That pretty well sums it up, Jim. Thanks. Science is telling us the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy are accurate and far ahead of the world from a time standpoint. Sunshine and sleep are very important to our health. Do we as a people teach that sunshine and rest are two of nature's doctors? And for how long have we been teaching this?
Most teach that L-tryptophan comes from meat, cheese, and eggs. But, God did not forget about our need of L-tryptophan. He placed it in our original diet which did not include any animal products. Many nuts and seeds are rich in the amino acid. Other foods such as bananas have lesser amounts of L-tryptophan.
L-tryptophan is necessary to produce serotonin.
abstract. Most serotonin in the body is found in the digestive tract. This serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. L-tryptophan crosses the blood brain barrier and is used in a two step process to produce serotonin in the brain. Only serotonin produced in the brain can be converted to melatonin. Melatonin helps to produce good sleep and a happy disposition.
These chemical reactions are dependent upon the food we eat, but it does not stop there. As Jim has shared, it is not just diet that produces healthy happy people, the sunlight is necessary also. And, even darkness is needed to produce the melatonin. The time that we live in the sun and in darkness has to do with our health and happiness. Early to bed, early to rise is not just a saying, it is Biblical truth that produces the health and happiness being discussed in this topic. We have been counseled to have a regimented life, eating, working, sleeping on a regular time schedule for a reason. This schedule is done in light of what is known as the circadian rhythm.
The rhythm is in relationship to the sun. In our discussion, we have discovered that L-tryptophan and light are needed to produce serotonin in the brain. "Light exposure increases serotonin in humans, and serotonin levels are lowest in midwinter, and higher on bright days no matter what time of year. 10,000 lux light therapy decreases suicidal ideation in some folks."
source Then, when the sun goes down, the pineal gland takes the serotonin and produces melatonin. Light suppresses the production of melatonin.
In other words, modern society is often working against our happiness and good health. We do not go to bed when the sun goes down, thus shortening the amount of pure darkness we are exposed to. And, working indoors under artificial light suppresses the production of serotonin. Rest, one of nature's physicians, is lacking when we do not get enough darkness after sunset. Sunshine, another of nature's physicians, is lacking when we do not get enough time outdoors.
Therefore, what conclusions can we deduce when it comes to doing medical missionary work? Do you need a MD's license to prescribe medicine to help others have better health?
