Exploring the Healing Journey: Are We In This Together?

Living an optimal life with vitality often requires a combination of factors, including physical activity, nutritious diet, sufficient rest, mental well-being, and fulfilling relationships. It is essential to prioritize self-care and make conscious choices that support overall health and well-being.

For those who may be struggling with health issues or feeling stuck in a rut, it can be challenging to make changes. However, small steps towards improvement can lead to significant progress over time. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, adopting healthier habits gradually, and finding motivation through personal goals can all contribute to a better quality of life.

The pivotal question to ask oneself is whether or not you are prepared to embark on the journey towards better health, ready to invest the effort and assume accountability for your well-being.

It's a startling reality that approximately 41 million individuals globally succumb to and suffer from chronic illnesses each year, constituting a staggering 74% of total annual deaths (source: WHO). What's even more alarming is that many of these ailments are preventable or reversible. And despite recognizing that our health isn't optimal, a significant number of individuals remain reluctant to take action. Instead, we resign ourselves to our circumstances, believing that life unfolds as it does and that we're constrained to rely solely on medications.

We justify our choices by claiming that we're not going to spend our lives fretting over what we consume – after all, it tastes good, and we're simply seeking enjoyment. While indulging in cake or crispy French fries, we convince ourselves, we are living life to the fullest, relishing the flavourful offerings it presents.

And absolutely, moderation and occasional indulgence can be part of a balanced approach to enjoying life. However, when indulgence becomes a daily habit, it can contribute significantly to health issues over time. The problem arises when unhealthy habits become the norm rather than the exception in our daily lives. Consistently making poor dietary choices, lack of exercise, and neglecting other aspects of self-care can gradually erode our health and increase the risk of chronic illnesses.

When we are younger, our bodies are more resilient and forgiving, and we are not fully aware of the impacts of our choices, they tend to manifest with age, and the cumulative effects of poor diet, lack of exercise and other unhealthy habits begin to take their toll on our bodies.

Facing a chronic or terminal illness can be a harsh wake-up call, prompting us to reflect on our choices and lifestyle habits. It's a sobering realization that our actions have long-term implications for our health and well-being. While it's never too late to make positive changes, confronting our mortality or experiencing chronic pain can serve as a powerful motivator to prioritize self-care and make healthier choices moving forward.

Ideally, instead of waiting for a health crisis to prompt change, it's important to proactively prioritize our health and well-being throughout our lives. By cultivating healthy habits early on and making mindful choices in all aspects of self-care, we can strive to optimize our health and reduce the risk of chronic illness in the future. It's about recognizing that investing in our health today can lead to a better quality of life tomorrow.

It's my belief that we need to shift our focus away from relying solely on medication and take ownership of our choices and lifestyles. Getting the fundamentals right should be our priority, and if we still face health challenges, then we can consider turning to modern medicine for assistance, but it shouldn't be our first resort.

However, it's important to acknowledge that it's not all your fault, the environment we live in constantly tempts us with unhealthy options. From the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods to the convenience of ready-made snacks, and the desire for a relaxing drink after a long day, modern life is filled with temptations that can steer us away from making healthy choices. Additionally, we are increasingly exposed to environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors on a daily basis, further complicating our efforts to maintain good health.

It is crucial to acknowledge that our bodies are hardwired for survival, naturally inclined to seek out quick energy sources and conserve resources. This innate instinct makes processed and fast foods incredibly tempting choices, challenging our willpower in the face of convenience.

To enact lasting changes in our health, we must undergo a fundamental shift in perspective. Many of the foods prevalent in our modern world offer little in the way of nutrients and are essentially slow-release poisons. Recognizing this reality prompts us to prioritise whole, nutrient-dense foods that truly nourish our bodies.

This transformation isn't just about willpower; it requires a comprehensive lifestyle overhaul. We must reassess our relationship with food, educate ourselves on healthier choices, and create supportive environments that facilitate our wellness goals.

By embracing this new perspective and committing to a lifestyle centered on wholesome foods, we empower ourselves to take charge of our health and well-being, paving the way for vitality and longevity."

Something I often hear often is blaming age for poor health and mobility, but it's important to recognize that age alone should not be an excuse. While it's true that our bodies undergo changes as we age, simply attributing health issues to age overlooks the significant impact of lifestyle factors.

In a previous blog titled "Don't Let Your Age Define You," I delve deeper into this topic a little deeper, but we must begin to turn our focus away from relying solely on health professionals and expensive treatments in the hope of a quick fix as it is not a sustainable approach. Instead, we must prioritize the basics of life which are, in no particular order:

Nutrition. Exercise. Stress Management. Sleep. Purpose. Community.

These basic principles form the bedrock of optimal health, as they always have, yet many of us falter in one or more of these areas.

More often than not, our stress levels spiral out of control, our sleep patterns lack consistency, and our diets are inundated with foods that our ancestors never even encountered because they simply didn't exist. We lead increasingly sedentary lifestyles, with sitting now being likened to the health risks associated with smoking. Moreover, many individuals struggle to find a sense of purpose and belonging within their communities.

By addressing these fundamental aspects of our lives, regardless of age, we empower ourselves to take control of our health and well-being. Age should not limit our potential for vitality and mobility; rather, it should inspire us to prioritize self-care and make conscious choices that support a healthy and fulfilling life.

The purpose of this blog is to prompt introspection. I ask you, the reader, to consider whether you truly believe you are nourishing your body in the manner it deserves. Do you recognize that many of your health concerns might find relief if you simply reclaim control of your health, rather than relying on the pharmaceutical industry?

Having read my other blogs, you're likely aware of my perspective on modern medicine: it serves as emergency intervention, undoubtedly saving lives when necessary. However, I advocate that it shouldn't serve as a long-term solution for chronic illnesses. While there may be instances, such as genetic conditions, where modern medicine is crucial for sustaining life, even in these cases, we could potentially enhance our health outcomes by prioritizing and improving upon fundamental aspects of wellness.

In essence, I believe that much of our poor health and reduced mobility can be attributed to how we treat our bodies, including what we fuel them with and the environmental exposures we subject them to. It's crucial to remember that, generally speaking, our bodies don't inherently desire sickness; rather, they strive for survival and thriving. Therefore, when we experience suffering or illness, there's typically an underlying cause at play. Our bodies don't make mistakes; rather, they operate to keep us safe and well. If we perceive otherwise, it's essential to delve deeper, uncovering the root cause of our discomfort or ailment.

As a health professional, my mission is to support you in achieving greatness and thriving in your life. However, it's important to recognize that not everything can be resolved with a simple pill, whether natural or pharmaceutical. Both supplements and medications serve a purpose, typically addressing short-term deficiencies or ailments, but relying on them as long-term solutions is not sustainable.

Deep down, we all understand this truth. Healing the body is a gradual process that requires dedication and commitment to improving our overall lifestyle. While guidance from professionals is invaluable, the real power lies within each individual. You possess the ability to transform your life by making positive changes to your habits and choices.

I'm here to offer support and guidance, to walk alongside you on your journey to better health. If I don't have all the answers to your questions or concerns, I'll do my best to connect you with someone who does. Ultimately, it's about starting with the basics and building a strong foundation for optimal health. Once we get that right, the possibilities for your well-being are limitless.

"Champions are brilliant at the basics" John Wooden

Emily.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.