”Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercise, water, nutrition, and trust are the true
optimum health remedies for life.”
—Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, p. 127
optimum health remedies for life.”
—Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, p. 127
Fresh Air
The most essential element to sustain life is oxygen.
Did you know that the lack of fresh air could cause specific health issues such as fevers, colds, and lung disease? Fresh air invigorates the vital organs and aids the system in ridding itself of accumulated impurities. Every morning, step outside and breathe in deeply and expel all the pure air in your lungs 3 or 4 times and combine this with 30 minutes of exercise in the open air where possible. This will oxygenate the body and promote good circulation.
Fresh air influences a positive healthy mind, life to the skin and contains negative ions which help to immune system fight disease. “The stomach, liver, lungs and brain are suffering for want of deep, full inspirations of air which would electrify the blood and impart to it a bright, lively colour, and which alone can keep it pure, and give tone and vigour to every part of the living machinery.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies Vol. 2, pp. 67-68
Sunshine
Did you know that sunshine lowers blood sugar and blood pressure; it lowers cholesterol by converting it to vitamin D; it utilises calcium and phosphorus, it increases white blood cells; it increases red blood cells it strengthens the immune system, increases adrenaline, calms the nerves, destroys germs on the skin, reverses jaundice; helps eliminate pesticides and other chemicals from the system and increases circulation. Life is dependent on sunlight, and without it, nothing would live.
“Pure air, good water, sunshine, the beautiful surroundings of nature…these are God’s means for restoring the sick to health.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 85
“As the flower turns to the sun, that the bright beams may aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry, so should we turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that Heaven’s light may shine upon us, that our character may be developed in to the likeness of Christ.”—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 68
Temperance
“Out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is…good for food.” Genesis 2:9
Did you know that that indulgencies such a liquor, drugs, tobacco, overeating, eating between meals, sugar-laden foods, strong condiments and spices, all caffeinated foods chocolates and fizzy drinks and drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, large combinations of foods, grease and fat, excess salt, and animal foods, eating too frequently, too large quantities, overtaxes the digestive organs, and produces a feverish state of the system.
“The blood also becomes impure, and diseases of various kinds occur.”—Review and Herald, September 5, 1899 True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything harmful and to use judiciously that which is healthful.
“Temperance in diet and of the higher powers, and to discern between right and wrong, the sacred and the common.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 491
Rest
Did you know sleep is one of the most important elements in the process of healing, It is estimated 60 million Americans have trouble sleeping. Today, because of artificial lights, TV, the Internet, the drinking of caffeine coffee and the tea craze are all affecting our health with people sleeping around one hour or less than the previous generation of grandparents.
During a day of work and activity, toxins build up in our system, which cannot immediately be thrown off. Sleep gives the body time to expel wastes and to make repairs and Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland when we sleep. One of the most notable functions of this hormone is its antioxidant capabilities, providing protection from dangerous free radicals inside the cell. This helps to prevent damage to the cell’s most vital component: DNA. Damage to DNA has been linked to a host of diseases, such as cancer.
“The stomach, when we lie down to rest, should have its work done, that it may enjoy rest, as well as other portions of the body. The work of digestion should not be carried on through any period of the sleeping hours.”—Ellen G. White, Healthful Living, p. 84
Exercise
1 Timothy 4:8 NKJV). Just as we must exercise to promote bodily health, we must exercise to receive spiritual health.
The positive benefits of exercise in blood circulation also help improve mental health. Exercise significantly improves blood flow to the brain and increases brain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which have a positive effect on mood and well-being.
“If physical exercise were combined with mental exertion, the blood would be quickened in its circulation, the action of the heart would be more perfect, impure matter would be thrown off, and new life and vigour would be experienced in every part of the body.”—Ellen G. White Counsels on Health, p. 572. Osteoporosis can be prevented and even reversed by “weight bearing” exercises, meaning an application of force to the bones beyond that, which is regularly applied.
Therefore, swimming, while a great exercise for the heart and muscles, is not as effective as building bone density in the legs and hips like walking, jogging, and Cycling. However, whole body bone density requires a whole body weight-bearing routine. Studies show that a balanced weight training routine is one of the most effective ways to build bone density. Studies has also are found that exercise is an important factor in the fight against Carcinomas.
“There is no exercise that can take the place of walking. By it the circulation of the blood is greatly improved. Walking, in all cases where it is possible, is the best remedy for the diseased bodies, because in this, all of the organs of the body are brought into use.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 78
“Moderate exercise every day will impart strength to the muscles, which without exercise become flabby and enfeebled.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 533
Water
Water is the original “zero-calorie” beverage. Because it contains no sugar to raise blood glucose levels, it is the perfect choice for diabetics.
Did you know that, in general, increased blood sugar causes an increased thirst sensation? The next time you overeat; determine if you become very thirsty shortly after finishing the meal. This is your body’s way of diluting the concentration of sugar by demanding an increase of water in the bloodstream. This process can result in frequent urination and even high blood pressure.
