With rampant health issues becoming increasingly prevalent, more people are asking themselves how to prevent illness and disease. This has led to many people turning to alternative and supplemental therapies and practices for their health. The best way not to get sick is to take a pro-active stance about your health; prevention truly is the best way to ensure good and lasting health. But knowing how to prevent illness and disease means learning the basics of what it means to be healthy, physically and spiritually.
Do not have a weak or negative mindset. Your first step to avoid becoming constantly sick or diseased is to stop giving the thought of poor health or weakness any more power over you. Disease and sickness do not just fall out of the sky and happen to people (there are rare exceptions), it is the lifestyle choices that we make subconsciously and consciously that determine whether or not we become sickly.
Plenty of people end up being a victim to their circumstances. Running around to doctors, therapists, friends, family, and draining resources and energy, simply because they refuse to take responsibility for their diet and lifestyle; but most importantly these people do not wish to take responsibility for their attitude.
If you want to be strong and healthy, do not worry obsessively about it, you should be perfectly fine and pain free your entire life. Have the strength to decide that you do not need doctors for every little cold, expensive insurance plans, and drugs. Start acting and behaving like a strong individual, start acting like someone who has no room for sickness or weakness.
Have a purpose, dream, or work ethic that always keeps you challenged and engaged. Have you ever noticed that some people seem to just keep going and going because they enjoy their work so much? These are the people that even when they are well into their 70s and 80s still wake up each morning and go to work, even if they have all the money they need to live without working. They just keep going at it. These are the people that truly love what they do; they are living their dream and following their purpose in life.
The importance of work for the human soul is extremely vital, we must perform the tasks and skills that we alone were meant to do. Work keeps the mind sharp, the body and nervous system engaged, and rids the psyche of stagnant energy and procrastination.
Make sure you always have a passion for the work you do, and that you always stay busy and keep working. Work hard and always give it your all. Not giving any task that you do 100% of your effort is a waste of energy and talent, start making the good habit of giving the work you do 100% of your energy, this attitude will transfer over to your health.
To prevent illness and disease make sure to always create time for recreation and rest. Recreation is where we re-create ourselves. It is vital that we all take time off from work and our labor of love, or else we risk burning ourselves out. A person and body that only works, but does not play and participate in recreation, is a very unbalanced individual indeed. They often carry excess tension, they may suffer from adrenal fatigue, and have a rushed and forced sort of energy when they work, it is certainly not very productive.
When we take the time to nurture our hobbies, to use our imaginations, and to truly rest with loved ones, it is like medicine for our soul. The kind of energy you can build and store through recreation and rest will perfectly compliment a strong work ethic. A strong work ethic balanced by weekends spent playing basketball, hiking, painting, singing, dancing, traveling, or writing, is the key to maximum productivity and happiness. Cultivating our creative potential as human beings is the Yin to hard work’s Yang.
Even just a weekend in bed with a loved one watching movies and sleeping, sleep is the best free medicine on earth. Ensuring proper sleep habits is one of the pillars of preventing illness and disease.
Make sure your Vitamin D levels are not low, and that you get outside enough. Vitamin D is one of the most important hormones in the human body, it is involved in the expression of a ton of our genes, and relates to bone density, muscle tissue, and mood. Low Vitamin D levels, from my experience, are the major cause of depression and neurological issues that I see people suffering from. A good blood level to aim for in a blood test is at least 50ng/ml. Most doctors consider 30ng/ml normal, but levels of 50ng/ml or higher are optimal, which makes a huge difference. Vitamin D stores and gets used up in the body over time, so it takes consistent supplementation or sun exposure over-time to raise your D levels. Having adequate Vitamin D levels has been shown to cut down your risk for many types of cancers and illnesses by 50%!
Get outside and get some exercise in the sunlight, natural sun exposure is vital for good mental health and Vitamin D levels. Getting outside also forces our body to adapt to the temperature of our environment, which increases our thermoregulatory response and strengthens the body. Getting exposure to the elements and the outdoors is a necessary component of happiness and health.
Prevent disease by cleaning up your diet and cutting out processed foods.
Not willing to give up packaged cookies every night? Alcohol? Processed flour? Toxic vegetable oils? GMOs?
Then you are not ready to be healthy and a fully functional human being, you are just going to become sick and diseased. Humanity does not need more sick and weak people who refuse to stop eating toxic food. Indulgences should not be judged, we all deserve some sweets or French fries once in a while, just make sure that you are not eating these foods regularly.
