Health and wellness have always been subjects of great interest, captivating both experts and the public alike. The human body, a remarkable marvel of intricate design, consists of a myriad of cells, organs, and systems working in perfect synergy to carry out a diverse array of vital functions. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health not only by the absence of disease or infirmity, but also complete physical, mental, and social well-being. This definition uncovers the importance of nutritious food and exercise to promote the optimal quality of life.
Holistic health is a comprehensive view of health that considers multiple areas of a person’s life and examines how these areas work together to create a healthy person. The foundation of health lies on four pillars:
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Lifestyle
Achieving good health works best if you simplify your approach and disregard unnecessary complexities as health is not complicated. By focusing on four basic foundational aspects of health, one can reliably cultivate well-being, increased energy, and joy.
1. You are what you eat
The issue of malnutrition extends beyond the poor and rural communities, affecting even the affluent urban population. In today's society, excessive consumption and reliance on processed foods, which are often loaded with added sugars and preservatives, ultimately lack nutritional value and serve more harm than good to the body. The detrimental effects of these processed foods elevate the risk of cancer, diabetes, kidney failures and heart diseases, just to name a few. Embracing a simple diet centred around herbs and spices, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and drinking adequate amounts of water are ideal in regaining and maintaining optimal health.
2. Exercise regularly
Our bodies were made to move. It is widely recognized that a sedentary lifestyle poses a significant risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. Research has proven that increased levels of physical activities are correlated with a lower risk of mortality. By being physically active for 150 to 300 minutes a week, this can lower the risk of mortality by up to 33%. Exercising regularly affects other pillars as well as it can improve your mood by releasing endorphins, which are natural brain chemicals which makes you feel better and alleviate sleep-related problems and allows you to get ample amounts of rest.
3. A restful night’s sleep
The importance of quality sleep is often neglected, yet it plays a vital role in our overall well-being. The lack of sleep not only increases the risk for obesity, heart disease, and infections, but it also disrupts important physiological processes that impact our overall health. During sleep, our body undergoes essential functions such as brain and body repair like memory consolidation, heart rate regulation, blood pressure reduction, and stabilizing breathing patterns. Additionally, sleep is crucial for hormone regulation, cell repair, and energy balance, body weight, all of which can influence the overall well-being.
4. Let go of unhealthy habits
Drug abuse, excessive alcohol intake and smoking or vaping are profound determinants of an unhealthy lifestyle that can impact one's well-being. These habits increase the likelihood of developing various diseases like cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues, impaired cognitive function and judgement, weakens the immune system-eventually causing organ damage, especially the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys and heart. These kinds of behaviours heighten the likelihood of accidents and injuries, besides wreaking havoc on the body's system, which will ultimately deteriorate the overall quality of life.
Last but not least, it is best to practice mindfulness as it is an essential component of self-care, as it allows you to cultivate a deep connection with your body, mind, and spirit.
At SLT, we are committed to helping people achieve a healthier and happier living by embracing the principles of TCM as an alternative medical practice which is drawn from traditional medicine, backed by scientific research and proven to be a holistic approach to health and healing. With a wide range of herbal remedies proven to yield therapeutic properties, we strive to alleviate ailments and promote overall well-being. Our dedication to merging ancient wisdom with modern science enables us to provide effective and personalized solutions for individuals seeking natural and sustainable health improvements. Join us on this transformative path to optimal health and vitality.