The Tongue

The tongue is a muscular organ in your mouth. It has many nerves and blood vessels, which make it sensitive to touch and temperature. Its soft covering is called a mucous membrane. It weighs between 3 and 3.5 ounces and is typically just short of four inches long.

The tongue has two parts: the oral (at the front) and the pharyngeal (at the back). You see the front of the tongue when you stick it out, and you see the back when the doctor says, “Open wide and say Aaaaah.” The line down the middle of your tongue is called the median sulcus.

The tongue is a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, making it very strong and capable of moving around. The four tiny intrinsic muscles help alter the shape of the tongue but are not attached to bone. The four extrinsic muscles are attached to bone in pairs, allowing the tongue to change position. So, both are necessary to help the tongue move around, making it an important part of the digestive system. Assisted by the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, the tongue also plays an essential role in man’s ability to speak.

The tongue begins to develop in the fourth week of embryonic development.

The body of the tongue is located in the central part between the front and the back of the tongue. It helps us talk, eat, and taste. It is covered with tiny taste buds, 2,000-8,000 of them, and approximately every 10 days, you get new ones. The taste buds help us discern between sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami (savory, a rich meaty taste). The tongue helps us move food around to thoroughly chew and swallow it. It is also a natural way of keeping our teeth clean.

Did You Know? Dogs have only 1,700 taste buds on their tongues, but they are able to taste water. Whole-dog-journal.com/food/do-dogs-have-taste-buds

 There are a number of diseases that affect the tongue including oral cancer, thrush, canker sores, and black hair tongue—a harmless, but particularly disgusting-looking condition. Then there is that white film. It appears when food and bacteria are caught between the tiny bumps on the surface of the tongue. It can mean that your tongue is dry because the body is dehydrated from an inadequate intake of water, poor hygiene, not flossing or brushing your teeth properly (yes, there is a right way), certain medications, and acid reflux.

As with all the parts that make up man’s anatomy, the tongue is a marvel. And it is also a curse.

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.

“But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.

“Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren these things ought not to be so.” James 3:6–10

“Guard well the talent of speech, for it is a mighty power for evil as well as for good. You cannot be too careful of what you say; for the words you utter show what power is controlling the heart.” In Heavenly Places, 174

“The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity … it defileth the whole body and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 19, 33

Sources: humanbodypartsanatomy.com/tongue-anatomy-parts-names-functions-diagram; Wikipedia.org/wiki/Taste_bud

Mitochondria Strengthened

In the September issue of LandMarks, we Iearned that Mitochondria, though very small—about the size of 1 to 3 grains of sand—are found in most of the cells of the body, and are primarily known for the vital role of producing the energy needed by our bodies to work, but they do so much more.

Unfortunately, our modern lifestyle and common health issues tend to magnify problems that damage our mitochondria and lessen the benefits that help them.

What damages or weakens mitochondria?

Let’s look at some of the worst things for well-functioning and healthy mitochondria.

  • Fried foods, many commercially baked goods, some vegetable oils, microwave popcorn, frozen pizza, commercially made and refrigerated bread, biscuits, and rolls are prevalent in the American diet. All these foods contain high levels of trans fats, which enhance mitochondria’s production of reactive oxygen species, increasing cell death.
  • Americans live fast-paced, non-stop lifestyles full of stress.
  • Alcohol and smoking both affect the whole body and, in particular, these tiny, delicate mitochondria. Mitochondria become diseased, and the structure and function of these little giants are altered with regular consumption of these two health destroyers.
  • Mold and mitochondria are closely linked. Certain species of mold produce mycotoxins which can damage mitochondria and interfere with other cellular processes. This can result in a range of health problems, including allergic reactions and respiratory issues. It is important to prevent mold growth in the home and workplace.
  • Exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and thallium, also affects the structure and function of mitochondria, including its ability to remove diseased mitochondria. These metals are found in our environment and in the foods we eat.
  • The American on-the-go lifestyle affects the quality and quantity of our sleep. In addition, our circadian rhythm becomes confused by the lack of sunlight and the artificial lights illuminating our homes. The blue light emanating from computer screens, televisions, and cellphones damages the mitochondrial DNA, increasing free radicals that can cause photochemical damage to the eye’s retina.
  • Americans today are very sedentary. Lack of exercise, fresh air, and plenty of water leaves us sleep deprived.
  • Americans consume too much sugar, which weakens and damages mitochondria and negatively stresses our bodies.
  • Overconsumption of sugar and fat, along with stress and inadequate sleep, lead to cardiovascular issues and diabetes, both of which are rampant in our society. High blood sugar inhibits the liver’s ability to metabolize fat and increases the body’s insulin resistance. It can also result in fatty liver. High blood sugar also impairs mitochondrial energy metabolism by triggering the “cell danger response.” The mitochondria then switch from energy production and its many other functions to concentrate on determining what is endangering the body and protecting it from the danger.
  • Our consumption of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids has drastically changed. During the early history of man, these fatty acids were consumed at a ratio of 1 to 1. However, today, most people consume a larger quantity of omega-6, and while it is necessary for good health, too much increases inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Problems develop in the outer membrane of the mitochondria, reducing energy production and activating the cell danger response. Obesity impairs the mitochondria, and studies now show that an imbalance of omega-6 to omega-3 increases the risk of obesity.
  • Consistent irregularity in meal times—though not to be confused with intermittent short-term fasting (Matthew 6:16-18, Esther 4:16)— and exposure to extreme heat or cold also damage mitochondria.

What strengthens or improves the mitochondria?

