NEW START
Health Program / 8 Laws of Health / Eight Natural Doctors
The
NEWSTART Lifestyle Program is a health recovery program designed to prevent and
reverse disease through natural methods. This physician monitored,
scientifically researched program is based on eight fundamental lifestyle
principles proven to help you achieve optimum health
Variety
There should not be a great variety at any one meal, for this
encourages overeating, and causes indigestion.
It is not well to eat fruit and vegetables at the same meal. If
the digestion is feeble, the use of both will often cause distress, and
inability to put forth mental effort. It is better to have the fruit at one
meal, and the vegetables at another.
The meals should be varied. The same dishes, prepared in the same way, should not appear on the table meal after meal and day after day. The meals are eaten with greater relish, and the system is better nourished, when food is varied.
The meals should be varied. The same dishes, prepared in the same way, should not appear on the table meal after meal and day after day. The meals are eaten with greater relish, and the system is better nourished, when food is varied.
Preparation Of Food
It is wrong to eat merely to gratify the appetite, but no
indifference should be manifested regarding the quality of the food, or the
manner of its preparation. In the preparing of bread, the following points may
prove useful:-
Fine-flour bread is lacking in nutritive elements to be found in
bread made from the whole wheat. It is a frequent cause of constipation and
other unhealthful conditions.
The use of soda or baking-powder in bread making is harmful and
unnecessary. Soda causes inflammation of the stomach, and often poisons the
entire system.
In the making of raised or yeast bread, milk should not be used in
place of water. Milk bread does not keep sweet so long after baking as does
that made with water, and it ferments more readily in the stomach.
The loaves should be small, and so thoroughly baked that, so far
as possible, the yeast germs shall be destroyed. When hot or new, raised bread
of any kind is difficult of digestion. It should never appear on the table.
Bread which is two or three days old is more healthful than new bread. This
rule does not, however, apply to unleavened bread.
Zwieback, or twiced-baked bread, is one of the most easily
digested and most palatable of foods.
Far too much sugar is ordinarily used in food. Cakes, sweets
puddings, pastries, jellies, jams, are active causes of indigestion. Especially
harmful are the custards and puddings in which milk, eggs, and sugar are chief
ingredients. The free use of milk and sugar taken should be avoided.
Cheese may be regarded as wholly unfit for food. The objectionable
features of hard or ripened cheeses are that the putrefactive process which
cheese undergoes, result in the production of waste products (amines, ammonia
and irritating fatty acids), which cause irritation to the nerves and the
gastrointestinal tract; one of the toxic amines produced in cheese called
tyramine, can cause migraine headaches and the rennet used in cheese making,
comes from the stomach of calves, lambs or pigs.
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Regularity In Eating
Regularity in eating is of vital importance. There should be a
specified time for each meal. At this time, let every one eat what the system
requires, and then take nothing more until the next meal. There are many who
eat when the system needs no food, at irregular intervals, and between meals,
because they have not sufficient strength of will to resist inclination. When travelling,
some are constantly nibbling if anything eatable is in their reach. This is
very injurious. If travellers would eat regularly of food that is simple and
nutritious, they would not feel so great weariness, nor suffer so much from
sickness.
Another pernicious habit is that of eating just before bedtime.
The regular meals may have been taken; but because there is a sense of
faintness, more food is eaten. As a result of eating late suppers, the
digestive process is continued through the sleeping hours. But though the
stomach works constantly, its work is not properly accomplished. The sleep is
often disturbed with unpleasant dreams, and in the morning the person awakes
unrefreshed, and with little relish for breakfast.
In many cases the faintness that leads to a desire for food is
felt because the digestive organs have been too severely taxed during the day.
After disposing of one meal, the digestive organs needs rest. At least five or
six hours should intervene between the meals; and most persons who give the
plan a trial, will find that two meals a day are better than three.
Wrong Conditions Of Eating
Food should not be eaten very hot or very cold. If food is cold,
the vital force of the stomach is drawn upon in order to warm it before
digestion can take place. Cold drinks are injurious for the same reason; while
the free use of hot drinks are debilitating. In fact, the more liquid there is
taken with the meals, the more difficult for the food to digest; for the liquid
must be absorbed before digestion can begin. Do not eat largely of salt, avoid
the use of pickles and spiced foods, eat an abundance of fruit, and the
irritation that calls for so much drink at meal time will largely disappear.
Food should be eaten slowly, and should be thoroughly masticated. This is
necessary, in order that the saliva may be properly mixed with the food and the
digestive fluids be called into action.
