This article is part of a three-part blog series called The Original Medicines, exploring the healing power of grounding, sunshine, and breath.

Even when the experts told us to stay out of the sun, I never listened. That advice never landed—not in my mind, and definitely not in my body. Sunshine always made me feel good—not just warm, but awesome. So, on some level, I knew this guidance was off.

Sure, it made sense to not bake ourselves all day and to avoid the harshest high-sun hours. But to block the sun entirely—whether by hiding indoors or slathering on chemical-laden sunscreens—never aligned with what I knew intuitively to be true. Sunshine was never the enemy. It was always a friend. A healer. A source.

The more I paid attention, the more I noticed that without sunshine, something dark creeps in. My sleep gets lighter. My energy dips. My mood flickers. It’s as if the sun holds me together in a way I can’t fully explain—but my cells seem to understand.

“A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.”
~Steve Martin

It makes you smile. It makes you feel good. But it’s also true. Sunshine isn’t optional. It’s fundamental.

How Sunshine Works

Sunlight is full-spectrum energy. It’s not just about vitamin D—though that matters. When light hits the skin and enters the eyes (without glass or sunglasses), it signals receptors that cue dozens of biological processes.

Dr. Alexander Wunsch, a leading voice in photobiology, reminds us that sunlight regulates our circadian rhythm, hormones, neurotransmitters, and cellular repair. Early morning light triggers cortisol (the good kind) to wake us up with clarity. Later, it helps our brain produce melatonin to wind us down.

Dr. Jack Kruse, a neurosurgeon turned quantum biologist, says it like this: “The sun is the most powerful drug we don’t have to pay for.” According to his work, natural light directly supports mitochondrial function—the engines of our cells. No sunlight? Those engines slow down. Chronic fatigue, inflammation, and hormone dysregulation follow.

Sunlight boosts serotonin, modulates immune function, and increases nitric oxide, which helps our blood vessels relax and circulate more freely. It even triggers the skin to produce sulfated vitamin D—a form we can’t replicate in a capsule.

This isn’t theory. It’s the intelligence of Nature.

Why Sunlight Matters More in a Toxic World

When the body is burdened with toxins, our regulatory systems—like immune response, detox pathways, and hormone signaling—start to misfire. Sunshine doesn’t just brighten our day. It recalibrates those systems.

Most of us now live under artificial light. Blue-heavy, spectrum-narrow, fluorescent. These lights keep us alert but disrupt our inner clock. They can’t mimic the complex array of wavelengths the sun delivers—especially the infrared and UVA rays that support healing and detoxification.

In a world of overstimulation and chemical overload, the sun is one of the purest forms of order. It brings rhythm back to chaos. It reminds the body what balance feels like.

Sunshine and the Slow Movement

The sun never rushes. It rises and sets with precision, not panic. In my own healing and slowing down journey, I started to sync with it—not as a schedule, but as a rhythm.

Stepping into the light each morning became a quiet ritual. My nervous system softened, and my mind stopped racing. Instead of swinging between overdrive and collapse, I felt steadier, like I could hold the pace I was meant for—not the one the world demanded.

Sunshine brings me back to myself.

Take the First Step

Wake with the sun. Let it hit your skin. Step outside for even just five minutes. Don’t bring your phone. Don’t overthink it. Just let the light find you.

And notice what shifts—not just in your energy, but in your whole way of being. The sun speaks a language older than words. Let your body remember how to listen.

As Hippocrates said, “Those who seek the sun find health in its warmth and light.”

The Original Medicines: A 3-Part Series
Part 1: What is Grounding?
Part 2: What is Sunshine?
Part 3: What is Breath?

This article is part of a three-part blog series called The Original Medicines, exploring the healing power of grounding, sunshine, and breath.

I think I always knew I wasn’t breathing correctly. I just didn’t know how much it was costing me.

For years, I lived in stress mode—my breath was shallow, tight, rushed. I knew it wasn’t good, but it had become so normal I didn’t question it. Until I started paying attention. Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” That’s when something clicked.

