This blog was Fit to Fat and Back. I have renamed it to lead to a new life.
Hormesis, Pandemic, and Herd Immunity
Hormesis came up in a conversation with my Kinesiology studying son. The term has several health and fitness applications. Medically it can be how we humans build antibodies in our physical system. The introduction of a small amount of toxin into our bodies so that our system produces a response to fight the toxin and we build up antibodies. If the toxin comes again or in larger exposure, it will be shut down by the previously produced antibodies (maybe). The theory “what does not kill you, makes you stronger” is the point. There are other conditions that set up hormesis. Wim Hof, aka the Iceman, uses a breathing pattern coupled with cold immersion to create a similar effect. This practice produces strong antibodies in his system. You can check out Wim Hof online. Dr. Stephen Gundry, heart surgeon and diet guru, professes that plants grown in adverse and stressful environments produce more valuable and healthful nutrients in their systems because of hormesis. When you eat these plants you get a bigger benefit. Dr. Gundry sells an olive oil that he says has 30 times the antioxidants of regular olive oil because of the trees poor growing conditions. I am using regular extra virgin olive oil but I’d love to try his product.
We are trying for and working towards herd immunity. This requires a large portion of the population to be exposed to the Corona Virus. The numbers I read regarding herd immunity for previous diseases indicate 40% to 92% of the population would need this exposure to create that situation. This is huge based on this disease’s propensity to kill people with underlying health issues. Consider that over 40% of the people in the U.S. are said to have these underlying conditions. The World Health Organization and the CDC are reporting huge disadvantages for those people with these conditions. In Los Angeles County 93% of the people who died from COVID-19 (over 3700 so far) had underlying conditions. The idea for Herd immunity is not practical. It is a risk not worth the life loss.
A better plan is to promote personal immunity through diet and exercise coupled with a meditation practice. We can build a natural immunity and have a way to fight this and any other disease with life style healthy living. We must have a healthier population. This Pandemic proves that. Let’s promote health and create a fair fight.
Here’s my last video posted for my 10th grade Boys Physical Education class. Build a fitness and workout plan for yourself. Jump right in, if you need help, follow this blog. We can be healthy at 120.
HEALTHY AT 120 