Another serious evil is eating at improper times, as after violent
or excessive exercise, when one is much exhausted or heated. Digestion is
hindered. When one is excited, anxious, or hurried, it is better not to eat
until rest or relief is found.
At meal time cast off care and anxious thought; do not feel hurried, but eat slowly and with cheerfulness, with your heart filled with gratitude to God for all His blessings.
At meal time cast off care and anxious thought; do not feel hurried, but eat slowly and with cheerfulness, with your heart filled with gratitude to God for all His blessings.
Overeating
Many who discard flesh-meats and other gross and injurious
articles think that because their food is simple and wholesome they may indulge
their appetite without restraint, and they eat to excess, sometimes to
gluttony.
Sometimes the result of overeating is felt at once. In other cases
there is no sensation of pain; but the digestive organs lose their vital force,
and the foundation of physical strength is undermined.
The surplus food burdens the system, and produces morbid, feverish
conditions. It calls an undue amount of blood to the stomach, causing the limbs
and the extremities to chill quickly. It lays a heavy tax on the digestive
organs, and when these organs have accomplished their task, their is a feeling
of faintness or languor. Some who are continually overeating call this all-gone
feeling hunger; but it is caused by the overworked condition of the digestive
organs. At times there is a numbness of the brain, with disinclination to
mental or physical effort.
Reform In Diet
Every day men in positions of trust have decisions to make upon
which depend results of great importance. Often they have to think rapidly, and
this can be done successfully by those only who practice strict temperance. A disordered
stomach produces a disordered, uncertain state of mind. Often it causes
irritability, harshness, or injustice. Many a plan that would have been a
blessing to the world has been set aside, many unjust, oppressive, even cruel
measures have been carried, as the result of diseased conditions due to wrong
habits of eating.
Here is a suggestion for all whose work is sedentary or chiefly
mental; let those who have sufficient moral courage and self-control try it: At
each meal take only two or three kinds of simple food, and eat no more than is
required to satisfy hunger. Take active exercise every day, and see if you do
not receive benefit.
Strong men who are engaged in active physical labour are not
compelled to be as careful as to the quantity or quality of their food as are
persons of sedentary habits; but even these would have better health if they
would practice self-control in eating and drinking.
One person can not lay down an exact rule for another. Every one
should exercise reason and self-control and should act from principle.
Persons who have indulged their appetite to eat freely of meat,
highly seasoned gravies, and various kinds of rich cakes and preserves, cannot
immediately relish a plain, wholesome, nutritious diet. Their taste is so
perverted they have no appetite for a wholesome diet of fruits, plain bread and
vegetables. If they cannot at first enjoy plain food, they should fast until
they can. That fast will prove to them of greater benefit than medicine, for
the abused stomach will find rest which it has long needed, and real hunger can
be satisfied with a plain diet. It will take time for the taste to recover from
the abuse it has received, and to gain its natural tone. But perseverance in a
self-denying course of eating and drinking will soon make plain, wholesome food
palatable, and it will be eaten with greater satisfaction than the epicure
enjoys over his rich dainties.
Man's employment, as seen in the original design is also worthy of
notice. "And the Lord God took the man, and put him in the garden of Eden
to dress it and to keep it." (Genesis 2:15). Man was designed for activity
in the open light of the sun and the free air of heaven. These conditions were
important to the joys of his existence. The subsequent curse upon Adam was not
in that he should labour, but that his labours should be attended with
difficulties. Exercise is essential for the body. Morning exercise, in walking
in the free, invigorating air of heaven, or cultivating flowers, small fruits,
and vegetables, is necessary to a healthful circulation of the blood. It is the
surest safeguards against colds, coughs, congestion of the brain and lungs,
inflammation of the liver, the kidneys, and the lungs, and a hundred other
diseases.
Exercise aids the digestion. When we engage in severe study or
violent physical exercise immediately after eating, it hinders the work of
digestion; but a short walk after a meal, with the head erect and the shoulders
back, is a great benefit.
In health and in sickness, pure water is one of heaven's choicest
blessings. Its proper use promotes health. It is the beverage which God
provided to quench the thirst of animals and man. Drunk freely, it helps to
supply the necessities of the system, and assists nature to resist disease. The
external application of water is one of the easiest and most satisfactory ways
of regulating the circulation of the blood. A cold or a cool bath is an
excellent tonic. Warm baths opens the pores, and thus aid in the elimination of
impurities. Both warm and neutral baths soothe the nerves and equalise the
circulation.
