No, this is not a manual on how to become a completely new person in a week. But if you get rid of a cherished but unhealthy habit day by day and adopt a new one, this health cure will bring you more fitness and joie de vivre.
- Day 1: Eating two apples protects
The crunchy fruit lowers cholesterol levels, can protect against cancer, Alzheimer's and osteoporosis, keeps the gut healthy and also makes you slim. Numerous studies have shown this. But recent studies have shown that one apple a day is unfortunately not enough for a health cure - it should be two. Preferably organic quality, according to the experts.
- Day: Sleep more than usual
A health cure that nobody thinks about: sleep keeps the memory fit, repairs the body, keeps you healthy and fit. It has been scientifically proven that too little sleep makes you ill, fat and stupid in the long run. In stressful everyday life with its many appointments and duties, vital sleep is often neglected. Doctors recommend at least six hours a night - then the cells can regenerate, and what we have experienced and learned is processed and stored. If you sleep too little, you produce less leptin: this is the messenger substance that curbs your appetite. Instead, they release more ghrelin. This substance makes you hungry. It also reduces the risk of diabetes: cells become insensitive to insulin in people who sleep little.
- Day 2: Eat fiber regularly
They are virtually indigestible. And that's super healthy, because the fibers from cereals, vegetables and fruit swell up in the stomach, make you feel full and thus help you lose weight. But they can do much more: if you eat fiber regularly, you reduce your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by a good half. They also cause blood sugar levels to rise much more slowly, keep you full for longer and ensure regular digestion. The recommendation of our health cure is: at least 30 grams of fiber per day. This is found in cereals, nuts, fruit and vegetables.
- Day 1: Better to drink water
Sweet soft drinks and fruit juices contain sugar. Water is healthier and has no calories. Scientists at the Charité hospital in Berlin have discovered that water also boosts the metabolism. Health cure tip: Water from the tap is at least as good as expensive mineral water.
- Day: Take more time for myself
Our everyday lives are hectic, the balancing act between family and job takes its toll on our nerves - and we ourselves fall by the wayside. Schedule an hour for yourself every day as part of your health cure to help you relax and stay healthy. Maybe just lie lazily on the sofa or meet a friend.
- Day: Relaxing according to Jacobson
Relaxation techniques help you to recover from the often stressful everyday life. The simplest is the one developed by the American Edmund Jacobson: hands, arms, stomach and legs are tensed for about five seconds and then released again. Detailed exercise CDs are available in bookshops.
- Day: Every step makes you healthier
Every song you sway to, every step you take, every little walk is part of our health regimen. Exercise gets the metabolism going, keeps the immune system fit and also puts you in a good mood. Diabetes, Alzheimer's and high blood pressure hardly stand a chance. 30 minutes a day is enough.