NEW START is the natural health program which based upon eight natural health law principles. These principles have been established from the bible. The bible has many scriptures relating to health:-
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3 John 2).
The eight principles are made up to produce the word NEW START:
1. Nutrition
Proper nutrition is the foundation of good health and recovery. Cooking classes, meals, and cookbooks all demonstrate the variety appeal, and satisfaction of whole plant food vegetarian cuisine.
" Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31).
It is important that we understand this principle as it determines what we lay upon our tables. The health of the body start with nutrients it gets from our food. The original diet given to mankind was established after creation. God, who created man and understands our needs, gave us a diet that best supplies the elements needed for the building of the body.
"Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." (Genesis 1:29). The word "meat" originates from the hebrew, oklah, which means food.
The following explanation of the above scripture is given according to foods as we know them today:-
" Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed..." |
| Grains - wheat, corn, rye, barley, rice, millet, oats, buckwheat etc |
Seeds - sunflower, sesame, flax, pumpkin seeds etc. |
| Legumes - soybeans, lentils, peas, peanuts, other beans etc. |
| Succulent Foods Containing Seed - eggplant, okra, bell pepper, green beans, pumpkins, cucumbers, tomatoes, melons etc. |
|
"...and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed..." (Genesis 1:29) |
| Fruits - citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) |
| Sub-acid fruits (apples, peaches) |
| Sweet fruits (dates, raisins) |
| Palm fruits (bananas, pineapple) |
| Neutral fruits (avocados, olives) |
| Nuts - almonds, pecans, cashews, brazil, walnuts, chestnuts etc. |
After sin man had to gain his livelihood by tilling the earth, and the "herb of the field", which was originally food for the animals (Genesis 1:30), was added to his diet.
"And unto Adam He said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife...cursed is the ground for thy sake... and thou shalt eat the herb of the field." (Genesis 3:17, 18).
Although vegetables (the green herb of the field) were not part of the Original Diet given to man, they were added to man's diet after he had sinned and are a part of his diet today.
Exercise
Man's employment, as seen in the original design is also worthy of notice. "And the Lord God took the man, and put him in the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it." (Genesis 2:15). Man was designed for activity in the open light of the sun and the free air of heaven. These conditions were important to the joys of his existence. The subsequent curse upon Adam was not in that he should labour, but that his labours should be attended with difficulties. Exercise is essential for the body. Morning exercise, in walking in the free, invigorating air of heaven, or cultivating flowers, small fruits, and vegetables, is necessary to a healthful circulation of the blood. It is the surest safeguards against colds, coughs, congestion of the brain and lungs, inflammation of the liver, the kidneys, and the lungs, and a hundred other diseases.
Muscle tone and strength are lost without exertion, but exercise improves the health of body, mind, and spirit multiplying vitality and health. Exercise aids the digestion. When we engage in severe study or violent physical exercise immediately after eating, it hinders the work of digestion; but a short walk after a meal, with the head erect and the shoulders back, is a great benefit.
Water
In health and in sickness, pure water is one of heaven's choicest blessings. Because the body is 70% water, keeping well hydrated and knowing what and when to drink are essential to health. It is the beverage which God provided to quench the thirst of animals and man. Drunk freely, it helps to supply the necessities of the system, and assists nature to resist disease. The external application of water is one of the easiest and most satisfactory ways of regulating the circulation of the blood. A cold or a cool bath is an excellent tonic. Warm baths opens the pores, and thus aid in the elimination of impurities. Both warm and neutral baths soothe the nerves and equalise the circulation.
Whether a person is sick or well, respiration is more free and easy if bathing is practiced. By it, the muscles become more flexible, the mind and body are alike invigorated, the intellect is made brighter, and every faculty becomes livelier. The bath is a soother of the nerves. It promotes general perspiration, quickens the circulation, overcomes obstructions in the system, and acts beneficially on the kidneys and urinary organs. Bathing helps the bowels, stomach, and liver, giving energy and new life to each. It also promotes digestion, and instead of the system being weakened, it is strengthened. Instead of increasing the ability to cold, a bath, properly taken, fortifies against cold, because the circulation is improved.
As an additional aid, you may find by fasting for one or two meals, and by drinking only pure, soft water, the overburdened system will be enabled to overcome slight indispositions, and even graver difficulties may be sometimes overcome by this simple process.
Sunlight
The sun is the established energy source ordained by God to sustain the cycle of life for plants and animals. Human beings, like plants, need adequate sunlight. If the windows were freed from blinds and heavy curtains, and the air and sun permitted to enter the darkened rooms, there would be seen a change for the better in the mental and physical health. The pure air would have an invigorating influence, and the sun that carries healing in its beams would soothe and cheer, and make one happy, joyous and healthy.
