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The Things We Didn’t Learn in School
Despite all the advances in medicine and technology, there are fundamental aspects of health that we were never taught in school. We live in a world surrounded by environmental toxins like plastics and pesticides that silently wreak havoc on our bodies. What’s worse is that most of us are unaware of how these everyday substances are linked to serious health issues, from hormonal imbalances to chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and obesity.
But it’s not just the toxins. We’re also not taught about simple, natural ways to protect ourselves—like walking 7,000 steps a day or getting enough sunlight. These foundational health practices can reduce our risk of developing major chronic diseases by up to 60%, yet they’re often overlooked in favor of more complex, medicalized interventions.
This blog will dive into some of the most alarming facts we were never told and explore how small, easy changes in our daily routines can make a big difference in our long-term health.
Plastics and Pesticides: Hidden Toxins Impacting Our Health
One of the most alarming facts that goes unspoken in mainstream education is the sheer volume of plastics and pesticides infiltrating our environment—and our bodies. There are approximately 8 billion tons of plastic on Earth, and as these plastics degrade, they release microplastics and chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA) that mimic estrogen in the body. This hormonal disruption is linked to a myriad of health issues including infertility, obesity, and even certain cancers.
Plastics aren’t the only threat. Every year, an estimated 6 billion pounds of pesticides are sprayed on our global food supply, with many coming from China and Germany. These pesticides have been strongly linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer, metabolic dysfunction, liver disease, and obesity. Despite these well-documented connections, we were never taught about the true impact these chemicals have on our health.
The cumulative exposure to these toxins over time not only disrupts our hormonal balance but also contributes to the rise of chronic diseases that we see today. Avoiding plastics where possible, eating organic foods, and being conscious of pesticide exposure can help mitigate some of these health risks.
The Power of Movement: Why 7,000 Steps Can Transform Your Health
Another overlooked, yet simple way to improve your health is by walking. Many people are unaware that walking just 7,000 steps a day can significantly reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and even gastric reflux. In fact, taking these daily steps can slash the risk of these chronic diseases by 40 to 60%.
Despite this, the average American only walks about 3,500 steps per day, which is half the recommended amount. Walking is one of the most basic forms of movement, but it is vital for our physical and metabolic health. It doesn’t require expensive gym memberships or intensive training—just a commitment to regular movement. A simple 45-minute walk each day could be the difference between living with or without a chronic disease.
Our bodies are designed to move, yet in today’s sedentary society, most of us simply aren’t getting enough daily physical activity. Reintroducing more walking into our routines is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to support overall well-being and prevent long-term health issues.
The Vital Role of Sunlight and Circadian Rhythms in Human Health
Sunlight plays a pivotal role in our overall well-being, yet it’s something many of us neglect in our daily lives. Our bodies follow a natural circadian rhythm, a biological clock that dictates our cellular health and influences many of our core biological functions. These rhythms are tightly aligned with the cycles of day and night, determining everything from hormone production to sleep patterns.
The way our body knows whether it’s daytime or nighttime is by detecting sunlight, particularly the photons hitting our retina and skin cells. This light exposure helps regulate processes such as melatonin production, which is crucial for sleep, and cortisol levels, which keep us awake and alert. Sunlight is also responsible for triggering the synthesis of Vitamin D, a vital nutrient that plays a role in immune function, bone health, and mood regulation.
In our modern lifestyles, we often spend long hours indoors, deprived of natural sunlight. This lack of exposure can disrupt our circadian rhythms, leading to issues like sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, depression, and even metabolic dysfunctions. By getting enough sunlight, especially in the morning, you support your body’s natural rhythms, boost energy, and improve overall health.
The Growing Threat of Toxins in Our Environment
We live in a world saturated with toxins that pose serious risks to human health. One of the most alarming facts is the amount of plastic degrading into the environment, releasing harmful chemicals that mimic estrogen in our bodies. Currently, over 8 billion tons of plastic exist on our planet, continuously breaking down into microplastics, which then infiltrate our water, soil, and food supplies. This plastic pollution disrupts our endocrine systems and is linked to a range of issues such as hormonal imbalances, reproductive health problems, and even certain cancers.
Additionally, the use of pesticides on a global scale is out of control. Around 6 billion pounds of pesticides are sprayed on crops worldwide every year, with significant contributions from countries like China and Germany. These chemicals are not just harmful to pests; they have been strongly linked to numerous health conditions in humans, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, cancer, obesity, metabolic disorders, and infertility.
These environmental toxins are slowly accumulating in our bodies, and their effects can be devastating. From the food we eat to the water we drink, exposure to these chemicals is nearly unavoidable. The constant intake of harmful pesticides and plastics puts a massive strain on our detoxification systems, leading to chronic illnesses and an increase in life-threatening diseases.
Despite the clear dangers, this topic remains under-discussed in mainstream health education. The importance of avoiding these toxins wherever possible cannot be overstated, and it’s up to us to take action by opting for organic foods, reducing plastic usage, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices to protect both our bodies and the planet.
Simple Lifestyle Changes to Combat Environmental Toxins
While we may not be able to control the pollution of our planet, there are powerful steps we can take to reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals and enhance our body’s ability to detoxify naturally. One of the simplest yet most impactful changes is increasing physical activity. Studies show that walking just 7,000 steps per day can significantly reduce the risk of various chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. This basic, accessible activity can be a game-changer for metabolic and cardiovascular health. Shockingly, the average American only walks around 3,500 steps daily—half of what is needed to experience these protective benefits.
