Unique Approaches to Optimal Health : Understanding one's overall susceptibility plays a significant role in healthy living, says Dr. Ben Zorensky.

The reason that a flu epidemic does not affect 100 percent of the population is the same as the explanation why strep throat might hit a second-grade class, but only seven out of the 23 students get sick. The answer is rooted in an important concept: susceptibility. It may have a genetic component, but it is often governed by our history, habits and attitudes. Each of us has a unique makeup, and part of that can be a predisposition or vulnerability to certain microbes, toxins or events. A compromised system has lost its ability to defend itself against external assault.

There probably is no such thing as perfect health, but if we were to characterize what might lead to it, we could say that it is a state of zero susceptibility. Microbes would be unable to take hold, toxins would be neutralized or excreted before they could do any damage and our emotions and attitudes would remain receptive and flexible.

The good news is that our susceptibility is not fixed, and there is a lot we can do to optimize our health by fortifying our vitality. There are simple ways we can nurture ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually that have a profound influence on our susceptibility.  The way we eat, the way we carry ourselves, the way we engage with other people and the attitudes we adopt about life and the world around us, all go a long way to influence the level of health we enjoy.  The life habits we establish and the belief systems we draw on are the resources we have to improve our state of health, and maintain it at peak levels.

Since the 19th century, naturopathic medicine has been based the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathy focuses on the source of a dysfunction, rather than simply masking symptoms. Eradicating symptoms does not necessarily result in restoration of health. Only by addressing the origin of the disease and obstacles to cure can a person truly recover. 

Naturopathic medicine employs therapies that are non-toxic, safe and effective. Human beings are not made up of compartmentalized systems, so optimal health must be achieved by considering the whole person. Because no one treatment is right for all patients, naturopathic doctors provide flexible, holistic treatment programs to meet each individual’s specific needs for healing. One of the primary roles of a naturopathic doctor is to educate, empower and motivate patients to take responsibility for their own health.

Dr. Ben Zorensky, ND, is the medical director at Naturopathic Athlete, in Tempe. He partners with his patients to evaluate unique vulnerabilities and design specific strategies to fortify an individual’s resources to resist compromising external influences and maximize overall wellness. For more information, call 480-598-7723 or visit NaturopathicAthlete.com.