Saturday, October 5, 2013

Impulse Control


Proverbs 15:24
      I’ve been doing research for a Masters level course that I need. The paper is about vitamin supplements and whether or not they really have a positive effect on cognitive functioning and length of life. Part of what I have read demonstrates the desire to live longer, and for some people at any cost. I am sure you have heard of scientists learning to grow replacement organs. Just so you know, about the only thing that really works is calorie restriction, dropping your calorie intake down to 70% of your baseline intake. This constant state of ‘starvation’ causes changes in the cells that prevent the cells from producing the age-causing molecular changes.
      People who control their impulses do better in life. This is one of the tasks of adolescents, learning to control their desires to jump into things too quickly. This is a vital skill that some people never learn. I am not talking about thrill-seeking behavior, necessarily. I am talking about the moment by moment control of what we do and think.
      Our proverb tells us that the prudent person, someone who controls what they do by using their reasoning abilities, will have a longer life. They won’t take unnecessary risks. They think before they act. They recognize danger and respond appropriately.
      I want you to know that I am resisting the impulse to drop my calorie intake to 70%! I want to live a healthy and productive life. Maybe I will consider dropping my calories. Time will tell.