Health

What Is There to Smile About?

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I went for a doctor’s appointment recently and as I walked up the sidewalk to the front entrance, another senior lady joined me. I smiled at her and said, “Lovely day, isn’t it?” She returned the smile and we struck up a conversation regarding my brilliant, multi-colored skirt. Her purse was yellow and she thought it would look very nice with my skirt. Then we talked about my bright orange sweater and my orange shoes. When we entered the building, the two receptionists commented on how beautiful my skirt was, and my new senior friend showed them how well her purse matched it, and I added how nice it went with my orange sweater and shoes.

As we talked, I noticed that we were smiling and giggling. Maybe there’s something to the conclusion that orange represents joyfulness to humans, but I think it had something to do with our smiles.

Of all the viruses, infections, and diseases that we can so easily catch as we associate together, a smile is one contagious item that no one minds catching. A smile can make a friend out of a stranger. It can chase away fear, and make a person feel cared for.

Smiling affects the body and mind in some very positive ways, benefiting your health, your mood, and the mood of those around you.

There are three types of smiles (who knew): reward, affiliation, and dominance.

Reward conveys approval, happiness, and contentment.

Affiliation communicates positive intention, trustworthiness, belonging, and social connection.

Dominance conveys contempt and superiority. These smiles have shown that they increase the cortisol (stress hormone) level in recipients of this type of smile.

Smiling might even help you to live longer, if it is a genuine, intense smile. Happy people, those who smile all the time, enjoy better health and longevity, but we don’t yet know exactly why. So, smiling may be something you’d like to keep as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The physical act of smiling activates the release of prolactin, vasopressin, and oxytocin (whew!). It also causes the release of dopamine and serotonin. “Think of smiling as a natural anti-depressant.”

“A merry heart does good, like medicine … .” Proverbs 17:22, first part

Smiling releases the body’s natural pain killers—endorphins, which, together with serotonin, elevates the mood, relaxes the body, and reduces physical pain.

And finally, ladies this one is for you. A smile will draw people to you. And smiling makes you more attractive. “Step aside, Botox.” “On your way face lifts, we don’t need you.” The muscles we use to smile lift the face and make a person appear younger and more attractive.

Smiling

  • Relieves anxiety
  • Boosts your mood
  • Strengthens relationships
  • Releases endorphins
  • Increases serotonin
  • Promotes relaxation
  • Fosters compassion
  • Expresses gratitude
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Lowers blood pressure

There are many troubles that will burst like bubbles,

There are many shadows that will disappear,

When you learn to meet them, with a smile to greet them,

For a smile is better than a frown or tear.

When the clouds are raining, don’t begin complaining,

What the earth is gaining should not make you sad;

Do not be a fretter, smiling is much better,

And a smile will help to make the whole world glad.

You can smile when you can’t say a word,

You can smile when you cannot be heard,

You can smile when its cloudy or fair,

You can smile any time, anywhere.

“If we look on the bright side of things, we shall find enough to make us cheerful and happy. If we give smiles, they will be returned to us; if we speak pleasant, cheerful words, they will be spoken to us again.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 2, 758

Source: verywellmind.com/top-reasons-to-smile-every-day

Free Radicals and Antioxidants

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Our bodies are infinitely complex and to be healthy, our many complex systems desire to be in balance. Free radicals interfere with the balance our body cells strive for, and are associated with such things as aging skin, cancer, autoimmune diseases, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, ulcers, emphysema, macular degeneration, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. They are highly reactive and unstable molecules. These radicals have an imbalance in the electrons, meaning one or more electrons do not have a pair, making it unstable. They have a very short lifespan of only a fraction of a second, but what damage they can do in that short time. Because of the unpaired electrons, they react with other balanced molecules in the body by taking one of their electrons. The new molecule is then unstable and will attempt to “steal” an electron from another stable molecule, making it unstable and the cascade of “stealing” an electron is repeated time and time again. This cascade can result in high levels of free radicals and cause damage to surrounding cells, organs, and can even cause DNA mutations.

