It’s Time To Redefine The Word “Health” or “Healthy”

By Dr Ernst
January 7, 2025

When most people think of health, they conjure up images of gym-goers lifting weights, salad bowls filled with greens, or individuals with radiant smiles exuding energy. It’s a picture-perfect representation of wellness that society has sold to us: feeling good, eating right, working out, and being symptom-free. While these are valuable aspects of a healthy lifestyle, they represent only a fraction of the true essence of health. In fact, this surface-level understanding is not only incomplete but also potentially harmful, as it perpetuates misconceptions that can lead to chronic disease and declining well-being.

To truly grasp what health means, we need to peel back the layers of this oversimplified narrative. Health is far more profound than just the absence of disease or the presence of vitality. It’s an active, dynamic process of self-awareness, intentional living, and functional balance. Let’s explore why the conventional mindset around health falls short, how it sets people up for chronic disease, and how we can redefine health in a way that leads to true, sustainable wellness.

The Problems with the Conventional Definition of Health

1. The Illusion of Feeling Good

Many people equate health with feeling good. If there’s no pain, discomfort, or obvious symptom, they assume they’re healthy. However, this mentality is deeply flawed. Consider the fact that some of the most life-threatening diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, often develop silently for years before manifesting noticeable symptoms. Feeling good, therefore, is not an accurate barometer of health. It’s akin to assuming a car is in perfect working order simply because the dashboard lights aren’t flashing, while ignoring the unseen wear and tear under the hood.

2. The Checklist Mentality

The notion that eating right, exercising regularly, and avoiding bad habits are the keys to health can also be misleading. While these actions are undeniably important, they’re often treated as boxes to check rather than integral components of a holistic approach to wellness. This rigid checklist mentality can lead to frustration and burnout, as people fail to see results despite following “healthy” routines. Worse, it can create a false sense of security, as individuals believe their external behaviors shield them from internal dysfunction.

3. The Symptom-Suppression Trap

Another common misconception is that health is defined by the absence of symptoms. As a result, people often turn to medications to suppress symptoms without addressing their root causes. For instance, taking antacids for acid reflux, painkillers for chronic discomfort, or antihistamines for allergies might offer temporary relief but does nothing to address the underlying dysfunctions causing these issues. This approach can mask problems, allowing them to worsen over time, and often leads to dependency on pharmaceuticals.

4. The Isolation of the Body and Mind

Traditional views on health often separate the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. This fragmented perspective ignores the interconnectedness of these dimensions. A person’s stress levels, emotional health, and even their sense of purpose can profoundly impact their physical state. Viewing health as purely physical prevents people from addressing the deeper imbalances that contribute to disease.

Redefining Health Functionally

True health is not a static state of being; it’s an ongoing process of self-discovery, balance, and alignment with the principles that sustain life. Let’s redefine health in a way that encompasses its functional essence.

1. Health as an Active Process

Health is not something you achieve and then forget about. It’s an active process that requires regular self-assessment, adaptation, and commitment. Just as a garden requires consistent care to thrive, so too does the human body and mind. Health involves:

Listening to Your Body: Understanding the subtle signals your body sends and acting on them before they escalate into symptoms.

Continuous Learning: Staying informed about how your body works and the factors that influence its well-being.

Intentional Living: Making conscious choices that support your health rather than harm it.

2. Health as Knowing Who You Are

True health starts with self-awareness. This means understanding your unique genetic makeup, lifestyle preferences, and vulnerabilities. It also involves recognizing that you are more than just a physical being. Emotional and spiritual health play critical roles in your overall wellness. Knowing who you are allows you to tailor your approach to health in a way that’s both effective and sustainable.

3. Health as Knowing Where Healing Comes From

One of the most profound realizations about health is understanding that healing comes from within. The body has an innate ability to heal itself when given the right tools and environment. This perspective shifts the focus from external fixes, such as medications, to nurturing the internal systems that drive recovery and regeneration.

The Functional Approach to Health

A functional approach to health goes beyond managing symptoms. It addresses the root causes of dysfunction, supports the body’s natural healing processes, and emphasizes prevention over treatment. It honors the fact that you are a God created, self healing individual not destined for sickness but instead for greatness when you give reverence to your inborn healing.

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