Always Awake

I've been reading some very interesting research on the brain. Our brain is the command post of our bodies. I heard one Christian doctor compare the brain to God. He said the brain controls the body as God controls the heavens and earth. I have to agree. One very critical element many of us are deficient in is sleep. And the brain and body absolutely must have adequate sleep in order to function properly.

We can all agree to that, I'm sure. I know if I don't sleep well for a few days in a row, not only do I lack energy, but I find I just cannot think clearly. Did you ever wonder why your thinking is so dramatically affected?

Your brain never really stops working! If it did, you wouldn't wake up. Your brain is busy orchestrating your body's maintenance processes. Dead and aging cells are replaced, muscles, tissues and organs are repaired and renewed, hormones and important immune-boosting chemicals are released. That's also why you are so much more susceptible to getting sick when you haven't slept well for a few nights. Your immune system is compromised.

It also takes any information you learned that day and consolidates it and makes it possible for you not only to remember it but to understand it more clearly. You actually lose about 30% of what you learn on any given day and up to two days earlier without adequate sleep. A study was done on birds and a specific part of their brains replayed songs they learned during the day while they slept. It seems even they depend on sleep for a sharp, well-functioning memory!

In comparing the brain to God, it reminded me of Psalm 121:3, 4 "He will not let your foot slip; He Who watches over you will not slumber; indeed He Who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." I don't know about you, but that is very comforting to me. It doesn't matter what time of night or day - He is aware of me and my needs.

Your brain is created in such a way that certain functions only occur when you are asleep. So, technically, your brain is not sleeping, but when your body slows down and relaxes into refreshing, deep sleep, certain areas of your brain activate those important maintenance functions that are not activated when you are awake.

So one of the absolute basics for real health, is to be sure to get adequate sleep every night. Your body needs it and you will be allowing your brain to do what it was created to do for you. No matter what is keeping you up and preventing you from sleeping, remember, God is already up - let Him handle it. You know He will do a much better job anyway!

It's All In Your Head!

I have watched a series of programs on Pastor Benny Hinn's program recently where he interviewed Dr. Eric Braverman. These shows have been enlightening and encouraging. I love hearing a doctor - yes, a real, board certified, main stream, conventional doctor talk about the power of herbs, spices, teas, foods, bioidentical hormones and supplements in conjunction with medications, only when absolutely necessary. Dr. Braverman was talking about something I've not heard before - brain health. He says that if your brain is healthy and receiving the nutrients it needs to function optimally, you will be able to stay slim, to concentrate, have energy, sleep well and generally remain healthy. Although I've never heard any other doctor approach health that way, it makes perfect sense.

I immediately ordered his books which were being offered and I am anxious to be able to read in more detail exactly what herbs and spices he recommends. He shared that typically most herbs and spices contain so many nutritious substances that adding them to our meals increases the nutritional content exponentially! What a simple (and tasty) thing to do. But aren't we usually the ones who make things more complicated than they need to be?

I loved how he explained the importance of brain health. He said that the brain represents God in our bodies - it controls all other functions - just as God is sovereign and over all the universe. How logical. God tells us that He has given us trees and seeds for our health and healing but we read that and fail to take it literally! We just leave it out there in the spiritual realm when it refers directly to our physical health. From his years of research and experience Dr. Braverman is proving the absolute literal truth of the scriptures that speak about the wonderful, healthy food God created and provided for us.

It is encouraging beyond imagining to hear a doctor go on television and not only talk about the natural, holistic methods he uses, both personally and with his patients, but also to give God the glory for it!

In my opinion we need more doctors like Dr. Braverman.