The body requires water constantly. Most of this water is recycled within the body itself. However, it must have a replacement of at least 8 glasses of water per day. Cleansing of waste material is a daily task for the body, not only from its own wastes, but also from the constant bombardment of germs and viruses, and in today’s society, from chemicals and drugs. If the body is not thoroughly cleansed, it is forced to break down. “Water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues…. Drink some, a little time before or after a meal.”—Ellen G. White, Healthful Living, p. 226
Water to help the Heart
Research proves the connection between water intake, health, and longevity, Cardiovascular Disease. A recent study that included more than 20,000 participants discovered that men who drank more than five 8-ounce glasses of water a day cut their risk of heart disease by 46 per cent. The number was even greater for women: 59 per cent.
Water includes Frequent bathing which is very beneficial, especially at night before retiring or upon arising in the morning. “The bath soothes the nerves. It promotes general perspiration, quickens the circulation, overcomes obstruction in the system, and acts beneficially on the kidneys and the urinary organs. Bathing helps the bowels, stomach, and liver, giving energy and new life to each. It also promotes digestion and instead of the system being weakened, it is strengthened…and a more easy and regular flow of the blood through all the blood vessels is obtained.”—Ellen G. White, Counsels on Health, p. 104
Did you know?
“Impurities are constantly and imperceptibly passing from the body, through the pores, and if the surface of the skin is not kept in a healthy condition, the system is burdened with impure matter. Garments consistently worn that are not frequently cleansed causes the pores of the skin to absorb the waste matter and the impurities of the body… are taken back into the blood, and forced upon the internal organs.”—Ellen G. White, Healthful Living, p. 143
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is the foundation of good health and recovery and is vital to good health. Processed foods cannot supply the vitamins and minerals it lacks. The five basic components of food are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals and therefore importance that we choose wisely the food that goes on our table. Vegetables and fruits should be making the greater proportion of our meals, along with whole grains, beans, legumes, seed and a small amount of nuts. The correct diet will obtain all the elements essential for good health: vitamins, minerals, water, carbohydrates, protein, fats, and fibre.
Carbohydrates are sources of starches, sugars, and fibre. Starch and sugar are converted into glucose, which is the body’s main fuel. Fibre, found primarily in plant foods, acts as a bulking agent that helps keep the intestines clean.
Proteins are broken down by the body and converted into amino acids, which are the building blocks for hormones, enzymes, and structural components of the body, such as muscle tissue.
Fats are the most concentrated form of energy, supplying over twice as many calories per gram than protein or carbohydrates. It can also be efficiently stored for later use. The three natural types of fats are monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated. The unsaturated fats are by far the healthiest form, especially when it comes from plant sources. Diets rich in refined saturated fats have been linked with numerous diseases.
Vitamins and d minerals are essential components of our diet. Whole foods, which have been refined as little as possible, naturally contain the highest amount of these nutrients. Phytochemicals, found only in plants, are added bonuses thought to play a role in the prevention of many diseases.
Food should be carefully chosen and prepared with intelligence and skill. Avoid the use of grease in foods. Lard, butter, and hydrogenated vegetable fats may be classified as grease. If using oil use natural oils sparingly, such as olive, flax, or canola Foods should be prepared with simplicity and variation, recommended to have three or four dishes at a meal, and properly cooked.
“And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed…and every tree in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat (food).” Genesis: 1:29.
Try to avoid sugar as this not good for the stomach, because it causes fermentation. Milk and sugar clog the system, irritate the digestive organs, and affect the brain. Sugar, when largely used, is more injurious than meat. Eat raw vegetable salads as much as possible or raw fruits before the main course. This will stimulate and assist digestion, and help avoid overeating of cooked foods.
Fruits and veggies should never be mixed together. Fruits have more sugar content and are difficult to digest. As they stay in your stomach for a longer period while the fruits ferments and produces toxins which could cause diarrhea, headcahes, infections and stomach pain.
Eat sparingly—for strength. The benefit you derive from your food does not depend so much upon the amount eaten, as upon its proper combination and thorough digestion. Overeating clogs the machinery and weakens the moral power to resist other passions. Do not eat between meals. When hungry between meals, drink a large glass of cool water. Do not eat before going to bed. The stomach must not be constantly at work, but have periods of rest.
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, in what you eat and in everything you do 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20, and 10:31:
Trust
Nearly 80 per cent of Americans believe spiritual faith and prayer can help people recover from illness or injury. In a survey of 269 doctors in the American Academy of Family Physicians, 99 per cent said religious beliefs could contribute to healing. When asked about personal experiences, 63 per cent said God had intervened to improve their own medical conditions. In November 2005, National Geographic reported that Seventh Day Adventist Christians in Loma Linda, California, have been scientifically documented as the longest living group in the United States. Their unique longevity has been attributed to two principle causes: First, most Adventists eat a plant-based (vegetarian) diet as outlined in Genesis 1:29. Surprisingly, the second main cause given for their longevity and health was their regular practice of rest, worship, and fellowship every seventh day. Genesis: 2:2, 3.