HEALTHY. According to the World Health Organization, “health is a state of full physical, emotional and social well being and not the absence of illness and infirmity.” A number of definitions have also been used over the years for various purposes. A few general ideas about health may be beneficial in our attempts to live healthy lives.
A Healthy lifestyle begins with the way we eat and the foods we select. The two go hand in hand. Many of the habits we have developed over time – from the foods we eat and the methods we use to prepare them – contribute to the way we feel and the quality of our life. Eating healthier can change your entire outlook on life.
Eating healthier dietary practices is about more than losing weight, though that certainly is part of the process. There are a number of conditions that affect how our bodies process foods, such as hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism and diabetes to name a few. If you have a medical condition that affects how your body processes food, it is important to pay attention to your nutrition and to your weight. Also, be aware of any foods or situations that might compromise your health.
One area of nutrition has always been a mystery to me: what is the recommended daily intake of sodium? I searched for and found information that varied widely. Some suggested one teaspoon of table salt or less per day; others suggested one and a half teaspoons. There were also several reports that suggested increasing the amount of sodium in your diet. For some people, reducing the amount of sodium in their diet is enough to help them regulate their blood pressure and lessen the symptoms of hypertension. For other people, increasing the amount of sodium in their diet isn’t enough to lower their blood pressure and cause a heart attack or stroke.
Many people who are concerned with their heath often turn to reading books or watching informative videos to try to find out what they can do to be healthy. While there is a lot of helpful advice, it is important to remember that just because someone recommends avoiding certain foods or drinking specific beverages doesn’t mean that you can actually do that. It is important to use common sense and do what you can to maintain a healthy diet. It may be a good idea to consult with your doctor or a nutritionist to develop a meal plan that fits your individual needs.
One of the keys to healthy living is making healthy lifestyle choices. People can exercise regularly and make smart choices regarding the types of foods that they eat and the amounts that they consume. They can learn to monitor their blood pressure and learn ways to prevent developing unhealthy conditions. Whatever type of healthy lifestyle change that a person chooses to make, they will reap the benefits of living a healthier life.