Health

As you research your family history, death certificates and family journals they may provide you with some interesting, if perplexing, physical ailments that caused death or disability to your ancestors.  What were these diseases called?  Do these diseases still exist, or have they been largely eradicated?  If they still exist, how are they treated today?  And how would a medical doctor who teaches about healthy alternatives to drugs and surgery address them?

This research sometimes brings about more questions than answers.  It is quite a large topic (even the title of the article is large!) and presents a bit of a challenge.  So let’s start:

First of all, and probably foremost, is that the diagnosis of a disease is merely a name that the physician gives to a set of symptoms.  That’s all it is–a name.  When someone says, “I have ____________ (a specific disease),” they are merely mentioning the name that those symptoms have been given.  The disease itself is a group of symptoms that help express what is happening inside your body.  A wise practitioner looks at the symptoms as clues to understand what your body is revealing about what is going on inside.  Then, putting the clues together, you and your physician can create a plan to address the healing on a deeper level than merely treating symptoms.

How does that relate to diseases of the past?  The same diseases were given different names than what they are called today, but the symptoms were the same, and the treatment at that time was based upon what physicians thought was happening in the body.  Fortunately, today we know a lot more about what causes many diseases, and we can be spot on about how to address them.  But it has been my sad observation that far too many of us are continuing to address disease symptoms, rather than causes.

Did your great, great Uncle Wilbur die of “apoplexy?”  That is what we call a stroke today.  The effects of strokes can be greatly diminished by flooding the brain or heart with oxygen.  Other techniques exist to help with recovery and prevention of strokes.  “Bilious fever” was a high fever, generally caused by typhoid, malaria, or hepatitis.  Many today are still overly concerned about the fever itself, which is the body’s excellent approach to killing the invasive bacteria and viruses causing the imbalance.  Fevers are a natural healing mechanism in the body.  As long as we monitor what is happening in the patient, fevers are often preferable to administering something to bring the temperature down.

If great, great, great, Grandma Mabel died of consumption, chances are that she suffered from tuberculosis, a lung disease that still exists today.  Tuberculosis was also called “lung sickness” or “King’s evil.”  Today, we have strong treatments for TB, as it is often called, but there are resistant strains that sometimes make treatment a challenge.  TB is on the rise throughout the world today, so it is prudent to make sure you take excellent nutritional supplements, drink lots of pure water, and breathe wholesome air whenever possible, particularly in countries where tuberculosis is common.  TB is more aggressive against a vulnerable body.

What about “dropsy?”  What was it and how would we treat it today?  Dropsy was the description that physicians used to describe edema (swelling).  Although the cause could differ, and still does, often it was caused by kidney or heart disease.  Our bodies know intuitively what is needed, and in many cases, with proper nutrients and hydration, we can team up with our bodies to address diseases more effectively than the best pharmaceuticals. “Dysentery,” an inflammation of the colon, with mucous and blood in the stools, was frequently caused by poor hygienic conditions.  Another, “flux,” was a discharge of fluid, such as a hemorrhage or diarrhea.  Both of these were made more severe with the unsanitary conditions of the day.

“Quinsy,” or what we know as tonsillitis today, was an inflammation of the tonsils in the throat.  Doctors are more reluctant now to remove tonsils than they used to be, knowing that the tonsils serve a purpose.  In fact, we are more aware than ever before that there are no “useless” parts in our body.  In the wisdom of our Creator, everything serves a purpose.  We can address tonsillitis by strengthening the immune system.  Antibiotics are often necessary, although antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria are becoming more common.  It is prudent to use great discretion when taking antibiotics, especially since so many infections are viruses that are unresponsive to antibiotics. 

Many diseases of the past, for example, rickets and scurvy, were caused by malnutrition.  For me, it makes sense to contemplate how many other symptoms can be helped with proper nutrients on board in our bodies.  We know that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant.  We know that certain essential fatty acids or oils are effective in keeping limbs moving with greater ease, and keeping skin smooth and clear.  Way back in 1902, Thomas Edison said, “The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.”

Another component of robust health, in earlier times as well as today, is paying attention to what we are thinking and feeling.  Emotions play a strong role in our overall health.  When we are stressed, when we are depressed, when we are angry, when we are overwhelmed, we are more vulnerable to disease.  Do you remember when you stayed up all night studying for exams, weeks on end for finals week, only to collapse with a bad cold a few days later?  Our bodies are real troopers when it comes to getting us through crises.  The problem we cause for our bodies is when our emotions and situations cause perpetual stress and chaos.  During those times, it is important to take time to pray, to feel gratitude, to meditate upon all of the goodness that surrounds you.  “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in ALL things,” (emphasis mine). 

To enjoy a healthier life and a healthier body, learn to eliminate stress wherever possible.  Learn to forgive.  Learn to love unconditionally, and allow others the chance to learn with their life experiences, as our gracious God teaches us.  Learn to love and care for your miraculous body, and listen to the messages it is sending you.

To your dynamic health and energy!  Dr. Stan

(Stan Gardner, M.D., CNS, practices medicine at the Keys to Healing Medical Center in Riverton, UT.   To contact him, or to learn more about healthy alternatives to drugs and surgery, please call 801.302.5397 or visit his website )