For decades, eggs were bad for you. Then they became good for you. For a while all the rage was red pepper hummus, and the grocery stores sold out. Vitamins and herbal supplements also ride this roller coaster. Why?
A scientific study is done which captures attention, then a product is marketed to a selected audience and other manufacturers join in on the opportunity. Big money is made—enough to want to suppress any other scientific studies which may contradict current beliefs. Until one day, a new “truth” emerges, and we’re on to the next hipe.
Or, a famous star, an “influencer,” says he or she likes this or that. People follow. Up they go, excited to have a seat on the ride, they fly on the trendy thrill until the thrill plummets.
Others do their research. They ask, “What kind of study was it? “How many were involved and what were the variables?” Or, “Why does this influencer ‘like’ this product?” Sometimes they find the truth. Other times their research is manipulated.
I’m not being cynical here. Life is full of contradictions. So is the internet. So what do we do about it? Ask your doctor? Well, doctors are trained by institutions and instructed in certain ways. They may be helpful, which is wonderful! Sometimes, however, they unknowingly cause more harm than good.
Trial and error. Learning from your experience. Being consciously aware. Following your instinct. And prayer. In my opinion, these things work better than desperately searching the internet or drowning in social media due to information overload.
What works for one person might not work for another. If you can listen to your body, deciphering between what is good for it and what is more like physical or mental addiction, you can guide yourself in the right direction and follow your own guidance. When physical health improves, mental health follows.
Sometimes it’s best to turn off all the babble and turn to God. Spending time with Him, in silence or in prayer, in trust, in love, is healthy for the soul. He loves you. And, He wants you to love yourself.
Blessed Be,
Tracy
