What is Good Health?

Moderation & Balance –A Key To Good Health

Good health is not just “the absence of disease”. It is the absence of dis-ease or discomfort.

“Good Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” – WHO ( World Health Organisation ).

We think we are healthy as long as we progress or decay at the same rate as others around us. Normally unhealthy condition does not develop overnight. Pathological development is always accompanied by warnings.

Our body is a wonderful machine. When something goes wrong it warns us beforehand. We need to pick up the signals.

Each one has a unique biochemistry as well as a unique metabolism. Therefore each individual has different nutritional needs which depend upon his medical history & lifestyle.

Fortunately there are generic ways to keep ourselves healthy. There are many common ways which if followed, can help us remain healthy.

To remain healthy, we need to nourish our body by eating right foods and by avoiding the wrong ones. Deprivation, elimination & counting of calories alone can not nourish our body.

A state of good health means all or body organs are functioning in harmony. Exercise has a number of health benefits but over exercising can cause stress and exhaustion.

Fibre rich food is good to have but too much of fibre prevents absorption of minerals like zinc, calcium & iron causing multiple deficiencies.

Food can heal and restore health in a sick person. Food is an important healing force. One can regard food as a complementary medicine in many circumstances.

There is a difference between hunger and appetite. Hunger is the need for food. But we have an appetite for certain foods only, without being actually hungry.

Hunger is a physical need and an appetite is only psychological and is triggered by temptation.

Role of exercise in our life is also important. With age our bodies become inflexible. It is more out of dis-use than wear and tear. The human body requires a certain minimum level of activity.

Lack of activity or exercise affects muscle movements. As you brush your teeth everyday you have to take time to do exercise.

You can not say that you do not have time to brush your teeth. Exercise could be just brisk walking or some aerobics or going to gymnasium. Do whatever suits you. Either in the morning or in the evening.

Simple walking for 30 minutes a day can work wonders for you to remain healthy.

Our ultimate goal in life is to be happy. We need to watch our emotions and thoughts. Our physical health is influenced by our state of mind.

A negative frame of mind due to anxieties, stress, tensions, deadlines etc reflects on a physical level.

We need to review our ever increasing needs and desires and become more aware of our inner space and practice solitude / silence in order to get inner peace.

Key to good health lies in moderation and balance.