Now that we have looked at many things that can damage mitochondria and interfere with their proper function, let’s look at the other side of the coin, what improves the health and performance of our mitochondria.

  • A healthy lifestyle that involves early morning sunshine is valuable. Early morning sunshine helps set the body’s circadian rhythm, which then brings the good restorative sleep we need when it becomes dark.
  • The light/dark cycles help establish the production of melatonin and this, too, helps our sleep cycle. In addition, melatonin supports the health of the mitochondria and, if healthy, the mitochondria will make its own melatonin. The mitochondria-created melatonin is kept inside the mitochondria rather than being released into the blood stream, and this mitochondria melatonin “bathes” the mitochondria all night.
  • Melatonin production is hindered by the artificial and blue lights in our homes. To minimize the damage you can wear blue-blocking glasses when using electronic devices or switching to lights that emit red, dim orange, or yellow light at night. It is also important to have complete darkness in the bedroom during the sleep hours. If you are unable to do this, consider an eye mask.
  • Adequate levels of melatonin improve the health and function of mitochondria, decrease the risks of cancer, and increase the ability of the body to fight antioxidant damage. Melatonin is indeed a sleep hormone, but is very much a mitochondrial hormone that helps them do their many jobs so much better.
  • Daily exercise, if possible in the sunshine and fresh air, is also very helpful to your mitochondria. Exercise can increase muscle size and strength. Muscles contain a higher number of mitochondria, more than many other types of tissue in the body. Researchers have shown that high amounts of physical activity in adults ages 65 to 70 can have mitochondrial capacity similar to 25 to 30-year-old adults. Stay active throughout the day; your mitochondria will thank you.
  • Because of our hectic lifestyles, stress is detrimental to our mitochondria; however, some stress generates new mitochondria via mild cold or hot exposure by having a warm bath, a warm and cool shower, or warm and cold mitten friction.
  • Chronic over-breathing—breathing too much or too quickly—caused by stress or anxiety lowers your CO2 levels and hinders oxygen delivery at the cellular level. This, too, is very damaging to mitochondria that needs lots of oxygen to produce the energy necessary to carry out their many functions.
  • Moderation even in good things and avoidance of all hurtful influences such as tobacco and alcohol strengthens our powerhouse cells.
  • A diet that discourages heart disease and diabetes will greatly improve mitochondrial health. Avoiding hurtful kinds and quantities of fat and decreasing sugar intake, consuming good proteins, greens and fresh, crunchy vegetables are all very helpful. A decrease in blood sugar is often achieved by eating greens and the fibrous, crunchy vegetables at the start of a meal. For example: broccoli sprouts when consumed are very neuroprotective, have anti-cancer effects, boost detoxification, and improve mitochondrial health. Supplementing your diet with riboflavin and the other B vitamins, plus coenzyme Q10 and carnitine is also beneficial to mitochondrial health.

Moral of the Story—be good to your mitochondria and they will keep you safe and healthy.

Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition, nor is it meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your personal physician.

Sources: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320875#aging; Wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrion; sciencenotes.org/mitochondria-definition-structure-function; btl.science/blogs/news-1/worst-things-for-mitochondria-function; my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15612-mitochondrial-diseases; phys.org/news/2020-03-trans-fats-cell-death.html; “Eat for Energy: How to Beat Fatigue, Supercharge Your Mitochondria, and Unlock All-Day Energy,” by Ari Whitten; TheEnergyBlueprint.com; newhealthadvisor.org/Foods-High-in-Trans-Fat.html; my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23424-heavy-metal-poisoning-toxicity; healthline.com/nutrition/optimize-omega-6-omega-3-ratio#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3; sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/what-color-light-helps-you-sleep; desbio.com/the-mold-mitochondria-connection-why-it-matters-for-your-health

Health – Is Your Life in Balance?

The Bible teaches us about spiritual, physical, and mental health. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 2. The Bible directs us to what we should eat and drink and what we should not. It also instructs us to work, rest, exercise, get adequate sunshine, and trust God.

How can we deal with the stress of this world so that we have peace on the inside, even if there is trouble on the outside? Jesus Himself made promises to us in John chapters 14–16 and Matthew 11:28-30 promises of rest and peace, freedom from guilt and time pressures that are driving so many people to the brink of physical and mental illness and destroying their peace of mind.

The law of balance governs our bodies and minds. This balance is vital because severe consequences can result when the body and mind are out of balance. As long as you live, the blood in your blood vessels must continue flowing under pressure. But sometimes, this pressure becomes too great—because of what we consume, insufficient exercise or sleep, or stress. If not kept in balance, hypertension—high blood pressure—could result in a debilitating stroke or heart attack, problems in the kidneys and eyes, or even death.

A strong life balance will aid in avoiding high blood pressure and even overcoming it. Constant time pressures and stressing agents affect your body, causing an increase in blood pressure. We must also use good judgment, and not overburden ourselves with things that the Lord does not want us to bear.

Even if you have mental and spiritual balance, an imbalance in your body can affect that balance, too, since body, mind, and spirit are all interconnected to make a complete whole. Everything must be balanced if the whole will work right and live in the peace Jesus wants to provide. So, let’s look at some of the most common imbalances resulting from hypertension.

Lack of Physical Activity

It is essential to be active. An inactive lifestyle can cause hypertension, as well as other physical problems. It was, and still is, God’s purpose that man should work (Genesis 2). In the garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve the task of tending the garden and naming all the creatures He had made. Eden, in Hebrew, means “delight.” God intended their work to be delightful, pleasant, and healthy for the body and soul. Their work was not affected by anxiety, grief, disappointment, sorrow, and trouble like we have in our work today.

