In many ways, building a healthy body in the 21st century is harder than at any other time in history. Before globalization and the modern economy, people simply ate whatever was in their environment. They didn’t have access to fast food or highly processed junk. They lived off the land.
But fast forward to the modern world, and that’s no longer the case. Most humans subsist on a diet of ultra-processed foods, mostly without realizing it. They also live sedentary lives and spend most of the time feeling stressed about finances or their relationships. It’s not a good setup.
At the same time, though, access to health information and good food has never been better. Produce is waiting in superstore aisles, ready for anyone to pick up and buy. The internet is full of fascinating information about what people should be eating. And there are a host of resources out there for people who are serious about living longer and healthier lives.
In this post, we take a look at some all-natural ways to improve your health. Here are some ideas.
Expose Yourself To Nature
Many people are unaware of the destruction of the natural world because they spend all their time in cities. From their perspective, everything looks the same. But the reality is quite different.
Unfortunately, city environments are not good for our wellbeing. While they might be convenient, humans really need to spend time in nature to feel their best. Being in the natural world reduces stress levels and may reduce the risk of long-term health problems.
Eat More Herbs
Nutritionists often tell people to eat more fruits and vegetables. But if you’re really serious about your health, you should be eating more herbs and spices. That’s because these foods tend to contain the highest concentrations of factors that are good for people. The compounds in their tissues are capable of reprogramming how the body functions in remarkable ways. They may even slow the aging process.
That’s perhaps one of the reasons why CBD oil is so popular. Not only does it adjust how the body responds to pain, but it also contains a host of other compounds from the hemp plant that support health.
The same goes for dozens of other herbs and spices. Eating a combination of them may be the best way to protect the body and feel good at the same time.
Eat Prebiotics
Probiotics, such as yogurt and pills containing bacteria are okay in the short term. But if you really want to take care of your gut over the long run, you should be eating prebiotics. These are foods that help to support all the gut bacteria in your gut and keep them healthy. They’re essentially food for all the good species that live in your stomach.
If you have digestive issues, try reducing fat and animal food consumption and increasing whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Stick to your diet for a couple of weeks or so and then see how you feel. You will likely feel fresher and better than you did before, just with small changes to your diet.
Get Some Sunlight In The Morning
Sunlight is a powerful regulator of your sleep-wake cycle. When you get a lot of sun in the morning, you are much more likely to feel alert and energetic throughout the week. Plus, it can actually help you sleep at night, without the need to reach for melatonin or sleeping pills.
Meditate
Meditation is one of the most powerful natural health aids. It involves simply separating yourself from your thoughts for a while.
A simple practice like this can have a profound impact on your mental health. When you stop the chatter in your mind, you automatically feel better. And when this happens, it can change the physiology of your body. All of a sudden, you feel better able to take on the challenges of the world and deal with stress. Life becomes more joyful and blissful when you adopt this approach, which is perhaps why yogis and sages have been doing it for thousands of years.
Keep The Temperature Low In Your Room At Night
Humans evolved to sleep in cooler conditions at night. That’s why it’s so important to keep temperatures to a minimum while you sleep. You want your room to be between 16°C and 19°C or 60 to 67°F. These temperatures are optimal: not too hot and not too cold, allowing you to sleep more comfortably when the weather gets hot.
In addition, if you want to sleep well at night, avoid eating three to four hours before bed (as this can make you feel more alert). Also, if you live in a noisy area, wear earplugs to prevent music, cars, or kids from waking you up when you need to sleep.
Be Active During The Day And Get Plenty Of Aerobic Exercise During The Week
Be as active as you can be during the day. Try to avoid spending all your time at the desk. If you can stand up while you work, do so.
The CDC recommends that people get around 150 minutes of exercise per week. Try to mix up the intensity when you can, sometimes doing vigorous exercise, and other times doing exercise that feels more relaxing.
You should also do strength training around twice a week, and more often if you are older. This helps you maintain your posture and keep a good muscle tone as you age.
Wash Your Hands
In the West, we spend a lot of time preoccupied with chronic diseases. But we shouldn’t forget that pathogens can also make us sick and harm our bodies.
Because of this, it’s a good idea to wash your hands as often as possible. Doing this reduces the risk of parasites and infections affecting your gut and disrupting your bacteria.
Wash your hands with soap under warm water for around 20 seconds, cleaning both the back and front. Then dry them with a clean tower, not one that’s been used before.