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.