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Authenticity, Stress, and Your Health: Why Being Yourself May Save Your LifeCommentary by Richard Z. Cheng, M.D., Ph.D. In a world saturated with digital surveillance, artificial perfection, and societal pressure, many people are losing touch with their most vital asset-their authentic self. As Diana Gifford-Jones writes in her recent column, "Our Self Deceptions Are Being Watched," the disconnect between our inner values and our outward behavior may not only strain our relationships but directly harm our health. Science agrees. The Hidden Cost of InauthenticityWhen people regularly behave in ways that conflict with their internal beliefs and emotional truth, they activate a chronic stress response. This discord-what psychologists call "self-alienation"-has real physiological consequences. A 2020 study in Personality and Social Psychology Review found that authenticity was positively correlated with self-esteem, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being, and negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders [1]. Chronic stress-especially when unacknowledged-triggers the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing cortisol levels, suppressing the immune system, and accelerating inflammation and oxidative stress [2]. These are root mechanisms of aging and chronic disease-from cardiovascular disorders to cancer. Stress, Oxidative Damage, and Nutrient DepletionUnmanaged psychological stress increases the body's demand for antioxidant nutrients, especially:
This biochemical toll of inauthentic living is invisible-but cumulative. As Gifford-Jones points out, when our behaviors don't match our beliefs, we may feel like we're "getting away with it." But physiologically, we're not. The Orthomolecular Prescription for Authentic HealthIntegrative Orthomolecular Medicine emphasizes root-cause resolution, not symptom suppression. That includes addressing emotional and psychological stress with both lifestyle realignment and nutritional optimization. Here's a practical approach: 1. Audit your authenticity. Ask: What am I doing that contradicts who I am? Chronic discomfort, secrecy, or guilt are signs of misalignment. 2. Fix what needs fixing. Not all problems need medication. Sometimes the prescription is courage. End the toxic job. Set the boundary. Say what needs saying. 3. Support your biology. Add orthomolecular nutrients to buffer stress and restore biochemical balance:
4. Reconnect with nature and meaning. Take time away from screens and schedules. Go outside. Write by hand, as Gifford-Jones does. Authenticity isn't a buzzword-it's a biological necessity. Final ThoughtsIn her piece, Diana reminds us that in this age of digital exposure, the best privacy policy is integrity. From an orthomolecular perspective, we add this: the best health policy is authenticity-backed by nutritional strength, biochemical resilience, and a life aligned with one's truth. 📚 References1. Sutton A. A review of the relationship between authenticity and well-being. Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2020;24(1):90-117. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019188691930577X 2. McEwen BS. Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators. N Engl J Med. 1998;338:171-179. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019188691930577X?utm_source=chatgpt.com 3. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/11/1211?utm_source=chatgpt.com 4. Barbagallo M, Dominguez LJ. Magnesium and aging. Curr Pharm Des. 2010;16(7):832-839. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20388094/ 5. Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy-A Review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26828517/ About the AuthorRichard Z. Cheng, M.D., Ph.D. - Editor-in-Chief, Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Dr. Cheng is a U.S.-trained and board-certified physician practicing in the USA and China. He specializes in integrative and orthomolecular medicine with clinical expertise in low-carb nutrition, high-dose vitamin therapy, anti-aging, and functional medicine. Dr. Cheng also serves internationally as a medical educator, health consultant, and advocate for root-cause, nutrition-based healthcare reform. Further Reading and InspirationThis article was inspired by themes originally discussed by Canadian health columnist Diana Gifford-Jones in her July 2025 essay, "Our Self Deceptions Are Being Watched." Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive her weekly e-newsletter.
Orthomolecular MedicineOrthomolecular medicine uses safe, effective nutritional therapy to fight illness. For more information: http://www.orthomolecular.org Find a DoctorTo locate an orthomolecular physician near you: http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v06n09.shtml The peer-reviewed Orthomolecular Medicine News Service is a non-profit and non-commercial informational resource. Editorial Review Board:
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