The principle of synergy states that the whole is greater than the mere sum of the individual parts. In practical terms, this means that any cell, organ, or system experiencing any level of impaired function can interrupt and impair the health and well-being of the whole body. Fortunately, the opposite is also true. Any cell, organ, or system experiencing normal or healthy functioning can improve the functioning of its neighbors and the whole body. The principle of synergy helps us understand why so many health problems start to diminish when we improve the normal functioning of our digestive system. The human body is interconnected and interdependent. When all the parts are functioning normally, the health of the whole is far greater than the health of any individual part or mere sum of parts.

To illustrate the principle of synergy, please examine the rather lengthy list below of uncomfortable symptoms associated with an impaired digestive system:

Abdominal pain, asthma, chronic joint pain, chronic muscle pain, chronic headaches, migraines, insomnia, dizziness, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, constant coughing, sore throat, hoarseness, swelling/pain in the throat, gagging, frequently clearing the throat, sores on gums, lips, and tongue, mental confusion, fuzzy thinking, poor memory, anger, irritability, binge eating or drinking, poor comprehension, poor concentration, food cravings, difficulty learning, intestinal gas and bloating, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, cramping, heartburn, mood swings, nervousness, poor exercise tolerance, poor immunity, recurrent vaginal infections, diarrhea, bed-wetting, recurrent bladder infections, fevers of unknown origin, shortness of breath, constipation, aggressive behavior, acute anxiety, general malaise, chronic fatigue, depression, runny or stuffy nose, postnasal drip, blurred vision, sinus problems, watery and itchy eyes, eye floaters, ear infections, hearing loss, sneezing attacks, hay fever, excessive mucous formation, dark circles under the eyes, swollen, red, or sticky eyelids, irregular heartbeat (palpitations, arrhythmia), rapid heartbeat, chest pain and congestion, bronchitis, difficulty breathing, hives, skin rashes, psoriasis, eczema, dry skin, excessive sweating, acne, hair loss, irritation around the eyes, joint weakness, generalized weakness everywhere in the body, muscle aches and pains, arthritis, swelling, stiffness, apathy, hyperactivity, restlessness, overweight, underweight, fluid retention, genital itch, incontinence, urgent/frequent urination.

No doubt there are more.

Now, imagine that all of these symptoms have been observed to decrease in size, scope, and scale, and in some cases disappear altogether when an impaired digestive system is restored to normal functioning. This is the power of homeostasis and synergy at work, proving once again that the human body truly is a miracle…when we take care of it properly.

The list above was taken from the book Healing Digestive Illness, page 19, written by Russell Mariani, a Simplexity Health associate since 1987 and author of The Journey to Better Nutrition.

Action Step:

1. Think back and identify an experience that you have had that clearly illustrates the synergy principle. Think of two examples: one example where positive synergy was generated and one in which negative synergy was generated. Write these answers down in your journal or in your Weekly Benefits Chart.

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