I began to slow down. Three deep breaths. That was all it took to feel the first wave of calm wash over my body.

Later, I read a quote from Byron Katie that undid me, in her book Loving What Is. She said, “One day I noticed that I wasn’t breathing—I was being breathed.” And when I dropped down with my breathwork, I realized I too wasn’t doing the breathing; I was being breathed. Whoah.

How Breath Works

We take around 20,000 breaths a day, and most of them happen on autopilot. But breath isn’t just background noise—it’s data. It’s rhythm. It’s a direct line to your nervous system.

James Nestor, author of Breath, says it so well: “The way we breathe affects the size and function of our lungs, the pH of our blood, and the balance of our nervous system.” Shallow mouth breathing triggers stress hormones and raises inflammation. But slow, nasal breathing—especially through the diaphragm—signals safety to the body. It turns down the fight-or-flight switch. It helps the body heal.

Anders Olsson, founder of Conscious Breathing, says it this way: “You can survive for days without water, weeks without food, but only minutes without breath. And yet we rarely consider how we breathe.” He’s right. I discovered nose breathing later in life—and when I did, everything changed. My sleep deepened. My energy became more stable. My body felt less reactive.

Breath, like grounding and sunshine, regulates everything: immune function, detox, hormones, digestion, clarity. It’s not just air. It’s instruction.

Why Breath Matters More in a Toxic World

In a world full of chemicals, chaos, and chronic stress, breath is your on-demand regulator. When toxins accumulate, they throw off your oxygen balance, nervous system tone, and cellular metabolism. Breath is the one system you can control to pull everything back into alignment.

Slow nasal breathing increases nitric oxide—an anti-inflammatory gas that opens the airways and improves blood flow. Diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, calming the brain and improving digestion. It also supports the lymphatic system, helping move toxins out.

And perhaps most profoundly, breath gives you access to your inner life. It shows you where you’re holding, where you’re rushing, where you’ve disconnected from yourself.

Breath and the Slow Movement

When my breath drops down—really drops down—my body follows. My nervous system softens. My mind clears. And sometimes, I cry.

It’s not because I’m sad. It’s because I’m home within myself.

Breath has become one of the most spiritual tools in my life. It doesn’t belong to any philosophy or practice. It’s universal. As Tara Brach says, “Breath is the portal to presence.”

When I breathe deeply, when I get out into the sun, and when I spend time in nature and on the ground, something shifts. I’m no longer chasing the day. I’m remembering who I am.

Sunshine brings me back to myself. It always has.

Take the First Step

Breathe through your nose. Slowly. Try four seconds in, six seconds out. Do it three times. No technique. No perfection. Just presence.

Feel what shifts. Notice what softens. This is the original medicine that’s been with you since the beginning.

Grounding steadies you. Sunshine nourishes you.
But breath? Breath brings you back to yourself.

Grounded, lit, and now—awake. These three practices aren’t separate. Together, they remind your body how to heal.

The Original Medicines: A 3-Part Series
Part 1: What is Grounding?
Part 2: What is Sunshine?
Part 3: What is Breath?

This article is part of a three-part blog series called The Original Medicines, exploring the healing power of grounding, sunshine, and breath.

I remember hearing about “tree-hugging” as a kid—it sounded like a joke, something silly. Then, during the early months of the pandemic, a friend and I were talking about energy—the kind you can’t see but can feel. Deep in the woods one day, I wrapped my arms around a tree, pressed my body against it, and stood still. That’s when something shifted.

I didn’t expect anything. Yet, I felt everything.

It was as if the tree charged me, correcting a subtle off-kilter feeling and bringing me back into balance. I experienced strength, calm, and a connection to something older and wiser than myself.

