As someone with over 25 years of experience in the health and nutrition field, I have observed that many people accept feeling unwell as normal. In fact, it’s so common to experience symptoms that people have lost sight of what "normal and healthy" really looks like.
Therefore, I wanted to provide you with a quick rundown of the top 8 things that I see most frequently that people accept as normal but are actually unhealthy.
Let's start with digestion. Many people suffer from constipation or diarrhea and believe it’s normal. However, the bowels should move at least once daily, and the stools should be well-formed. Rabbit pellets and cow pies are not normal. Additionally, no heartburn or reflux and minimal to no gas and bloating is ideal for digestion.
Now, let's talk about headaches. Headaches are a common symptom that people often accept as part of their daily lives. However, your head should never hurt. Headaches are not normal, and you should investigate their underlying causes.
A good night's sleep is vital for overall health. You should be able to sleep soundly through the night with few interruptions except maybe the neighbor’s dog barking. Waking up to use the restroom is not “normal.”
Next, energy. You should wake up in the morning with a reasonable amount of energy that is sustained throughout the day. If you rely on caffeine and sugar to keep you going, you may need to assess your diet and lifestyle choices.
For females, menstrual cycles should not interrupt your life. There should be minimal to no cramping, no mood swings,
and no cravings of any kind. These are signs of a healthy cycle. Ditto for menopause—no personality changes and minimal to no hot flashes. Days of pain relievers are not “normal.”
Food Cravings. Cravings for sugar, chocolate, caffeine, bread, pasta, chips, or any craving at all is a sign of an underlying imbalance and possible dysfunction.
Your mobility is also an important factor. You should be able to get off the floor from sitting using no hands.
Finally, while some people may require medication for chronic health conditions, it’s important to understand that it’s not normal to rely on medications to alter your physiology.
I hope that this information helps you understand what normal and healthy bodily function looks like. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, let’s talk. The body is always working on healing itself and moving towards a more optimal state. If you’re experiencing symptoms that are not “normal,” it’s never too late to make positive changes for your health.
Best regards,
Dr. Julie