Whether a person is sick or well, respiration is more free and
easy if bathing is practiced. By it, the muscles become more flexible, the mind
and body are alike invigorated, the intellect is made brighter, and every
faculty becomes livelier. The bath is a soother of the nerves. It promotes
general perspiration, quickens the circulation, overcomes obstructions in the
system, and acts beneficially on the kidneys and urinary organs. Bathing helps
the bowels, stomach, and liver, giving energy and new life to each. It also
promotes digestion, and instead of the system being weakened, it is
strengthened. Instead of increasing the ability to cold, a bath, properly
taken, fortifies against cold, because the circulation is improved.
As an additional aid, you may find by fasting for one or two
meals, and by drinking only pure, soft water, the overburdened system will be
enabled to overcome slight indispositions, and even graver difficulties may be
sometimes overcome by this simple process.
Human beings, like plants, need adequate sunlight. If the windows
were freed from blinds and heavy curtains, and the air and sun permitted to
enter the darkened rooms, there would be seen a change for the better in the
mental and physical health. The pure air would have an invigorating influence,
and the sun that carries healing in its beams would soothe and cheer, and make
one happy, joyous and healthy.
Trees and shrubbery too close around a house are unhealthful; for
they prevent a free circulation of air, and prevent the sun rays from shining
through sufficiently. In consequence of this a dampness gathers in the house,
which may cause rheumatism, neuralgia and lung complaints.
True temperance teaches us to dispense with everything hurtful and
to use judiciously that which is healthful.
Those who understand the laws of health and who are governed by
principle, will shun the extremes, both of a self-indulgent appetite or of an
insufficient meager diet. Their diet is chosen, not for the mere gratification
of appetite, but for the upbuilding of the body. They seek to preserve every
power in the best condition for highest service to God and man. The appetite is
under the control of reason and conscience, and they are rewarded with health
of body and mind. While they do not urge their views offensively upon others,
their example is a testimony in favour of right principles.
Tea and Coffee
Tea acts as a stimulant, and, to a certain extent, produces
intoxication. The action of coffee and many other popular drinks is similar.
The first effect is exhilarating. The nerves of the stomach are excited; these
convey irritation to the brain, and this in turn is aroused to impart increased
action to the heart, and short-lived energy to the entire system. Fatigue is
forgotten; the strength seems to be increased. The intellect is aroused, the
imagination becomes more vivid.
Because of these results, many suppose that their tea or coffee is
doing them great good. But this is a mistake. Tea and coffee do not nourish the
system. Their effect is produced before there has been time for digestion and
assimilation, and what seems to be strength is only nervous excitement. When
the influence of the stimulant is gone, the unnatural force abates, and the
result is a corresponding degree of languor and debility.
The continued use of these nerve irritants is followed by
headache, wakefulness, palpitation of the heart, indigestion, trembling, and
many other evils; for they wear away the life forces. Tired nerves need rest
and quiet instead of stimulation and overwork. Nature needs time to recuperate
her exhausted energies.
Flesh As Food
The diet appointed man in the beginning did not include animal
food. Not till after the flood, when every green thing on the earth had been
destroyed, did man receive permission to eat flesh.
Those who eat flesh are but eating grains and vegetables at second
hand; for the animal receives from these things the nutrition that produces
growth. The life that was in the grains and vegetables passes into the eater.
We receive it by eating the flesh of the animal. How much better to get it
direct, by eating the food that God provided for our use!
Flesh was never the best food; but its use is now doubly
objectionable, since disease in animals is so rapidly increasing. Those who use
flesh foods little know what they are eating. Often if they could see the
animals when living and know the quality of the meat they eat, they would turn
from it with loathing. People are continually eating flesh that is filled with
tuberculous and cancerous germs. Tuberculosis, cancer, and other fatal diseases
are thus communicated.
Often animals are taken to market, and sold for food, when they
are so diseased that their owners fear to keep them longer. And some of the
processes of fattening then for market produces disease. Shut away from the
light and pure air, breathing the atmosphere of filthy stables, perhaps
fattening on decaying food, the entire body soon becomes contaminated with foul
matter.
Animals are often transported long distances and subjected to
great suffering in reaching a market. Taken from the green pastures, and
traveling for weary miles over the hot, dusty roads, or crowded into filthy
cars, feverish and exhausted, often for many hours deprived of food and water,
the poor creatures are driven to their death, that human beings may feast on
the carcasses.
The effects of a flesh diet may not be immediately realised; but
this is no evidence that it is not harmful. Few can be made to believe that it
is the meat they have eaten which poisoned their blood and caused their
suffering. Many die of diseases wholly due to meat-eating, while the real cause
is not suspected by themselves or by others.
