natural

Restoring the Temple – Why Do We Get Sick?

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Often when a person is diagnosed with a major chronic health problem, that person asks or at least wonders, “How could this happen to me? It came so suddenly.”

The fact of the matter is, it did not come suddenly. The disease process starts long before it is diagnosed. It can start as long as ten or twenty years before you know you have the disease. Usually the disease process begins when a sufficient number of factors come together to start you down the road to having a diagnosable disease.

Factors of Disease

These factors can be any number and combination of things. It could be too many refined foods, excess amounts of saturated fats and fried foods and protein, not getting enough vitamins and minerals, accumulation of toxins, not enough exercise, not enough rest, exposure to pollutants and chemicals, a weakened immune system, a high stress life, genetic predisposition to the disease, chronic bacterial or viral infection, and other factors. Not any one of these things is the reason for the sickness; it is the combined factors.

These combined factors merely set you on the road toward disease. Once you are on that road, it still does not guarantee that you will end up being diagnosed with the disease. You are kept going down the road by the initial factors being reinforced or continued, and perhaps by other factors being added. If the disease process continues uninterrupted, eventually it will come to a point where you will be officially diagnosed with a disease. However, at any point along that road you can halt the process and usually even reverse it by addressing the factors, the incorrect diet and lifestyle habits, that initiated it and/or reinforced it.

Natural Medicine’s Goal

From a natural medicine perspective, when the disease process started, you had fallen from optimum health. Once a person has less than optimum health, the natural medicine approach dictates that it should and needs to be addressed, even though the person has not yet been diagnosed with a disease and a medical doctor has pronounced him or her free of illness. The goal of natural medicine is to build and maintain optimum health, which automatically means disease and sickness are not present. Conventional medicine will not even recognize that a problem exists until the disease process is way down the road and clinical symptoms are being manifested that can be readily observed or tested in the lab.

Most people have at least heard of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) set by the government, which are currently being reviewed and changed. RDAs are generally considered the guidelines for good health. However, RDAs have been set from the standpoint of preventing deficiency diseases (such as scurvy and rickets), as opposed to maintaining optimum health. Therefore, you may be getting the RDAs of the various nutrients, but not be in optimum or even good health, merely free of diagnosable disease. Many health problems with undetermined causes can be traced to vitamin and mineral insufficiencies, or not getting enough of certain nutrients to truly be healthy. Many in the natural medicine perspective believe that the nutrient requirements for optimum health are significantly higher than the RDAs. Therefore, one of the things that natural medicine considers is sub-clinical nutrient deficiencies (undiagnosable insufficiencies).

Nutrition

Natural medicine looks at other vital factors that conventional nutrition generally has not considered very important. These factors include antioxidants, enzymes, probiotics (providing sufficient friendly bacteria), dietary fiber, and plant pigments (carotenes, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and other vitamin-like compounds and dietary constituents).

Antioxidants are extremely important in protecting us from the damage inflicted by a certain kind of erratic oxygen molecule that we are exposed to every day. Excess calories, pollution, and chemicals increase our exposure. This dangerous kind of oxygen molecule damages cell walls, DNA, and causes fatty acids to become rancid (such as found in the brain). This damage affects the functioning of various aspects of our bodies and has been associated with aging, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), senile dementia, and nearly every other chronic degenerative problem. Antioxidants work to neutralize this harmful substance and protect us from its cumulative effects. Antioxidants often used include vitamins A, C, E, selenium, zinc, magnesium, beta-carotene, flavonoids, and some of the B vitamins. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that we daily take in a sufficient supply of antioxidants, and avoid unnecessary calories, pollutants, and chemicals.

Other Considerations

Natural medicine deals with other broader issues than those normally addressed from a conventional nutrition perspective. It also shows that our mental state as we eat has a significant impact on the amount of nourishment we receive from our food. Eating should be in a relaxed and peaceful setting, without hurry, tension, arguing, undue stress and excitement. We should be able to eat slowly and chew our food thoroughly, being conscious of what we are doing, including the taste of the food. Meals need to be approached with appreciation, including blessing the food in prayer, which prepares the body to receive this new nourishment. Natural medicine seeks to also promote thorough and efficient digestion, which is imperative for good health. This is accomplished through eating correctly and eating the right kinds of foods.

To answer the question, “Why do we get sick?” we must personally look at what we do and at our daily habits, and make sure that we do not allow factors to come together to push us down the road to being diagnosed with a major chronic health problem.

The natural medicine perspective can enrich anyone’s life and health. It has many benefits, and has helped many people achieve a richer quality of life with better health. See what it can do for you!