Additionally, improving the quality of our food can dramatically reduce our toxic load. Choosing organic, locally grown produce helps avoid harmful pesticides and supports cleaner, more sustainable agriculture. Opting for natural, whole foods—free from chemicals and additives—strengthens the body’s detoxification systems, especially the liver, which is heavily burdened by pesticide and plastic exposure.
Another important aspect of natural health is sunlight exposure. Getting direct sunlight is essential for regulating our circadian rhythms, which control numerous processes in the body including sleep, metabolism, and cell regeneration. Sunlight provides us with much-needed photons, signaling to our body when it’s time to be active or rest. By simply spending time outside during the day, we ensure that our body functions optimally and our sleep cycles remain consistent—two foundational elements of long-term health.
Incorporating these three simple habits—walking more, eating organic, and getting sunlight—can go a long way in reducing your exposure to toxins and boosting overall health. While we may not be able to avoid all environmental hazards, these lifestyle choices empower us to take control of our well-being.
Exercise and Sunlight: Their Role in Mental and Physical Well-Being
Physical activity and exposure to sunlight are two of the most underutilized yet highly effective tools for improving both mental and physical health. Exercise, even in its simplest form like walking, has a profound impact on mental well-being. Studies show that walking 7,000 steps a day can significantly reduce the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and obesity. It also lowers the risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, as physical movement stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters.
Walking doesn’t just benefit your body; it also gives your mind a break from stress. The act of walking outdoors, in particular, provides even greater mental health benefits because it combines physical movement with exposure to nature and sunlight.
Sunlight, another natural healer, is essential for regulating circadian rhythms—the body’s internal clock that governs sleep-wake cycles. Proper exposure to sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Additionally, sunlight exposure stimulates the production of serotonin, a hormone associated with mood stabilization and happiness. When you get enough sunlight, especially in the morning, you help your body synchronize its natural rhythms, leading to better sleep at night, more energy during the day, and improved mental clarity.
Interestingly, the connection between exercise, sunlight, and mental health is strongly tied to the gut-brain axis. Movement and outdoor exposure stimulate healthy gut function, which in turn positively affects brain health. Check out our Mullein Leaf Extract, a supplement that supports lung health—a vital component of staying active and ensuring that your body gets enough oxygen during exercise.
For a more in-depth discussion on the benefits of exercise and sunlight, explore our article on the gut-brain connection and healthy living.
Sleep and Circadian Health: The Foundation of Mental and Physical Wellness
Sleep plays a critical role in mental and physical health, often acting as the foundation for all other aspects of well-being. Yet, many people are unaware of the powerful connection between sleep and circadian rhythms—our body’s internal clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycles. When we align our activities with natural daylight and nightfall, we can significantly improve our overall health.
The key to optimizing circadian health is getting exposure to natural sunlight during the day and avoiding artificial light at night. Sunlight, particularly in the morning, signals to your body that it’s daytime, triggering biological processes like serotonin production. Serotonin not only boosts your mood during the day but also helps produce melatonin, the sleep hormone, at night. This natural rhythm is essential for restful sleep, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
Lack of proper sleep can lead to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, and it can also exacerbate cognitive issues like memory problems and brain fog. A disrupted circadian rhythm can also lead to metabolic dysfunctions, weight gain, and inflammation, which further increase the risk of chronic diseases.
For a deeper dive into how circadian health impacts mental well-being, and to explore natural solutions for maintaining balance, check out our Soursop Tincture, which supports gut health—a key player in the gut-brain connection that also influences sleep quality and mental health.
Gut Health and Its Connection to Mental Wellness
One of the most profound revelations in recent health science is the discovery of the gut-brain connection. Your gut, often referred to as your “second brain,” has a direct impact on your mental health through the gut-brain axis. This complex system of communication between your gut and brain plays a pivotal role in regulating mood, cognition, and mental well-being.
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, and the balance of these microorganisms is essential for producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which significantly affect mood and emotions. An imbalance in gut health can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and brain fog. A disrupted gut also increases inflammation in the body, which is known to exacerbate cognitive issues and lower mental clarity.
To maintain a healthy gut-brain connection, it’s essential to focus on a nutrient-rich diet and consider natural supplements like Soursop Tincture. Soursop supports gut health by promoting digestive balance and can act as a natural solution for constipation relief. This link between gut health and mental wellness makes it clear that maintaining a healthy gut is just as crucial for your mind as it is for your body.
For more about gut health and how it impacts your overall mental health, take a look at our article on gut-brain health.
Embrace Natural Health and Take Control of Your Well-being
It’s clear that our modern way of life—surrounded by pollutants, harmful chemicals, and sedentary habits—has disconnected us from fundamental practices that support our health. By reclaiming simple yet powerful habits like daily movement, exposure to sunlight, and natural nutrition, we can take back control over our physical and mental health.
Walking 7,000 steps a day, getting enough sunlight, and paying attention to circadian rhythms are just the beginning. Our bodies are designed to adapt and thrive, but only if we provide them with the right conditions. Embrace a more holistic approach to health by reconnecting with nature, avoiding processed foods, and supplementing with natural products that promote balance within the body.
For additional support, explore the benefits of our natural products like Soursop Tincture for gut and brain health or our Mullein Leaf Extract to maintain respiratory wellness.
As a part of the Aging with Purpose and Connection community, we encourage you to take small, impactful steps today toward a healthier tomorrow. Join our 55+ Wellness Community and continue to explore how natural living can improve your longevity and quality of life.
