7 Suggestions To Achieve Unhealthiness

Last week, I discussed the importance of taking charge of your own health and promised to provide tips for maintaining your well-being. Now, let's explore some habits that might lead to poor health. 

If you want to be unhealthy, make sure you:

1. Don't get enough sleep: Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of various health issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, affecting both your physical and mental well-being.

2. Don't eat a nutrient-dense diet: Malnutrition can result from an inadequate intake of essential nutrients, leading to problems like stunted growth, weakened immune function, and obesity due to excessive calorie consumption.

3. Avoid sun exposure: Inadequate sun exposure can cause vitamin D deficiency, linked to conditions such as osteoporosis, weakened immunity, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.

4. Avoid physical activity: Being sedentary can lead to weight gain and muscle and bone loss and negatively impact your mental health by increasing stress and decreasing cognitive function.

5. Isolate yourself: Loneliness can increase stress and inflammation, affecting your physical health and exacerbating mental health issues.

6. Eat processed carbohydrates: These foods can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes, which may contribute to various health problems, including obesity and diabetes.

7. Consume excessive omega-6 oils: Overconsumption of omega-6 fatty acids from seed oils can promote chronic inflammation and increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and obesity.

The seven actions listed above are new to modern humans, as are the health problems associated with them. In contrast, if you want to prioritize your health, consider adopting practices advocated by the Ancestral Health Movement, also known as the Paleo Lifestyle. These habits can help you stay well in the modern age while drawing inspiration from the lifestyles of our ancestors, who were immune to our modern chronic diseases.

To stay healthy, remember these key practices adhered to by our ancestors:

1. Get Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for your overall health. While you rest, your body repairs tissues, boosts the immune system, and regulates hormones that affect appetite and stress. Sufficient sleep also improves memory, problem-solving, creativity, and emotional well-being.

2. Maintain a nutrient-dense Diet: Eating well is crucial for good health. A nutrient-dense diet provides essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats necessary for growth, energy, and immune function. It helps you maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. You can track your nutrients with apps like MyFitnesspal and others.

3. Enjoy Sun Exposure Responsibly: Safe sun exposure is beneficial because it helps your body produce vitamin D, which is vital for strong bones and a healthy immune system. It also regulates your body's internal clock for better sleep and mood. Be mindful of sun protection to balance benefits and risks.

4. Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise has numerous physical and mental benefits, such as maintaining a healthy weight, improving cardiovascular health, and enhancing mood and cognitive function. It also promotes better sleep and helps manage conditions like depression and anxiety.

5. Cultivate Strong Relationships: Building and maintaining meaningful relationships is essential for both physical and emotional well-being. It lowers stress, reduces the risk of mental health issues, and promotes healthy habits. Strong relationships can increase your life expectancy and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

6. Limit Processed Carbohydrates: Avoid processed carbs as they can lead to blood sugar spikes, contributing to various health issues. Focus on whole food sources of carbohydrates for a healthier diet.

7. Be Mindful of Omega-6 Oils: Limit excessive consumption of omega-6-rich seed oils like corn and soybean oil, as they can promote inflammation. Instead, opt for healthier fats like olive, coconut, and avocado oils.

Remember, these practices align with the Ancestral Health Movement, which draws inspiration from our ancestors' lifestyles to help us maintain good health in the modern age.