What is holistic wellness?
The holistic wellness definition differs from how we have previously viewed health. Wellness is commonly connected with physical health, particularly in Western societies. Health is defined as the absence of illness or disease. Yet that’s only part of the story. Health — and health — can only be understood as components of a larger whole, and all dimensions are inexorably linked.
Consider the emotion of stress. It is well accepted — and scientifically confirmed — that stress causes or exacerbates the majority of serious health problems. There isn’t a single individual who can’t describe the emotional toll of high stress. Stressful occurrences are a prime illustration of how seemingly unrelated aspects of your life may have an impact on your emotional, and thus physical, health.
The term holistic refers to the recognition of the intimate ways in which components of a whole are interconnected and cannot be disregarded. From a medical perspective, it involves taking into account the social, mental, and emotional variables that may have an impact on someone’s health. Holistic wellness programmes now include opportunities to enhance physical fitness, proper nutrition, mental health, spiritual fulfillment, stress management, and financial health. The objective is to cover all elements of our life in order to provide assistance and the opportunity to develop healthy habits.
Integrative nutrition extends beyond basic dietary requirements by addressing intestinal health and core causes of imbalance, as well as the environmental effect, genetic predisposition, and physiological, and psychological aspects that contribute to disease. Internal and external aspects are considered when determining an effective solution, and recommendations are tailored to each individual’s specific needs.
Physical health is described as the body’s normal functioning. It is about how your body grows, feels, and moves, how you care for it, and what you put into it, and it represents one component of total well-being.
Instead of establishing unrealistic objectives for yourself, start the year off right by setting short, attainable goals to keep your mind and body healthy. Instead of establishing unrealistic objectives for yourself, start the year off right by setting short, attainable goals to keep your mind and body healthy.
What is Integrative Nutrition?
Integrative and functional nutrition extends beyond basic dietary guidelines by addressing digestive health and root causes of imbalance, as well as the environmental impact, genetic predisposition, physiological, and psychological factors that contribute to disease. Internal and external factors are considered when determining an appropriate intervention, and recommendations are tailored to each individual’s specific needs.
Our integrative dietitian combines her medical nutrition therapy training with elements of integrative and functional medicine, frequently combining multiple philosophies into one cohesive plan. Collaboration and communication are essential between the dietitian, the patient, and other healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care. To best meet each patient’s unique needs, we work as a team to develop a whole-foods plan that may include supplementation and herbs.
During your initial hour-long visit, you will receive a thorough nutrition assessment. We will go over your medical history, food and supplement intake, digestive health, food allergies or intolerances, and health goals together. You will have a clear understanding of the steps required to achieve your objectives by the end of your visit. We will then collaborate to develop a follow-up schedule that will allow us to regularly assess your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Working with an integrative dietitian to improve your nutritional status and digestive health is essential when addressing a wide range of chronic conditions and health goals. Keeping a food journal for one to three days prior to your first visit is very helpful, but not required.
What is Physical Health:
Physical and mental health are inextricably linked. Taking care of your physical health has been scientifically proven to improve your mental health, and vice versa. If one suffers, the other may suffer as well.
Some of the key physical health factors that can promote mental wellbeing are a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Stress, overwork, and inactivity are all factors that can have an impact on mental health.
Studies show that a holistic approach to health, which includes physical, social, emotional, and mental health, is essential for mental well-being. This approach is also beneficial in managing and recovering from mental illness.
HYDRATION PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
75% of the human brain is water. Hydration increases circulation and cleanses the organs of the body, especially the heart, and brain. Drinking tea or juice isn’t enough; it’s vital to drink water on its own as well. Some symptoms of not drinking enough water may include headaches and mood changes.
EXERCISE STIMULATES CHEMICALS IN YOUR BRAIN THAT IMPROVE YOUR WELLBEING
Exercise can get you outside, exposing you to sunlight, fresh air, and potentially new companions through group activities. The act of physical movement reduces the risk of physical illnesses, lifts your mood, and can improve your sleep. Exercise even helps you think more clearly with the extra blood flow to the brain, and increases the size of the hippocampus – the part of the brain responsible for memory
RECREATIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH
Playing recreational sports 1-3 times a week reduced to distress by 34%, according to a large study. Organised recreational activity is shown to raise self-esteem and brain function. This may be partly due to the social interaction aspect of the activities. The study also states these benefits are as potent as medication, for moderate anxiety and depression.
PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE MORE LIKELY TO SMOKE
Across the general population, rates of smoking have declined greatly in the last 20 years. However, smoking is still common among people experiencing a mental illness, who often begin smoking earlier and smoke more than the average smoker. Even if you have a severe mental illness, you can cut down and quit smoking with the right support. Nicotine replacement therapy, for example, can help.
“Regular exercise, a balanced diet, proper sleep, and cutting down smoking, alcohol, and drug use are vital to physical health and mental wellbeing.”
Well-being has been linked to success at professional, personal, and interpersonal levels, with those individuals high in well-being exhibiting greater productivity in the workplace, more effective learning, increased creativity, more prosocial behaviors, and positive relationships.
Well-being is a positive outcome that is meaningful for people and for many sectors of society because it tells us that people perceive that their lives are going well.
Stay healthy, stay well!