For more information on living a healthy lifestyle, please contact us at:

The Gilead Institute of America, 6000 Live Oak Parkway, Suite 114, Norcross, Georgia 30093 Phone: (770) 270-1087 Website: www.gileadinstitute.org

Diane Herbert is a naturopath and lifestyle consultant. She received training from the NAD Lifestyle Consultant program, Thomas Edison State College, Clayton College of Natural Healing, and Bastyr University. Diane teaches health classes at the Gilead Institute located in Norcross, Georgia, gives health presentations, and contributes to the Institute’s literature and health flyer series. She may be contacted by e-mail at: gilead.net@usa.net.

Restoring the Temple – Nature’s formula For Health

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Health is an extremely valuable asset, and this is especially realized when one is in less than good health. Therefore, it is best if good and even optimum health be obtained and maintained.

There is a formula for optimum health, and all of its components are easily accessible to everyone. It is completely natural and has no side effects, except that of obtaining or maintaining good health. Use the formula consistently, and you will be pleasantly surprised with the results.

There are eight parts to this formula, and they have been rightly termed “the true remedies.” We will take a brief look at each aspect. The formula is:

Nutrition + Exercise + Water + Sunshine + Temperance + Air + Rest + Trust in Divine Power = NEW-START™ to optimum health.

Nutrition: What we eat is a major factor in what level of health, or lack of health, we experience. Our food should be nourishing, unrefined, have sufficient fiber, and be as free from chemicals and toxins as possible. A plant-based diet fulfills these requirements beautifully.

Exercise: Our bodies are designed for activity, and if we are not sufficiently active, degeneration and loss of body tissue and function result. Exercise increases circulation; strengthens the cardiovascular system, bones, organs, and muscles—thus, we have more energy. It also improves mental attitude and relieves stress; and helps in the elimination of wastes. Walking is a wonderful way to start an exercise program. For those physically capable, many other forms of exercise may be chosen. For best results, exercise should be at least 20 to 30 minutes per session and at least three times per week. Excessively vigorous exercise is not necessary and should not be done by those starting an exercise program or those with medical conditions. However, you should observe an increase in your breathing rate and your heart should be beating faster.

Water: Without water, blood would not circulate in our blood vessels, our joints would not move, and we would not be able to eat properly. Water purifies the blood and aids in the elimination of waste. Water plays an important part in virtually every body function. Most body fluids are primarily composed of water. Even cells contain a large amount of water. Thus, it is necessary that the body receive an abundant supply of clean, fresh water daily. Every day we need to drink approximately eight cups of clean, fresh water (not soda pop, juice, or coffee). This water should be taken between meals, because drinking with meals hinders digestion. Water may be drunk up to 10 to 15 minutes before a meal or 1 to 2 hours after a meal.

Sunlight: Sunlight strengthens the body and the immune system, destroys viruses and bacteria, improves the circulatory system, gives a healthy tone to the brain and nervous system, improves our mental outlook, and helps alleviate fatigue. If possible, try to get 20 minutes or more of sunlight daily, or at least several times a week. Individuals who are weak, very young, or very old especially benefit from daily sunlight.

Temperance: This means to stay away from that which is harmful to the body. This includes various things such as coffee and other caffeine-containing beverages, wine and other alcoholic drinks, and other substances such as tobacco in all its forms and drugs. These items are very harmful to the liver, nervous system, brain, lungs, cardiovascular system, and impair body functions. Temperance also means to be moderate in everything that is good, such as not overeating or getting too much sunlight, resulting in sunburn.

Air: Without sufficient oxygen, brain cells die in about four minutes; body functions stop; and the heart stops beating. Polluted air carries many poisons and toxins that destroy health; many illnesses and deaths have been attributed to polluted air alone. Pure air—both indoors and out—is what we need. Try to get outdoor air as often as possible. Those who live in the city, should take advantage of the times of less pollution to go outside, and go to the country as often as possible where the air is much cleaner. Be sure to breathe deeply. Exercise and good posture facilitate proper intake of oxygen. Open the windows to your home whenever conditions permit. Pure air gives life to the body, purifies the blood, and vitalizes every organ and cell.

Rest: Rest (sleep) and relaxation give the body time to replenish energy reserves, make needed repairs, and remove waste from the cells. Without sufficient rest, stress is not handled as well and the mind and body are less efficient. Most people experience best results with seven to eight hours of sleep a night. For best sleep, follow the other seven aspects of this formula, do not eat late, and have a regular time for bed. The best sleep is obtained before midnight. Relaxation can be obtained in enjoying nature, doing a hobby, taking a vacation, or even spending time with our families or our pets.

