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Enjoying natural health is just as much about what you need to avoid as it is about what you should include in your life. And it’s about more than losing weight and increasing energy.
We know a great deal about natural foods that help you get the vitamins and minerals you need and taking natural supplements to avoid all those unnecessary and unhealthy additives and fillers. But, living as naturally as you can to enjoy optimal health also involves staying away from certain things.
What are they? Here are seven things that you’ll want to eliminate from your life when you’re improving your health using all-natural methods:
1. Trans and saturated fats
These two types of fats are the ones that get in your bloodstream and clog your arteries. And, they’re the kind found in most junk foods and fatty meats, which is one more reason to watch what you eat.
The fats good for you are the monounsaturated fats and the polyunsaturated fats. We find these in foods like olive oil, avocados, seeds and nuts.
As with anything, moderation is the key, as there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
2. Simple carbs
Highly processed and void of most nutrients these carbs are not brilliant. For example, they are your crackers, potato chips and sugary snacks.
Not only do foods of this type make you gain weight, they also increase your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Try to stick with complex carbs. Choose wholegrain over white and eat more oats and barley. They’re better for you.
3. Too much caffeine
Who doesn’t love a morning mug of coffee or an afternoon sip of tea? While we know a cup or two of these caffeinated drinks are good for your health, any more than that and you’re not doing yourself any favours.
If you continuously give your body this stimulant, not only will you have a harder time sleeping, but you will also risk raising your heart rate to unhealthy levels, putting undue stress on your body. Also, try to stay away from energy drinks and caffeine supplements.
They’ll likely do nothing for sustaining your energy throughout the day, and they can contain too much sugar and other shit.
4. Smoking
I know it’s hard to quit. But, if you truly want the best health that you might experience for years to come, then it’s something you’re going to have to give up.
5. Excessive alcohol
Chances are you know about the studies that show how an occasional drink may be beneficial to your health. The jury is still out on that so make up your own mind there. However, I have yet to see a study that says that drinking often and in large quantities is good for you.
So, if you do drink, make sure you keep it under control. Remember, alcohol is the proverbial slippery slope.
Since it lowers inhibitions, it’s easy to go overboard even if you don’t intend to.
6. Toxic chemicals
Of course you’d probably never go into an area with a skull and crossbones sign without proper protective gear, but we sometimes don’t heed the warnings when they’re quite so in our face. When you’re using cleaning supplies for example. Most of them are harmful and, even sometimes, fatal.
The containers often alert us, but very few people take the time to read the warnings. That means that we may harm ourselves without even realising it.
Ideally you want to use natural cleaners. There are tons of product lines available that offer great cleaning solutions that are both environmentally friendly and body friendly.
However, I also realise that some people like to stick with the same brand they’ve used for ages because it works. I get it.
For instance, it took me forever to find something that would clean the tub the way I wanted. The last thing I want to do is begin that search again.
So, if you’re going to stick to regular cleaners, at least protect yourself from the negative health side effects. Wear gloves so that the chemicals don’t seep into your skin and properly ventilate the area to save your lungs from any trouble.
7. All-nighters
Remember when you were younger and could go out all night and still function amazingly well the next day? I know I do.
But, the older I get the more I realise how long it now takes me to recoup if I miss out on at least 7 hours of quality shut-eye. Your body desperately needs sleep.
That is when it rejuvenates itself, and that is also when it most efficiently heals itself.
Most people look at sleep as a luxury, but it is a true necessity. In fact, studies have found that people who are sleep deprived regularly don’t live as long.
If you want to prolong your life, make regular rest a priority.
To be healthy involves maintaining healthy behaviours and keeping unhealthy ones out of it. If you follow these seven tips, you’ll give yourself more of a chance to enjoy an active, prosperous and healthy future.
