Your body is made up of trillions of cells. They are organized into tissues, organs and body systems (respiration, circulation, digestion, etc.). To function in the manner in which God intended it, it needs five important things: oxygen, pure water, food or nutrition, elimination, and homeostasis (that’s a big word meaning an even temperature).
We get oxygen in the air we breathe, but we can increase the amount of oxygen entering our systems with exercise. In fact, many of our body systems (for example, the lymphatic system which has so much to do with our immune system) have no “pumping mechanism” – as the circulatory system has in the heart! And therefore, without exercise, it has no means of moving its waste. We can find positive benefits that stem from exercise in every body system. Increased exercise means improved health.
Water is absolutely essential for life. Most of us could live for six weeks or more before we suffered permanent, life-threatening consequences from lack of food, but only days without water could kill us. Most of the reference works I’ve encountered state that for optimum functioning we need to take in six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. And that’s water intake – not soda, coffee, or other liquids.
As for nutrition, Dr. Joel Wallach (1991 Nobel Prize nominee for his work in nutritional supplements) states that we need 60 minerals, 16 vitamins, 12 essential amino acids, and three essential fatty acids in our diet every day to really stay healthy for life. And that doesn’t count the addition of other herbal supplements that may be needed to help combat “family histories” for disease. For example, you may need additional supplements if your family has a genetic history of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, etc. And there’s a real sense of truth in the old adage “you are what you eat”. Your body isn’t going to function well on a daily diet of junk foods, fats, and sugars.
Elimination is simply the process of expelling the waste materials that remain after our bodies have extracted the nutrients that exist in the foods we eat. Many things we eat can’t be digested. Many fibers are just for “sweeping out” our systems. Many environmental factors contribute to toxins in our bodies. And waste material rots in our intestine if not eliminated in a timely manner. Toxins remaining in our intestine too long can be reabsorbed and redistributed through our bodies contributing to a variety of diseases.
And our body temperature will normally rise a bit when it is fighting infections. But if our immune system is strong and intact, it should return to normal in a short period of time.
There you have it … the five things necessary for good health and a long life. So who is responsible for ensuring that these things are available to you? YOU ARE! If a good, long, healthy life is a priority for you, then you need to learn what is and what is not good for you. You need to practice discipline in exercise and proper nutrition, and becoming aware of the signals your body sends you of impending crisis.
So, are you ready to accept responsibility for your own health? True, your genetic predispositions may have “dealt you a difficult hand” but what you make of your health is truly your responsibility. Want to make a change in your health condition? Don’t depend on someone else to tell you what to do. Study what supplements may be available, and then commit yourself to a healthy exercise and nutrition program. Live long and in good health.
– Randy Lee, ND, Owner, The Health Patch, 1024 S. Douglas Blvd, MWC 73130, phone/fax: 736-1030, website: http://thehealthpatch.com, e-mail: [email protected]. All of our staff are now offering affordable private consultations!
