In our forefather's days, a trip to the doctor, prescriptions, dire health warnings and obesity were rare. The people toiled in a physical world, ate three home cooked meals a day and seemed to enjoy pretty good health with few only a few having weight problems. They didn't belabor a personal health care regime, either. Their robustness came from normal living, it was just part of their daily routine. Our ancestors didn't have to 'get healthy quick' because they already were.

Today, it seems that we are, as a society, obsessed with health matters. While many are engaging in a lot of self-care through exercising, eating better and less stress, there are some simple things that we can do to help ourselves maintain as much good health as possible. For some people, the tips in this hub will fit smoothly and naturally into their day.

Before proceeding with the easy tips though, test your knowledge of natural ways to get healthy in a hurry. The answers and explanations follow the polls.

Correct Answer to Poll Question: Go to a party.

It doesn't have to be a party, any socializing will do. When you're out having fun, laughing and sharing the evening with friends, your stress hormone levels fall. This clears the way for a dramatic increase of white blood cells, which will boost your immune system.

According to a study done at Wilkes University, relaxed socializing lowers cortisol (stress hormone) and can reduce your chances of contracting a cold or the flu by 76%.  What better way to get healthy quick than by having fun?

Correct Answer to Poll Question:  Popcorn

People have been drinking warm milk as a sleep aid for generations.  Turns out that it may actually keep you awake if you drink it too close to bedtime.  According to researchers at the Preventive Medical Centre of Marin, the protein found in milk can actually make you more alert and milk fats promote fitful sleeping because it slows down digestion. 

Popcorn increases the brain's tryptophan and serotonin.  Eat three cups of unbuttered popcorn a half an hour before bed to fall asleep 54% faster than usual.

Correct Answer to Poll Question:  Coffee

It's so tempting and easy to take a little cat nap when you're feeling tired.  Turns out that having a cup of coffee is more effective in battling fatigue.

According to one French study, caffeine's affect on your brain does not change with age.  Sleep however, is a different matter.  It is most restorative before we reach adolesence.  Adults do not get as much benefit from a power nap as kids do.  Probably, any parent can verify that!

Correct Answer to Poll Question:  Writing in a diary or journal

Want to stimulate both sides of your brain?  Try writing!  Researchers at the University of Texas have found that a mere twenty minutes of journaling every day helped to increase cognitive function. You'll become a better problem solver, experience more creativity, have improved memory and handle stress better.

Crosswords are fun and relaxing, but they only use the left side of the brain.

Correct Answer to Poll Question:  Tea with honey

Replacing your mouthwash with black tea is a good way to stop cavity-causing bacteria for up to two hours.  It's easy to do, just swish with the tea for 30 seconds between meals.  If you add dark honey to the tea, you'll get the added benefit of antibacterial action that lasts up to 48 hours. 

Mouthwash on the other hand, has not proven to prevent cavities.

Correct Answer to Poll Question:  Hamburger

You've just had a physically demanding day.  Now, your body needs 20 grams of protein and 50 grams of complex carbohydrates in order to build muscles and energy, as well as repair tissue damage.  British researchers claim that a hamburger on a whole-grain bun will supply those things and more.  A medium sized burger has nutrients that can also suppress the appetite for up to four hours.

Fruit on the other hand, provides sugars that your body will access for quick energy without bothering to go any further towards metabolizing fat.  Drop fruit eating after strenuous physical exercise if you want to lose weight faster.

These easy tips involve natural foods that we have everyday access to. Perhaps by using these kinds of preventive techniques, we can enjoy simpler methods to get healthy quick, like our forefathers did.

Source: Health Know-How, November 2008