The consumption of grains for example has risen exponentially in the U.S. along with cancer rates and disease. Many people are intolerant to gluten, and everyone becomes poisoned by processed enriched wheat flour.
Cancer and disease rates have skyrocketed along with the consumption of toxic meats and animal products. Are you networking locally to find farmers and stores that sell organic grass-fed meat? If not than you are consuming toxic fat, anti-biotics, hormones, and an overly stressed and tortured animal. Only eat high quality organic meat.[readolog_blockquote ]Right now the Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio in the Western world is anywhere from 15/1 to 16/1 which is way too high. In an assessment of heart disease, it was found that those who had a much lowered ratio of 4/1 Omega 6 to omega 3 had a 70% reduced chance of heart disease and mortality rate. The omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio imbalance from processed and industrialized oils is probably one of, if not the biggest, dietary problem in America today.[/readolog_blockquote]
Are you a sugar addict? Many people run around tweaking from sugar, whether it is candy, soda, sugar in coffee, energy drinks, cakes, etc. The sugar is nearly always processed, and just like enriched wheat flour, processed sugar leaches nutrients from the body to digest it. The most important thing is to eat naturally occurring sugars that are found in fruits and certain vegetables. Naturally occurring sugars also have enzymes, fiber, vitamins, and minerals; naturally occurring sugar is ok to eat in moderation.
Processed sugar is poisonous, the body cannot effectively utilize it, and your body will actually leach nutrients from the bones and organs to get that garbage eliminated. Luckily, most people reach for even more sugar when they begin to get the sugar crash!
Are you willing to make the switch to buying organic and local produce? Millions of pounds of pesticides are sprayed in the U.S. each year, are you willing to invest in minimizing this contamination in your food? Take a pro-active stance by choosing organic and refusing to eat toxic produce
Prevent illness by consuming more high quality sources of optimally balanced Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acid containing fats and food.
If we all started eating the way that the old food pyramid said to eat, and the new food plate, most of us would become sick and diseased. A diet too high in carbohydrates and low in healthy fat is a great way to suffer from low energy and crave sugar and can lead to illness over the long term.
Chris Kresser of www.chriskresser.com writes why it is so important that we avoid industrial sources of fat, and start eating fatty foods that have a better balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6.
“Throughout 4-5 million years of hominid evolution, diets were abundant in seafood and other sources of omega-3 long chain fatty acids (EPA & DHA), but relatively low in omega-6 seed oils.
Anthropological research suggests that our hunter-gatherer ancestors consumed omega-6 and omega-3 fats in a ratio of roughly 1:1. It also indicates that both ancient and modern hunter-gatherers were free of the modern inflammatory diseases, like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, that are the primary causes of death and morbidity today.
At the onset of the industrial revolution (about 140 years ago), there was a marked shift in the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in the diet. Consumption of n-6 fats increased at the expense of n-3 fats. This change was due to both the advent of the modern vegetable oil industry and the increased use of cereal grains as feed for domestic livestock (which in turn altered the fatty acid profile of meat that humans consumed).
The following chart lists the omega-6 and omega-3 content of various vegetable oils and foods:
As you can see oils such as corn and soy, which tend to be genetically modified, and used regularly in the mass production of processed junk foods, and for cooking in many restaurants, have way too much Omega 6 for the human body.
Humans should consume a ratio as close as possible to 1:1 for Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acids. Foods such as fatty fish like salmon and sardines, avocados, coconut oil, hemp seeds, and chia seeds, are all extremely balanced and healthy sources of fat.
Right now the Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio in the Western world is anywhere from 15/1 to 16/1 which is way too high. In an assessment of heart disease, it was found that those who had a much lowered ratio of 4/1 Omega 6 to omega 3 had a 70% reduced chance of heart disease and mortality rate. The omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio imbalance from processed and industrialized oils is probably one of, if not the biggest, dietary problem in America today.
Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and optimize the conditions for cellular repair and regrowth. Optimizing the conditions for healing and limiting inflammation over the long term is what prevents illness and chronic disease.
Hydrate.
Hydration is such as basic component of good health that many neglect. Always carry around a ton of water with you, staying properly hydrated ensures that processes within the body function optimally. Just being slightly dehydrated can result in less focus, poor digestion, and bad coordination.
Always drink high quality mineral water, I use Artesian waters personally. You want your water to always have a good mineral content. You should have to pee at least every 2 hours, if not more. Staying hydrated is essential for high energy and flow.