Trust in Divine Power: Peace of mind only comes through trusting in God. There is a profound connection between the mind and the body. Worry, anger, jealousy, resentment, guilt, depression, anxiety, and all other negative emotions have a negative effect upon the body; they break down the life forces and open the door for sickness and disease. We not only worry with our minds, but we worry with every cell in our bodies as well. King David stated a deep truth when he wrote, “A merry [cheerful, rejoicing, thankful] heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22.

Each part of the formula interconnects with every other part. We cannot use half of the formula and still expect to get the sum—optimum or even good health. The true power is in the whole package—in other words, in consistently using the whole formula, daily. If you give this formula a chance, you will feel better, be healthier, stronger, and more energetic.

Diane Herbert is a naturopath and lifestyle consultant. She received training from the NAD Lifestyle Consultant program, Thomas Edison State College, Clayton College of Natural Healing, and Bastyr University. Diane teaches health classes at the Gilead Institute located in Norcross, Georgia, gives health presentations, and contributes to the Institute’s literature and health flyer series. If you would like more information on water or other health topics, you may contact her at: The Gilead Institute of America, 6000 Live Oak Parkway, Suite 114, Norcross, Georgia 30093; telephone: (770) 270-1087; Website: www.gileadinstitute.org.

Health – Natural vs. Organic, Is There a Difference?

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Two words, natural and organic, are very confusing and many health conscious persons may be fooled by failing to understand the difference between the two. The following excerpts are very informative.

Natural vs. Organic Cereals

Federal law requires that organic food products be produced promoting ecological sustainability, without the toxic inputs and genetically engineered ingredients common in the conventional food system. Increasingly, organic products are forced to compete with products that claim to be “natural.”

There are no restrictions for foods labeled “natural.” … Unlike the organic label, no government agency, certification group or other independent entity fully defines the term “natural” on processed food packages or ensures that the claim has merit. … Our analysis reveals that “natural” products—using conventional ingredients—often are priced higher than equivalent organic products. This suggests that some companies are taking advantage of consumer confusion. http://www.cornucopia.org/2011/10/natural-vs-organic-cereal/

Company Definitions of “Natural”

[One company] fails to mention that “all natural” does not mean the absence of toxic pesticides and other synthetic inputs in the farms and processing plants that produce the “high-quality ingredients.” … definition of “natural” also does not mean the absence of genetically engineered ingredients.

Corporate “natural” definitions vary widely. Generally, “natural” means the absence of artificial ingredients, commonly referencing preservatives, but does not signify that the ingredients are grown and processed in ways that avoid such “unnatural” inputs as synthetic pesticides and genetically engineered organisms. Various companies’ definitions of “natural” highlight its inferiority to the organic label.

“Some manufacturers continue to use artificial and synthetic ingredients in their granola, and instead of putting the word “natural” on the box, recently have changed the packaging to give the impression of being “natural.” …

[…] granola’s ingredients are anything but wholesome and natural: whole oats, brown sugar, whole grain wheat, corn syrup, rice, almonds, modified corn starch, partially hydrogenated cottonseed and/or soybean oil, high-fructose corn syrup, cinnamon, salt, nonfat dry milk, natural and artificial flavors, poly-glycerol esters of mono- and di-glycerides, malt flavor, niacinamide, zinc oxide, guar gum, sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), reduced iron, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin A palmitate, folic acid, thiamin hydrochloride (vitamin B1), BHT (preservative), vitamin B12 and vitamin D.”

Rapid Growth of “Natural” Foods Industry

The organic market has been growing rapidly for years, reflecting increased consumer awareness of the importance of pure and sustainably produced food. The strategy of multinational corporations to profit from this consumer interest with their “natural” marketing appears to be successful, according to a report by the research firm SPINS.

… companies shifted toward cheaper “natural” options during the recession, allowing them to market their products to the same concerned consumer target audience, while using cheaper conventional ingredients that they could source at conventional prices.

http://cornucopia.org/cereal-scorecard/docs/Cornucopia_Cereal_Report.pdf

The word natural may not have the same meaning to you and me as it would to a corporation. We need to be on our guard at all times; so do a little research before you buy and also read carefully the ingredients on packages.

God has provided us with one body to watch over and to care for so that the Holy Spirit may work in and through us to reach others. Satan would love to destroy this temple and looks for opportunities to do so when we are least observant.