Take Vitamin D Supplements

Taking Vitamin D supplements has been shown to reduce the risk of death from any cause.   There has been a wide range of studies showing that a vitamin D deficiency is associated with a cross section of diseases, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes.


The human body makes vitamin D from sunshine.  You would think that it would be easy to get enough, but people don't go outside as much, and when they do they are warned to cover up and wear sunscreen.  The truth is that only a moderate amount of sun exposure is needed to create healthy levels of vitamin d.  In sunny climates and season, less then a half hour is needed. 

You can also get vitamin D from certain foods, but not in any high quantity.  If getting more sun isn't going to work for you, one of the best way to elevate your levels would be to take a supplement.  It is a relatively low cost method to keep you from getting serious ill.

Manage Stress

There is  mounting research showing that stress can be a contributor to a wide cross section of diseases.  When we think about preventive medicine, we often think about foods or chemicals that will prevent disease.  But stress is a physical reaction that is a precursor to many diseases itself.

Modern society is full of sources of stress.  There is no end to it.   The best thing you can do is learn how to manage that stress.  

You probably already know how to manage your stress, without realizing it.   Some things make you relaxed, somethings freak you out.  Stick with the former and avoid the latter.

If you're looking for more idea, here is a site that has 101 ways to cope with stress.   Some of the suggestions they have are

Avoid tight fitting clothes.
Simplify meal times.
Teach a kid to fly a kite.
Take a bubble bath.
Vent to someone. 

Eat Whole Grains

There is a lot of research coming out showing that diets high in whole grains can lead to lower rates of obesity, heart disease and cancer.    For something to be whole grain, it must use the entire grain, not just the flour like most breads do today.  


Simply switching to breads that list "whole wheat flour" as their first ingredient can have a major impact on your health.   Also consider switching to whole wheat pasta.  


Whole grains are what people survived on for thousands of years.  It only makes sense that the human body would require them for basic health. 

Take Natural Vitamins

Most people rely on a multivitamin for their nutrition.  That's an OK first step, but the best nutrition comes from nutritious foods.  Artificial vitamins made in factories are not always the exact same as vitamins found in nature.   When you get your vitamins from natural food sources you are getting higher quality vitamins as well as additional trace nutrients and anti-oxidants.   You don't always get those with a pill. 

Aside from fresh fruit and vegetables, wheat is an excellent source of nutrition.  Not wheat flour, but actual ground wheat.   Look for breads that list "whole ground wheat" as their first ingredient.  You will be eating all of the wheat berry, getting maximum nutrition.   Wheat flour is often stripped of its vitamins and then the are added back.  The nutritional info can look impressive, but its mostly artificial.