An essay on yes and no- part 1- Health

I believe in life, there is yes and no and infinite shades of gray.  When it comes to health, my fallback rule is to follow the natural flow and designs of nature. In my essays on yes and no, I am looking to share insights that I have gleaned so far in life. I suggest always keep an open mind and remember small incremental changes over time is generally the most successful path.

Yes

1. Yes to a clean diet. The food on planet earth has been dramatically changed since from just 100 years ago. Soil mineral depletion, topsoil erosion, increased reliance on pesticides and herbicides with the “green revolution”, increased use of genetically modified and “terminator”seeds have all contributed to an alteration in the natural growing cycle, production, and harvesting of food. Say yes to organic food wherever possible. Look to grow some of your own food, be it an herb garden, tomatoes in pots, or full-fledged, year-round gardening. Learn to can, dry and freeze food as harvest comes on in an abundance.
2. Say yes to clean water. In a pure survival situation, where one does not have access to filtration or iodine tablets, spring water is the go to solution. Spring water, which means filtered by the earth, is my go to water for consumption. Reverse osmosis is an option, but remember it is a demineralized water, and in my opinion means compensating with increased minerals from another source.
3. Say yes to salt. Whole food salt, such as Celtic salt or pink Himalayan salt have the full mineral structure intact. Land salt, has been processed using heat, chemicals, bleaching agents, free-flowing agents and has been subject to demineralization. It is primarily just sodium chloride without the trace minerals intact.
4. Say yes to adequate sleep. Sleep is absolutely essential for healing and revitalizing the body. The darker the room, the better the production of melatonin and the more sound the sleep. There is no cheating sleep deprivation. I recommend investing in high-quality organic, cotton sheets, a quality pillow to your liking and natural fiber pajamas. Lots of research shows avoidance of phone and tablet screens before bed is a sound idea.
5. Say yes to exercise and movement. There is a lot of technology that can assist us in monitoring our steps, heart rate and sleep quality. I tend to think of exercise as the big three meaning stretching, aerobic activity and weight resistance. Look to do something every day. The cleaner, your diet, the less inflamed, you will be and the easier it will be to exercise. Some of my favorites are walking, bike riding, push-ups, pickleball, golf and jumping rope.

1. Say no to junk food. The more we say no to highly processed and refined foods, the better. Excess sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, fried food, inorganic food and snack foods are the enemy. Show discipline while shopping and be proud of your grocery cart.
2. Say no to burning the candle on both ends. Poor quality or inadequate sleep combined with over stimulation/exertion will lead to premature aging. Nature immersion and meditation can be useful breaks from the high paced lifestyle.

   

3. Say no to excess screen time. Excess time, staring at the phone, iPad, computer or television will throw off our natural rhythms and balance with the earth. Natural sunlight, walks in nature, grounding with the earth by walking barefoot and water immersion be it in a pool or lake are all potential answers.
4. Say no to immobility. Be creative and find ways to move your body. I sometimes stretch while waiting in line at the grocery store, in an airport, or while watching television. Wear a Fitbit, keep track of your steps and being competitive with the results are ways of assuring this.
5. Say no to exposure to excess chemicals. Breathe clean, fresh air and avoid artificial fragrance dispensers. Dispersing high quality essentials oils can be stimulating and helpful. Upgrade your cleaning products with natural, organic non-toxic options. Pay attention to what one puts on one’s skin by using high-quality make up, lotions, under arm deodorant, shampoo and conditioners. There are tons of natural options in this arena.

E. Rosencross