Have you ever wondered how old people would be able to live if it were not for disease and accidents? Scientists at the University of Southern California have recently calculated the maximum age people could live to be 120 years. A pioneer in the science of aging, Roy Wolford, has said that the human body is capable of lasting 120 years. The current average lifespan for people living in the USA is only 78 years. What is stopping us from living longer heather lives? Are there changes that you can make in your life to allow you to live a much longer healthier life? Let us share the secrets of longevity and health with you that will allow you to live a longer, healthier, and more satisfying life.
Just like there are scientific laws that govern our world, there are also natural laws that govern our health. By making certain lifestyle choices, you have the ability to take control of your health and add years to our life. Everyone of these eight simple health laws has been scientifically proven to increase health, longevity, and quality of life.
Law 1 - Nutrition
Daily food choices make a big difference in one’s health. Good nutrition is required to provide the body with all the nutrients and fiber it needs to work its best. Plan your meals to include nutrient-dense foods that are also low in calories. The first step is to begin the day with a good breakfast. This is said to be the most important meal of the day. Choose foods like unrefined grains, potatoes with skins, nuts, and fruit. This will give the necessary energy for the day’s activity. Avoid processed foods from the store as they are generally nutrient poor and high in calories. Eat a variety of fruits, grains, vegetables, legumes, seeds, and nuts. Avoid animal protein. Limit fat, sugar, and salt. Eat a good breakfast, a moderate lunch, and a light supper. Don’t eat too late at night. Don’t eat between meals—allow five hours between meals. Eat at regular times. Watch your combination of foods. Don’t mix foods that digest quickly and ones that take a long time such as fruit and vegetables. Avoid refined foods of all kinds if possible. The part that is generally removed contains most of the vitamins and minerals. Eat the skin along with your fruit as much as possible.
Law 2 - Physical Activity
The body is a marvelous machine requiring regular physical activity. It is one of the most important things you can do to promote health. Walking is said to be the ideal exercise. Other good forms of physical activity include swimming, cycling, gardening and working in the yard. If you have not been very active, begin slowly with a balanced and well-planned program. You will find this to be a wise investment for a healthy life. An inactive body becomes sluggish. Only 37% of Americans regularly engage in some form of exercise, and over 72% are overweight.
Law 3 - Pure Water
Since the body is mostly water, drinking it helps it in so many ways. It helps your cognitive activities perform better (thinking, focus and concentration, mental alertness. Water also raises your energy level. It is an all-around cleanser of the body, both inside and outside. Water is important to maintaining health. The more you weigh the more water your body requires. Beverages are unable to purify like water. It is important to drink pure water between meals and little if any while you eat. Drinking with meals dilutes the gastric juice, slows the digestive process, and decrease the acidity of the stomach which can allow microbes normally killed by high acid to pass through alive. A lack of water dehydrates the fluids, tissues, and cells of the body. It causes the blood to thicken, increasing the risks of stroke and heart disease. Dehydration can mimic hypoglycemia, causing headaches, tiredness, and fainting spells.
Law 4 - Sunlight
Although sunshine is considered the number one cause of skin cancer, it does have benefits. It can boost your mood and help prevent a variety of illnesses. As a result of sunlight the body produces vitamin D which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Be careful to avoid overdoing excessive exposure to the sun. The sun light unlocks the vitamins in food. Sunlight kills many germs and enhances the immune system by increasing gamma globulin, and raising the number and effectiveness of the white blood cells which destroy germs. Lightly tanned skin resists germs and infection much better than untanned skin. Many skin diseases respond well to controlled doses of sunlight.
Law 5 - Temperance
A balanced life is another important ingredient of a healthy life. Moderation in all that is good and avoid those things that are harmful. Temperance includes all aspects of our lifestyle, whether drugs, alcohol, smoking, overeating, overworking, too much play, or too little or much of things in general. An unbalanced life robs a person of a rich, healthy and satisfying life.
Law 6 - Fresh Air
I am sure you have heard it said that a person can survive several days without food, a few days without water, but only a few short minutes without air. Air is essential to sustain life. Without it a person could have permanent brain damage within 5 minutes. Oxygen is our body’s most important physical need. Fresh air is needed to maintain a healthy body. Enjoy some time in to area where the air is clean and fresh.
Law 7 - Rest
Life in a fast paced society can be exciting and also exhausting. Rest could be the answer to refreshing the body and the mind. Getting enough rest is essential to maintain a well-balanced mind and a healthy body. While we are sleeping the body is working to heal and restore the body. Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and can benefits the body in a variety of ways.
Law 8 – Trust
The faith factor is a powerful part of a healthy life. Maybe this explains why Jesus said to those He healed, “Your faith has made you whole.” Mark 5:34 (NKJV). Consider how people have faith in doctors and drugs to heal them. Just think how much more powerful faith in God is to one’s physical and spiritual well-being. “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” Mark 9:23 (NKJV). Research has shown that spirituality helps to control stress, strengthen the immune system, and protect against heart disease and cancer. Beyond these benefits, God promises eternal life to those who trust Him. Eternal life of perfect health and freedom from pain, fear, and death. Persevere in learning of Him and talking to Him; you will come to experience His great unfailing love, His power and wisdom, the kindness, beauty, and compassion of His character, and the joy of doing His will. You will learn to trust Him and know that He loves you and will never harm you.
Written by Dr. Carl Parker