Trees and shrubbery too close around a house are unhealthful; for they prevent a free circulation of air, and prevent the sun rays from shining through sufficiently. In consequence of this a dampness gathers in the house, which may cause rheumatism, neuralgia and lung complaints.
Temperance
Temperance can be neither bought nor earned, but is rather an important gift of God, a “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23. True temperance teaches us to dispense with everything hurtful and to use judiciously that which is healthful.
Those who understand the laws of health and who are governed by principle, will shun the extremes, both of a self-indulgent appetite or of an insufficient meager diet. Their diet is chosen, not for the mere gratification of appetite, but for the upbuilding of the body. They seek to preserve every power in the best condition for highest service to God and man. The appetite is under the control of reason and conscience, and they are rewarded with health of body and mind. While they do not urge their views offensively upon others, their example is a testimony in favour of right principles.
Condiments
In this fast age, the less exciting the food, the better. Condiments are injurious in their nature. Mustard, pepper, spices, pickles, and other things of a like character, irritate the stomach and make the blood feverish and impure. The inflamed condition of the drunkard's stomach is often pictured as illustrating the effect of alcoholic liquors. A similarly inflamed condition is produced by the use of irritating condiments. Soon ordinary food does not satisfy the appetite. The system feels a want, a craving, for something more stimulating.
Tea and Coffee
Tea acts as a stimulant, and, to a certain extent, produces intoxication. The action of coffee and many other popular drinks is similar. The first effect is exhilarating. The nerves of the stomach are excited; these convey irritation to the brain, and this in turn is aroused to impart increased action to the heart, and short-lived energy to the entire system. Fatigue is forgotten; the strength seems to be increased. The intellect is aroused, the imagination becomes more vivid.
Because of these results, many suppose that their tea or coffee is doing them great good. But this is a mistake. Tea and coffee do not nourish the system. Their effect is produced before there has been time for digestion and assimilation, and what seems to be strength is only nervous excitement. When the influence of the stimulant is gone, the unnatural force abates, and the result is a corresponding degree of languor and debility.
The continued use of these nerve irritants is followed by headache, wakefulness, palpitation of the heart, indigestion, trembling, and many other evils; for they wear away the life forces. Tired nerves need rest and quiet instead of stimulation and overwork. Nature needs time to recuperate her exhausted energies.
The Tobacco Habit
Tobacco is a slow, insidious, but most malignant poison. In whatever form it is used, it tells upon the constitution; it is all the more dangerous because its effects are slow, and at first hardly perceptible. It excites and then paralyses the nerves. It weakens and clouds the brain. Often it affects the nerves in a more powerful manner than does intoxicating drink. It is more subtle, and its effects are difficult to eradicate from the system. Its use excites a thirst for strong drink, and in many cases lays the foundation for the liquor habit.
Among children and youth the use of tobacco is working untold harm. The unhealthful practices of past generations affect the children and youth of today. Mental inability, physical weakness, disordered nerves, and unnatural cravings are transmitted as a legacy from parents to children. And the same practices, continued by the children, are increasing and perpetuating the evil results. To this cause in no small degree is owing the physical, mental, and moral deterioration, which is becoming such a cause of alarm.
Intoxicating Drinks
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." (Proverbs 20:1).
"Who hath woe? who have sorrow? who hath contention? Who hath babbling? who have wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; They that go and seek mixed wine; Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, When it giveth his colour in the cup, When it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, And stingeth like an adder." (Proverbs 23:29-32).
Never was traced by human hand a more vivid picture of the debasement and the slavery of the victim of intoxicating drink. Enthralled, degraded, even when awakened to the sense of his misery, he has no power to break from the snare; he "will seek it yet again." (Proverbs 23:35).
No argument is needed to show the evil effects of intoxicants on the drunkard. The bleared, besotted wrecks of humanity - souls for whom Christ died, and over whom angels weep - are everywhere. They are a blot on our boasted civilisation. They are the shame and curse and peril of every land.
Persons who have inherited an appetite for unnatural stimulants should by no means have wine, beer, or cider in their sight, or within their reach; for this keeps the temptation constantly before them. Regarding sweet ciders as harmless, many have no scruples in purchasing it freely. But it remains sweet for a short time only; then fermentation begins. The sharp taste which it then acquires makes it all the more acceptable to many palates, and the user is loath to admit that it has become hard, or fermented.
