In all reality, our bodies are very complex chemical laboratories which have one purpose...to live and to do whatever is necessary in order to maintain homeostasis. Our bodies have redundant back up systems that kick in when our primary systems are compromised; they regulate minute changes in hormone levels, changes in brain chemistry and digestion...however even with that said, when our bodies have to go to those back up systems, it is not without a price.
But as I thought back over so much of my life and how often I never thought about the impact that certain behaviors would have on my health, in the whole scheme of things, the primary tool that I realized we have been given to remain in good health is something that we don't think about very often. It works behind the scenes and we hardly aware of its existence until it is overwhelmed....that tool is our IMMUNE SYSTEM.
Our immune system is as important to our good health and longevity as oil is to an automobile. It is the system the good Lord gave us to fight off the many germs, bacteria and viruses that are in the environment we live in. We don't think about it, but when we overload our bodies with toxins and negative emotions, don't give it the proper rest or nutrition, don't drink enough water or exercise enough, we begin to overload our immune system...creating an environment that it cannot overcome, resulting in disease and sickness. If our immune systems are operating at peak efficiency, we can fend off a host of diseases and stay healthy. Although you don't think that a public health organization would recognize something that the natural health community has been aware of for many years, I was amazed to read that even the Center for Disease Control has begun to link disease with the emotions related to stress. “Up to 90 percent of the doctor visits in the USA may be triggered by a stress-related illness.”
If we maintain a healthy immune system, we can avoid many of the diseases that lead to difficulty later in life. Diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease can be avoided if we do what we need to do to keep our immune system healthy. So...you may be asking...what are the things that I can watch for to maintain my immune system? Here is a list of things that you can research. I have provided the links to good articles and from there you can search in other places to increase your understanding of this subject. This is not an exhaustive list, but it will give you a good start.
- Stress -The body responds to stress by releasing stress hormones, such as epinephrine (also called adrenaline) and cortisol (also called hydrocortisone). The body produces these stress hormones to help a person react to a situation with more speed and strength. Stress hormones increase blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. Small amounts of stress are believed to be beneficial, but chronic (persisting or progressing over a long period of time) high levels of stress are thought to be harmful (1).
Image via WikipediaAnger - A study from Harvard School of Public Health studied hostility in men and found that those with higher rates of hostility not only had poorer pulmonary functioning (breathing problems), but experienced higher rates of decline as they aged.
- Ruminating - Rumination is comprised of two separate variables - reflection and brooding. The reflection part of rumination can actually be somewhat helpful - reflecting on a problem can lead you to a solution. Also, reflecting on certain events can help you process strong emotions associated with the issue. however, rumination in general, and brooding in particular, are associated with less proactive behavior and more of a negative mood.
- Vitamin D - Recent medical research indicates human daily requirements for vitamin D may be up to 10 times more than what is currently recommended. Proper vitamin D supplementation gives one a much better chance of preventing many major illnesses such as, but not limited to: Heart Disease, Hypertension, Arthritis, Chronic Pain, Depression, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Obesity, Premenstrual Syndrome, Muscular Weakness, Fibromyalgia, Crohns Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Autoimmune Illness, and Cancer.
Image via WikipediaNon Processed Foods - Many high quality, non-processed foods are both inexpensive and highly nutritious, while others do cost a bit more but can go a long way toward healing your body of chronic inflammation and boosting your immune system naturally, without resorting to either supplements or drugs.
- Chronic Inflammation: According to Donnie Yance, clinical master herbalist and certified nutritionist, chronic conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease have a strong link with chronic inflammation, which promotes the production of free radicals
- Dietary Guidelines: a good diet that consists of whole food, low toxicity and promotes a more alkaline pH level will help to avoid many of the obstacles that lead to ill health. Eating smart and eating with the goal of good health in mind helps to minimize the obstacles many individuals build up over a lifetime of creating acidity in their bodies.
Scripture also has a lot to say about health and maintaining our bodies so that we can fulfill our life purpose. Here are a few scriptures taken from the book of Proverbs:
- Proverbs 14: 30 A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy and wrath are as rottenness of the bones.
- Proverbs 13: 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.
- Proverbs 3: 7-8
Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord, and turn [entirely] away from evil. It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.
Image via Wikipedia- Proverbs 16: 24
Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body.
- Proverbs 17: 22
A happy heart is a good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
I believe that the side of good health which can be gained from attitude and a hopeful, positive mental state can be summed up in this verse, which is one of my favorites:
Image via WikipediaPhilippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Hopefully this information has provided you a good start to an overall healthy lifestyle. Often, making changes like this is easier said than done, but it is important to remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Small, consistent changes over time will result in reaching a goal of good health. I wish you all the best as you begin and maintain your journey.
Vitamin D suppliments are man made and not able to help your system according to Shane Ellis former drug chemist, now found at www.thepeopleschemist.com, he mentions that we need natural sunlight many times a week for this to help proper digestion and health.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that the best form of vitamin D is natural sunlight. However Vitamin D does appear in our food as well so as a secondary alternative to sunlight, Vitamin D supplements that are made from whole food are acceptable and recommended. They are digestible and the body is able to use them. Otherwise, ingesting the food varieties that contain Vitamin D is a good method, however the amount that we would need to eat may compromise the choice simply because of the calorie intake.
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