Meadowsweet Herbs

When it comes to being healthy, there is no magic pill. All the most important steps we can take for continued good health have to do with our daily diet and lifestyle. Here are some very basic, inexpensive and important things we can do to stay well.

Drink more water. Next to air, water is the most necessary element for human survival. Did you know that a normal adult is 60 to 70 percent water? All of our organs need water in order to function properly. The minimum amount of water for a healthy person is 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses a day. Make sure to drink more if you exercise a lot or live in a hot climate.

Get plenty of sleep. The average person needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Sleep rejuvenates our body and mind. Sleep allows the brain to organize long-term memory and integrate new information. It allows our body to repair and renew tissue, nerve cells and focus on parasympathetic body processes such as digestion and elimination. Getting enough sleep is especially important when you are sick or stressed.

Eat good fats. I know what you are thinking–isn’t eating low fat better for you? Not necessarily. It is all about choosing the right KIND of fats in your diet. Yes, hydrogenated oils and fried foods are bad for you. On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids, also called essential fatty acids, are necessary for human health. Essential fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. It is crucial to eat good fats because our bodies can’ t make essential fatty acids–you have to get them from food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, some plants, and cold pressed nut oils.