DNA is the genetic material responsible for producing the proteins that guide all processes and structures in the body. Damaged DNA will try to reproduce the cells that comprise our bodies; but being damaged, they will not make healthy cells. Free radicals are made by the body as a byproduct of normal metabolism and in response to stress and inflammation. Free radicals can also be made by the body after exposure to toxins in the environment such as tobacco smoke, environmental pollutants, ultraviolet light, some metals, some drugs, some viruses, pesticides, industrial solvents, ozone and radiation, and after an extreme, intense workout. Diets high in refined sugar and simple carbohydrates, as well as preservatives found in food can also increase free radicals. A high number and availability of free radicals creates oxidative stress. Occurring silently, oxidative stress causes damage to and even the death of healthy cells.

As you now understand, free radicals can be, in excessive numbers, nasty little molecules, and as is so often true, prevention is better than a cure. So, how can we prevent an excessive number of free radicals and ultimately, oxidative stress?

First, limit the number of free radicals from entering the body.

  • Do not smoke. Avoid second-hand smoke as much as possible.
  • Avoid alcohol intake.
  • Limit your time in the sun, properly using non-toxic sunscreen and protective clothing.
  • Learn to remove yourself from unnecessary stress and manage the stress you are unable to avoid.
  • Avoid environmental pollution as much as possible.

Second, consume enough antioxidants to keep the free radicals from taking over. Our body actually makes some antioxidants, but not enough to neutralize all the free radicals. So, what is an antioxidant?

Antioxidants are unstable molecules, and, like free radicals, antioxidants have unpaired electrons in their molecules. But unlike free radicals, antioxidants don’t typically steal from otherwise stable molecules to become stable. They will freely give up an electron to a free radical and both molecules are then stable, greatly decreasing the likelihood of causing damage. They are therefore sometimes referred to as free radical scavengers. These key free radical scavengers can be obtained by eating an antioxidant-rich diet comprised of good quantities of these vitamin-rich foods high in antioxidant:

Vitamin C: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, blueberries, cauliflower, cantaloupe, grapefruit, leafy greens, kale, strawberries, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, and citrus fruits.

Vitamin E: almonds, avocado, sunflower seeds, oatmeal, legumes, peanuts, red pepper, and leafy greens.

Beta carotene: apricots, cantaloupe, mangos, carrots, asparagus, beets, kale, mangoes, oranges, peaches, pink grapefruit, pumpkin, squash, tomatoes, tangerines, and watermelon.

Selenium: brown rice, onions, Brazil nuts, chia seeds, oatmeal, whole wheat bread, barley, lentils, navy beans, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds.

Zinc: oatmeal, tofu, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, lentils, cashews, garbanzo beans, peanuts, almonds, and pecans.

Phenolic compounds: apples, onions, berries, grapes, peanuts, and spices, including oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

We need to remember that antioxidants are unstable molecules, so an overabundance of antioxidants can potentially be damaging, too. Obtaining antioxidants from supplements can be problematic. “Food-first is always the best way to go in terms of getting proper antioxidant.” Anthony DiMarino, RD, (verywellhealth.com+2). This is one reason why a diet rich in vegetables and fruits has been linked with a lower risk of many diseases.

Third, is to combat free radicals through other healthy lifestyle choices including adequate rest, activity, and water consumption are helpful.

Improve your health and prevent premature aging and disease by avoiding dangerous free radicals whenever possible, and developing a healthy lifestyle that includes a diet high in fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, and seeds.

