Saturday, December 4, 2010

WHAT IS HOLISTIC HEALTH?

Do you value your health? When you are unwell, do you go to the Dr or do you look at your diet and lifestyle? Often when we are sick, we are rundown, eating on the run, not exercising and not looking after ourselves. Tablets prescribed by a Dr often only work in the short term. If we don’t change our lifestyle, we end up sick again. Our bodies were never meant to ingest so many chemicals and toxic substances. These days’ chemicals are in the medicines we take, the food we eat, the water we drink, cleaning products and the list goes on. This also has a major affect on our health.

The definition of holistic health may encompass many different elements depending on which field of thought you are dealing with. Holistic health seeks to achieve balance and harmony and to promote well being buy using a natural alternative approach to managing your health and lifestyle. It takes into consideration various aspects of our life including body, mind and spirit, through diet, exercise and a happy positive outlook on life.

Our bodies are constantly working to maintain good health. A holistic approach encourages the individual to take responsibility for self care and educate themselves about their health. The fastest way to restore wellness is to stop putting into the body the things that have caused the physical problem to develop in the first place, then give the body the nutrients it needs to repair and rebuild itself.

The most obvious choices people make each day is what they consume, either physically or mentally. The cells in a person's body are constantly being replaced. New cells are built from what is available. Harmful substances or lack of needed building blocks in the body can result in imperfect cells, unable to do what is required to keep that person healthy. Similarly, on the non-physical level, a person's mental attitudes are "built" from what they see and hear.

To enjoy optimal health, eat a variety of good healthy unprocessed foods every day. Buy organic if possible or farmers markets have great quality produce also. Avoid fried foods and take away foods, the over use of sugar, salt and caffeine. Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast, keep treats to a minimum and watch portion sizes. Drink 8 glasses of pure water every day.

Give up smoking.

Get active, make it a habit. Choose something you enjoy and find an exercise buddy, someone to keep you honest.

Take good quality vitamin and mineral supplements if you are run down or need a boost.

It’s important to take time out to relax, especially if you are in a stressful job or going through a stressful time in your life. Have a bath, go for a walk in nature, spend time with loved ones, read a book, mediate or go to the movies.

Make sure you get 7-8 hrs of sleep every night. Long term sleep deprivation can have significant physical consequences and has been linked to a range of problems including hormone disturbances, depression, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Some experts believe that long-term sleep deprivation can accelerate ageing.

This is just the basics of leading a holistic lifestyle. Health is not taught in the schools and colleges, therefore it is up so us to learn how best to maintain our bodies. We are here to help educate and provide what you need for a happy healthy lifestyle. Small, easy changes are the best way to start. By making these changes now you can enjoy life to the full and influence those you love.

Disclaimer: This article is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Seek the advice of a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.

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