10 Steps to Optimum Health – Part 1

By: Dr. James Chappell

For over 40 years, I have been a voracious reader. Back in the day, I subscribed to 25 journals or more each month. In addition, I tried to read two or more books per month. Daily, I read multiple reference books and both the New York and LA Times cover to cover. Today, most of what I read comes from the internet and books, hours upon hours of research from one subject to the next. I receive dozens of so-called email “newsletters” and peruse websites reading the latest of “stuff” out there. And most of it is “stuff”.

There are literally thousands of doctor and self-help websites pitching their products, services and information — truthful or not.

On the experimental orthodox medical side, they push their clinics and hospitals as they use drugs, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to treat disease. On the so-called natural healing side, they push their clinics and spas with many pitching supplements, herbs, devices and other “stuff” to also treat disease. What’s the difference? Other than the obvious toxic side-effects of experimental orthodox medicine, not much, for both treat disease.

Many in natural healing are simply using natural protocols in an allopathic (symptom treating) application. As an example, if you have a headache, your medical doctor might suggest aspirin and your natural healing doctor might suggest the herb feverfew. Both suggestions only treat the symptom of a deeper underlining concern. From a brain tumor, allergy, hormonal imbalance to spinal subluxations or misalignments, there are many causes of headaches; and the cure is always found in the cause. Taking aspirin or feverfew will never get to the cause, and therefore you are only treating symptoms.

Almost four decades ago, I was taught a different approach to health and healing. I was taught how to find simplicity in the complexity of life. As stated, the cure is always found in the cause. We must always seek the cause for health challenges and then the signs, signals and symptoms will simply disappear. I was also taught we must stop doing those things that contribute to dis-ease first and then start doing those things that contribute to health. As doctors or healers, we should suggest the minimum in recommendations and supplementation for the maximum result. The below is a simple ten step program for achieving optimum health and longevity.

The Simplicity of Complexity | 10 Steps to Optimum Health – Part 1

1. Stop/Start

As I mentioned, we must stop doing those things that we know make us sick. Avoid toxic, highly processed food and sugary liquids — including concentrated fruit juices. Do not smoke. Drink alcohol in moderation.

We are what we eat, assimilate and don’t eliminate. Remove as many toxic elements from your environment as possible. You may not be able to change the world, but you can change your world. From your home, yard and office, learn what materials, products and electronics are harmful and remove them.

Additionally, the healthier you become the less likely you will need toxic medication and/or medical treatment. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a ton of cures. After stopping the disease contributors, start the following health contributors:

2. Food

We need to eat the best, non-toxic food we can afford. Organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouts, legumes, free range chicken, eggs, turkey, limited dairy (raw yogurt, kefir, goats milk), and wild Alaskan salmon will provide all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino and essential fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants and glyco-nutrients we need to thrive.

If you want beef or pork, make sure it is free range with no hormones, antibiotics, drugs or preservatives added. Remember, it costs more money to buy packaged, processed junk food than it does shopping at your local farmer’s market. And don’t forget the cost of illness from eating toxic, junk food.

3. Water

We need to drink pristine water and lots of it. Of all the different waters available, I believe we need pure H2O. The best I know of is distilled. However, drinking pure distilled water, over time, can lead to a leeching of minerals from the body. Therefore, I recommend re-mineralizing the water with electrolytic minerals such as sea salt, Celtic, Himalayan, New Zealand or Zeta Crystals.

One half teaspoon of either of these electrolytic mineral sources to one gallon of distilled water will make the perfect water to hydrate the body and increase cellular zeta (electrical) potential. I personally buy water from a company that filters it then uses reverse osmosis, distills it and finally, ozonates it. Five gallons costs five dollars delivered.

I then electrically charge it with electrolytic minerals. In order to replace fluids lost from urination, defecation, perspiration and respiration, drink one half of your body weight in ounces daily. If you weigh 128 pounds, you need 64 ounces of charged distilled water daily. That is eight, eight ounce glasses per day.

4. Exercise

I am not talking about walking to the kitchen or bathroom. The human body is mostly fluid, perhaps 75 to 85%. What makes fluid move is movement or exercise. Exercise allows the blood and lymphatic circulation to flow the way it must. Proper exercise increases lung capacity and heart strength.

It contributes to clarity of thought. The P.A.C.E. method of exercise is the most reasonable approach to exercise I have seen to date. Go on-line and read about it. In addition, a fast walk for 30 minutes daily will help.

Hiking or backpacking in the great outdoors keeps one centered and grounded. Deep breathing is paramount for optimum health and longevity. Dancing, riding a bicycle, swimming, tennis, boxing, martial arts, skiing, you name it. Just do something you enjoy and do it everyday. I walk my dogs daily and use a stationary bicycle when the weather is poor.

Otherwise, I ride my bike and use the Total Gym. I also take a FIR (far infrared) sauna every morning. This really gets the blood and lymph going, and opens the pores through perspiration. Bottom line: exercise is simple and is one key to living a long, healthy life.

Dr. James Chappell is a retired board certified chiropractic physician, traditional naturopath, clinical nutritionist, medical herbalist and master formulator with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Since 1971, he has been an avid health researcher and educator specializing in teaching and incorporating natural healing protocols for chronic, severe and so-called “terminal” illnesses. He does not treat patients or disease. He teaches those interested in advanced natural healing. His books and nutritional products are found throughout the world. His services are sought globally, as well. Contact information: calldrjim@sbcglobal.net 805-646-1193.

Read Part II of this Article