Dr. Laura Koniver, a physician who has studied grounding for over a decade, describes it as the transfer of Earth’s natural energy—what some call scalar energy—into our bodies. The Earth pulses with free electrons that our bodies crave. When we make direct contact with the Earth, these electrons neutralize free radicals, settle inflammation, and recalibrate our internal systems. We’re not imagining the recharge—we’re wired to receive it.

During the pandemic, when yoga studios, coffee shops, and community spaces were either closed or overcrowded, nature became my sanctuary. My love for it deepened, and it anchored me. I started noticing details I’d overlooked before: the texture of bark, the interplay of light, and the slow, deliberate wisdom of a forest that exists simply to be.

As Peter Wohlleben writes in The Hidden Life of Trees, “A tree can be only as strong as the forest that surrounds it.” It struck me that we’re much the same. Grounding became my way back to the forest—a return to a state I hadn’t known I’d lost.

How Grounding Works

Grounding isn’t just a feel-good ritual—it’s backed by science. The Earth carries a negative charge and supplies free electrons. When our bare skin touches the ground, these electrons flow into us, neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation. Research by Clint Ober, Dr. Gaétan Chevalier, and Dr. Laura Koniver demonstrates that grounding restores the body’s natural electrical state. It’s like hitting the reset button on chronic inflammation and oxidative stress—two key drivers of aging and disease.

The Earth’s electrons don’t only support physical healing; they also influence the vagus nerve, the master switch of the parasympathetic nervous system. By calming the nervous system, grounding promotes the deep, restorative healing that our overstimulated lives so desperately need.

Why Reducing Inflammation and Calming the Nervous System Matters

In today’s toxic world, chronic inflammation has become the norm. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to threats, but when it never turns off, it disrupts every system—immune, hormonal, neurological, and more. Chronic inflammation is like a wildfire, burning through our resources and preventing true healing.

As Clint Ober often emphasizes, grounding is one of the most accessible and effective anti-inflammatory tools available. It not only reduces inflammation but also calms the nervous system. In our perpetual fight-or-flight mode, the body prioritizes survival over healing. Grounding shifts us into a parasympathetic state—the rest-and-digest mode—where detoxification, cellular repair, deep healing, and inner calm can finally occur.

Grounding, Detoxification, and Chronic Conditions

In our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed world, grounding invites us to slow down—literally and metaphorically. Studies show that grounding normalizes cortisol rhythms, reducing pain and inflammation, which are major contributors to chronic illness. Its influence on blood chemistry and mineral metabolism offers a natural approach to managing conditions like osteoporosis and diabetes, and it has even been linked to supporting thyroid function and improving blood glucose regulation.

What makes grounding so effective is its unique mechanism. When you connect with the Earth’s frequency, electrons penetrate cell membranes, optimizing the electrical charge inside and out. This enhanced stability improves the function of ion channels—those tiny gateways regulating mineral and electrolyte flow. With better cellular precision and resilience, mitochondria work more efficiently, boosting energy production, waste clearance, and overall vitality. Grounding doesn’t just support healing—it lays the foundation for sustained biological renewal.

As Wohlleben reminds us, “In the forest, nothing stands alone.” Neither do we.

Why Grounding Matters

Grounding isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s the reset button we all need. Beyond physical healing, grounding reconnects us with nature and helps us live well. It lowers cortisol, improves sleep, and enhances blood flow. It’s a pause that allows you to breathe deeply and regain your footing. When you connect with the Earth, you aren’t merely stopping; you’re beginning anew—opening the door to well-being and the start of genuine healing.

Take the First Step

Hug a tree, kick off your shoes, touch the Earth, and feel the shift. Notice how the world becomes more grounded, how life becomes easier. This is just the beginning of exploring the power of grounding. In my next post, I’ll dive into another post on grounding and sunshine.

As Laura Koniver M.D. says, “Grounding reconnects you to the most essential rhythm—the one that never stopped holding you.”

The Original Medicines: A 3-Part Series
Part 1: What is Grounding?
Part 2: What is Sunshine?
Part 3: What is Breath? 