God designed the human body to be physically active. The greatest example of God’s intentions regarding the human body is found in the life of Jesus.

During the first thirty years of His life, Jesus worked in the carpenter shop. In addition, when you study His ministry, you will find that Jesus walked long distances. Because He lived a very active life, He often walked long enough and far enough to get tired.

The apostle Paul was a tent maker, but like Jesus, he was also a traveler. His work as a preacher often necessitated a good long walk.

Today, there are many ways a person can engage in physical activity, and the most effective is walking. However, a regular, rigorous—though not strenuous—exercise program or walking 30 minutes a day can positively affect high blood pressure.

Obesity

Being overweight can cause high blood pressure. Obesity has many causes. Most people think that a person who is overweight eats themselves into obesity, and in many cases, that may be true. However, there can also be medical issues and mental and physical imbalances in the body and mind. Depression, grief, being bullied, and feeling unloved or unwanted can cause a mental imbalance, which then can cause physical imbalances such as obesity.

What can help? Physical activity, a good breakfast and lunch, no snacking in between meals, drinking plenty of cold water in the evening, nothing to eat for eight to nine hours before bedtime, a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, grains and nuts, and saturated fats. Almost every person will lose weight on a program like this.

Being overweight and the resulting high blood pressure can also be caused by medical problems such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. No matter how good your weight loss program might be, sometimes it is necessary to be sure that weight gain, or the inability to lose weight, is not a result of a medical issue. A simple blood test can determine thyroid problems. Once you have ruled out a medical issue and begin following a good health program, the weight, and the high blood pressure should take care of themselves.

Liquor and Tobacco

The Bible is clear that the consumption of liquor is forbidden. While the Bible does not explicitly name tobacco, the principle that our bodies are the temple of God should be sufficient for us to determine that it is not suitable for our bodies for any reason. However, if you have high blood pressure, you must not consume or use either of these substances.

Rest

Seven to nine hours of sleep each night is recommended to keep a healthy blood pressure. In 2017, a study was done to determine if poor sleep habits could affect blood pressure. It was found that those who got the recommended amount of sleep had a lower risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and other cardiovascular threats: 66% lower risk of high blood pressure, 58% reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes, and 73% lower risk of obesity.

Salt

The average American consumes about 4,000 milligrams of sodium daily because most processed foods contain sodium as a preservative. To maintain healthy blood pressure, a person should consume less than 2.5 grams or 2,500 milligrams daily. If a person has high blood pressure, they should consume less than 2,000 milligrams per day. You should consult your physician about how much sodium you can take in every day, particularly if you have congestive heart disease.

Balance is the key. Following God’s original diet, drinking plenty of fresh water, walking or some other form of exercise, getting the appropriate amount of sleep, and being outside in the fresh air and sunshine can result in better health. It all depends on you. It’s your choice.

Sources: Dr. Howard E. Lewine, Harvard Health Publishing Profession; heart.org/2021/11/19/getting-better-overall-sleep-might-be-the-key-to-better-health; “Is Your Life in Balance?”, Optimum Health #6 John J. Grosboll.

Follow Your Nose

The nose is an incredible member of the body. It helps create symmetry in the face and keeps glasses where they belong. It is truly one of the most important parts of the body. It consists of bone and cartilage, including the nasal septum, which divides the nose into two separate cavities. It is part of the respiratory system, which is divided into two parts—the upper and lower. It is part of and the point of entry into the upper part of the respiratory system. In conjunction with the diaphragm and lungs, we inhale and exhale through our nose or mouth. The diaphragm contracts, moving downward, creating a vacuum, and oxygen is drawn into the lungs. As the diaphragm relaxes, oxygen is then expelled from the lungs. This process is essential as it provides oxygen to the brain which keeps it in peak condition as the body’s foreman, keeping the body and all its moving parts functioning properly.

All the cells of the body require oxygen. As oxygen enters the body, the cells release carbon dioxide (known as waste gas). This gas exchange—bringing in clean oxygen and expelling the waste gas—is automatic.

In addition to the process of bringing oxygen into the lungs, the nose has other important functions. Air filtered through the nasal hairs removes debris, allergens, and other large foreign particles. The nasal mucosa lining in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, using shell-shaped structures called turbinates, is responsible for conditioning the inhaled air by warming and moistening it with each breath. The hollow cavities of the paranasal sinuses, which act as sound chambers, modify and amplify our speech and other vocal sounds, and assist our speech. The nose is also in charge of olfaction, the ability to smell.

Did You Know? With up to 300 million olfactory receptors, a dog’s nose smells up to 100,000 times better than the human nose, which houses only six million receptors. Dogs can also breathe in and out at the same time.

Sneezing is a reflex that expels unwanted particles that irritate the mucosal lining. A sneeze can transmit and spread infections by expelling aerosols that harbor pathogens. Allergens and infections can cause swollen turbinates, and nasal polyps (bumps in the nose) can block airflow and affect normal breathing.

A nosebleed occurs due to an underlying condition, but also when a blood vessel in the nose breaks or it becomes too dry inside the nostrils, trauma, blowing your nose too hard, or picking your nose. They are usually not serious, but if you have a nosebleed lasting more than 20 minutes, you should seek professional help.

To keep your nose in its best possible health:

  • Leave those nose hairs where they are. Don’t cut or shave them off.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Keep the house clean, limiting the dust and other allergens you breathe in.
  • Use saline nose spray to keep the nose clean and moist.
  • Use a humidifier at home.

