The 8 Laws of Health
"The Creator of man has arranged the living machinery of our bodies. Every function is wonderfully and wisely made. And God has pledged Himself to keep this human machinery in healthful action if the human agent will obey His laws and cooporate with God. Every law governing the human machinery is to be considered just as truly divine in origin, in character, and in importance as the word of God. Every careless, inattentive action, any abuse put upon the Lord's wonderful mechanism, by disregarding his specified laws in the human habitation, is a violation of God's law." Medical Ministry 221
Nutrition
The diet should be chosen with care. The most favorable diet is a totally vegan vegetarian diet without large amounts of free-fats (magarine, mayonnaise, fried foods, cooking fats, salad oils, nut butters (unless they are very fresh), or free sugars (sugar, syrups, honey, molasses, malt, etc.). If there is any overweight, it should be promptly corrected.
Water
Pure water is needed to cleanse us of impurities, internally as well as externally. The body needs six to eight glasses of pure water daily, and even more if a person is very large-framed or overweight. When we do not drink enough water and the body is in need of more to function properly, it does not cease to function but rather conserves the water it does have by changing functions. It takes water from the colon, where the waste products are stored, and purifies and recirculates that water. The fecal material becomes dry and sticky as a result of this lack of water resulting in constipation. Water is important on the outside of the body as well, being essential for cleansing the skin, the largest organ of elimination.
Temperance
An intemperate person can not expect to have optimum health It does not matter if the intemperance is in eating, sleeping, exercise, or any other area. The Bible says, "Let your moderation be known to all men." Phillipians 4:5. True temperance teaches us to give up hurtful practices and use healthful ones in moderation.
Rest
Rest is very important in many ways. It gives our nerves and muscles a chance to relax. When we are rested, we are stronger to resist temptations to eat improperly, as well as temptations in other areas of our lives. Most people require seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Children and teenagers usually require more because of growth taking place. Some of the following suggestions might be helpful in assisting with better sleep: working out-of-doors in contact with the soil in a garden or flower bed; eliminating the third meal or just eating lightly of fruit and toast; a tepid bath or shower before retiring; a cup of hot herb tea, such a hops, red clover, or catnip, and most importantly, turning your cares over to the Lord and letting your mind be at peace.
Source: Dr. Agatha M. Thrash, MD |
Exercise
Exercise daily, out-of-doors while breathing deeply, is important to keep the body machinery functioning properly. Walking is one of the best exercises. Exercise gives us the following benefits: it aids digestion, helps circulation, relieves nervousness, tones muscles, helps the body expel impurities, prevents diseases, improves the immune system, improves function of the kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, and vitalizes the blood.
Sunlight
Sunlight benefits the body in the following ways: Lowers blood pressure, blood sugar, the resting heart rate, blood cholesterol, it raises cardiac output & glycogen stores in the liver, raises energy, muscular strength and endurance, strengthens the immune system to fight infection, raises the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, increases the stress-tolerance level, balances the production of hormones, and helps heal diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and cancer.
Air
Air is the most necessary ingredient of life. Many people do not breathe properly and thus hinder good health. It is wise to take several very deep breaths of fresh air every day. Deep breathing helps purify the blood and increases oxygen to various parts of the body. Erect posture is important since the lungs can not properly fill with air if the back is hunched over. Standing erect, sitting erect and working erect are simple habits each of us can develop. Proper clothing is important also. If clothing is tight or binding, it will restrict the flow of air into the lungs ad slow the blood, carrying the oxygen, to various parts of the body. We should open our windows and allow the fresh air into our homes, and should sleep with the windows open. In fact, our homes should be well-ventilated night and day, summer and winter.
Trust In God
Health is a gift of God. Only as we follow His laws can we expect to have the health He desires us to have. God gave us moral laws for our well-being, the ten commandments, and health laws for our physical health and peace of mind. Proverbs 17:22 says "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine but a broken spirit drieth the bones." When our minds are at peace with God and man, and we have dropped our load of guilt at the feet of Jesus, we can have the perfect peace that restores body, mind and soul. Since nine-tenths of all illness start in the mind, the proverb is very true, A mery heart (pure mind) doeth good like a medicine; a broken spirit (guilt, evil thoughts, remorse and revenge) drieth up the bones. Science is now telling us what God told us centuries ago. The body produces endorphins when we are happy, These help restore our physical health. The body also produces negative hormones when the mind dwells on self, guilt, hatred, envy and jealousy. God would have us choose health by choosing carefully what we allow our minds to dwell on, Thinking of the goodness of God and the love of Jesus not only gives us peace of mind, it improves our total health!
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"Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power-these are the true remedies."
Ministry of Healing 127
Ministry of Healing 127