The Bible nowhere sanctions the use of intoxicating wine. The wine that Christ made from water at the marriage feast of Cana was the pure juice of the grape. This is the "new wine found in the cluster" of which the Scripture says "Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it." (Isaiah 65:8).
It was Christ who directed that John the Baptist should drink neither wine or strong drink;
"For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb." (Luke 1:15).
It was Christ who enjoined similar abstinence upon the wife of Manoah, the mother of Samson;
"Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine or strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing: For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazerite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines." (Judges 13:5).
Christ did not contradict his own teaching. The unfermented wine that He provided for the wedding guests was a wholesome and refreshing drink. This is the wine that was used by our Saviour and His disciples in the first communion. It is the wine that should always be used on the communion table as a symbol of the Saviour's blood. As a stomach remedy, the apostle Paul said to Timothy, "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." (1 Timothy 5:23).
In relation to tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcoholic drinks, the only safe course is to touch not, taste not, handle not. The tendency of tea, coffee and similar drinks is in the same direction as that of alcoholic liquor and tobacco, and in some cases the habit is as difficult to break as it is for the drunkard to give up intoxicants. Those who attempt to leave off these stimulants will for a time feel a loss, and will suffer without them. But by persistence they will overcome the craving, and cease to feel the lack. Nature may require a little time to recover from the abuse she has suffered; but give her a chance, and she will again rally, and perform her work nobly and well.
Flesh As Food
The diet appointed man in the beginning did not include animal food. Not till after the flood, when every green thing on the earth had been destroyed, did man receive permission to eat flesh.
Those who eat flesh are but eating grains and vegetables at second hand; for the animal receives from these things the nutrition that produces growth. The life that was in the grains and vegetables passes into the eater. We receive it by eating the flesh of the animal. How much better to get it direct, by eating the food that God provided for our use!
Flesh was never the best food; but its use is now doubly objectionable, since disease in animals is so rapidly increasing. Those who use flesh foods little know what they are eating. Often if they could see the animals when living and know the quality of the meat they eat, they would turn from it with loathing. People are continually eating flesh that is filled with tuberculous and cancerous germs. Tuberculosis, cancer, and other fatal diseases are thus communicated.
The tissue of swine or pigs swarm with parasites. Of the swine God said, "It is unclean unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcass." (Deuteronomy 14:8). This command was given because swine's flesh is unfit for food. Swine are scavengers, and this is the only use they were intended to serve.
Often animals are taken to market, and sold for food, when they are so diseased that their owners fear to keep them longer. And some of the processes of fattening then for market produces disease. Shut away from the light and pure air, breathing the atmosphere of filthy stables, perhaps fattening on decaying food, the entire body soon becomes contaminated with foul matter.
Animals are often transported long distances and subjected to great suffering in reaching a market. Taken from the green pastures, and traveling for weary miles over the hot, dusty roads, or crowded into filthy cars, feverish and exhausted, often for many hours deprived of food and water, the poor creatures are driven to their death, that human beings may feast on the carcasses.
In many places fish become so contaminated by the filth on which they feed as to be a cause of disease. This is especially the case where the fish come in contact with the sewage of large cities. The fish that are fed on the contents of the drains may pass into distant waters, and may be caught where the water is pure and fresh. Thus when used as food they bring disease and death on those who do not suspect the danger. The children of Israel who wandered in the wilderness for forty years, were not satisfied with God's diet of "manna", so they murmured and complained before the Lord;
" Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes." (Numbers 11:4-6).
The effects of a flesh diet may not be immediately realised; but this is no evidence that it is not harmful. Few can be made to believe that it is the meat they have eaten which poisoned their blood and caused their suffering. Many die of diseases wholly due to meat-eating, while the real cause is not suspected by themselves or by others.
Changing The Diet
It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends upon the use of animal food. The needs of the system can be better supplied, and more vigorous health can be enjoyed, without its use. The grains, with fruits, nuts, and vegetables, contain all the nutritive properties necessary to make good blood. These elements are not so well or so fully supplied by a flesh diet. Had the use of flesh been essential to health and strength, animal food would have been included in the diet appointed man in the beginning.
When the use of flesh food is discontinued, there is often a sense of weakness, a lack of vigour. Many urge this as evidence that the flesh food is essential; but it is because foods of this class are stimulating, because they fever the blood and excite the nerves, that they are so missed. Some will find it as difficult to leave off flesh-eating as it is for the drunkard to give up his dram; but they will be the better for the change.
