In 2023, U.S. healthcare spending hit a staggering $4.8 trillion. Yet, despite these huge expenditures, the U.S. faces an epidemic of chronic disease. Prescription drug use is at record levels, with 6.3 billion prescriptions filled annually, or about 19 prescriptions per person every year. This reliance on medication often addresses symptoms, not the root causes of illness.

A case in point is the widespread use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) mimetics, such as Ozempic. These drugs, prescribed for weight loss and diabetes management, cost around $1,000 a month. However, when users stop taking them, the weight often returns. GLP-1 medications don’t tackle the underlying metabolic issues contributing to obesity or diabetes, and they come with a range of side effects.

It’s clear we need a new approach to health—one that focuses on restoring the body’s natural ability to heal, rather than relying on pharmaceutical solutions. Reversing chronic disease often involves a return to basics.

Harnessing the Power of Sunlight

The sun, the ultimate source of energy, plays a crucial role in maintaining health. Beyond its role in vitamin D production, sunlight provides electrons that fuel cellular energy production in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is essential for every cellular process, and efficient ATP production leads to improved health and reduced disease risk.

Sunlight also contains near-infrared radiation, which triggers photobiomodulation—stimulating mitochondrial function and boosting cellular energy levels. However, modern lifestyles have disconnected us from sunlight. The average American spends 93% of their time indoors, missing out on these essential benefits.

To restore sunlight exposure, try walking outdoors during solar noon when the sun is at its peak. Exposing your skin for just 15–30 minutes daily can boost both vitamin D and the other benefits sunlight provides. Combine this with your daily 10,000 steps to stay active and maximize the positive effects.

The Link Between Exercise and Sunlight

Exercising outdoors in the sun is especially beneficial. While walking helps improve circulation and cardiovascular health, it also supports mitochondrial health and energy production. Strength training, yoga, and other forms of exercise further enhance the benefits, helping to reduce inflammation and boost vitality.

Some scientists even suggest humans may have a form of photosynthesis. Though still under research, studies show that near-infrared sunlight can be absorbed by our cells and converted into energy, similar to how plants convert sunlight into usable fuel. This process, while not fully understood, could help explain why sunlight is so integral to our health.

Sun Exposure: The Importance of Balance

Though sunlight offers numerous benefits, it’s important to practice moderation. Excessive sun exposure can also overload the body’s electron transport chain (ETC), a critical process for cellular energy production. Too many electrons can create oxidative stress, damaging cells. While sunlight is vital for health, moderation and mindful exposure are key.

The Role of Nutrition in Health

“You are what you eat.” The food we consume provides the nutrients our bodies need for energy, growth, and repair. Macronutrients like protein, fats, and carbohydrates are broken down to fuel cellular processes. However, the efficiency of this energy production depends heavily on the health of our mitochondria.

Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods helps support mitochondrial function, stabilize blood sugar levels, and reduce inflammation. When combined with outdoor exercise and adequate sun exposure, proper nutrition is crucial in reversing chronic diseases and restoring health.

Conclusion

To reverse chronic diseases, we must rethink our approach to health. Instead of relying on medications that only mask symptoms, we should focus on restoring balance to our bodies. Sunlight, exercise, and whole foods can all contribute to improved mitochondrial function, better energy production, and a stronger immune system. By reconnecting with these basic elements, we can restore health from the inside out and begin to address the root causes of chronic disease.

Never underestimate your body’s inborn ability to heal itself.  Dr. Matt Hunt maintains a chiropractic office at 7614 E. 91st St Tulsa, Oklahoma. Follow me on twitter at http://twitter.com/huntspinalcare or like Hunt Spinal Care on facebook.

Source: Mercola.com Biohacking 2024: My Strategies to Reverse Chronic Disease and Restore Health