Recently, I was thinking of this scripture:

“Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” John 12:3

Wouldn’t you have loved to be a nose in that room?

Sources: wikipedia.org/wiki/Human-nose; my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21778-nose; petmd.com/dog/behavior/5-dog-nose-facts-you-probably-didnt-know; msn.com/en-us/health/in-Nosebleed/in-nosebleed; webmd.com/lung/how-we-breathe

Mitochondria

An Introduction

This introduction will just “scratch the surface” on the subject of this very small part of our body. Mitochondria vary in size, commonly between 0.75 and 3 µm (micrometers) in cross section. For comparison, a single grain of fine sand or dust is roughly 1 µm. So these parts of our cells range in size from ¾ the size of a grain of sand up to 3 grains of sand. Despite their small size, the mitochondria are vital to our survival.

Mitochondria are found in nearly all the cells of our body and are considered the “energy factory” of the body. In cells or organs with high metabolic activity and high energy demands, such as muscle and nerve cells—especially the heart, brain, and eyes—mitochondria occur in greater concentrations because energy consumption here is great. Liver and muscle cells can contain hundreds, even thousands, of mitochondria. Because of its critical nature and high demand for energy, the heart contains the greatest concentration of mitochondrial cells in the body. Red blood cells are an example of cells in our body which do not have mitochondria.

Mitochondria were first discovered in 1857 by Albert von Kölliker in the voluntary muscles of insects and named by Carl Benda in 1898. The word comes from the Greek words mitos, meaning “thread,” and chondrion, meaning “granule.” “Powerhouse of the cell” was a phrase adapted by Philip Siekevitz in 1957, describing a primary function of the mitochondria. This phrase stuck and is commonly used today.

Most cells in the body contain organelles, organized or specialized structures or “organs” within a living cell. Mitochondria are unlike other cellular organelles in that they have two distinct membranes—an inner and an outer—and a unique chromosome structure. When genetic material is taken from a human, most strands of DNA represent the genetic chromosomes of both the father and mother. Mitochondrial cells have the majority, if not all, of their genetic material from the mother. The maternal egg cell donates the majority of the cytoplasm, material within the cell membrane, to the embryo. The cytoplasm contributed to the embryo from the father, the much smaller amount, is usually destroyed.

Genesis 1:27, 28, first part, tells us: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth.’ ”

Through research of the mitochondrial genes, scientists have confirmed God’s instruction to Adam and Eve. Science has proven that all humans alive today can be traced to a single woman ancestor. They believe that this woman lived among other women, but that her maternal DNA superseded that of all other women.

The main function of mitochondria is to generate the chemical energy necessary to power cells. They do this by turning nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into chemical energy that the body will use to live. This is done through a very complex, 8-step chain of chemical reactions known as the Krebs Cycle. These energy factories supply our body with 90% of the energy we need to function. They generate the majority of this energy from adenosine triphosphate (ATP). They are also involved in other pathways related to our metabolism. But, there is more to mitochondria than just the production of energy.

If you want to age well, you need the mitochondria to work smoothly and efficiently. Research is now showing that strong mitochondria protect your DNA. As the mitochondria are damaged, they frequently steal from our healthy DNA for their repair.

Mitochondria are important in cell repair, so you really wouldn’t want to do things that would cause them harm. They also start and regulate apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death necessary for the removal of poor or damaged cells. This is very important in cancer prevention because cancer cells are abnormal cells that need to be recognized and destroyed. So, the lack of mitochondrial health may be related to cancer development.

Mitochondria are involved in many functions of the body:

  • Help in the regulation of the cell cycle and cell growth,
  • Help to regulate the concentration of calcium in the cell,
  • Produce heat in certain cells,
  • Detoxify ammonia and waste production of protein metabolism in the liver,
  • Are indispensable for proper regulation of brain development as nerve cells develop,
  • Are important in the synthesis of steroids needed by the body.

Without effective communication, our cells could not work harmoniously in our body. Cells constantly send and receive messages that help maintain balance between the different processes that occur within us. Mitochondria have a role in hormone and immune signaling. They also play a vital role in signaling within our cells.

So, what strengthens or weakens the mitochondria? What damages or improves them? Questions for another article.

As we reflect upon all that this little organelle does, no larger than three grains of fine sand, we cannot but proclaim, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14

Sources: bonecoach.com/ari-whitten-the-energy-blueprint; theenergyblueprint.com; my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15612-mitochondrial-diseases; medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320875#aging; Copilot with GPT-4 (bing.com); webmd.com/a-to-z/mitochondria-what-to-know; sciencenotes.org/mitochondria-definition-structure-function

The Hadza Tribe and Microbiome Health

In the June issue of LandMarks, we explored just the surface facts of our microbiome. We learned that it is simply a bustling community of microbes on and within the body that significantly influences the body’s overall wellbeing.

Bacteria are by far the most numerous members of the human microbiome estimated to be between 75–200 trillion individual organisms, while the entire human body consists of about 50 trillion–100 trillion body cells. The area that contains the largest amount of microbiota is the intestinal area, especially the large intestine. Five hundred to 1,000 different species of bacteria may live in the intestine, totaling at least 38 trillion cells. It is said by some that if you could only focus on one aspect of health it should be gut health.

Did you know? Over half of the cells in your body are not even human cells.

We also learned that the microbiota interact with almost every body system, and that the gut microbiome has been called the “second brain” because it interacts so closely with our brain, brain chemistry, and its many functions. The microbiome is very active in the metabolism of our food. Chronic and infectious disease risks are also affected by our microbiome. The gut also is intimately connected to our immune system—70% to 80% of the immune system is in the gut.

