Barriers to Performance 2

The next major advance in health care will be determined by what people are willing to do for themselves.  Knowing what to do is and always will be the integral part of the equation. In this era of technological advancement it seems too simple that lifestyle changes can actually be the most important part of the health and vitality process.  Yet, the health process is affected by every decision you make in regards to your choices in food, drink, sleep, sports and work.  

In today's world disease has reached epidemic proportions.  The amount of disease in America today is astonishing.  Historically, cancer affected only 0.1 percent of the population. At the turn of the 20^th century it was 3 percent.  Recent statistics from the Center of Disease Control suggest that today close to 50% of the population will get cancer in their lifetime.   Other data suggests that 3 out of 4 people will develop a diagnosable chronic disease in their lifetime.

With that said, in the middle of controversy is the true cause of disease. From a mutual perspective all disease is the result of a common factor, malfunctioning cells.  From the naturopathic community, the primary causes of malfunctioning cells are deficiency and toxicity.  Going a little deeper, the different diseases we experience are the effects of thousands of combinations of deficiencies and toxicities acting through a combination of inherited genes, environmental exposure, our beliefs, thoughts, emotions and stress. In other words, preventing or reversing disease is about preventing or reversing the elements that lead to cellular malfunction.

So what does all this depressing talk about disease have to do with intense sports?  The processes that cause malfunction at the cellular level are the same processes that impede your ability to become a world-class athlete. Genetics? You really can't do anything about that. Your born with what your born with. But, beliefs, thoughts, emotions, will, desire...These are things that you can do something about. Some say will and desire are the key ingredients that make a champion. What about environmental exposure?  Pollution, chemicals, insecticides, we are all exposed about the same, but you still have options that can separate you from the majority.

Why does any of this matter?  Because, your strength and energy is limited to the energy your cells can produce. Think about it this way, each cell is like a little battery, when the battery gets low you get tired.  Not only do you get tired, but vital functions to staying healthy are also impeded.  This includes your ability to repair and recover.  Ever had a really good day going only to lose on the last run, heat race, or even worse the last lap!

The very decisions you make on a daily basis in taking care of yourself directly affect your performance out in the field.  It is not just about performance either; it's about recovery and repairing damaged tissues. It's about living a long, healthy and productive life.  It's about being sixty years old and still being able to run, and ski, and pitch it sideways around a turn all with a smile on your face. As Little as ten years ago it was inconceivable that a 34 year old could be competitive in professional motocross. Yet Mike LaRocco is still a podium threat every weekend.  Ten years ago it was inconceivable that a 40 year old could be competitive in off road racing, yet Ty Davis is still winning races and Rodney Smith is the defending GNCC Champion. Do you think its all genetics, or do think it has something to do with the way these guys take care of themselves?

See you out at the track!!

Dr. Mark utilizes the highest quality supplements and products available. For more information:

drmark@proactivehealthcare.net   or  408-294-4074

Copywrite 2007 Dr. Mark Lucas, D.C.