Update I'm getting busier with work and unfortunately my blogging is falling by the wayside. So sorry. I'm juggling a little more these days.
I wanted to let you know about an online nutrition summit with some fantastic guests. The Future of Nutrition Conference will take place January 27 to 31. It's sure to be good so don't miss it!
New Year? New Start!
I have never been one to make a new year's resolution. I don't like them. For one, they come around far too infrequently for one to decide to make a change to better one's self. Another reason is because most people who make them, fail. I believe that everyday should be an opportunity to improve our lives. Being that it is the popular thing to do, to make a resolution that is, I thought I would share something I never have. When I started this blog, I told my husband, "I want to start a blog on the eight natural remedies." So in the subsequent years, I have covered every topic that is included in the "eight natural remedies." What I haven't done is share them all at the same time in one post. What are the eight natural remedies? This phrase is familiar among Adventists. Adventists are protestant Christians who started the Seventh Day Adventist Church in the 1800s which are known for being the longest lived culture of the United States. So in essence, these remedies are our prescription for a long and healthy life.
I have mentioned Adventist Hospitals in this blog. Yes, we have them and they are very necessary but my heart has a soft spot for the lesser known Adventist clinics and wellness facilities that are fewer and further between. I love these lesser known centers for health and healing because they instruct people how to improve their health by implementing simple, affordable habits to achieve a disease free life. These are the names of the wellness centers that I am familiar with: Weimar Institute, Wildwood, Uchee Pines Institute, Black Hills and Hartland. There are more that are unofficial run by individuals who are skilled and knowledgeable about healing using natural methods. Danny Vierra's Bella Vita is one of these locations. Several of these places have acronyms to help people remember what these 8 natural remedies are. The one I know the best is the one by Weimar Institute, NEWSTART.
N- Nutrition
What is recommended is a plant based diet, preferably a vegan diet. I personally would like to add that one can be vegan and still eat terribly wrong. One should strive to eat as much fresh, organic, unprocessed food as possible. Aiming for at least 75% raw would be ideal. The remaining should be cooked from scratch. Seek to eat foods with as many varied colors as the rainbow.
E-Exercise
Exercise is so important. Unfortunately it seems that it is such a drudgery for so many. Find something you enjoy doing. Yes, walking absolutely does count. Seek to have a 30 minute cardio workout three to five days a week. Strength training helps to maintain healthy bones and also helps to sculpt and shape the physique. Exercise also helps to keep one younger and mentally sharper with aging.
W-Water
Sodas, coffee, juice and other beverages do not and should not take the place of water. Our bodies are made of approximately 70% water and we need at least 6 to 8 glasses a day to help lubricate it. Water helps every function of the body to run more smoothly from helping the liver detoxify to thinning our blood easing the heart's burden of pumping it throughout the body.
S-Sunshine
The sun is not the enemy! I go a little crazy every time I hear about the harmful effects of the sun. The truth is, most people are vitamin D deficient which increases one susceptibility to the common cold and to cancer. Do you want to boost your body's immune system, sleep better, stay younger and feel happier? Then get out into the sun!
How to expose yourself to the sun:
1. Morning or late afternoon exposure is the best. If you have midday exposure, you will need much less time to get the vitamin D that you need. Lighter skin requires less time and darker skin requires more time. When you skin achieves the lightest shade of pink, you have met your requirement for the day.
2. Increase your body's resistance to burning by saturating your skin with phytonutrients found in raw food. Drink fresh juices and green smoothies, eat sprouts and lots of fruits and vegetables. This is what keeps your skin healthier and creates a resistance to burning.
3. Use safe sunscreens. I cringe every time I see people slather on sun screens like they are doing themselves a favor. Most on the market are tainted with cancer causing chemicals that are only increasing their chance of getting cancer! Find better sunscreens that are devoid of these chemicals. Look for titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as a key ingredient in better sunscreens.
4. Avoid burning and overexposure
Burning plus a body that isn't well nourished is the recipe that will create skin cancer. Vitamin D helps to keep a body young but overexposure to the sun can cause photo aging of the skin. Everything in moderation folks!
T-Temperance
For Adventists this means moderation in all things that are good and complete avoidance on all things that are bad. The list includes alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs and caffeine. I personally would like to add pharmaceutical medications. Sometimes the latter cannot be avoided such as in emergencies but if a health problem can be overcome by diet and herbs, why tax the body with harmful chemicals?
A-Air
Get fresh air! There is something about being outside that does something so good for me. I need to walk or run in the sun everyday even in ice or snow or else I cannot sleep well and am more susceptible to succumbing to a melancholic state of mind. I love walking in the woods and breathing fresh ionized oxygen. Gives my psyche such a boost.
R-Rest
I think I need more sleep than most people. I like to sleep nine hours a night if I can manage it. I try to be in bed by 9:30 and If I've done everything right to enhance my sleep, I will function well during the day. I am prone to insomnia and have found that there are somethings I must do so that I can sleep well at night.
Here are my tips:
1. Spend time in the sun everyday. I will do my best to get outside regardless of weather.
2. Try to eat your last meal no later than 5p.m. A full stomach at bedtime will kill my sleep like nothing else.
3. Sleep in a dark room. I use black out curtains for a completely dark room. I cannot tolerate any light at all.
4. Avoid electronic devices before bedtime. Any glowing screens will also disrupt my sleep. I avoid them for at least a couple of hours before bedtime. I also do not have any alarm clocks, lamps or electrical devices near me while I sleep.
5. You might think it's hokey but I do ground myself while sleeping. I believe the science that's been found regarding this new found practice.
6. This last bit of advice is one I haven't done yet but I plan to eventually. Use natural bedding. Conventional mattresses have been created with chemicals that tax the body. Invest in mattresses that are made with natural materials.
Adventists also observe the Sabbath for 24 hours by refraining from work. It is a a time for recharging physically, socially and spiritually.
T-Trust
Trust in God. This is a big one for Adventists. We take things in stride. Let go and let God. Having a supportive community and strong network of friends helps immensely.
If you would like to read more from a woman who had this information way back in the late 1800's, you must read the The Ministry of Healing- E.G.White. I also really like The Desire of Ages and The Great Controversy by the same author.
Have a great day!