Do you exercise every day?
Human beings have these amazing endurance orientated bodies that are capable of walking or running miles and miles, and moving heavy objects. The best bet for good health is to do a combination of both on a regular basis. If you are unsure about how to begin exercising, simply walk 3.5 miles every day. The expression of our genes and health is dependent on us getting exercise every single day
Exercise pumps the body with blood and oxygen. Besides stimulating the cardiovascular system, exercise also pumps the muscles and lymphatic system, which has the effect of draining waste and toxins. It boosts our immunity and improves our mood. Exercise balances out the metabolism and is a good stressor. It pumps the mind and body with endorphins and feel-good hormones.
Exercise also offers an amazing opportunity to silence the mind and get into our body, which is where our life force and energy originates. Using our body and being one with it is a key component of preventing disease. The more time you spend inside of your body, breathing, exercising, stretching, lifting, walking, the better your health will be.
Is your job killing you?
What I mean by this is that do you work at a corporate or office job that requires you to sit for long periods of time? Sitting all day long and slouching over a computer suppresses the flow of your life force, your breath, blood, and oxygen. It is not an optimal position for the human body to be in for a long period of time.
Prevent illness and disease by purchasing a physio-ball to sit on, this will keep your glutes and nervous system engaged much more than a chair will and prevent back and spinal problems. Consider purchasing a more ergonomic chair if your office will not allow this (they should).
Another great thing to do if you must keep working somewhere that does not care about your spinal health is to get up every 30 minutes to an hour and walk around the office. Take a stroll to the bathroom, do some bodyweight squats, pump the body through movement.
By pumping the body and getting fluids and blood moving you will keep your muscles active and engaged. Always be mindful of your breath and posture at work; do not just slouch all day.
Sitting has been found to increase mortality risks, and those who watch TV more than 2 hours per day were found to have an increased mortality rate of 46% for all causes, and around an 80% increased mortality rates for heart disease. Sitting suppresses the metabolism and may increase your chances of developing diabetes due to insulin levels rising when sedentary. Being sedentary by sitting for long periods of time has also been found to cause adverse health effects that may not be able to be countered by physical exercise.
Even healthy and active people are susceptible to the negative health and metabolic effects of sitting all day, sitting shortens muscles and creates imbalances, hurts the metabolism and blood flow, and suppresses creativity. Make a conscious effort to spend much less time sitting.
If you work in a job environment where you cannot express yourself even a little bit physically, and are expected to be at a computer sitting all day long, and you feel that is having a negative impact on your health, do not be a victim. Quit.
One of the major causes of disease and illness that I see on a regular basis are when people do not want to acknowledge that their environment is what is making them ill. They work in stuffy poorly circulated offices all year around, they do not go outside, and they do unfulfilling work while sitting and ruining their body all day.
Could you be in this position yourself? Many are. Do not fret about, just take responsibility for it, because ultimately you put yourself in this situation, and begin to responsibly begin planning to make the necessary changes needed, even if this means quitting. And this concept brings me to my next component of good health…[readolog_blockquote ]Happiness is in the doing of the thing, and of serving others in it, it is living for others and being of value; happiness is not money and status.[/readolog_blockquote]
Are you suppressing your creativity and individuality?
In a society where we go to school at a young age and are told to get in line and make sure we always have the right answer, the individual is almost crushed in a sense. Then we are told to go to college, get a safe and secure corporate job, get married, have kids etc. Sounds pretty standard to me. Most people end up being pushed down this path because society or their parents or peers influence them to pursue this.
- “You can’t be a painter! How will you make a living drawing?”
- “You need to go to school and get your education or you won’t find a good paying job!”
- “What are the odds you’ll go pro!”
- “There are a million other people trying to do that!”
Do any of these at least seem vaguely familiar? I remember hearing a bunch of these in different contexts, and I still do to this day. I simply choose to ignore them. And I advise that you do as well.
The artist can make a living and be happy and fulfilled living their dream of painting. A good artist is not the stereotypical hippy that does not care about money or is lazy, smokes pot, and never wants to work, the real artist works on their passion every single day no matter what. The painter who rises each and every day and paints until his hands cramp will find success, not the “artist” who thinks he is being different by being lazy and attempting to appear edgy.
The singer who sings his or her heart out each and every time they are on stage, or in their room, and who longs to sing and be heard, will find happiness and success.
The writer who writes just for the sake of writing each and every day finds true success.
Happiness is in the doing of the thing, and of serving others in it, it is living for others and being of value; happiness is not money and status.
