Health Tips so Simple We Forget

 With so much emphasis on natural health and what is and isn’t good for our bodies, and which herb, or vitamin, or food to ingest or avoid, it gets down right confusing. While Americans educate themselves in natural alternative ways to health and healing, we tend to forget the simple necessities to optimum health.

Water

We all know that the recommended water intake should be eight 8-ounce glasses per day. We hear this stressed constantly that our bodies need plenty of water. However, very few Americans get their recommended supply of water. Why is water so important? Our bodies are composed of 70% water. The body’s water supply is responsible for almost every bodily function we do. It aids in digestion, absorption, circulation, distribution of nutrients, and excretion. Water helps maintain our body temperature and is necessary for carrying waste out. A human can go without food for up to five weeks and survive, however, if a body cannot survive more than five days without water.

Cooking Utensils

Another item for proper health we tend to ignore is cooking utensils. When preparing food it is important to use the correct pots and pans. Using glass, stainless steel and iron cooking utensils are the best ways to cook foods. Pots and pans made from aluminum and nonstick coatings can produce a substance that can neutralize digestive juices causing digestive disorders.

Cooking food

Over cooking foods can destroy many important nutrients our bodies require. When certain foods are cooked to over browning or charring, the organic compounds in the food is changed and can produce carcinogens. Barbecued meats can pose the worse threat. When burning fat drips onto open flames, carcinogens develop. It is important to note that this burnt material is just as dangerous as someone who smokes two packs of cigarettes daily. An ideal way to Barbecue is to move the coals to the side of the grill and cook the foods in the middle. Lightly browning, blanching, and steaming are the safest way to prepare food.

Basic Nutrients

When I was growing up I remember seeing the basic food group poster. However, I never understood what it meant except that I had to eat a lot of apples and broccoli. As I became interested in holistic health, I realized that nutrients were much different than the basic food group poster. The four basic NUTRIENTS are water, carbohydrates, proteins and fats. By choosing a balanced amount of each of these items, the body will function at its ideal level.

Exercise

Exercise is just as important as water. Our body needs it to survive. Regular exercise improves digestion, elimination, circulation, cholesterol, blood pressure, cardiac disease, and a variety of other psychical conditions. It also helps promote good mental health since exercise can reduce anxiety, elevate moods, decrease depression, and increase a feeling of well being. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise that experts recommend.

Quiet time and Meditation

We live in a fast paced society that creates stress and anxiety. Since stress is a large contributing factor to illness and the immune system, it is important to take quiet time out for yourself. Simple quiet time can decrease blood pressure and heart rate. Quiet time can include, quietly reading, meditation, listening to your favorite music, breathing exercises, or doing a favorite hobby. Allowing yourself to be creative with your quiet time is important. You must figure out what works for you, and allow yourself at least twenty minutes a day of quiet time to revitalize your body.

Taking care of our bodies can be complicated. There is a great deal to learn and understand, however, remembering the simplest things is important in maintaining good health.

By Tyler Woods Ph.D. 2005