how your cells talk:

https://askthescientists.com/qa/what-is-cell-signaling/?id=13299749&source=copiedlink

MUST READ - Phytonutrients 101: GET THESE IN YOUR DIET SOMEWAY SOMEHOW!

https://askthescientists.com/phytonutrients/?id=13299749&source=copiedlink

It’s all about communication - listen to your body! Be your own detective. Adjust your lifestyle. However, if you answered a lot of yes’s above, you may want to consult your primary healthcare provider for an evaluation. BE A GOOD LISTENER -

Thank you again for following - Stay tuned for parts 5, 6, and 7.

Live Well,

Janet