We also know that our microbiome affects our mood and behavior. Digestion, sleep, immune health, brain function, mental health, metabolism and cardiovascular health are closely linked to the microbiome, emphasizing its importance in maintaining a healthy living human. The microbiome may help prevent or help fight some forms of cancer, and help prevent or treat some forms of dementia.

Given the importance of a healthy microbiome on the wellbeing of the human body, our question should be, How do I help my gut have a healthy, diverse group of microbiota? To help answer this question, let me share with you the very interesting findings of cultural and health studies of two groups of people, the Hadza tribe from Tanzania and the Yanomami tribe from Venezuela, some of the last hunter-gatherers on our planet.

Approximately 200 of the Hadza tribe stick to a strictly nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle. They survive on foraged plants and animals hunted with handmade bows and arrows and live in temporary grass and stick shelters. It’s believed that the Hadza people have some of the healthiest gut microbiomes on the planet. Their diet consists of about 70% plant foods including tubers that contain a range of indigestible fibers that are ideal gut fuel. They get a huge 150 grams of fiber per day. This results in the Hadza having a greater variety of gut microbes than that of 17 other cultures around the world. Most Americans get just 10-15 grams of fiber per day. The Hadza have about 40% more microbial biodiversity in their gut than Americans. This exceptionally high fiber intake seems to be a main contributor to their very healthy gut microbiomes—fiber is fuel for your gut microbes, allowing them to multiply and produce health-promoting compounds.

Getting fiber from a variety of plants helps to create microbial diversity. Research from 2018 found that people who ate more than 30 different plant types per week had a healthier gut microbiome than those who ate fewer plant types. Our focus should be to eat more whole, fiber-rich plant foods such as leafy greens, berries, cruciferous veggies (broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, to name a few), Jerusalem artichoke, avocado, beans, and lentils. Sautés and salads are an excellent way to get many different plant foods into a single meal.

Another contributing factor to the Hadza people’s healthiest, most diverse gut microbiomes is that their food source is natural, with no processed foods or agriculturally farmed foods, high in fiber and phytochemicals, and devoid of processed sugars, all of which contribute to the fact that the Hadza experience almost no autoimmune diseases, obesity, diabetes, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, and other chronic ailments. This is very unlike our modern Western diets which are often low in fiber and phytochemicals, and high in refined carbohydrates, processed foods, unhealthy fats, and contain high levels of sugar.

A third factor in the robust and healthy gut microbiomes of the Hadza people is that they do not live in “sterile environments.” They don’t just admire nature, but interact with it. They are in constant contact with the earth, walking barefoot, working or digging in the ground and with animals when they hunt. So we can increase our contact with our environment by growing indoor and outdoor plants, tending gardens, and through being outside with our families and pets.

A similar study was conducted in Venezuela with the Yanomami tribe. It was found that they had a 50% greater microbial diversity than the average American. They too were hunter-gatherers with a diet high in plant foods. So it seems that the farther away a person’s diet gets from our modern western diet, the more diverse the range of microbes in our intestines. This includes a number of bacteria that are completely missing from the modern American gut. Clearly, a person’s diet plays a major role in the gut microbiome.

The modern Western diet is largely deficient in fiber and high in processed junk, fat, refined sugars, and refined carbohydrates. The research strongly suggests that this diet is effectively wiping out many bacterial species from our digestive tracts.

Surprisingly, the Hadza microbiome fluctuated over the course of the year depending upon the specific season of the year. During the long dry periods, the Hadza people eat considerably more meat, much like a Westerner. Some species of bacteria prevalent during the wet seasons disappeared or their numbers fell to an undetectable level, similar to that seen when analyzing the Western microbiome. During the wet seasons, these missing microbes return.

So cutting the amount of fat, processed food, processed carbohydrates and processed sugars, and having a high fiber diet and interacting with the natural environment may be the vital keys to having a healthy, diverse microbiome that greatly improves the overall health of the microbiome, body and mind.

Sources: vitalplan.com/blogs/blog/the-6-secrets-of-the-hadza-tribe-what-we-can-learn-about-health-and-longevity; ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK154100; Britannica.com/science/human-microbiome#Overview

That Frog in Your Throat

“I just can’t seem to get rid of this frog in my throat.” Probably just about everyone, everywhere can admit to having said this or some variety of it at some point in time. For some, this frogginess follows along with a cold or the flu or seasonal allergies. Others may experience it regularly as a result of reflux, a side effect of medication or an autoimmune disorder, hypothyroidism, diabetes, aging, intubation, tracheal stenosis, trauma, post-nasal drip, or cancers/tumor/radiation therapy.

Reflux is a common cause. Acidic and nonacidic matter backwashes from the stomach and hits the bottom part of the throat. This causes irritation to the voice box. Reflux is provoked by triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and smoking. As a defense against reflux, the throat lines itself with a mucus coating. However, the more backwash, the more mucus, and this results in excessive throat clearing, persistent cough, or that frog-in-the-throat feeling.

Other symptoms that often follow this mucus build-up are difficulty swallowing, noisy breathing, or even neurological warning signs such as weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or facial paralysis.

The best defense against reflux and the other potential causes of that a froggy throat is to avoid the dietary and lifestyle habits that trigger it. But keep in mind that that frog can also be a warning sign of enlarged tonsils, dehydration, environmental irritants, excessive talking, shouting, or singing in a way that strains the vocal chords.

