In today's world, life appears simpler and more convenient. However, we suffer from a disconnect with nature and face high levels of chemicals and electromagnetic radiation. Since our basic needs are just a phone call away, we often neglect the physical activity essential for maintaining good health.
Modern Lifestyle; Isolated from NATURE
Ayurveda suggests that living in harmony with nature promotes good health. Conversely, straying from this natural lifestyle may lead to various health complications.
Global health challenges highlight our detachment from the natural environment.
Our contemporary lifestyle distances us from nature, a key factor contributing to numerous health issues prevalent in modern life. Frequently, we find ourselves confined within enclosed spaces, often air-conditioned, far removed from trees, sunlight, the earth, fresh air, and natural water sources.
Our modern lifestyle is out of synch with nature and which in-turn out of synch with our DNA.
Undeniably, advancements in modern medicine and technology have enhanced our average life span and reduced child mortality rates.
However, today's lifestyle—characterized by smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and sedentary routines—contributes to significant health challenges. Furthermore, exposure to countless chemicals exacerbates these issues.
While we have effectively battled typhoid, malaria, leprosy, tuberculosis, and smallpox with antibiotics, we now face difficulties managing chronic conditions such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and insomnia. These arise more from unhealthy lifestyles than from bacteria or viruses.
Infertility affects one in four couples, often linked to conception difficulties or miscarriages. Fertility, according to Ayurveda, represents the seventh dhatu, or tissue. It acts as a key indicator of the health of an organism. This suggests that one in eight individuals may lack the vitality necessary for reproduction, a concerning insight.
Research increasingly implicates obesity in the onset of metabolic syndrome and various health disorders.
To enhance overall health, it is crucial to avoid ten harmful practices.
Many believe longevity and quality of life stem from inherited traits or genetic flaws. In reality, it's the choices we make regarding what we consume—both physically and mentally—that shape our health outcomes and lifespan.
As per Ayurveda, many things contribute to your health complaints; they are:
- Eating unreal foods: The consumption of artificial foods, including dairy products from hormone-treated cows, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and chemical-laden junk foods, poses significant health risks.
- Eating habits matter greatly. The manner in which you eat often outweighs the nutritional quality of the food itself. Consuming inferior foods in a healthy way can be more beneficial than proper foods consumed poorly.
- A sedentary lifestyle, is characterized by minimal physical activity due to modern conveniences, leads to health issues. Prolonged sitting, particularly in front of screens such as computers, televisions, and mobile devices, contributes to disease prevalence. An active lifestyle can reduce these health risks by as much as 85%, according to numerous studies.
- Chronic stress and psychological issues, including anxiety, anger, and depression, create substantial challenges in modern life. Research indicates that stress may contribute to up to 80% of significant health disorders. Findings reveal that individuals who live to 100 possess a unique ability to manage stress effectively.
- Insufficient sunlight exposure results in vitamin D deficiency. For the last four decades, medical advice has leaned towards avoiding direct sunlight due to concerns about skin damage and cancer. However, sunlight enhances mood and supports health. It helps the skin produce nitric oxide, which lowers blood pressure, and beta-endorphins that elevate mood while facilitating vitamin D synthesis.
- Chemical exposure from harmful substances, such as phthalates found in scented products and bisphenol-A (BPA) in food packaging, poses threats to well-being. Pesticides designed to eliminate pests can inadvertently harm humans and their health. Chemical fertilizers and household insecticides not only eliminate pests but can adversely impact health. Additionally, the air we breathe is contaminated with carbon monoxide, dust, and various chemicals, and drinking water often contains chlorine, fluorides, and other harmful substances.
- Improper breathing patterns (sallow breathing) may arise from excessive stress, disrupting natural respiratory functions. Unlike infants, who naturally expand their bellies while breathing, many adults exhibit a reversed breathing pattern. This signifies the negative impact of stress on breathing.
- Inadequate sleep disrupts health. The adage "early to bed and early to rise" holds true, yet many now adopt late sleeping habits, hindering the body's natural overnight healing processes and increasing disease risk.
- Abuse of antibiotics and antiseptics can compromise gut health and the immune system, leading to antibiotic resistance and the emergence of superbugs. Additionally, antibacterial cleaning products may foster antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.
- Electromagnetic pollution from devices such as cordless phones, wireless routers, and cell towers emits radiation that can alter DNA and threaten the health of future generations. Studies show significant exposure to cell phone radiation may lead to decreased sperm counts.
Most natural health practitioners contend that the human body is inherently structured to maintain health. The body consistently strives for wellness rather than succumbing to illness. When you experience difficulties in recovery, it signifies that your body lacks essential nutrients for optimal functioning.
Reduce the intake of refined sugars, processed fructose, grains, and flours. These substances contribute to insulin and leptin resistance, which plays a pivotal role in nearly all diseases. It is essential to prioritize home cooking. Relying on industrially processed products for meal preparation risks premature mortality.
Health conditions statistics
Millions of individuals experience chronic diseases that can be mitigated or enhanced through adjustments in lifestyle.
- Ninety to ninety-five percent of the 17 million individuals with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, associated with an unhealthy lifestyle.
- Sixteen million individuals exhibit signs of pre-diabetes.
- Fifty million individuals suffer from hypertension.
- Approximately 12.6 million individuals have coronary heart disease. Additionally, annually, 1.1 million people experience a heart attack.
A 1993 study found that 14% of all deaths in the United States related to lifestyle choices and dietary habits. Additionally, another study indicated that sedentary behavior contributed to 23% of deaths from major chronic diseases.
Research indicates that engaging in physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and hypertension.
Due to industrial agricultural methods, foods lack the nutrient density they once had.
Due to contemporary industrial and agricultural methods, food has lost its nutrient density. To obtain the same iron content as one apple provided in 1950, you now need to consume 26 apples by 1998. This shift is why we need supplements to meet our nutritional requirements.
To achieve optimal health, reduce your intake of refined sugars, processed fructose, grains, and flours. These substances contribute to insulin and leptin resistance, which is a fundamental factor in nearly all diseases. It is essential to prioritize cooking from fresh, whole ingredients. Relying on industrially processed components for meal preparation can significantly shorten your lifespan.
Why do I name this site healthy-ojas?
Many friends and visitors often inquire about the significance of this term. "Ojas," derived from Sanskrit, translates to "vigor." It represents the essential life force formed in the body. Once ojas diminish, human existence cannot sustain itself.
Ojas possesses the hue of ghee, the flavor of honey, and the aroma of toasted rice.
Ojas denotes the fundamental energy that underpins vitality, immunity, strength, the preservation of youth, radiance, and emotional resilience.
Healthy vital energy, known as ojas, is essential for sustaining health or restoring lost vitality. Therefore, I have designated this website as healthy-ojas.
Ojas depletion might result from improper digestion, excessive stress, and other detrimental habits. Therefore, enhancing digestion and adopting a healthier lifestyle can boost your ojas (vital energy).