There are many different ways to look at health. Health can be viewed to an extent as fitness. Health can be related to happiness. Health can be defined as proper nutrition. It can be improved by exercise, rest, medication, nutrition...and supplementation. However, whatever way you choose to begin looking at your health, one of the first things you need to do is decide what to look at, how it should appear or act, and how to go about making it better or preserving its condition if it is already as it should be.
Let's look at nine bodily systems. The state of these systems can tell us a lot about our overall health and fitness. Evaluating these states can give us an idea of what we may need to work on and how we may go about improving the areas that may be in need of health. Although such matters as exercise and rest are important, of course, for now we are going to look at the body systems themselves, the art of nutritional supplementation and how it may be used to strengthen and perhaps heal systems which have failed or which are in danger of failing.
The Digestive System: For proper health, all foods ingested must be properly processed. This requires a proper balance of the correct enzymes. As there are a great many qualities and substances in the food we eat, it is necessary to have this proper range and balance of digestive enzymes to help deal with processing these foods. As it happens, some people are in short supply of some of these digestive enzymes, and an enzyme supplement may be necessary to improve the digestive process. Even idividuals with what would be considered a "normal" digestion and range of enzymes, may benefit from an enzyme supplement. A proper proportion of digestive enzymes can result in more complete digestion of food while also enhancing the body's ability to absorb and use vitamins and minerals taken in through vitamin supplements.
Some common digestive enzymes are: amylase, glucoamylase, lipase, cellulase, invertase, malt diastase, alpha galactosidase and peptidase.
The Intestinal System: One of the main functions of the intestinal system is the elimination of waste. However, the intestines also perform another major function. The participate in the further breakdown of food that has passed through the stomach and continue to extract nutrition as it passes through. Detoxification of the intestines, or detox as it is more commonly called, supports proper digestive and intestinal function. It promotes healthy, regular elimination of waste from the colon. The bowel detox process can be complicated and involved lasting over a period of time, or can be done quickly with available preparations. It is also believed that a build up of toxins in the colon can cause or contribute to many physical and psychological ills.
Some items often used in a intestinal detox program or simply as supplements to aid the function of the intestines/colon, include: psyllium hulls, bentonite clay, aloe vera juice, chlorophyll, potassium, and stevia.
The Circulatory System: Most people would agree that a healthy circulatory system, including the heart, is of paramount importance in a person's health. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the Number One cause of death in America. There has been a wide range of medical advances in the last century in knowledge of heart problems and circulatory problems, and a wide range of medications have been added to the doctor's arsenal. While regular exercise and proper nutrition are two major weapons in the defense against heart disease and circulatory problems, there are many well-known, and in most cases, long known natural products which may promote a healthy heart and circulatory system when added to an appropriately healthy lifestyle. Some effects experienced with these types of supplements include increases in the strength and flexibility of blood vessel walls, improved blood flow, lowered cholesterol, and the destruction of free radicals.
Some of the following may be used to as supplements for the heart and circulatory system: garlic, vitamin E, Co Q10, astragalus root, capsicum, flax seed oil, ginkgo biloba, hawthorn berries, green tea, and green tea extract.
The Nervous System: Whether tasting, smelling, thinking, singing, writing poetry, or writhing in pain, the nervous system is constantly carrying messages to and from the brain to all areas of the body, and between body systems themselves. If you are hungry, or not hungry, sleeping or unable to sleep, in a good mood or a bad mood, the nervous system is involved. The physical condition of nerves, neurons, and other parts of the nervous system, combined with chemical and electrical messaging systems plays a great part in the overall health of the body, and enjoyment of life itself. Sometimes the symtom improves through treatment of the nervous system, sometimes treatment of the nervous system improves through treatment of the symptom. Sometimes a detox program, such as removal of caffeine may produce benefits to the nervous system.
Some products associated with maintenance of the nervous system include: alpha lipoic acid, bergamot (essential oil), chamomile, cinnamon leaf (essential oil), flax seed oil, ginkgo biloba, vitamin B12, noni juice, and pantothenic acid.
The Immune System: Outsiders constantly attack our bodies, and sometimes even insiders. It is the task of a healthy immune system to "repel all boarders", and keep us safe from infections, inflamations, and irritations. As expected, regular exercise, proper nutrition and rest can help keep the immune system functioning at maximum effort. However, sometimes the immune system may need a little help in the form of an immune system supplement, a supplement introduced specifically to boost the immune system.
Some natural immune system boosters include: astragalus root, bergamot (essential oil), colostrum, echinacea, golden seal, garlic, green tea extract and korean ginseng.
The Respiratory System: The respiratory system is responsible for providing oxygen to the circulatory system so it can be distributed throughout the body. A lesser known function is to not only expel "used air" in the form of carbon dioxide, water and other elements, it also helps rid the body of toxins. These common functions can be interfered with through respiratory infections such as the common cold, through interference due to allergy, the actions of other illnesses and conditions, and the breakdown of the system itself.
Some respiratory system aids are: echincacea purpurea, eucalyptus (essential oil), fenugreek, thyme, marshmallow, noni juice and rosemary (essential oil).
The Urinary System: The lungs, skin, and intestines need to dispose of waste. The urinary system is tasked with working with these systems to keep water, and chemicals balanced in your system while disposing of the waste. Illness, injury and simply aging can diminish the ability of the urinary system to meet its obligations.
Some natural supplements and oils for urinary system health: bergamot (essential oil), chickweed, cranberry, dandelion, juniper berries, marshmallow, and sandalwood (essential oil).
The Glandular System: Adrenal glands, reproductive organs, lymph glands, pituitary gland and the list goes on. Hormones course through our bodies delivering messages and controling processes throughout the body. The efficient functioning of all these various parts of the glandular system is imperative to continued health, vigor, vitality, and joy of life.
Some products to aid in maintaining the glandular system include: alpha lipoic acid, black cohosh, chickweed, clary sage (essential oil), dhea, dong quai, geranium (essential oil) and korean ginseng.
The Structural System: Often neglected in health programs, your bones, joints and connective tissue need help too.
Some supplements for health of bones, joints, connective tissue and other parts of the structural system include: anamu, calcium, chondroitin, horsetail, L-lysine, and yucca.
In addition to the systems outlined above, natural supplements may be chosen to specifically target the hair and skeleton, or to improve nutrition or to help in weight loss. Essential oils can be used for aromatherapy to improve mood or health.
You can use our Free Health Analyzer on our parent site to assess the condition of your systems and review options and supplements available to you.
