The Eight Laws of Health

Trust in a God Research has shown that spirituality helps to control stress, strengthen the immune system, and protect against heart disease and cancer. Beyond these scientifically verifiable benefits, God promises eternal life to those who trust Him - a life of perfect health and freedom from pain, fear, and death. We can change our habits and lifestyles to promote healthier living, but only God can change our hearts. He has promised to work in us to give us the desire and power to live in harmony with Him when we choose to Trust and obey Him. Once we choose to trust Him, He will bring a total change to our lives. We will receive His power, strength, hope and grace. Through God we can rid ourselves of unhealthy habits and behaviors. Persevere in learning of Him and talking to Him; you will come to experience His great unfailing love, His power and wisdom, the kindness, beauty, and compassion of His character, and the joy of doing His will. You will learn to trust Him and know that He loves you.

Careful Use of Sunshine Sunshine is one of the most healing agents of Nature. Ultraviolet light actually converts the cholesterol in our skin to Vitamin D, which is vital for the absorbtion of calcium. If we expose just six square inches of our skin to direct sunlight for one hour per day, we will obtain our minimum daily requirement for vitamin D--plus we get the added benefit of lowering cholesterol levels in our bodies. Sunshine also destroys bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts, and molds, increases available white blood cells, stimulates the production of more red blood cells, stabilizes blood sugar levels, lowers blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol and fat levels in the blood. The warming rays of the sun are useful in the treatment of neuralgia, neuritis, arthritis, and sinusitis. It also helps bring healthful, natural body oils to the surface of the skin, keeping it smooth and protected. Sunbathing is a useful treatment for many skin diseases, such as diaper rash, athlete's foot, psoriasis, acne, boils, or impetigo. Research has shown that careful exposure to sunshine increases our sense of well-being, improves sleep, and removes toxins from the bloodstream faster. Resting heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rates are all decreased after a sunbath. Sunshine increases the metabolism by stimulating thyroid production, levels out hormone imbalances, and increases the oxygen content of the blood. Careful use of sunshine can increase our muscular strength, and appetite may be improved. Sunlight has even been found helpful in the treatment of stomach ulcers.

Pure Air Pure air is the most vital element for our survival. We may live for weeks without food, or days without water, but deprived of air, we will perish within minutes. Pure air improves the brain's ability to function, gives clarity to the mind, improves concentration, and boosts learning abilities. It gives a sense of happiness and well-being by altering brain levels of serotonin and promotes quality sleep. Deep breathing induced by natural exercise will work wonders in overcoming fear, developing courage and strengthening the entire nervous system. In addition, fresh, pure air is vital for those who are sick. When we are ill, our bodies throw off great quantities of poisons into the atmosphere. If the proper provision for carrying off this foul air is not made, the patient will take longer to make his recovery. Even when we are well, shallow breathing habits and poor posture while sitting and standing can deny us the optimal levels of oxygen we need for better health. Slow, deep abdominal breathing is the correct way to breathe. This type of breathing is better understood if it is demonstrated. One way to check yourself is to lie down with a book on your stomach, then breathe in such a way as to make the book go up and down each time you inhale and exhale.

Free Use of Water Inside and Out Water is of great importance in maintaining health. A glass of water acts as a bath for the digestive system, cleansing and refreshing it. If we could follow the water we drink into our bodies, we would see it washing away the poisons in the blood that are circulating through the kidneys. This is why drinking plenty of water when we are ill is especially important, as it not only replaces any fluids lost due to fever but also works to detoxify our bodies. Temperature regulation, waste elimination, and virtually every other body function, require water. Water helps to lubricate, insulate, protect, and give flexibility to the muscles, ligaments, and joints. Water is also an abundant and effective agent for washing away dirt, germs, and bacteria. The skin is one of the organs the body uses to eliminate waste products. If these impurities are allowed to remain on the skin, they can cause illness. A clean body and surroundings are indispensable for physical and mental health. Water has many external uses besides washing. Warm water is relaxing. A short, cold bath or shower tends to stimulate. Hydrotherapy (exercising in water) is of enormous value in helping the sick get well because of its ability to rally and stimulate the body in the healing process. Our body loses water every day. While the food we eat provides some water, drinking pure plain water is the best way to replace the fluid you need.

Exercise Exercise is very important for physical and mental health. A lack of exercise greatly impairs and reduces bodily functions. Exercise lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, controls appetite, burns up unwanted fat, increases circulation and oxygen intake, improves muscle tone, and provides greater vitality, extra energy, and longer life. Once you begin exercising, performing other activities becomes much easier. Some of the benefits of exercise include better posture, detoxification, greater alertness and clearer mind, better digestion, more poise and stable emotions. With regular exercise less sleep required for regeneration of nerve energy. It also helps in weight loss and weight control, helps in eliminating constipation and establishing regularity, helps in healing the body more quickly, and even helps in eliminating headaches. For most people the essential ingredients to get started on an exercise program are that it needs to he fun, convenient, and not too difficult. Consider the exerciser, the environment, and the exercise and strive for a happy union of all three.

Proper Diet Our lifestyle and diet contribute to sickness and disease, and also affect our mood, our ability to handle stress, and our general well-being. Food is needed to furnish fuel to supply energy to the body to provide material to repair and build tissues and to supply substances that act to regulate body processes. Any chemical substance found in foods that functions in one or more of these ways is known as a nutrient. The seven basic classes of nutrients are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water. Only carbohydrates, fats, and proteins provide energy or calories. Fiber is an important body regulator. It helps to control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and also aids in colon hygiene. When food is properly selected and prepared, so that the basic nutrients are consumed in the correct ratios and amounts, we can be assured of good nutrition. The Living Foods diet is the best way to lose weight and keep it off while improving health, decreasing disease, and promoting longer life. All natural foods contain all seven essential nutrients. However, the different amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals are found in varying amounts in different foods. So we need to eat a variety of food to get all the nutrients in sufficient quantities.

Temperance in All Things Temperance in all things means having a totally healthy and balanced life-style in every way. It includes the proper ratio of work and relaxation, time for God, exercise, right eating and right thinking. Temperance means to be moderate or sparing, using self-restraint and self-control. Temperance affects our dispositions. For instance, after digesting large meals, we can become cranky, tired, or we may not be able to think things out as clearly as we should. Temperance does not deal just with what we eat and drink, but it also deals with our minds and our morals, taking in all facets of our lives. It reaches into our homes, our businesses and our recreation. Temperance in our lifestyle is rewarded with mental and moral vigor. For an over-all healthy life, we should abstain from things that are harmful to us and use judiciously that which is beneficial.

Rest It is impossible to grow either physically or intellectually without rest. For growth and health, a sufficient amount of leisure and rest is essential. Every cell in the body expends energy. Rest helps us re-supply these cells with the energy they need. Rest can be quiet physical relaxation or vigorous exercise after mental work. When we rest our body is permitted to recuperate and to heal. Rest is so important to life that the vital organs are designed with built-in rest periods. The heart rests between each heat, and the lungs between each breath. The stomach rests between each meal if it is given time. Rest and relaxation alone, however, cannot take the place of sleep. A vital part of a healthful lifestyle is getting the right quantity and quality of sleep. During the day, the chief work of the body is done, but during the night, the body is revived, the muscles are built up, the brain tissue is restored, and the central nervous system is recharged.

Sources: www.gardensimply.com
www.sundaylaw.net/studies/health/8laws.htm
amazingdiscoveries.org/eight-laws-of-health.html