Sources: health.clevelandclinic.org/free-radicals; verywellhealth.com/information-about-free-radicals-2249103; mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-are-free-radicals-a-dietician-explains; cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet-antioxidents-fact-sheet; naturallivingfamily.com/health-nutrition/chia-seeds-and-diabetes; clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/oxidative-stress; medicinenet.com/what_are_free_radicals_and_why_are_they_bad/article; Are+there+foods+that+increase+free+radicals

The Health Benefits of Winter

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It is May, and the cold of winter and coolness of spring are mostly behind us as we welcome the summer months ahead. It probably seems untimely to talk about winter in May, but I hope that you will find the health benefits of winter interesting.

Every year, most years, from December through February—indoors and outdoors—we hear people say, “It is SO COLD out here!”, “I can’t wait until spring!”, “Look at all that snow.”, “[Groan] Ice!?”, “I have to shovel again?”

We can think of many unpleasant things about winter—cold, ice, snow, shorter days and longer nights, shoveling, sand, salt, dirty cars, depression, the flu, heavy coats, gloves, ear muffs, boots. On the other hand, there are those who are very positive toward winter because they can ski, snowboard, sled, ice skate, and simply enjoy the colder temperatures because there are people who really like winter.

But does winter really offer actual health benefits? Let’s take a look.

You Might be Smarter in Winter

Colder weather can help you think more clearly according to a 2017 study by Stanford University. The study found that some cognitive skills like decision-making and staying calm were performed with more control during colder weather. Study participants were less impulsive and were more likely to take on complex tasks in the winter than they would in the summer. The brain requires glucose to function and the body uses more glucose in the summer in order to keep its core temperature down, and it, therefore, has less for reasoning and recall.

Burn More

You burn more calories during cold weather because it takes a greater amount of energy to keep ourselves warm. Another American study in 2017 found that when the outside temperature hovered between 14° and 23° Fahrenheit, 34 percent more calories were burned while hiking than on a 50° day.

Do You Have Diabetes?

Exposure to mild cold temperatures will activate a diabetic’s “brown fat.” This is the tissue that produces heat and this helps to absorb excess sugar in the blood. Repeated exposure will lead to improved insulin sensitivity.

A 2017 study done by the University of Toronto found that pregnant women who were exposed to cold outdoor temperatures were less likely to develop gestational diabetes.

Achoooo!

Tree, grass, and weed pollens are reduced during the cold months of the year, thereby reducing allergy symptoms. However, all good things have a bad tradeoff—if you’re allergic to mold, that allergy can be worse in the cold.

Ahhhhh, Zzzzzz

When you lie down to sleep, your body’s core temperature drops over the next two hours in the summer. However, it happens faster in the winter. And when sunrise is later, you naturally sleep later.

Infections, viruses, and colds, oh my!

It is true that during the winter months, we are more likely to become the victim of an infection or virus. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we can energize our immune system with just a few minutes of exposure to frigid temperatures.

A Heart’s Work is Never Done

The heart works harder during the cold months to pump blood and maintain body temperature during periods of physical exertion. Exercising outdoors in the winter strengthens the heart muscle. However, here is another tradeoff—be careful if you are at risk for heart disease. Exercising outdoors too much can also raise your blood pressure and decrease oxygen to the brain, and that puts added stress on the heart.

Layer After Layer

Layering is the key to staying warm and dry during your daily excursions outside. Hypothermia and frostbite can happen quickly when the temperature is frigid, so keeping as much of the body as you can shielded from the cold, you are less likely to have to worry about those conditions. Cold temperatures, strong winds, and damp conditions will steal your body heat. Layering traps your body heat and becomes a kind of insulation against the elements.

What Can I Do?

Here are some suggestions for outdoor winter activities:

  • Brisk walking or hiking
  • Jogging or running
  • Raking leaves
  • Shoveling snow
  • Ice skating
  • Skiing
  • Sledding
  • Snowboarding
  • Cross-country skiing

Am I Blue?

