The Pillars of Wellness: Understanding the Three Major Areas
What is wellness? Simply put, wellness is the overall condition of your body and mind. Your body and mind can be affected by a multitude of factors, but there are three major pillars you need to monitor for your own personal wellness.
In this post, we’ll review the importance of the three pillars, their benefits, and how to improve them in your everyday life.
Physical Well-Being: The Role of Exercise and Activity in Health
Physical Benefits of Exercise and Activity
Your physical activity is the first and most important aspect of determining your physical and mental health. A lack of physical activity can lead to tension and health challenges, which is why every adult is recommended to get 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity per week.
Even if this isn’t possible, the CDC says some physical activity each week is better than nothing. However, going beyond 150 minutes of moderate-intense activity per week can grant more health benefits.
Physical exercise helps boost your HDL (“good cholesterol”), which removes other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream and can help lower your risk of heart disease.
The Impact of Physical Fitness on Mental Health and Confidence
Though studies are ongoing, one thing is clear: physical activity has a positive effect on mental health. Exercise therapy is a common recommendation for preserving mental wellness, especially for people without an exercise habit.
In fact, general results suggest that exercise benefits an individual’s mood and self-esteem and lowers stress tendencies.
Chemical Influences: How Everyday Substances Affect Our Bodies
Understanding the Complex Role of Hormones and Body Chemistry
The chemicals we use have an impact on our bodies and minds. Our bodies are home to a complex system of self-produced chemicals and hormones, and your personal levels can vary based on a variety of factors.
Hormones act as chemical messengers for your body, and they can change the behaviors of various cells in your body, including triggering the production of chemicals or processes.
Navigating Medications and Supplements for Optimal Health
It’s always best to contact your doctor before starting any new medications or supplements. They’ll have a better understanding of your body’s condition and how current medications and supplements might interact with the new ones.
If you’re interested in pursuing herbal supplements and their possible benefits, we recommend doing your research before bringing it to your doctor. For more advice about starting your supplement research, check out our post about selecting herbal supplements.
The Power of Diet: How Foods and Herbs Influence Our Wellness
Nutrition and Herbal Interventions: Their Effect on Mental and Physical Health
The last major pillar of wellness that can impact your health is the food you eat. Both the food and any herbs you ingest can affect your mental and physical state.
Your brain is a muscle, and just like your other muscles, it’s powered by nutrition. Eating brain-friendly foods can help improve or protect your mental health. For example, studies have found that “traditional” diets, like the Mediterranean diet, can lead to a 25-35% lower risk of depression than those who eat a typical “Western” diet.
Likewise, fueling your body with protein after exercise lets you restore strength and build muscle. For further information about how your diet can affect your body and mind, you can always consult with a nutritionist.
Exploring Natural Remedies: The Benefits of Tropical Fruit Juices and Herbal Supplements
One example of the potential health benefits of natural eating remedies is this 2020 study on the beneficial effects of fruit juice. The study found that a tropical fruit juice mixture helped prevent tissue damage and shrinkage in the brains of rats, which helps to improve neuroinflammation and other neurodegenerative-related conditions.
The study also found the tropical fruit juice mixture (containing pomegranate, white guava, and roselle juice) was able to reduce the CRH level, which has been correlated with depression. Though research is still ongoing for human benefits, it does suggest that tropical fruit juice may help in reducing depression and stress.
Holistic Approaches to Managing Health: Integrating Physical, Chemical, and Nutritional Strategies
Overall, wellness consists of three things: maintaining a level of physical fitness that allows the body to efficiently perform daily activities, being intentional and aware of the medications and supplements going into the body, and eating food that fuels the body’s optimal function.
A holistic approach to wellness will integrate all three of these pillars into your daily routine. For more information and tips about whole-body wellness, check out the ACHS blog!
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
