It’s no secret that maintaining health is important. After all, if we’re not healthy, we can’t be very functional in day-to-day life.
But what does “being healthy” really mean?
Most people would probably say it means eating right and exercising…
and while those things are definitely important, there’s a lot more to being truly healthy than just that.
Holistic medicine (often called ‘functional medicine’) is an emerging field of healthcare that looks at the body as a whole system, rather than treating each symptom separately.
This approach acknowledges that everything in the body is interconnected, and that imbalances in one area can lead to problems in other areas.
For example, holistic medicine practitioners might use nutrition and supplements to support gut health, which in turn can have a positive impact on brain health and overall mood.
Microbiomes are another hot topic in maintaining health these days.
Our bodies are home to trillions of microbes, many of which are essential for maintaining health. Unfortunately, modern lifestyles and diets can disrupt our microbiomes, leading to imbalances that can make us more susceptible to illness and disease.
When it comes to our health, it is important to remember that we are not just talking about our physical health, but also our mental and emotional health; after all, what good is being physically healthy if we are not able to function in our everyday lives?
That is why functional medicine is so important. It takes into account not just our symptoms but also the root cause of those symptoms.
For example, poor gut health has been linked to everything from depression to Alzheimer’s disease.
By taking a holistic approach to our health, we can start to address the underlying causes of illness and improve our overall well-being.
In addition to functional medicine, nutrition and exercise are two other key components of maintaining health.
What we eat plays a big role in how we feel both physically and mentally.
Exercise has also been shown to be beneficial for brain health.
…and finally, getting enough sleep is essential for both our physical and mental health.
When we are well-rested, we are better able to manage stress and make healthier choices.
By paying attention to all aspects of our health, we can start living our best lives; after all, when we feel good, we are better able to take on whatever life throws our way.
Let’s examine each of these key aspects of maintaining health in more detail – click on the titles below to check out each section:
Functional medicine is a branch of health care that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease.
It is an individualized, science-based approach that tackles health concerns at the source, rather than simply treating symptoms.
By taking into account a person’s unique genetic make-up, lifestyle, and environment, functional medicine practitioners are able to develop a comprehensive plan to promote health and prevent disease.
This approach to health care is becoming increasingly popular as more people are looking for ways to improve their health and well-being….
Most people know that eating healthy and balanced meals is important for good health, however, many people don’t realize that the nutrients in our food play a vital role in everything from our energy levels to our immune system.
When we don’t get enough of certain nutrients, it can lead to health problems such as fatigue, anaemia, and even bone loss.
That’s why it’s important to make sure we’re getting all the nutrients we need through a healthy diet and, if necessary, supplements….
You may be surprised to learn that there are more microbes living on and in your body than there are human cells.
In fact, the majority of the cells in your body are not human at all, but rather microbial, and these microbes play a vital role in keeping you healthy.
They help to break down food, synthesize vitamins, and protect against disease-causing pathogens….
Your brain health is important for many reasons:
For one, it helps to keep your memory sharp and your thoughts clear.
It also helps to regulate your mood and keep your energy levels up.
In addition, brain health is essential for maintaining a healthy body.
This is because the brain controls all of the body’s functions, from heart rate to breathing to digesting food, therefore, it’s important to do everything you can to keep your brain healthy….
Traditional medicines play an essential role in health and wellbeing around the world.
Herbal medicines, acupuncture, and other traditional therapies are used to treat a wide range of conditions, from pain relief to cancer.
In many cases, traditional medicines are as, or even more, effective than Western medicines, and they may have fewer side effects.
Clearly, Western medicines have their place, but these days they are often not the only, or even the best, option in many cases…
One of the best things you can do for your health is to develop an exercise routine.
Exercise has countless benefits, including reducing your risk of chronic diseases, improving your mental health and mood, and helping you to maintain a healthy weight.
While it may seem daunting to start an exercise routine, there are plenty of easy ways to get started….
Most people know that getting a good night’s sleep is important for overall health, but few realize just how crucial it is.
Sleep plays a vital role in everything from brain function to heart health, and chronic sleep deprivation can have serious consequences.
For example, studies have linked poor sleep to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Furthermore, sleep deprivation can lead to cognitive impairments such as problems with memory and concentration; in fact, research has shown that chronic sleep loss can actually shrink the brain!
Fortunately, there are simple steps that everyone can take to get the rest they need….