Keep your voice healthy—the rest of your body, too—by staying hydrated, taking time to rest your voice during times when you must use it a lot, don’t smoke and don’t breathe in other irritants as much as possible. Use a humidifier and avoid medication that causes dryness unless needed. Eliminate caffeine and alcohol from your diet. Avoid eating or drinking within three hours of lying down, lose weight, reduce stress, and remove spicy, fatty and acidic foods, and instead follow a more Mediterranean-like diet, excluding meat.

Most cases resolve themselves over time, but if this frogginess persists for more than four weeks, or if it is not a result of allergies or a virus or diet, it is recommended that a physician be consulted as soon as possible. Chronic throat clearing, regardless of the cause, can damage your vocal chords over time.

Here are some home remedies that might help:

  • Sip water
  • Suck on sugar-free lozenges
  • Swallow twice
  • Yawn
  • Cough

Sources: nbcnews.com/healthmain/ahem-what-frog-throat-anyway; bing.com/copilot/what+causes+the+frog+in+my+throat; wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/is-that-frog-in-your-throat-a-sign-of-a-serious-illness; healthline.com/health/clearing-throat

The Mighty Microbiome

The topic covered in this article was not even discussed when I first went to college—decades ago—and little was known about it. The study of what is now known as the human microbiome can be traced as far back as the work of Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1623-1723). Intense interest resurged in 2007 with the Human Microbiome Project. Most of the research has occurred in the last 17 years, but has become more popular in the last 10 years.

So what is the human microbiome?

The complex scientific definition – Human microbiome, the full array of microorganisms (the microbiota) that live on and in humans and, more specifically, the collection of microbial genomes that contribute to the broader genetic portrait, or metagenome, of a human. The genomes that constitute the human microbiome represent a remarkably diverse array of microorganisms that includes bacteria, archaea (primitive single-celled organisms), fungi, and even some protozoans and nonliving viruses.

A less complex definition – the full complement of microbes and their genes and genomes in or on the human body.

The simple definition – a bustling community of microbes within your body that significantly influences your overall wellbeing.

Bacteria are by far the most numerous members of the human microbiome—estimated at between 75 trillion and 200 trillion individual organisms—while the entire human body consists of about 50 trillion to 100 trillion body cells. The sheer microbial abundance suggests that the human body is in fact a “supraorganism,” a collection of human and microbial cells and genes and thus a blend of human and microbial traits.

Did You Know? Over half of the cells in your body are not even human cells. If collected together and weighed, the non-human cells would weigh over four pounds.

These microbial cells, microbiota, are found on the body and in body orifices with the largest number being in the nose and nasal passages, in the mouth, the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and the genital areas. The area that contains the largest amount of microbiota is the intestinal area, especially the large intestine. Five hundred to 1,000 different species of bacteria live in the intestine, totaling at least 38 trillion cells. These gut bacteria are also known as the gut flora. It has been said by some that if you are going to focus on one aspect of health, work on gut health.

Scientists are only just beginning to understand what these microbes do, how they function, and how they can be manipulated to benefit human health. Research on the human microbiome has benefited tremendously from other recent advances in microbiology, not the least of which is a growing recognition that the vast microbial diversity exists.

So why is the human microbiome so important? It interacts with almost every body system. In fact, the gut microbiome has been called the “second brain” because it interacts so closely with our brain, brain chemistry, and its many functions.

The microbiome is very active in the metabolism of our food. Chronic and infectious disease risks are also affected by our microbiome. The gut also is intimately connected to our immune system with about 70% to 80% of the immune system being in the gut. We also know that our microbiome has effects on our mood and behavior. Digestion, sleep, and cardiovascular health are also closely linked to the microbiome, emphasizing its importance in maintaining a healthy, living human. The microbiome can potentially prevent or help fight some forms of cancer, and may help prevent or treat some forms of dementia.

Therefore, prioritizing the well-being of our microbiome is a crucial step toward achieving overall health and vitality, and will be the subject of a future article.

Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK154100; britannica.com/science/human-microbiome#Overview

Enjoy a Healthy Life

God created our first parents to be happy. He never intended that they should know disappointment, loneliness, embarrassment, pain, suffering, sickness, or death. These are all a part of the consequences of sin—the consequence of their disobedience of God’s explicit command not to eat of the tree in the midst of the garden. They ate of the forbidden fruit, a representation of the knowledge of both good and evil. Since then, good and evil have been mixed together, and we all have eaten of its fruit.

Because of sin, we all experience suffering—sickness and pain, death and strife, divorce, bankruptcy, and all the different problems mankind must deal with in this world. But, even in this sin-marred world, we find that a person’s best chance to find physical, mental, and spiritual health is to follow as closely as possible the original plan that God instituted at Creation.

So, let’s see what the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy say regarding God’s original plan.

In Jesus’ time, there was a teaching that a man could divorce his wife for any reason, but some of the Jewish leaders disagreed with this teaching. They didn’t believe that a man should be able to just abandon his wife. They would debate on the question again and again, until they finally presented it to Jesus as a test, thinking that they had a question that would be too hard for Him to answer.

“The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?’ And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning “made them male and female,” and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?” [Genesis 2:23, 24.] So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.’ They said to Him, ‘Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?’ He said to them, ‘Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.’ ” Matthew 19:3–9

God created one man and one woman, thus making very clear the divine order for the social relations of the human race. He instituted marriage in the garden of Eden and made no provision for divorce, polygamy, fornication, or homosexuality.

