We all have different genetic make-ups, lifestyles, and differences in our current states of health. It is not possible therefore to come up with absolute rules of health that uniformly fit every individual. Following guiding principles apply to most of us under general circumstances.

Good health habits must be applied consistently if you want good results. It takes time to descend into poor health and likewise, it takes time, hard work, with correct effort, perseverance and determination, to achieve restoration of health. Fortunately, nature is forgiving; we often get well a lot quicker than the time it takes to descend into poor health.

Eat fresh, unprocessed, foods focusing on natural plant foods with additional amounts of lightly cooked plant foods. Most diets should consist primarily of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and if desired modest amounts of fresh animal proteins such as eggs and fish. At all times individual tolerances, toxicities, and allergies need to be considered.

Avoid packaged and junk foods, tobacco, fruit juices and drinks, candy, soda pop, cake, and white bread. Don’t drink coffee, tea, soft drinks, cocoa, commercial cow’s milk, or other junk food products. If you have these in your home now, throw them away (or give them to somebody you do not like!). If nature does not grow it, do not eat it.

Drink distilled water. Some warm peppermint tea or spearmint tea is acceptable in colder weather. We should eat food and drink water…not sodas, coffee, alcohol, etc. These items belong in the category of drugs rather than foods and should be discontinued permanently.

Chew thoroughly, eating only when hungry in a relaxed unhurried environment. When you eat under stress, you body will not work efficiently in the digestion and assimilation of food.

Nutrients are best retained when foods are in their raw state or lightly cooked and this rule is applicable to vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Some vegetables may be steamed, and grains (unless sprouted) need to be cooked as well.

Meals should be prepared in an attractive manner. Once you chemistry has been balanced and your true hunger returns, (rather than simply eating by the clock) you will find that simple fruits, vegetables, nuts and other wholesome simple foods will taste delicious to you.

For most people the majority of the diet should consist predominately of nuts, vegetables, seed, fruits and unprocessed grains along with smaller amounts of grilled or broiled fish and/or eggs if animal foods are desired. For most people a vegetarian diet is much preferred, while others may benefit by modest amounts of animal foods. The amount of animal products consumed by most Americans, however, is far in excess of our needs and is counter productive to good health. Do not eat an extra meal before going to bed.

Most people live on one third of what they eat and their physician lives on the other two thirds.

Steaming, baking, or broiling are the preferable ways to cook foods.

Be thankful that you have food to eat…much of the world population does not! Enjoy your meals…but learn to eat to live and not live to eat.

Enjoy 20 minutes of direct sunshine every day on as much as your body as possible. This does not mean bake yourself out in the sun during the hottest hours. Sun bathing is best done before 11:00 in the morning or after 3:00 in the afternoon. Do not remain in the sun for long periods of time. This practice is wasteful of nerve energy and dries skin excessively. In addition, prolonged exposure causes damage to the skin, so apply sunscreen. Use natural and not artificial light.

Breathe purest air possible. Walk on streets that have less vehicular traffic. For some people this may mean getting out of the city periodically. Allow fresh air into your house to the fullest extent possible while indoors. Do not breathe tobacco smoke or permit smoking in your home or office. Second hand smoke is harmful.

Dress for comfort, not just for fashion. Avoid constrictive clothing that impedes blood circulation.

Exercise at least twenty minutes every other day. Do not push yourself to exhaustion. Good health requires more than just working out. Activity in varied amounts is important but the amount depends on your particular case and where you are in your health program.

Meditate or pray for 15 minutes or more every day.

Laugh and spend time with friends and family whose company you enjoy.

You cannot please everyone. Work to be as good a person as you can. Be kind to others regardless of how they treat you. This will benefit you. Do not expect perfection.

Do not expect everyone to approve of you. There will always be others who will misunderstand you, be critical of you, or say unkind things about you behind your back. This is unavoidable, particularly if you are actively working toward self-improvement and making progress. Many times people will be jealous.

Source: Hygienic Heights, Paul A. Goldberg, M.P.H., D.C. 1999