8 Principles Towards A Healthy Lifestyle

Nutrition

Science has proven that diseases and diet are closely related: the food you eat greatly affects your lifespan. Hence, a healthy body depends on a good diet. Coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, over-stress and obesity are the result of a poor diet. It has also proven that meat, fish and fowl are not the best foods because they contain saturated fat, cholesterol, carcinogenic substances, viruses of tuberculosis and malignant tumours. Diseased animals are even slaughtered for sale. Similarly certain refined foods such as white rice, wheat flour, sugar and salt, can also lead to numerous health problems. Instead, whole-wheat bread, unpolished rice, beans, cereals, nuts, and a variety of vegetables and fruits, are more than enough to supply the nutrients needed by the body.

Exercise

Our body needs exercise. Lack of exercise will result in aches and illnesses. Exercise promotes better blood circulation. Blood cannot circulate well in a sedentary condition. As a result, the renewal of blood is impeded. Through exercise, waste substances in the body are well eliminated. What would happen if one does not exercise? All the waste substances in the body will accumulate. This greatly burdens the excretory organs and results in illnesses. Regular exercise adds energy, strengthens your muscles and bones, beautifies your complexion, relieves tension, and gives you self-confidence. Besides, it also effectively controls our body weight, helps digestion and prevents constipation, relieves depression and finally decreases the risk of heart disease and cancer. Exercise is not an option. It is essential for the maintenance of physical, mental and spiritual health.

Water

75% of the human body comprises of water. Pure clean water is God's gift to the healthy as well as to the sick. A wise use of water enhances health. Water is very important to the human body, both internally and externally. We should drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. If we are to trace the pathway of water in our body, we would find that it carries away the toxins in the blood that circulate in our kidneys. God created us with skin so that the toxins in our organs are brought to the surface of our skin. There are many other uses of water such as using hydrotherapy for pain relief. It is also used to build the immune system to fight diseases.

Sunshine

Life cannot exist without the sun. All living things depend on the life-giving sunlight. Sunlight stimulates the body to promote hormones. 15 minutes of sunshine on the face and arms each morning promotes the function of the liver, enhances the healing of wounds, helps the body produces Vitamin D and regulates the cholesterol in the body. Sunlight kills germs. So, we should daily open our windows and doors of our homes to receive the healing properties of the sun.

Temperance

It means abstaining from everything which is harmful to the body, taking only those that are beneficial in the appropriate quantity. Science has proven that certain things are harmful to our body. These include the following:

1) Smoking: it causes lung cancer and emphysema.

2) Drinking: Alcohol kills brain cells, jeopardises the respiratory system, causes the hardening of the liver and depletes vitamin B stored in the body.

3) Coffee, coke and tea: these substances contain caffeine which harms our hearts and brains.

4) Meat: pork, beef, prawn, crab, cuttlefish, snake, dog, rabbit, etc. are the sources of diseases.

Air

When there is a lack of air, the brain is the first to be affected. You will become less alert, irritated and angered easily. Open up the windows to breathe in fresh air, go outdoor to enjoy a pleasant morning walk and avoid passive smoking. If you live in an air polluted city, visit the country side, seaside and mountains during weekends and holidays. You will feel exhilarated while enjoying the fresh air out there.

Rest

Our organs need time to rest and to recover. 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night helps to recharge our body's strength and vigour. Rest does not always mean complete inactivity. It can be a change of pace, from vigorous physical work to recreational activities; from desk job to exercise in the fresh air. Schedule a regular resting hour for your body.

Trust In God

Good health is associated with proper mental health. Negative feelings such as apprehension, resentment, hate, envy, selfishness, anxiety and remorse do cause frustration, dissatisfaction and loneliness in one's life. Doctors have yet to find medicine that can overcome these peace destroyers. However, there is one way to escape from these negative emotions; it is "when a person finds his Creator". Through knowing Him, your desires are satisfied and you will find peace and joy in your life.