Because the days are shorter and nights are longer, and ice and snow can often keep us homebound for days at a time, it isn’t surprising that we might experience depression. But exercising or even just standing on your front porch in the sunshine for a few minutes can improve your mood and help you take in vitamin D which is essential for our overall well-being, keeps our teeth and bones strong, and supports our immune system so that we might better fight off the infections and viruses (including Covid-19) that are more prevalent during the cold winter months. It also reduces inflammation, the risk of heart disease and the growth of cancer cells, and it can even help you lose some of those extra holiday pounds.

Did You Know? Because it gets wet so easily with sweat, rain, or snow, your first layer should not be cotton. The moisture will be trapped and you will feel colder and heavier. Use moisture wicking fabric (used in high-performance sportswear), then fleece, and then a thin waterproof layer.

Inspiration Says

We should follow the eight laws of health (pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, water, and trust in divine power) during the cold months just as much as we do during the warmer ones.

“True religion and the laws of health go hand in hand.” Lift Him Up, 260

“I have been shown that a great amount of suffering might be saved if all would labor to prevent disease, by strictly obeying the laws of health. … Many have expected that God would keep them from sickness merely because they have asked Him to do so. But God did not regard their prayers because their faith was not made perfect by works. God will not work a miracle to keep those from sickness who have no care for themselves, but are continually violating the laws of health, and make no effort to prevent disease. When we do all we can on our part to have health, then may we expect that the blessed results will follow, and we can ask God in faith to bless our efforts for the preservation of health. He will then answer our prayer, if His name can be glorified thereby. But let all understand that they have a work to do. God will not work in a miraculous manner to preserve the health of persons who are taking a sure course to make themselves sick, by their careless inattention to the laws of health.

“In order to preserve health, temperance in all things is necessary—temperance in labor, temperance in eating and drinking. … The body, which God calls His temple, should be preserved in as healthy a condition as possible.” The Review and Herald, April 2, 1914

“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20

Source: readersdigest.ca/health/healthy-living/cold-weather-good-for-you; heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/getting-active/how-to-stay-active-in-cold-weather; healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-vitamin-d#may-support-weight-loss, accessibility: March, 2025

Love

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Love is a many-splendored thing until it becomes ugly. I will always love you until I don’t. Love will keep us together, but not always.

Sin has had a devastating effect on mankind’s nature and in this world. Selfishness rules everything, and even the love that we experience is based on selfish feeling and emotion. What drives us to desire a loving relationship and to feel good when we think we have found it?

How exactly do I fall in love?

“I love you with all my heart.” Well, not exactly. We don’t love anything with our hearts. The heart’s job, in tandem with other systems in the body, is to keep blood flowing throughout our bodies keeping us alive. In reality, we love someone “from the depths of [our] ventral tegmental area, hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens, and other vital areas of the brain.”

Love feels so nice.

The limbic system gets fired up when we fall in love, resulting in a positive mood and increased dopamine and noradrenaline production. The increase in dopamine motivates us to pursue our love interest. Noradrenaline gives us a feeling of euphoria, causing the heart to race, increasing energy, and exciting the stomach butterflies.

Love is blind.

However, this increase of dopamine and noradrenaline also deactivates other areas of the brain, specifically those that control negative emotions and judgment. This explains why we are initially willing to overlook a new love’s faults. While we feel less judgmental, our cortisol level increases, and we experience feelings of insecurity early in the new love relationship.

That’s when the body sends the hormones oxytocin (the love hormone) and vasopressin to help us feel safe and secure. Oxytocin helps us form social connections and reinforces attachment. Later, as the relationship grows, our bodies release oxytocin and vasopressin over time, fostering love and commitment between us and our beloved.

I don’t love you like that, but I still love you.

Oxytocin is vital in all types of love. The oxytocin the body releases as we interact with others strengthens romantic love and other positive social relationships—such as those with family, friends, and even pets.

Love makes us healthier.

Love lowers blood pressure and decreases the risk of heart disease.

Love strengthens the immune system, so we are less likely to get sick, and helps us recover more quickly if we do. This is possible because the feeling of love helps nurture and support your gut microbiome, which defends your body against harmful bacteria.