Changing The Diet
It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends upon the
use of animal food. The needs of the system can be better supplied, and more
vigorous health can be enjoyed, without its use. The grains, with fruits, nuts,
and vegetables, contain all the nutritive properties necessary to make good
blood. These elements are not so well or so fully supplied by a flesh diet. Had
the use of flesh been essential to health and strength, animal food would have
been included in the diet appointed man in the beginning.
When the use of flesh food is discontinued, there is often a sense
of weakness, a lack of vigour. Many urge this as evidence that the flesh food
is essential; but it is because foods of this class are stimulating, because
they fever the blood and excite the nerves, that they are so missed. Some will
find it as difficult to leave off flesh-eating as it is for the drunkard to
give up his dram; but they will be the better for the change.
When flesh food is discarded, its place should be supplied with a
variety of grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits, that will both be nourishing
and appetising. This is especially necessary in the case of those who are weak,
or who are taxed with continuous labour. In some poverty stricken countries,
flesh is the cheapest food. Under these circumstances the change will be made
with greater difficulty; but it can be effected. We should, however, consider
the situation of the people and the power of lifelong habit, and should be
careful not to urge even right ideas unduly. None should be urged to make the
change abruptly. The place of meat should be supplied with wholesome foods that
are inexpensive. In this matter very much depends upon the cook. With care and
skill, dishes maybe prepared that will be both nutritious and appetising, and will,
to a great degree, take the place of flesh food.
There is a large class who will oppose any reform movement,
however reasonable, if it places a restriction on the appetite. They consult
taste instead of reason or the laws of health. By this class, all who leave the
beaten track of custom, and advocate reform, will be accounted radical, no
matter how consistent their course.
Pure air soothes the nerves, circulates the blood healthily
through the system, refreshes the body and mind, excites the appetite, renders better
digestion and induces sound sleep.
However, ill-ventilated rooms weaken the system, depresses
circulation and the mind, and may produce colds. It is close confinement
indoors that makes many feeble and pale. They breathe the same air over and
over, until it becomes laden with poisonous matter thrown off through the lungs
and pores; and impurities are thus conveyed back to the blood.
Respiration
The lungs should be allowed the greatest freedom possible. Their
capacity is developed by free action; it diminishes if they are cramped and
compressed. Hence the ill effects of the practice so common, especially in
sedentary pursuits, of stooping at one's work. In this position it is
impossible to breathe deeply. Superficial breathing soon becomes a habit, and
the lungs lose their power to expand. A similar effect is produced by tight
clothing. Sufficient room is not given to the lower part of the chest; the
abdominal muscles, which were designed to aid in breathing, do not have full
play, and the lungs are restricted in their action. Hence, the whole system
becomes susceptible to disease.
Death-producing germs
Every form of uncleanness tends to disease. Death-producing germs
abound in dark, neglected corners, in decaying refuse, in dampness and mould
and must. No waste vegetables or heaps of fallen leaves should be allowed to
remain near the house, to decay and poison the air. Nothing unclean or decaying
should be tolerated within the home. In towns or cities regarded perfectly
healthful, many an epidemic of fever has been traced to decaying matter about
the dwelling of some careless householder.
Some make themselves sick by overwork. For these, rest, freedom
from care, and a spare diet, are essential to restoration of health. To those
who are brain weary and nervous because of continual labour and close
confinement, a visit to the country, where they can live a simple, carefree
life, coming in close contact with the things of nature, will be most helpful.
Roaming through the fields and the woods, picking the flowers, listening to the
songs of the birds, will do far more than any other agency toward their
recovery.
The Saviour in His miracles revealed the power that is continually
at work in man's behalf, to sustain and to heal him. Through the agencies of
nature, God is working, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, to keep us
alive, to build up and restore us. When any part of the body sustains injury, a
healing process is at once begun; nature's agencies are set at work to restore
soundness. But the power working through these agencies is the power of God.
All life-giving power is from Him. When one recovers from disease, it is God
who restores him.
Sickness, suffering and death are the work of an antagonistic
power. Satan is the destroyer; God is the Restorer.
Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does
a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy,
discontented thoughts and feelings, - as much a duty as it is to pray. If we
are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining
all along the way to the Father's house?
When some one asks how you are feeling, do not try to think of
something mournful to tell in order to gain sympathy. Do not talk of your lack
of faith and your sorrows and sufferings. The tempter delights to hear such
words. When talking on gloomy subjects, you are glorifying him. We are not to
dwell on the great power of Satan to overcome us. Often we give ourselves into
his hands by talking of his power.We need to learn that indulged appetite is
the greatest hindrance to mental improvement and soul sanctification.
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