When flesh food is discarded, its place should be supplied with a variety of grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits, that will both be nourishing and appetising. This is especially necessary in the case of those who are weak, or who are taxed with continuous labour. In some poverty stricken countries, flesh is the cheapest food. Under these circumstances the change will be made with greater difficulty; but it can be effected. We should, however, consider the situation of the people and the power of lifelong habit, and should be careful not to urge even right ideas unduly. None should be urged to make the change abruptly. The place of meat should be supplied with wholesome foods that are inexpensive. In this matter very much depends upon the cook. With care and skill, dishes maybe prepared that will be both nutritious and appetising, and will, to a great degree, take the place of flesh food.
"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, Which is upon the face of all the earth, And every tree in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed: To you it shall be for meat (food)." (Genesis 1:29).
"It shall be for a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, That ye eat neither fat nor blood." (Leviticus 3:17).
There is a large class who will oppose any reform movement, however reasonable, if it places a restriction on the appetite. They consult taste instead of reason or the laws of health. By this class, all who leave the beaten track of custom, and advocate reform, will be accounted radical, no matter how consistent their course.
Air
The body’s most essential resource is air. More important than food or water, proper breathing and pure air are fundamental to good health. Pure air soothes the nerves, circulates the blood healthily through the system, refreshes the body and mind, excites the appetite, renders better digestion and induces sound sleep.
However, ill-ventilated rooms weaken the system, depresses circulation and the mind, and may produce colds. It is close confinement indoors that makes many feeble and pale. They breathe the same air over and over, until it becomes laden with poisonous matter thrown off through the lungs and pores; and impurities are thus conveyed back to the blood.
Respiration
The lungs should be allowed the greatest freedom possible. Their capacity is developed by free action; it diminishes if they are cramped and compressed. Hence the ill effects of the practice so common, especially in sedentary pursuits, of stooping at one's work. In this position it is impossible to breathe deeply. Superficial breathing soon becomes a habit, and the lungs lose their power to expand. A similar effect is produced by tight clothing. Sufficient room is not given to the lower part of the chest; the abdominal muscles, which were designed to aid in breathing, do not have full play, and the lungs are restricted in their action. Hence, the whole system becomes susceptible to disease.
Death-producing germs
Every form of uncleanness tends to disease. Death-producing germs abound in dark, neglected corners, in decaying refuse, in dampness and mould and must. No waste vegetables or heaps of fallen leaves should be allowed to remain near the house, to decay and poison the air. Nothing unclean or decaying should be tolerated within the home. In towns or cities regarded perfectly healthful, many an epidemic of fever has been traced to decaying matter about the dwelling of some careless householder.
Rest
Restoration requires rest because sleep allows the body to renew itself. Many types of rest are important for health, but the sweetest rest follows labor. Some make themselves sick by overwork. For these, rest, freedom from care, and a spare diet, are essential to restoration of health. To those who are brain weary and nervous because of continual labour and close confinement, a visit to the country, where they can live a simple, carefree life, coming in close contact with the things of nature, will be most helpful. Roaming through the fields and the woods, picking the flowers, listening to the songs of the birds, will do far more than any other agency toward their recovery.
Trust In God
Directly linked to physical health (Proverbs 3:5-6), trust in God is a gift leading to right choices.The Saviour in His miracles revealed the power that is continually at work in man's behalf, to sustain and to heal him. Through the agencies of nature, God is working, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, to keep us alive, to build up and restore us. When any part of the body sustains injury, a healing process is at once begun; nature's agencies are set at work to restore soundness. But the power working through these agencies is the power of God. All life-giving power is from Him. When one recovers from disease, it is God who restores him.
Sickness, suffering and death are the work of an antagonistic power. Satan is the destroyer; God is the Restorer.
Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings, - as much a duty as it is to pray. If we are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining all along the way to the Father's house?
"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts;...and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:15).
When some one asks how you are feeling, do not try to think of something mournful to tell in order to gain sympathy. Do not talk of your lack of faith and your sorrows and sufferings. The tempter delights to hear such words. When talking on gloomy subjects, you are glorifying him. We are not to dwell on the great power of Satan to overcome us. Often we give ourselves into his hands by talking of his power. Let us talk instead of the great power of God to bind up all our interests with His own. Tell of the matchless power of Christ, and speak of His glory. All heaven is interested in our salvation. The angels of God, thousands upon thousands, and ten thousands times ten thousand, are commissioned to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation.
(Hebrews 1:14). They guard us against evil, and press back the powers of darkness that are seeking our destruction. Have we not reason to be thankful every moment, thankful even when there are apparent difficulties in our pathway?
"Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: For His mercy endureth forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy." (Psalms 107:1,2).
"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; But we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, Not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: Lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).
We need to learn that indulged appetite is the greatest hindrance to mental improvement and soul sanctification.
