The Power of Extremism and Balance in Healthcare Choices

When the topic of making dietary or lifestyle changes comes up, I often hear "I don't want to be extreme; I'm just being moderate." Moderation is a virtue in our society, one that keeps us from rocking the boat and letting us maintain the status quo.

We tend to eat what most other people eat, live the way most people live, and avoid taking radical steps. Familiarity is safe and comfortable. But can moderation stand in the way of making positive changes?

Let's explore the idea of moderation, extremism, and balance in healthcare choices.

Moderation, the status quo, and the world

The allure of moderation lies in its ability to keep us in the comfortable middle ground, where we don't stand out or challenge societal norms. But does it lead to meaningful change? The truth is, it often does not. The real heroes in our world, the ones who have transformed it for the better, were rarely moderate. They were passionate, driven, and willing to go to extremes to achieve their goals.

Consider the women who fought for the right to vote. They didn't sit back and say, "Let's not make waves; we'll discuss politics over tea." They were bold, radical, and unapologetically extreme in their pursuit of equality.

Or think about Einstein and his theory of relativity. In the face of mockery and skepticism, he didn't abandon his ideas in pursuit of moderation. Instead, he pursued his extreme passion for understanding the universe, leading to groundbreaking discoveries.

The value of balance

Perhaps, instead of moderation, what we should seek is balance. Many spiritual traditions teach us that balance is the true path to healing. But is moderation synonymous with balance? Not always. Balance requires a nuanced understanding of the situation, and sometimes, achieving balance means taking an extreme stance.

Individuality and the pursuit of balance

Our individuality is a beautiful aspect of our existence. We have different values, needs, and life paths. What is balanced for one person may not be the same for another:

Celiac Disease and Gluten: If you have celiac disease, your path to balance likely involves the extreme measure of avoiding all gluten all the time. It's a necessity for your health.

Solid Gut and Occasional Indulgence: On the other hand, if you have a strong gut and good health, your balance may allow for the occasional enjoyment of a gluten-laden croissant. Your body can handle it.

Strong Gut and Environmental Activism: But what if you are a strong-gutted individual who is also an environmental activist? Your balance might entail shunning not only the croissant but any other food that may have been exposed to glyphosate. Your extreme stance aligns with your values.

The beauty of individuality lies in the fact that our paths to balance can be vastly different from one another's. It is a reflection of our diverse values, biology, and the options available to us.

The power of collective action

We also have a collective path to consider. It is here that extremists have played a vital role in bringing balance to a world in need. For example, consider the issue of food manufacturers adding toxic chemicals to our food.

Sometimes when we have lost balance and shifted to an extreme, such as the current poor state of our modern diet, we can only regain balance by swinging the pendulum to the other side. And often this change only occurs when there is strong resistance and social pressure. Perhaps certain food chemicals are allowed in the United States but banned in Europe because the European population was willing to bend the status quo.

In general, the pursuit of balance in healthcare choices is a complex and highly individualized journey. While moderation has its place, it's essential to recognize that balance isn't always synonymous with moderation. Our unique values, needs, and circumstances can lead us to take extreme measures when necessary, for our individual health and our collective goals.