Health encompasses more than just the absence of illness – it means physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being.
Physical health refers to the state of the body and its ability to function optimally. This includes factors such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, and avoiding harmful toxins and substances. Physical health involves maintaining a balanced lifestyle, like regular physical activity, avoiding sedentary lifestyle and addressing any medical concerns or conditions you may have.
One of the underpinning aspects of health relates to good nutrition. Ensuring that your daily diet contains a variety of fresh, whole foods to help prevent any nutritional deficiencies or imbalances. While nutritional deficiencies may be supplemented with quality products, a bad diet can never be out-supplemented.
The rise in fast-food outlets, take-away options, and home deliveries coupled with modern-day hectic lifestyles, meal preparation has taken several steps backwards. Coinciding with this trend is a rising trend in avoidable lifestyle diseases which include obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, allergies, and even cancer.
Never underestimate a symptom. Listening to your own body’s signals can be the best thing one can do to prevent possible health conditions. If you start ‘listening’ to your body, you can understand your own body responses to different foods, people, environment, stressful events, or whatever it might be. This is the true feedback you can get from your body – that is, provided that your body has the ingredients (nutrients) it needs to function efficiently and communicate effectively. Many people dismiss signs such as pain, digestive discomfort, fatigue, poor concentration, impaired sleep (just to name a few) or reach for a pill to “fix” the problem. This is where you need to take note and consult a qualified naturopath who is able to assess your symptoms and take a very comprehensive health analysis to identify underlying causes.
When it comes to all things health-related, mental health encompasses emotional and psychological well-being. Interestingly, many of the symptoms attributed to mental health reflect nutritional imbalances also affecting other areas of your body. Mental health involves managing stress, coping with challenges and difficult times, maintaining positive relationships, and having a sense of purpose in life. Mental health also includes seeking support and treatment when needed for conditions such as anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders.
In terms of the social health, this relates to the quality of relationships and social connections. It involves having supportive and meaningful relationships with family, friends, colleagues and communities. Social health also includes effective communication, empathy, and a sense of belonging and connection with others. Friends and family, and people who we communicate with regularly play the most important role for the aspect of social health. The energy we give and receive is having an impact on the entire body and mind.
Spiritual health involves finding meaning and purpose in life. It may include practices such as meditation, mindfulness, or engaging in activities that nurture your soul and provide a sense of connection to something greater than yourself. There are many practices and techniques, which are popular. Believe in your own power!
Overall, health is a holistic concept that encompasses the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. It involves striving for balance and harmony in all aspects of life, taking proactive steps to promote well-being, and recognising the importance of self-care and self-awareness. Ultimately, health enables individuals to live life to the fullest, with vitality, resilience, and a sense of fulfilment.
Always seek professional support
Resist the temptation of falling prey to clever marketing. Always consult a qualified health professional and never self-prescribe. Note that only qualified Naturopaths and/or Nutritionists are permitted by law to prescribe nutritional supplements. Products that are not made in Australia may not meet our strict guidelines and can cause further health issues.