Tell someone to eat better, exercise more, or get some sleep, and what happens? They’ll nod, agree… and then do the opposite. Not because they don’t know better, but because habits are stronger than knowledge.

It’s human nature. We resist being told what to do—even when it’s for our own good. It’s why gym memberships spike in January and collect dust by March. It’s why we reach for sugar when we’re stressed, even though we know it’s the last thing our body needs.

So what’s the move? Surround yourself with the right people.

Want to be healthier? Be around people who make health non-negotiable. Want to be more disciplined? Spend time with those who walk their talk. Want more energy? Hang with people who prioritize rest, movement, and real food. Strength grows in proximity to strength.

A wrestler doesn’t train with someone weaker. They train with someone stronger. That’s how they level up.

So here’s the mic-drop: Your health is a reflection of the company you keep. Choose wisely.

Your brain isn’t lazy, and it isn’t broken. It’s doing its job every second of every day, keeping you focused, creative, and alive. But there’s a problem: it’s working in a world that wasn’t built to protect it.

Every day, toxins show up. In the air, the food, the water—even the devices you hold in your hand. They don’t just drift by; they seep in. They disrupt the systems your brain depends on, causing inflammation and stealing the energy your cells need to keep you sharp.

And slowly, those small disruptions add up.

The Barrier That’s Letting Things In

Your brain has a built-in defense system: the blood-brain barrier. Think of it as a filter, keeping harmful invaders out. But toxins—pesticides, heavy metals, even electromagnetic fields from WiFi—have a way of breaking through.

Once they’re in, the chain reaction begins:

• Inflammation spreads, disrupting communication in the brain.
• Energy production slows as toxins target your mitochondria, the tiny engines powering every cell.
• And critical brain messengers—like dopamine and serotonin—fall out of balance.

You might not notice it at first. It starts with brain fog, fatigue, or a little forgetfulness. But if the pattern continues, the symptoms grow louder.

It’s All Connected

What happens in your gut doesn’t stay in your gut. Your brain and gut are in constant communication, working together to keep you healthy. But when toxins disrupt the balance in your gut microbiome—the bacteria that keep your system running smoothly—problems begin.

Inflammation starts in the gut and doesn’t stop there. It travels through your body, weakening the blood-brain barrier and making it easier for harmful substances to reach your brain. It’s not just about digestion anymore. It’s about how you think, how you feel, and how well your brain performs.

A Simple Path Forward

Your brain doesn’t need saving—it needs support. It needs you to create the conditions for it to thrive.

• Protect your gut. The balance of bacteria in your microbiome is a foundation for brain health.
• Rest deeply. During sleep, your brain clears out waste and toxins—an essential reset that keeps your thinking clear.
• Pay attention. If something feels off—fatigue, anxiety, forgetfulness—your body is sending you a message.

Small steps can lead to big changes. Start with what’s within your control. Remove what doesn’t belong, restore what does, and notice how your brain responds.

The Work Ahead

Your brain is your greatest asset. It’s where your ideas are born, where your creativity takes shape, where your life happens.

But like anything precious, it needs care. When you clear the obstacles—one by one—you create space for clarity, focus, and energy to return.

This isn’t about overhauling everything overnight. It’s about small, thoughtful shifts that help your brain—and your life—work better.

Are you ready to begin?

We love certainty. We love to categorize, label, and defend. Vegan vs. carnivore. Keto vs. high-carb. Every camp has its champions, its research, its long-winded arguments about why this way is the right way.

But let’s be real: if there were a single, universal diet that worked for everyone, wouldn’t we have figured it out by now? Wouldn’t we all be thriving?

Instead, most of us are inflamed, exhausted, and confused—following rules that should work but don’t. Maybe it’s time we step back from the noise and start listening to the only expert that actually matters: our own body.

Food Isn’t a Religion—It’s Fuel

Here’s where we get stuck: we treat food like an ideology. A belief system. A badge of identity.

