1. Medical summary
Dr. Roger Seheult, pulmonologist, intensivist, and co-founder of MedCram, advocates for lifestyle-based interventions to bolster immune function and overall health. His work draws heavily from the NEWSTART framework (Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest, Trust in God), originally developed by the Seventh-day Adventist health system, and integrates current mechanistic and clinical evidence.
In the context of immunology and infectious disease resilience (including COVID-19), Seheult emphasizes interventions like light exposure (sunlight and infrared), circadian alignment, metabolic health via nutrition and fasting, stress reduction through spiritual/relational practices, and optimized sleep. His approach is rooted in evidence-based lifestyle medicine, with particular focus on mitochondrial and endothelial function, nitric oxide production, and neuroimmune modulation.
Relevant peer-reviewed correlates include:
- Sunlight exposure stimulating cutaneous NO release, improving vascular tone.
- Fasting improving autophagy and mitochondrial repair.
- Plant-based, unprocessed diets promoting microbiome diversity and reducing inflammatory load.
- Regular physical activity enhancing immune surveillance and endothelial shear stress–induced NO synthesis.
2. Key Takeaways
- Your lifestyle really matters for your health—more than you might think.
- Seheult shows that things like sunshine, fresh air, clean water, good food, and rest aren’t just "nice to have"—they are powerful tools for healing.
- Sunlight and sleep can directly improve your immune system.
- Moving your body and eating clean, natural food supports energy, brain clarity, and resistance to disease.
- Stress and fear can make you sick, but peace, trust, and social connection protect your health.
- The NEWSTART principles offer a simple, daily path to more energy and better health—and they’re free.
3. Description of the theory (and practice) of NEWSTART
NEWSTART is an acronym that stands for:
- Nutrition: Eat mostly plant-based, unprocessed foods. Avoid sugar and processed junk. Aim to feed your body with what it truly needs—fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, healthy fats.
- Exercise: Move daily. Walking, biking, gardening, or workouts all help immune function, brain health, and mood.
- Water: Drink enough water. Try contrast hydrotherapy (hot/cold showers) for circulation and detox.
- Sunshine: Get morning sunlight. It boosts vitamin D, regulates sleep, and releases nitric oxide for immunity.
- Temperance: Avoid harmful substances. Practice self-discipline.
- Air: Breathe fresh air. Nose-breathe. Spend time outdoors.
- Rest: Sleep deeply and regularly. Go to bed at the same time, reduce screen use, unwind at night.
- Trust in God: Inner peace reduces stress hormones and strengthens immunity. Hope, faith, and gratitude matter.
This is a practical lifestyle program practiced in Adventist communities like Loma Linda, with proven health outcomes.
4. How to apply it yourself
Nutrition:
- Eat more leafy greens, berries, legumes.
- Cut sugar, white flour, and junk food.
- Use nitric oxide boosters: beets, garlic, greens.
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
Exercise:
- Walk 30 minutes a day.
- Stretch or squat during long sitting periods.
- Use natural movement (bike, swim, etc.).
Water:
- Drink water first thing in the morning.
- Aim for 6–8 glasses daily.
- Try warm/cold shower contrast.
Sunshine:
- Get outside within an hour of waking.
- Expose arms/legs to sun.
- Avoid late-night screen light.
Temperance:
- Reduce caffeine, alcohol, sugar, smoking.
- Ask: does this help or harm my health?
Air:
- Open windows. Walk in nature.
- Practice 4-7-8 breathing.
- Avoid pollutants (candles, sprays, fumes).
Rest:
- Set consistent bed/wake time.
- No screens or intense thoughts at night.
- Create a calming routine (lights, prayer, no phone).
Trust:
- Reflect, pray, meditate, or show gratitude daily.
- Connect with uplifting people.
- Give worries to God or write them down.