Six Key Principles

Six Key Principles

Dr. Mercola has spent the majority of his life educating himself on the fundamental ways to achieve optimal health. Through dedicated research and his own personal experiences, he has found that every biological process in the human body, from the firing of your brain cells to the beating of your heart, depends upon healthy mitochondria. He has connected six basic tenets of everyday living – sun exposure, proper nutrition, environmental surroundings, movement and exercise, sleep and emotional well-being – to healthy mitochondria and thus, a healthy life.

Sun Exposure

Vitamin D3 – the form of vitamin D that your body makes from sunlight, also known as cholecalciferol – is necessary for proper immune system function, energy, mitochondrial health and even building strong bones. To produce optimal levels of this essential nutrient, you must expose significant areas of your skin to the sun when it is at highest position – typically around noon.

Proper Nutrition

There’s no question your health is directly related to the quality of the food you eat. In addition to avoiding processed foods, artificial sugars, refined grains and vegetable oils, choosing organic or Biodynamic foods grown using regenerative farming practices whenever possible is best. Regenerative farming prioritizes the health of the soil, which in turn yields food that is nutritious and free of harmful pesticides and GMOs.

Environmental Surroundings

We live in a ‘connected’ society, constantly surrounded by invisible toxins from electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that are impacting our health. Cellphones, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth- and wireless-equipped items, baby monitors and microwaves are some of the most prominent sources of EMFs. Ideally, you should limit your use of these items whenever possible, or turn them off when not in use, like at nighttime.

Movement and Exercise

The average American adult spends about 10 hours each day sitting, and studies have now confirmed that chronic sitting increases your risk for health issues. Even if you eat right and exercise often, you need regular movement throughout the day. Strive to sit for less than three hours a day total, and make it a point to walk more. Incorporating a fitness routine into your regimen is also highly recommended.

Sleep

Sleep is an integral part of health, particularly brain and cognitive health. Your brain needs sleep to maintain metabolic balance and to eliminate accumulated toxic waste through its glymphatic system. Poor memory and concentration, heightened stress levels, weight gain and a weakened immune system are just some of the potential effects of inadequate sleep.

Emotional Well-Being

Managing your stress is an absolute necessity for health. Stress impacts your well-being on all levels – emotional, mental and physical. Meditation provides your body with much needed rest that is two to five times deeper than sleep. No matter what form of meditation or mindfulness you choose, remember to take time throughout your day to sit or lie down and practice a few minutes of slow, abdominal breathing.

Take Control of Your Health^® today by incorporating these Six Key Principles into your daily health routine.