“For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce … .” Malachi 2:16, first part

“Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

“Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:22–32

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10

It is interesting, isn’t it, how people so glibly, nonchalantly, and deliberately do something that God says He hates, something that will keep them out of the kingdom of heaven? You would think that they would be afraid to do that, but they are not. We live in a time when people no longer fear God. This is one of the indicators that we are living in the last days. (See Psalm 36:1; Romans 3:18.)

Mankind’s Health in Eden

Whatever we are looking at—our lifestyle, our diet—we can see God’s original pattern from the garden of Eden.

Did God create man to just sit? In the garden of Eden, God had a mind for man’s physical health. He created him to spend most of his life outdoors. Adam was given active work and exercises to perform. He trained and nurtured the garden. He named every plant, tree, and flower, and the animals who dwelled on the earth, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea.

The same is true of his diet. God withheld the one tree in the midst of the garden, the tree that was called the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16, 17). But otherwise, Adam and Eve were able to eat “every herb that yields seed” and “every tree whose fruit yields seed.” Genesis 1:29. Grains and nuts were added later. But God did not give them flesh foods to eat.

Many people today are wondering what is the most healthful diet. When you want the best advice, you turn to the person who knows the most about the subject. In this case, the One who created Adam and Eve and every single one of us down through history, knows what is best to keep the bodies He created in peak health.

It is interesting to see what is contained in God’s original diet. We are finding that the original diet contains more health-promoting qualities and characteristics than we knew even a few years ago. Popular belief used to say that the original diet was not good enough. If you really wanted to be healthy, you needed to add eggs, milk, cheese, red meat, and other flesh foods. They believed that you could not find quality protein in just fruits, grains, herbs, and nuts.

However, we now know that adding these foods to the original diet results in the potential of consuming too much protein. In fact, this is one of the reasons that we see such a huge epidemic of osteoporosis among nations where large amounts of these foods are eaten. God knew when He created man just what he required in his diet so that he could have optimum health.

You may remember, after man sinned, God told Adam that he would eat by the sweat of his face. When we sweat we lose salt, so God altered man’s diet to include celery, spinach, Swiss chard, beets, and carrots, all of which contain more sodium than the foods of the original diet. But most people, for thousands of years, have been, and are today, unwilling to follow the original diet.

Health throughout History

In the time of Noah, and after the Flood—over 1,600 years after man was created, God gave man permission to eat certain flesh foods, those considered to be clean meats. (See Genesis chapters 7, 8, and 9. Also see Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 where God later listed clean and unclean meat.) But most of the people alive then were doing what they wanted to do, and that included eating flesh foods long before He gave man permission to do so. It was only after the flood when every green thing on earth had been destroyed, and it had to recuperate and replenish itself, that God gave man permission to eat clean meat. But this lesson had to be, and will continue to be, repeated over the course of time, until He has a people who have returned to the original diet.

When God took His people out of Egypt and through the desert to the promised land, it was meant as an example of the spiritual journey that God’s spiritual children take, in all ages, to leave this world of sin behind and arrive in the spiritual promised land.

All through the desert wilderness, God kept the children of Israel on a vegetarian diet—almost entirely vegetables, as you can read in the Bible. They also had food from heaven—angels’ food according to the Bible.

“Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day … .” Exodus 16:4

“Yet He had commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven, had rained down manna on them to eat, and given them of the bread of heaven. Men ate angels’ food; He sent them food to the full.” Psalm 78:23–25

Sadly, the children of Israel were not satisfied with the food of angels. They said, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full!” Exodus 16:3, first part

“Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: ‘Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!’ ” Numbers 11:4–6

Their diet of angels’ food was so good that the Psalms tell us there was not one feeble person among all their tribes. They were all healthy. But here we find them, not longing for the promised land, but whining for the flesh pots of Egypt.

God heard their cries and gave them what they desired—quail, hundreds, thousands of them. Many of the people indulged their food lust and ate until they were stuffed. What was the outcome? Those who yielded to their craving for meat, while it was still between their teeth, were struck with a great plague and they died and were buried in the wilderness. (See Numbers 11:31–33.) However, they were not done complaining about their food, as you can read in Numbers 21.

Next, we see that while God allowed them to eat flesh foods, He put strict prohibitions on the foods that they could eat. He told them they were not to eat any blood or fat, and that certain meats were dangerous. The Lord said these meats were unclean, and that they would be defiled by them. This is not talking about ceremonial defilement, but defiling your body by consuming something that would have a destructive effect on it. The Lord told them not to eat these unclean foods.

But, the Devil …

Satan loves to get people to do anything that God has said not to do. He is totally against your soul. He is responsible for making the very foods which the children of Israel were forbidden to eat—unclean foods as identified in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14—the most popular foods the world over. But Paul tells us that the experiences of the children of Israel in the wilderness were meant to be an example for those of us living right now, at the very end of the world.

“These things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.” 1 Corinthians 10:6. Then, in verses 10 and 11, he says, “Nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”

Paul was living in the end of the ages, as far as the ancient world was concerned, but he was making a prophetic statement about the end of all ages. To put it very plainly, God will have a people who are following Him out of Egypt [the world] to Canaan [heaven]. These people will have adopted the original diet, just like He gave to the children of Israel in the wilderness. It is a clear prediction that God will lead His people back to the original diet in the last days.

An Example

“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8

“Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined before you. … And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.” Verses 12, 13, first part, 15, 16

What was the result? “Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king.” Verse 19

Over 2,500 years ago, this group of young men had adopted the original diet given by God to Adam and Eve and were prospering with it. When taken captive to Babylon, they remained firm in adhering to it, even against the direct command of the king. This example of following God’s “owner’s manual” for the bodies He created, and the courage to do it against the most difficult circumstances, is our examples for the last days.

