| Interesting analogy but it doesn't always hold. Take the greening of Ascension Island [1] where planting trees created a virtuous cycle: the trees trapped more moisture which promoted the growth of more trees. In biology there are many complicated feedback loops and in some cases a parameter seems to get stuck outside of the normal range. In those cases, bringing the parameter back into the normal range can be enough to allow the normal feedback mechanisms to work properly again. Some examples: * Eczema: There can be a loop between irritation, inflammation, damage to the skin, more irritation. Treat the skin with steroids to both improve symptoms and disrupt the loop. * Myopia: Studies have shown that undercorrecting for near-sightedness actually makes it worse [2]. Bringing it back into the normal range doesn't just help the symptoms, it also makes it progress slower. * Depression: Maybe operating at a higher level, but there's a clear loop between changed behaviour and improved motivation. Even something like acidity could be like this. You could speculate a link between gut bacteria and acidity, whereby changing the acidity directly could alter the balance of bacteria which locks in the change in acidity. [1] http://faculty.washington.edu/dcatling/Catling2012_GreenMoun... [2] http://www.journalofoptometry.org/en/under-correction-human-... |
My medical condition is genetic in origin. I have reversed a lot of my symptoms and, yes, maintaining my improved condition is easier than I expected.
I have come to believe that "the normal progression" of my condition is rooted in a nasty positive feedback loop. If you can interrupt it, it is game changing.
But interrupting it isn't for sissies, so to speak.
Even so, my body will never be normal. But it is sort of like being a Kosher Jew: As long as I abide by particular dietary and lifestyle restrictions, I don't have to be sick all the time, even though it means I can't live "normally." I am happy to accept that deal over the alternative.