People who experience true love live longer.

Love decreases stress, anxiety, and depression, so we can sleep better.

Love improves problem-solving skills and cognitive function.

Looking at the one you love can reduce pain levels.

Ultimate love.

Love isn’t just the right chemical cocktail of very intricate and complex behaviors and emotions. Science can’t figure it out, but we know where true love comes from. The One who marvelously made the human body and gave it the capacity to nurture love is the One who manifested love in the flesh. His life was one of continual and ultimate sacrifice, and He promises that we, too, will be enabled to make the ultimate sacrifice of self for the benefit of those He loves.

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9, 10

Sources: clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22566-hypothalamus; verywellhealth.com/the-brain-in-love; theconversation.com/what-happens-in-our-brain-and-body-when-were-in-love; uthealthaustin.org/blog/health-benefits-of-love, accessibility: February 2025

Salt of the Earth

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Salt processing dates back thousands of years. Salt was extracted by boiling spring water. China had salt works dating back to that same period. The ancient Hebrews, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Hittites, Egyptians, and American Indians prized salt. It was important in trade as “currency” and was transported by boat across the Mediterranean Sea, camel caravan across the Sahara, and along specially built salt roads. Wars were waged over its scarcity and universal need; it was used to raise tax revenue and in religious ceremonies and other cultural traditions.

Salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride. It is made into table salt and rock salt. Salt is essential to life because it supplies the vital dietary minerals sodium and chloride. Saltiness is one of the basic human tastes. As one of the oldest food seasonings, it can give an otherwise unpalatable food an acceptable flavorful. Salting, brining, and pickling are essential methods of preserving food. Not only does salt flavor and preserve food, but it is also a good antiseptic.

Processed from salt mines, the evaporation of seawater, and mineral-rich spring water, salt is most commonly used to produce chemicals, plastics, and paper pulp. It is also used for de-icing highways and airplanes and used in agriculture. The annual global salt production is three hundred million tons, of which humans consume only a small portion. Salt is found in almost all processed foods.

Did You Know? Salt mines worldwide are located in Canada, Pakistan, Romania, Chile, Poland, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Peru, Columbia, Germany, and even the United States.

Essential for human health, sodium is an electrolyte. In liquid form, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate are also electrolytes. Electrolytes help to maintain the balance of various fluids in the body. Electrolytes help keep the body hydrated and maintain a balanced blood PH level. Blood pressure is under the control of our electrolytes. Insufficient levels of critical electrolytes can result in muscle weakness or severe muscle contractions. Serious electrolyte disturbances, such as dehydration or over-hydration, leading to too many or not enough electrolytes, can cause cardiac and neurological complications, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Did You Know? A 1-teaspoon serving of table salt contains about 2,400 mg of sodium.

As essential as salt is for human health, we must monitor how much we consume. Excessive consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, kidney disease, and stroke. The recommended daily consumption for an adult is 2,000 mg of sodium. Reducing your sodium intake by 1,000 mg daily can significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 30 percent, and maintaining a low-sodium diet will lower blood pressure. African Americans, middle-aged, and older adults should limit consumption to 1,500 mg per day and meet the recommended amount of potassium (4,700 mg daily) with a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables.

For the ancient Jews, salt served as a preservative, was used to remove blood from meat, and symbolized the eternal covenant between God and Israel.

Did You Know? The word salary comes from the Latin word salarium (sal is Latin for salt) and means “salt money.” The sayings “not worth his salt” or “not worth his weight in salt” come from using salt as currency. A Roman soldier’s salary was often paid, in part, with salt; if he didn’t do a good job, his salary (salt) would be cut. The Greeks and Romans bought slaves with salt, but if he wasn’t a good slave, they would say that he wasn’t worth the salt paid for him.

The Bible uses salt to symbolize several things.

