The Wellness and Weight Journey (Part 2)
To continue on the theme of weight loss, it is important to know what the body consists of and the type of fuel it requires to run efficiently.
SYSTEMS:
The body has a framework which gives a basis for everything else to work from.
The framework is made up of a series of bones, some which are articulated to allow movement. These are joined together by joints.
This is known as the SKELETAL system and has to be strong in order to support and allow the body to move, and stay upright.
Often forgotten about, is the fact that red blood cells are manufactured on the inside of bone, (bone marrow), so it is vital that bones are strong and healthy.
The joints have to be supple, so they are lined by a special smooth lining which allows for friction free articulation.
Attached to parts of the skeletal system are muscles. They are made up of specialized tissues which form the MUSCULAR system, which allow the body to utilize energy by being able to perform tasks such as walking, running, lifting and generating heat.
Muscles are attached to joints by small very tough fibrous tissue fixtures known as tendons and ligaments.
Specialized cardiac muscle allows the heart to beat, keeping the individual alive, and a smooth type muscle makes up many of the organs of the body.
The overall function of muscle is to expand and contract which results in movement.
Interspersed throughout the body is the NERVOUS system which is a series of nerves which carry messages from the brain to different areas of the body.
Some messages are sent directly by ourselves, others are beyond our control.
The brain is arguably the most important organ in the body as it regulates the function of everything else.
The nervous system is an extremely complex one which as yet is not thoroughly understood, and is being constantly reviewed as new information comes to light.
In order to keep the body alive, it is necessary to have a blood supply. This is known as the CIRCULATORY system.
Blood is a liquid which is made up of many components. Its function is to deliver nutrients, including oxygen, around the body and also gather up waste material. This is done by a series of blood vessels which run all around the body. The heart acts as a depot where oxygenated blood and waste blood are collected and moved on.
There is a further system known as the LYMPHATIC system which acts as a safety net to the circulatory system by running alongside it and collecting any fluid which leaks through blood vessel walls, and returning it to the main blood system through specialized groups of cells known as lymph nodes.
In order to breathe, everyone needs a RESPIRATORY system.
This is done by two organs known as the lungs which draw in oxygen from the atmosphere where it enters the blood stream, and also exhales waste from the blood stream in the form of carbon dioxide.
To provide nutrients for the body we need to eat.
The DIGESTIVE system is a long convoluted cellular tube which consists of several components.
1) Oesophagus
2)Stomach
3)Small intestine (or bowel)
4)Large intestine (or bowel)
5)Rectum.
On the journey from eating food to the elimination of waste, the nutrients from food are extracted by various organs through a complicated process of digestion which breaks down the food with acids and enzymes.
Current research has discovered that there is a much greater interaction between the brain and the gut than was realized.
The billions of bacteria, good and not so good, which are present in the gut, may have a link to some illnesses and disorders which are present in our society, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers, dementia and depression.
It also adds weight to theories that suggest artificial additives and processing of food, make it difficult for the digestive system to cope with these unnatural substances and make it harder for the immune system to do its job properly, therefore allowing inflammatory disorders such as skin conditions to appear.
The URINARY system also deals with waste from the body, including minerals and dead cells, which have been filtered in liquids through the kidneys to gather in the bladder as urine prior to elimination.
There is also the little heard about ENDOCRINE system which is responsible for secreting hormones which have an impact on growth, metabolism, reproduction and mood.
This system is made up of a series of small glands situated in different parts of the body, but has a huge effect on human development.
The REPRODUCTIVE system is closely linked to the endocrine system, and depends on a healthy body to function properly.
Additional to the systems, are important organs, each with a vital function.
Over and and above the brain, heart, lungs, stomach, bowel, kidneys, bladder already mentioned, is the liver which filters and cleanses the blood, and the spleen which manufactures new white cells for the immune system,
The whole body is wrapped in skin, making it the largest organ.
Skin is made up of several layers and protects internal organs, regulates temperature, acts as a sensory organ and prevents loss of moisture.
All of the various parts of the body are made up of cells. Some are red, some are white and others have specialized functions.
There are trillions of cells making up the human body, and the immune system is under constant threat from mutating cells which often come in the form of harmful bacteria.
MACHINE:
The more we learn about the body and how complex it is, it is not difficult to understand that keeping everything in balance is the key to all the parts working as they should.
It makes us realize how we have been abusing our body by overloading the digestive system, by eating foods which upset the delicate balance of many systems, and how we store unused energy as fat.
We have given the immune system an impossible task by introducing unknown cells in the form of chemicals, which manifest as ill health.
If we own a nice car, we will make sure it has the correct type of fuel, it is serviced regularly, and it is kept clean and in good order.
By doing this we will have a functional, reliable car which will bring us pleasure until we replace it and pass it on to someone else.
The opposite is true if we were to use the wrong fuel, as it would damage the engine, the car would not run well or may stop altogether, and if not serviced regularly, other problems would go unnoticed.
BODY FUEL:
By thinking of the body in different parts, and the type of food that is needed to keep it healthy, does make it easier to select the correct nutrients rather than reach for the first calorie laden item.
Cells must be renewed and replaced, so protein is required.
Energy is needed for activity, so some appropriate carbohydrates should be chosen.
In order to keep skin and organs hydrated and healthy, water and some healthy fat is needed.
Vitamins and minerals although only needed in small traces, we now can see how necessary they are to overall wellness, therefore food containing them should be part of an eating plan.
Since finding out so much more about the gut and the part played by good and bad bacteria, it is now being advised that small amounts of helpful bacteria should be taken daily in the form of PRO BIOTICS and FERMENTED food which help boost the immune system.
Looking at the body as an engine, and thinking before eating is often just enough to choose the healthier option for the whole family!
BLOG (Part 3)
In Blog (Part3), I shall look at some specific diets and the common denominator which may run through them.
There are many things to consider and it is important to remember that an eating plan for one individual may not agree with an other.
There are food allergies, food philosophies, family circumstances, medications and finance to take into account.
Research into food and its effect on well ness and indeed illness, is producing new facts and discoveries all the time.
It is an interesting subject which should concern us all, and should make the journey of achieving a healthy weight so much more interesting than dining out on lettuce leaves!
