Three Keys To Health
If you want to live a spectacular life, it helps a lot if you have a lot of energy and if you have excellent health.
In simple terms the human body has three vital needs:
1. Oxygen
Without oxygen our brains die within minutes. Oxygen is also vital for the life of every cell in our bodies. It makes sense that oxygenating our bodies correctly is a critical part of our health. Unfortunately many people do not oxygenate (breathe) properly or exercise regularly, which means our bodies are not in the habit of taking in enough oxygen. When we don’t breathe properly our brain function is limited. An excellent example is when you are trying to think of someone’s name, when you absolutely know their name but you can’t remember it. Sometimes this is caused by lack of oxygen to the brain. Let me explain. If the brain has less than optimal oxygen, it will put all of the oxygen it receives into critical functions (keeping you alive). It takes oxygen away from non-critical areas such as memory, alertness and additional energy. If you are sceptical, try it yourself. Next time you have a “memory blank” (for example someone’s name), stand up and take three or four really deep breaths and then try it. You will be amazed how often you will remember the person’s name immediately.
The scope of this book does not allow in-depth analysis of oxygenation. However I recommend you:
Research breathing exercises;
Do aerobic exercise at least three times a week;
Deliberately breathe deeply when you need to concentrate (for example exams, driving);
Make deep breathing part of your morning meditation.
2. Water
Without water our bodies die within a few days. Hydration is second only to oxygen in importance for our bodies. Most people do not drink enough water. We need around 2.5 litres of water per day for optimal hydration. A good rule of thumb is that if your urine has any colour in it at all, you are dehydrated. Drink enough so your urine is always clear. If you ever have a dry mouth you are severely dehydrated.
Because the longest you go without water is when you are asleep, you should always have a big drink of water as soon as you wake up. This is a very simple way of giving your body what it needs.
It’s cheap, it’s easy and it’s good for you – drink lots of water!
Incidentally caffeine is a diuretic (its net effect is to take water out of your system) – bad!
3. Nutrition
Without food our bodies die in about six weeks. Clearly nutrition is the third most important key to life.
One small section cannot do justice to the world of nutrition. However from my extensive reading and research I will offer my suggestions on eating in the healthiest way possible:
The closer to nature your food is, the better it will be for you.
Home-grown and raw top the list. Start a home vegetable garden if you can.
Try not to eat anything your grandmother would never have heard of (read the ingredient list of products at your supermarket to see what I mean).
The more processed the item, the worse it is for you.
Almost all fast food is detrimental to your health.
In general we eat too much meat and not enough fresh fruit and vegetables.
The longer you cook food, the more nutrients and vitamins are neutralized (killed) in the process.
Good fats are good for you and we need to make sure we get enough of them. Bad fats are really bad. Research and understand the difference between the two. I recommend the book “Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill” by Udo Erasmus.
The published food pyramid is decades out of date and needs to be fully re- written.
The lack of vitamins in much of the soil used to grow our fruit and vegetables is so depleted that in many cases even if we eat well we are not getting enough vitamins. Research suggests taking a daily multivitamin supplement.
Nutrition is a key to you and your family’s health. If you want to live a long and healthy life, take time to understand your food and don’t take short-cuts.
If you are tired and run down a lot, and you get too many colds and the flu, you may need to take particular note of this section.
One Month Challenge
I issue this challenge to you because it is a challenge I took up, and it changed my life and probably my longevity. Since I took up this challenge I have made major changes to my diet which has given me at least 30% more energy every day. I feel healthier and stronger. Also I used to get about four colds and sore throats a year. Since changing my diet, I have had one very minor cold that lasted four days.
Interestingly it started the day after I had a big dinner that was completely outside these guidelines!
The challenge is only for one month. You can do anything for one month, so I suggest you are strict for the month and then decide what works for you and what doesn’t.
The Challenge – One Month
No alcohol.
No caffeine.
No junk food.
No processed cookies and cakes.
No meat (fish and seafood are okay).
No dairy products (i.e. no milk or cheese).
No eggs.
Eat as much of your fruit and vegetables as you can raw.
Drink at least four pints (two and a half litters) or water (not juice) every day.
Only eat wholemeal breads.
Minimize processed foods.
Take a daily multivitamin tablet.If you are unsure what and how to eat, there are thousands of recipes and ideas on the internet.
Remember you can do anything for one month. And you might find that the energy and health benefits change your life.