The human body is truly a wonderland. Our bones are one of the strongest substances known to man, along with granite and concrete. Our heart pumps one million gallons of blood in our lifetime and our largest artery is capable of building enough pressure during each heartbeat to shoot blood 30 feet into the air. Our stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve razor blades, yet the thick mucus lining provides an effective barrier to ensure that the acid doesn't damage the stomach itself. And perhaps the most fascinating thing about the human body is its ability to heal, repair, and rebuild itself with nothing but a positive attitude. It's called the placebo effect. According to Harvard Health, the idea is to build a better connection between your mind and your body. It has been around for millennia and its effect has been well documented.
This amazing human body is the only place we have to live in on this planet in this lifetime. Unfortunately, it’s not until our body starts to have problems and becomes overwhelmed with toxic waste that we realize how amazing our bodies really are. Like a bank account, we can't just make withdrawals and expect more money to magically appear. We need to make deposits in the same amount or more than what we're taking for our bodies as well.
I have always been interested in how the human body works, what makes us healthier, and also in longevity, which is why I’ve been a vegetarian for 20 years and a vegan for 5, but it wasn’t until I started having health problems that I realized there is a lot more that I could and should be doing to help my body heal and thrive.
There are a lot of big and small changes that we can make to ensure that our body is healthy and happy. It doesn't matter how great your life is, how much money you have, or how loved you are. If your body is not happy, you're not happy. It's that simple. Happy Body = Happy Life!
One of the most important changes that we can make is the way we talk to the universe and ourselves. Our bodies are made up of energy and energy travels through higher frequencies into the realm called “The Universe.” What this means is that our thoughts are a conversation with the Universe. Everything that we think has the power to affect us mentally, emotionally, and physically. It's all connected. Speaking kinder words to our body sends positive messages to the universe and in turn, the universe grants us the response that's appropriate to the message that we've sent. Speak sweet and kind words to your body. Tell her every day how much you love and care for her. Thoughts create an emotional response; the emotional response then creates a chemical response which can have a profound effect on our health. Daily affirmations, compassion meditation, and keeping a gratitude journal are all great ways to talk to the universe.
Another important thing to consider (though not always easy to do) is to minimize the presence of toxins in our household, office, and anywhere else that we can. Every day we are exposed to many toxic chemicals that are in our water, the air we breathe, the food we eat, the products we use, the medications we take, the clothes we wear, the mattress and sheets that we sleep on, the toilet paper we use, and even the receipts we get from the store! There are many hidden culprits. As amazing as our body is, it is not designed to fight off the vast number of toxins that we are exposed to in modern society on a daily basis. Our liver has to work overtime to process and dispose of all the toxins and it simply cannot keep up.
There's so much bad stuff coming at us and most of it we can't control nor avoid. However, there are small steps that we can take to eliminate or reduce the effects of toxins in our bodies.
Here are some ways that I've learned to be kind to my body:
- Eat a healthy, plant-based diet.
- Chew your food completely to make it easier for your body to digest.
- Take 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar before each meal to ensure that you get maximum nutrient absorption from your food. Dilute in water to prevent damage to your throat and tooth enamel.
- Do moderate exercise every day. Even a brisk walk around the neighborhood with your dog or playing in the park with your kids counts! Yoga and pilates are also great.
- Meditate to reduce stress and sleep better. Studies show even just 5 to 10 minutes a day can have a significant impact!
- Get 10 minutes of sunlight every day.
- At least once a week, take time to connect with nature.
- Get at least 7 hours of sleep at night. It’s best to go to bed before 10 p.m. and wakeup before or when the sun comes up.
- Incorporate intermittent fasting into your lifestyle. This helps ensure that your body has a chance to eliminate as many toxins as possible.
- Sweat at least three times per week to eliminate toxins. Exercise and saunas are great ways to sweat.
- Dry brush, always brushing towards the direction of your heart.
- Get a massage as often as possible to get the lymphoid system cleared. This can be done by a professional, by a loved one, or with a foam roller.
- Drink 96 ounces of pure, clean water. Check the water report in your area to determine if you need a water filter.
- Run an air purifier in your bedroom at night.
- Use toxin-free products. This includes household cleaning products as well as personal care products. Environmental Working Group is a great resource.
- Be social—away from the computer. Numerous studies show the health and wellness benefits of human interactions and strong support systems.
- Know your body. Tune into the messages it sends you and get a complete blood workup done at least once a year.
- Stay informed. There are constant updates and discoveries in the science and health world, most of it available with the click of a button. Stay curious about new treatments, advancements, supplements, and FDA regulations, always from reputable and credible sources.
- As you become more aware, get involved in your community and government. Support legislation that promotes health and wellness and limits our exposure to toxic substances.
Taking care of our bodies is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on planet Earth. It can be hard-work and requires time and energy. In the end, however, it’s all worth it…YOU’RE worth it.
Be kind to your body and it will be kind to you.