Covenant of Salt – perpetual and not to be broken (2 Chronicles 13:5; Leviticus 2:13).

Long-Lasting Friendship and Loyalty – Immutable, God’s everlasting love for us (Psalm 136).

Adds Flavor – Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). He means that we are to enhance the beauty of the world around us, to uplift and glorify God in a world in darkness. As the salt of the earth, we are to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ so that God’s grace and love can be experienced.

As a Preservative – Just as salt preserves the freshness of food, it represents Jesus who preserves and sustains life and faithful in keeping His promises to us.

Sources: wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolyte; wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt; americanmineservices.com/top-10-largest-salt-mines-in-the-world; time.com/3957460/a-brief-history-of-salt; thebiblicalnutritionist.com/salt-in-the-bible

Gratitude

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“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?”
William Arthur Ward

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever”.
1 Chronicles 16:34

“It is impossible to feel depressed and grateful at the same moment.”
Naomi Williams

 

Gratitude affects the brain and body in amazing ways
•   Decreases heart rate, cardiac disease, inflammations, neurodegeneration, and releases toxic emotions so that we feel calmer and happier, and keeps us healthier.

•   Improves our sleep and enhances our mood.

•   Helps us overcome substance abuse and eating disorders.

•   Strengthens and enhances the brain’s emotion-related and motivation-related activity. This allows us to better appreciate what we have and pursue our goals.

•   Reduces pain, improves our quality of sleep, and aids in regulating stress, thus reducing anxiety and depression and improving our physical and mental health.

•   May have lasting effects on the brain, enabling us to be more sensitive to the experience of gratitude.

•   Practicing daily gratitude reduces negative emotions and is a natural detox for the mind and body.
Benefits of gratitude
•   When we feel and express gratitude, stress cannot control us.

•   Gratitude touches our physical, mental, and social well-being.

•   We begin to view the world through a lens of thankfulness.

•   We have a fuller appreciation of our family, friends, jobs, nature, and the Almighty.

•   We learn that nothing should be taken for granted.

 

“The hearts of those who reveal the attributes of Christ glow with divine love. They are imbued with the spirit of gratitude. … Lift up Jesus. Lift Him up, the man of Calvary, with the voice of song and prayer. Seek earnestly to spread the gospel. Tell the precious story of God’s love for man.

“If we will consecrate heart and mind to the service of God, doing the work He has for us to do and walking in the footsteps of Jesus, our hearts will become sacred harps, every chord of which will send forth praise and thanksgiving to the Lamb sent by God to take away the sins of the world. …

“Christ would have our thoughts center upon Him. … Look away from self to Jesus Christ, the life of every blessing, every grace, the life of all that is precious and valuable to the children of God. …

“Filled with gratitude, we communicate to others the blessings that have been freely given us. Thus receiving and imparting, we grow in grace; and a rich current of praise and gratitude constantly flows from our lips; the sweet spirit of Jesus kindles thanksgiving in our hearts, and our souls are uplifted with a sense of security. The unfailing, inexhaustible righteousness of Christ becomes our righteousness by faith.

“Let the fresh blessings of each new day awaken praise in our hearts for these tokens of His loving care.

“When you open your eyes in the morning, thank God that He has kept you through the night. Thank Him for His peace in your heart. Morning, noon, and night, let gratitude as a sweet perfume ascend to heaven.” My Life Today, 170, 171

“The language of the soul should be that of joy and gratitude. … Cultivate only those thoughts and those feelings which will produce gratitude and praise. …

“Contemplate the better land, where tears are never shed, where temptations and trials are never experienced, where losses and reproaches are never known, where all is peace and joy and happiness. … These thoughts … will fill you with joy and hope in believing and will abide with you as a comforter forever.” In Heavenly Places, 36

Sources: positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/#stress; psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/comfort-of-gratitude/202009/gratitude-and-its-impact-on-the-brain

The Tongue

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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

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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?

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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

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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