But food isn’t about belief—it’s about function. Your body is an engine, and food is the fuel that runs it. The right fuel makes it run smoothly. The wrong fuel? It gums up the system, slows you down, and leads to chronic issues you can’t quite put your finger on.

And yet, we continue to follow dietary rules written by people who have no idea how your body responds to food.

Inflammation: The Root of the Problem

If we strip away all the diet wars and nutrition dogma, one thing is clear: chronic inflammation is wrecking us.

We live in an inflammatory world. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the stress we carry—it’s all adding to the load. And food? Food is either helping or making it worse.

Some people handle carbs well. Others don’t. Some thrive on dairy. Others experience bloating and fatigue. Some people feel incredible on plant-based diets. Others feel depleted.

The common denominator? Inflammation. The goal isn’t to follow someone else’s perfect diet; it’s to identify and eliminate the foods that are keeping you inflamed.

I Followed the Rules—And Still Struggled

For years, I drank 32 ounces of green juice every day and adhered to a strict vegan diet. This was what the camp I was in said was best. It was supposed to be detoxifying, energizing, the ultimate way to fuel my body.

But I didn’t feel best.

I was still struggling. My energy wasn’t where it should have been. My body was sending me signals that something was off. And yet, I ignored it—because I believed I was eating the “right” way.

Eventually, I had to step back and ask a simple but powerful question: What if this isn’t right for me?

That question changed everything.

I started experimenting. I added in foods I had once sworn off. I paid attention to how my body actually felt rather than how I thought it should feel. And over time, I found what worked—not based on someone else’s blueprint, but on my own lived experience.

Food as an Experiment—Not a Rulebook

We’ve been conditioned to follow diets like rigid roadmaps as if there’s one golden path to health. But what if, instead of blindly following, we experimented?

What if we treated food as a science experiment, with only one real metric: How do I feel?

Not how someone on the internet says you should feel. Not how your diet app ranks your meal choices. Not what a study says is optimal for the general population.

Just this: What happens in your body when you eat this food?

That’s the game-changer. That’s where freedom starts.

The Best Diet? The One That Works for You

There’s no perfect diet. No universal answer. No one-size-fits-all roadmap.

Instead of looking for a label to define your way of eating, consider this:

• Does this food reduce or increase inflammation in my body?
• How do I actually feel after eating it?
• Am I energized and clear-headed, or bloated and tired?
• Is this way of eating sustainable for me in the long run?

Most of us aren’t struggling because we lack willpower. We’re struggling because we’re eating in a way that doesn’t work for our individual bodies. And instead of adjusting, we double down because “the book said so.”

Forget the rules. Forget the debates. Your body has the answer—if you’re willing to listen.

A Simple Shift

No rigid rules. No one-size-fits-all plan. No pressure to get it “right.”

Just this:

Notice what your body is telling you.
Try something different if what you’re doing isn’t working.
Let go of the guilt.
Trust yourself.

Because in the end, the best expert for your body—is you.

Now, what’s one food that you suspect isn’t serving you? Try cutting it out for a week and see what happens. You might be surprised at what your body tells you.

Inflammation is the villain.

Not just sugar. Not just toxins. Not just pesticides or plastics or seed oils. The real problem is all of it, all at once. The relentless overload that keeps your body in a constant state of defense.

And your liver? It’s the one fighting the battle. Every second, it’s sorting through the chemicals, breaking down the excess, trying to keep you from drowning in what modern life keeps throwing at you.

But here’s the thing: your liver is not an unlimited resource.

At some point, it gets overwhelmed. It slows down. And then? The backlog starts. Fatigue. Brain fog. Stubborn weight. Mood swings. Hormones out of control. Not because you’re “getting older” or because your metabolism “isn’t what it used to be.”

Because the system is clogged.

And here’s where most people get it wrong.

Fasting Is a Tool, Not a Magic Trick

Fasting works. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s biology.

When you stop eating, your body stops digesting long enough to do something very important: clean house. It clears out damaged cells. It burns through stored junk. It lets the liver catch up. It resets your insulin. It reduces inflammation.