Do not ever let anyone tell you what he or she thinks you should be doing with your life. If you are so passionate about something that each and every day you want to wake up and pursue it, that is what you must do. Money and recognition come much later.
You are a completely unique and talented individual, spend your time cultivating your unique passion and give the world something different and wonderful, not another depressed unhealthy “worker”.
Preventing illness and disease caused from emotional distress and repression means allowing yourself to fully express your creativity. Make sure to follow YOUR unique path.
To prevent illness and disease we must harness and tame our minds.
So many people suffer from thinking themselves to death! There is a time for deep and focused thought, but not for the compulsive and excessive thinking that many suffer from. Over thinking negative thoughts and beliefs is like having a giant mental energy leak, this can affect your physical health.
The best advice I have for negative thoughts is to begin meditating; only once we begin to observe the mind and our thoughts from a higher consciousness can we begin to alter our thought patterns. Once you have found your negative and pervasive thoughts, simply observe them, and then begin countering them with more positive and useful thoughts.
True masters and healthy people know how to control their minds, they do not waste vital emotional and physical energy worrying and obsessing over the little things, they are focused on the bigger picture.
Embrace your spirituality and connection to the whole, universe, god, or whichever word that you desire to reference your spirituality with.
Happy and healthy people acknowledge that they are spiritual beings. Are you in touch with your emotional energy centers, your spirituality, and do you take time to become connected to others and experience love?
Love is the most powerful medicine. Love inspires us, gives us hope, warms our hearts, and stimulates the mind. Even if you do not have anyone to love, start by loving yourself. One of the ways that I connect to the universe is by hiking in places where I can see the beautiful landscape, pristine nature, and true natural beauty. I no longer fear death and feel connected to me spirituality and oneness.
Exposing yourself to nature and the environment is how I become connected to something greater than myself. It is what inspires me to make the world a better place and to serve others. If you choose not to believe in your spirituality, or acknowledge the existence of some form of “god” you are limiting yourself from experiencing life at it’s fullest.
Love conquers all. Love is what you should feel towards the people and nature that surround you. Treat others the way you would like to be treated, and the courtesy will certainly be returned when you need a favor.
Begin asking yourself, how can I serve others and be of value, what will make me truly happy.
A truly happy and healthy person does not worry selfishly about themselves at all times. They realize that they are part of a greater whole and that they need to contribute their fair share to society. If you are currently not sitting in your sports car or have the mansion that you desire, it is probably because you are not outputting much value to society.
By viewing your life as a service to other people, and striving to provide value, and make OTHERS happy, you will find true happiness yourself. By taking the focus off of yourself and deciding that you are going to serve others, in a way that allows you to do what you love to do, what your unique passion is, you cultivate true value and happiness. This is the greatest preventative measure to fend off disease and illness.
Serving others however, does not mean that you sacrifice your own health and well-being. Always prioritize your own health first, or else you are not much help to others if you’re sick and weak!
Preventing disease and illness means being at peace with the person you are as an individual, and being at one with your surrounding environment.
True health and wellness comes from a strong and determined mindset. You need to have passion, purpose, and a dream. Without these things your body, mind, and soul, will lack focus and a destination, you will become disorganized energetically and your health will suffer as a result.
Wake up each day and work hard, give whatever it is that you choose to do that day or that moment your all. Always give 100%, anything less is failure. By only having high standards for yourself, success and happiness will arise as a result.
Connect yourself to the environment and cultivate health and longevity by holding the same high standards for the food that you consume. Everything you eat becomes a part of you energetically; by only eating high quality organics this energy will be clean and focused. Make sure to also maintain your physical and mental health by exercising regularly and meditating, this pumps the body and promotes a healthy metabolism and spirit.
Surround yourself with loved ones; appreciate your connectedness to the universe and nature. Make sure to smile and laugh often, express and connect physically through touch, and love. Start hiking or just getting outside more often! Express gratitude, not discontent. Attitude makes all the difference.
Always keep learning and researching about new ways to improve your health, mentally and physically, a pro-active and preventative stance is always more desirable than trying to treat an illness, at that point you have already neglected your health for too long.
Acknowledge that we are complex human beings, doing our best to live our lives; we all have struggles and hardships. We all have a body, mind, and soul that we must acknowledge.
The most important thing is to maintain your mental and physical health, and to follow your own unique passion and dreams. This will ensure that you prevent illness and disease and live a long, happy, and pain-free life.