Having lived with type 1 diabetes for the past 12 years, I understand the daily battle of managing chronic disease-the sacrifices, frustration, and disappointment. There are times when I long for the day of restoration with Jesus. A day without blood sugar dysfunction, autoimmune disease, or reliance on medication. As I wait for that day, I praise God for the ways he has ministered to me in my chronic illness. He has given me a passion for health, a hope amidst the struggle. He has transformed my bitterness and cynicism into an eagerness to help others heal (or find natural, lasting solutions). The Lord has shown me that I don’t need to settle for just coping with diabetes, but can thrive. I will never be perfect. However, I do know that my health matters; it matters to God, to me, my family and my patients.
It is a wonderful thing that health is a hot topic in our world today. However, it can feel like information overload, leaving people more confused and disheartened due to all the conflicting views. In this blog, I will explain what health is, why we should care about our health, and a few small tips you can add to your daily life that will help improve your overall health. Health is much simpler than we may think.
Health is a harmonious state of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is anchored in God, our Creator, sustained by natural laws, and expressed through vitality and wholeness. Our bodies were made through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16), which means we were created with intention and perfection. At the same time, we must acknowledge that we live in a broken world—one marred by sin, disease, and death.
So, what do we do with that?…
Our health matters because we matter. God created humans in His image, which gives each of us inherent value, dignity, and worth. God loves us with an unbreaking and unchanging love. He sent His Son to die on our behalf, so that we can look forward to a day when death and disease will be no more. His love for us should change the way we think of our health as we recognize that our bodies and lives are gifts that He deemed worth dying for.
We are not guaranteed a life without suffering, particularly without disorder or disease, but we are given choices in our lives over how we live. As a type one diabetic and naturopathic doctor, I believe these daily choices are at the root of most of the chronic diseases we see in the Western world. We can overcome it with a chronically healthy lifestyle. This looks like adopting small, sustainable habits that promote well-being, while also embracing behavioral changes to meet your health goals.
Small changes over time make a big difference and can work better than medications in the long term. It does require an active role and sacrifice. Wherever you are in your health journey, you are capable of living a healthy lifestyle. It is a walk, not a run, to make significant changes in your health, but it is a worthwhile pilgrimage to pursue. It is fun to feel better!
A few small, sustainable habits to consider:
- Adding fiber (nuts, seeds, leafy greens) to carbohydrate-rich meals (i.e., potatoes, pasta, fruits, breads) to support blood sugar balance, in turn promoting better mood and reducing the risk of diabetes.
- Drinking filtered, mineralized water to stay hydrated, reducing food cravings, while also improving sleep and skin health.
- Taking a 10-minute walk after eating a meal supports digestion and blood sugar regulation.
- Starting a Bible study or reading scripture before starting the day to receive your daily bread.
Examples of positive behavioral changes:
- Regular exercise (as little as 30 minutes a day) increases lifespan, as well as improving mood, energy, immunity, and sleep.
- Meditating on a comforting Bible verse when you recognize stress in the day can be an effective way of stress management.
- Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, such as: avoiding screens and large meals at least 2 hours before bed, reading a book, dimming the lights, and trying some gentle stretching or deep breathing exercises. All of this can support your circadian rhythm.
Thank you for reading to the end of this blog. If you’re interested in learning more about health, diet, lifestyle, and related topics—and you live in Arizona—join us at the Compassion Care Center every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. throughout the month of June. This group is open to everyone, no matter where you are on your health journey. I look forward to meeting some of you!
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” (3 John 1:2)
- Jack Duke, ND