It’s simple. It’s powerful. It’s built into how we’re designed.

But here’s the catch: if your body is already overloaded, fasting can make things worse before it makes them better.

Because fasting mobilizes toxins.

If your system isn’t eliminating properly—if your gut isn’t moving, if your liver is sluggish, if your drainage pathways are slow—those toxins don’t leave. They recirculate. And suddenly, the thing that’s supposed to heal you is making you feel awful.

Not because fasting is bad. But because your body wasn’t ready for it.

So, Should You Fast or Detox First?

That’s the wrong question.

The right question is: What does my body need right now?

Some people can fast today and feel amazing. Others need to clear the backlog first. If fasting gives you energy, sharpness, clarity—your body is handling it well. Keep going.

If fasting makes you feel sluggish, foggy, drained? Your body is telling you something. Listen. Don’t force it. Fix the foundation first—support the liver, get the gut moving, open up elimination channels. Then fasting stops being a struggle and starts being a tool.

The One Truth No One Can Tell You

You don’t need another plan. Another expert. Another diet.

You need to pay attention.

Your body is talking. Every symptom is feedback. Every ounce of fatigue, every craving, every reaction to food—it’s all information. The question isn’t should I fast? or should I detox first?

The question is: What is my body asking for right now?

No book, no protocol, no influencer knows better than you.

Trust it. It already knows the way forward.

Ever wake up feeling sluggish, foggy, or just off? Nature had an answer for us long before we asked.

Turmeric, ginger, and lemon—three simple ingredients you’ve walked past a hundred times. They hold real power to reset your body.

For centuries, Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine healers knew what modern science now proves. Turmeric reduces inflammation, helping your liver break down and remove toxins. Ginger aids digestion, relieving bloating and that heavy, sluggish feeling. Lemon detoxifies, boosts hydration, and enhances your liver’s ability to filter out waste.

Together, they’re more than a wellness drink. They’re a ritual—a small, powerful choice that sets the tone for your day.

Wellness is simple. Take the shot and let nature do the rest.

Turmeric-Ginger Liver Detox Shot

(Recommended first thing in the morning)

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon fresh turmeric juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger juice
• Juice of ½-1 lemon
• A pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a glass, combine the turmeric and ginger juice
2. Squeeze in the juice of a half or whole lemon
3. Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance turmeric absorption.
4. Drink immediately on an empty stomach for the best detox benefits.

Optional Tips:

• If the taste is too strong, add a teaspoon of raw honey or a splash of fresh orange juice.
• For an extra boost, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Why It Works:

• Turmeric reduces inflammation and supports liver detox.
• Ginger aids digestion and helps reduce bloating.
• Lemon hydrates and revitalizes, assisting the liver in clearing out toxins.
• Black pepper boosts the bioavailability of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric.

Cheers!

A Refreshing, Keto-Friendly Salad Bursting with Fresh Herbs and Citrus Vibes

Feeling heavy, stagnant, or just off? This isn’t just a salad—it’s a reset button.
Celery hydrates and gently cleanses with essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Parsley brings vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and folate to support immunity, bones, and red blood cells. Mint cools and soothes, helping digestion by easing bloating and relaxing the gut. Fennel offers natural prebiotics, nourishing beneficial bacteria. Avocado’s healthy fats make sure your body absorbs all the nutrients in this bowl. Microgreens, tiny but powerful, deliver concentrated vitamins and antioxidants. Citrus brightens and supports natural alkalinity, keeping your body’s pH balanced for optimal enzyme function. Aleppo pepper adds warmth and boosts circulation. This salad isn’t just fuel—it’s a fresh start. Nature knows. Your body responds.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 6-8 celery stalks, thinly sliced on a bias
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 medium avocado, diced
• 1 cup microgreens (like pea shoots or radish sprouts)
• 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or a pinch of red pepper flakes)