Let me share with you some reasons to adopt a vegetarian diet, not when you get to heaven, but right now. This is not at all an exhaustive list.

  1. Those who regularly consume flesh foods have been shown to have six to seven times greater risk of cancer compared to those who do not. There are many reasons for this.
  2. Vegetarian diets greatly reduce the risk of heart attacks by lowering cholesterol and other factors.
  3. If you want to avoid plugged or blocked arteries, the best diet is one with zero cholesterol, zero animal protein, and zero caffeine. You also will want a high fiber intake and a high polyunsaturated to saturated fat ratio, and a high amount of complex carbohydrates. Achieving this is impossible with a meat diet, but almost automatic with a diet—from natural food sources—of whole grains, fruits, and nuts at breakfast, and grains, vegetables, and legumes or nuts at lunch. And do not try to live on chocolate, coconut, or cashew nuts.
  4. The diet that God gave to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden was a low-sodium diet. He increased their sodium intake by modifying their diet after they sinned. The Bible says that both salt and sugar are good, but they are only good when used in moderation. This diet, along with a physical exercise program, would solve, for many, the problem of high blood pressure.
  5. A vegetarian diet is high in fiber.
  6. Meat contains too much of the wrong kind of fat, too much protein and iron, but is deficient in fiber.
  7. A low-protein diet tends to arrest kidney failure, reduces urine protein, and increases blood protein in diabetics, and helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. This, of course, is easily accomplished on a diet of plant food, and leaving off of meat.

Whether you are talking about heart disease, cancer, blocked arteries, diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol levels, a vegetarian diet is the best therapeutic answer. Did God know what He was doing when He gave to man a plant-food diet? Did He know what He was doing when He altered the diet slightly after sin entered the world? Can we improve on this diet? No! Man has not evolved into a creature that is healthier on a carnivorous diet. Rather, the evidence has become overwhelming that God’s original diet is superior to every other diet developed by man.

This will be the diet of the saved in heaven. Would you like for your whole life to be changed, to come into harmony with the rest of the universe of God?

Out of the myriad of worlds that God has made, with all their inhabitants, this world is the only one in rebellion. This world chose to forsake the tree of life and eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and we have all eaten of this tree. Evil is about to destroy this world. We are living in the midst of an epidemic of crime, war, strife, disaster, and sickness that has thinking men and women aghast all over the world, asking, “What will happen next?”

The darkest period of earth’s history is fast approaching. But in this darkest period, Christ will return to take His children out of this place. If you are going to be ready, you need to be willing to surrender your heart to Him and follow His teaching exactly in your life, your diet, your speech, your thoughts. Your entire life must be in harmony with His laws.

Jesus is coming, and He will take His children out of this evil world. However, every child of God will be without spot or blemish, living by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Will you be one of them? The choice is yours.

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at 316-788-5559.

Dem Bones

When a baby is born, it has 270 bones, but most of these bones are cartilage. As the child grows, a number of these bones fuse together until over time, the number of bones decreases to 206, making up its adult skeleton. The human skeleton is divided into two types of bone: the axial and the appendicular.

The axial skeleton is composed of the 80 bones of the spine, chest, and head.

The spine, or vertebral column, include seven cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, five lumbar vertebrae, and the sacrum, which is composed of five bones at birth, but later fuses into one.

There is one bone in the sternum and 24 ribs (in 12 pairs).

The head contains 29 bones. The skull has 23: eight cranial and 15 facial, and six bones found in the middle ear (three on each side).

The appendicular skeleton is composed of the 126 bones of the arms and legs, including the shoulder and pelvic girdles.

Each arm has a total of 32 bones, this includes the 28 bones that make up the phalanges (fingers) of the hand.

The pelvis includes the pelvic girdle, the sacrum, and the coccyx (often referred to as the tail bone).

Each leg has a total of 8 bones, each foot has 26 bones, and 14 bones make up the phalanges (toes) of each foot.

The skeleton performs six major functions—support, movement, protection, production of blood cells, storage of minerals, and endocrine regulation.

The most common issue with bone is low bone density, leading to osteopenia which makes the bones brittle or osteoporosis which thins and weakens the bones, resulting in sudden factures. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that can affect breathing and movement, and causes pain that worsens with age. Osteoarthritis can affect the bones, and in severe cases can result in bone-on-bone contact between the joints. Cancer can also be found in the bones. The most common are the following:

Osteosarcoma—most commonly in the leg or arm bones in both children and young adults, Chondrosarcoma—most commonly in the pelvis, legs or arms of middle-aged and older adults, and Ewing sarcoma—most commonly in the pelvis, legs, or arms of children and young adults.

So how can we protect our bones so that they will function at top efficiency in the way God intended?

  • A calcium-rich diet (1,000-1,200 milligrams daily), that also includes magnesium, zinc, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Eat lots of vegetables. They are one of the best sources for vitamin C, which stimulates the production of bone-forming cells.
  • Vitamin D (400-1,000 IU daily) helps the body absorb calcium into the bones, and vitamin K2 helps prevent the loss of calcium from the bones.
  • Strength training and weight-bearing exercise like walking.
  • Consume an adequate amount of protein.
  • Maintain a stable, healthy weight.
  • Follow God’s Eight Laws of Health.

Sources: wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bones_of_the_human_skeleton; healthline.com/build-healthy-bones; medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bone-one-bone-arthritis; medlineplus.gov/bonediseases.html