As a health practitioner, one of the most important things I tell people is that health is not something you achieve all at once, but something you construct with small, simple, daily actions. Many of the illnesses people suffer today arise from habits that people practice daily and go unaddressed. On the other hand, with minor adjustments to those habits, we can live in great health and for an extended period of time.
The first principle of good health is the kind of food that you consume. Your body is a machine, and you need to treat it that way. Consuming junk and greasy foods, in combinations with sugary liquids on a daily basis, will only result to an awful machine with time. However, it can only take simple meals that are balanced with fruits and veggies, and take water, and it will only take a little salt and sugar to have a very big impact on, and to the health of an individual.
The principle is of course movement and for some people, their day involves heavy sit down periods. Moving the body is one of the most natural way to improve health. Walking, jogging, and even simple stretching every day can all improve overall health in various areas. While going to the gym is often encouraged, it is not a prerequisite to movement. You need some form of exercise and movement every day.
Rest is important too. A lot of people think that being constantly busy means that they are successful.
Yet the body will break down without adequate sleep. When we sleep, the body repairs while the brain resets. Sleeping for 6 to 8 hours is a primary restorative action that the body requires.
And we should not forget about the state of one’s mind. Stress and worrying tend to destroy a body even more than a disease. Find a way to calm down, talk to someone and let them lighten your load. You should always do things that promote your joy. Even unsophisticated smiling and laughter is highly restorative.
The last piece of the puzzle is to avoid the things that you know are harmful. This includes smoking, excessive drinking, and illegal drugs. There is no better way to do things than to do them the right way the first time.
Good health is not a privilege and you do not need to spend a lot of money on fancy medications. It is the sum of these simple and easy to follow egalitarian principles. If we spend time applying them, the reward will be a happy life full of meaning.