For the Citrus Dressing:

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Zest and juice of 1/2 orange
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon monk fruit sweetener (or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener)
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Build the Salad: Combine celery, parsley, mint, fennel, avocado, and microgreens in a large bowl.
• Make the Dressing: Whisk together citrus zest and juices, olive oil, vinegar, sweetener, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• Bring It Together: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Sprinkle with Aleppo pepper for a bit of warmth.
• Serve Right Away: Freshness is the key. Enjoy it immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Salad:

• If you prefer a bit of extra crunch, add a few toasted seeds like sunflower or hemp seeds (keeping it keto-friendly).
• Pair this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
• For more vibrant color, garnish with additional citrus zest just before serving.

Enjoy the Freshness!

This isn’t just about eating well—it’s about feeling good. Whether you make this salad as a light lunch or a vibrant side, it’s a simple way to reconnect with Nature, all it provides, and what your body truly needs. If you try it, I’d love to hear—did it feel like a reset?

Overconsumption is a quiet thief. It often goes unnoticed because so many of us do it. It blends into the background noise of our lives—something normal, yet it quietly erodes our clarity and weakens our inner strength.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. After transitioning off thyroid medication, I found myself navigating a maze of hormonal imbalances, unexpected weight gain, and a metabolism that seemed to flat-out stall. My liver was struggling to keep up with the shifts in my biochemistry, and for the first time in my life, I started looking at everything I ate in new ways—not with guilt, but with curiosity.

Am I really hungry?

Nine times out of ten, when I paused long enough to ask the question, the answer was no. I’d find myself eating something you’d never find me eating in the past, not even sure how I ended up there. I started to notice more than ever how conditioned thoughts can drive us if we don’t pay attention—’It’s morning, I should eat breakfast.’ Or, ‘I’ve had a long day; I deserve this treat.’

What I’m discovering is that overeating isn’t really about food. It’s about the stories we tell ourselves. The story that food will fix fatigue, that a treat will soothe stress, or that a meal will fill some hole of need. And these stories? They quietly undermine what we intuitively know is best for us.

Research backs this up. Studies in esteemed journals like PubMed and ScienceDirect show that overeating, particularly with highly processed foods that are high in empty calories and low in nutrients, can lead to chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. It also disrupts brain chemistry, creating cravings that aren’t real hunger but echoes of old habit energy. And here’s an interesting twist: chronic overeating can lead to a kind of apathy—a numbed motivation and zest for life. It’s as if excess food weighs down not just the body but also the spirit. As spiritual teacher and philosopher Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov said, “When you eat too much, you exhaust your organism. You not only overload your stomach, but you also darken your soul.” It’s as if excess food weighs down not just the body but also the spirit.

In the wild, animals don’t do this. Research into animal behavior shows that most species naturally regulate their food intake. They eat to live, not the other way around. Unlike humans, they haven’t invented chefs or become ‘foodies’ to turn food into a source of constant temptation. They eat when they’re hungry, stop when they’re full, and go back to active living. But here’s where my curiosity kicks in—animals also demonstrate advanced survival intelligence by self-medicating with specific plants or substances to combat illness, improve health, and manage their environment. So, why do they have such discipline around food when, as humans, we often struggle with it?

When we slow down long enough to ask, ‘Do I really need this?’—whether it’s a meal, a snack, or a treat—we create a moment of clarity. It’s a chance to rewrite the story. To realize that what we often crave isn’t food at all—it’s presence, it’s a pause, it’s a breath. Michael Singer, author of The Untethered Soul and spiritual teacher, captures it well: “The truth is, you could eat once a day, or ten times a day, and still not satisfy the hunger inside. This is because the hunger is not for food, but for fullness, for wholeness.”

So, what if this isn’t about restriction at all? What if it’s an experiment—a chance to let a little hunger linger, not as punishment, but as an invitation to get curious about what we really need? Maybe, just maybe, it’s not more food, but more connection—to ourselves and to life itself.