A Green Thumb

The Green Thumb

Here is a little thinking exercise I like to work through with my patients. I call it the green thumb analogy.

What does it mean when we refer to someone as having a green thumb?

Everyone knows that it refers to someone who has a natural skill for gardening, or growing plants.

So, let’s dissect that a little more.

What does it take to grow plants? Is it rocket science?

What do plants need?

Again, everyone knows that plants need:

Sufficient sunlight:

Not too much, that could burn the plant and make it wilt

Not too little or the plant won’t grow, and may die.

Sufficient water:

Not too much, that could drown the plant

Not too little, or the plant will wilt, and may die.

Good soil:

Nutrient rich soil

Free of toxins that may harm or kill the plant

Oxygen:

Sufficient and clean air

Well, what happens to any plant if you give it sufficient sunlight, clean and sufficient water and oxygen, and nutrient rich, toxic free soil?

It not only grows, it thrives! (Hence, the green thumb.)

But why, if given those ingredients, does the plant

thrive?

Because it is genetically (DNA) hardwired to thrive under the right conditions.

What makes you think you are any different?

Answer: you are no different!

Your body is genetically programmed for health. More precisely, it is genetically programmed for survival by maintaining homeostasis (balance), and adapting to chemical, physical and emotional stressors that challenge that balance.

The simple truth is: your body has certain specific genetic requirements to BE healthy. If those requirements are met, in pure and sufficient quantity and, if you stop poisoning yourself with toxic foods and chemicals, improved health is inevitable
When you understand and act on this simple truth, your health and your life will change.
Health is mostly a matter of choice; how you choose to live your life; how you choose to think, what you choose to eat and how much exercise you choose to get; as strongly influenced, for better or worse, by the habits of the people you hang out with most, your family and friends.
It is all about making a solid lifetime, lifestyle commitment, to create good health by developing and consistently maintaining healthy habits.
It’s not rocket science.
It’s as simple as having a green thumb!