Susan Catherine Keter, Transformational Life Coach and Publisher, The HealthWise Bulletin and Nourish and Flourish Magazine
Reflecting on my health journey (Read unprecedented journey to overcome metabolic breakdown), it’s clear that it was a gamble—relying more on what others told me than what I understood myself.
It felt like fighting a hidden enemy in the dark, where success and failure were both possible. The outcome was uncertain; I could defeat my health struggles, or they might defeat me.
Our ultimate goal in this life is to live a long, fulfilling life, sharing memories with our loved ones. But this is impossible if poor health and illness dominate.
To achieve this, we need clarity about the path, the risks, and the challenges that lie ahead.
Understanding Your Battle Grounds
The “enemy” in our health journey isn’t just external – it’s also within. The environment we live in, our lifestyles, food choices, substances, and even the medications shape our health.
Many people and policies worldwide often equate Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the ability to “access quality health services without financial hardship”.
However, this definition is inadequate as it fails to address the primary causes of poor health—namely, the importance of a healthy diet, active lifestyles, and proper guidance on the usage and risks of mainstream health services, which often contribute to or exacerbate lifestyle-related conditions over time.
Metabolic disorders, heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions are some of the biggest threats to our well-being.
These are not primarily the result of poor access to health services but rather stem from inadequate education (on diet, lifestyles) and weak enforcement of policies for managing lifestyle-related health conditions.
These conditions don’t develop overnight but are often the result of years of poor lifestyle choices, usage of drugs and substances, as well as environmental factors.
Take type 2 diabetes, for example. It often begins silently, with insulin resistance creeping in due to a high-sugar diet and sedentary lifestyle.
The symptoms—fatigue, frequent thirst, and slow-healing wounds—are subtle at first. Left unchecked or managed without appropriate lifestyle adjustment, it can lead to serious complications such as nerve damage, kidney failure, and heart disease.
Similarly, hypertension (high blood pressure) is a silent killer. Many people don’t realize they have it until they experience a stroke or heart attack.
Yet, hypertension is largely preventable with proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and effective stress management. Despite this, it remains one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide.
We therefore face two paths in managing lifestyle health conditions: one leading to poor health and the other to wellness. The power to choose is ours. Here’s how to stay on the right path.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Taking control of your health starts with a proactive mindset. Instead of waiting for illness to strike, focus on prevention.
Learn, leant and learn. Don’t assume anything. We know little about lifestyle, health, and diet, except what we skim through the mainstream health care system. This information leans mostly towards treatment and has very little about prevention, diet, and support for lifestyle adjustments.
Understanding your family medical history is crucial. Genetics play a role in conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. But lifestyle changes can often delay or even prevent these diseases.
Additionally, unresolved childhood trauma—known as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—has been linked to chronic conditions. Studies show that individuals with high ACE scores are more likely to develop obesity, cardiovascular disease, and depression. Recognizing and addressing these risks early can make all the difference.
Holistic Health is the Foundation of Wellness
Optimal health requires a holistic approach. Nutrition, physical activity, and mental health are all essential components.
Nutrition: The Fuel for Your Body
A balanced diet of whole, nutrient-rich foods fuels your body and strengthens the immune system. Processed foods loaded with refined sugars and unhealthy fats contribute to inflammation, leading to conditions like arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and gut disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Consuming a diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, lean proteins, and antioxidants can help combat these issues and promote longevity.
Physical Activity: A Natural Medicine
Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, supports metabolic function, and boosts mood.
Studies show that exercise reduces the risk of chronic illnesses like osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and depression. Just 30 minutes of movement a day—whether through walking, swimming, or yoga—can be life-changing. Walks of up to 5 kilometers per day have revolutionized my health.
Mental Health: The Overlooked Factor
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, leading to weight gain, weakened immunity, and increased risk of heart disease.
Stress management techniques, like mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, help reduce these effects and improve overall well-being.
Recognize Warning Signs and Seek Preventive Care
Health issues often develop gradually. Learning to listen to your body and identify early warning signs—like unexplained fatigue, persistent pain, digestive issues, or sudden weight changes—is crucial.
Routine medical check-ups and screenings can help catch problems early, before they become serious. For instance, a simple blood pressure check can reveal hypertension before it escalates into a stroke. Regular blood tests can detect prediabetes, allowing for intervention before full-blown diabetes develops.
Preventive care isn’t just about medical treatments; it includes lifestyle choices that promote ongoing health.
Empower Yourself Through Knowledge
Knowledge is power when it comes to your health. Be an active participant in your care by asking questions, exploring treatment options, and ensuring your preferences are considered.
Learn not only about the condition that is affecting you but also learn widely because metabolic health conditions are interrelated.
What starts as gut problems, for instance, may end up as lifestyle health conditions and even mental illness.
i have known of patients who successfully manage one lifestyle health condition, and unknowingly trigger another lifestyle condition in the process. For example, a diet for managing elevated blood sugar may contribute to elevated blood pressure.
Be wide in your learning because striking a balance once you a metabolic breakdown may be challenging,
This collaborative approach with healthcare providers helps you make informed decisions and ensures that your voice is heard in your health journey.
The Power of Support Networks
Mental and emotional health are deeply influenced by our relationships. A strong support network—whether it’s family, friends, or professional groups—provides emotional safety and encouragement.
These connections help us stay accountable and resilient during health challenges. For example, studies show that people with strong social ties recover faster from illness and have lower rates of chronic diseases.
Social media has become a formidable too in this area. My WhatsApp groups have been so helpful to my work as we discuss many challenges that members face. It also helps in my research, in connecting the dots between poor health and health care.
Healing from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Seeds to our poor metabolic health are sometimes sown before birth, during birth, or after.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have lasting effects on health, leading to chronic stress and inflammation, which increase the risk of conditions like heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
Addressing ACEs through therapy, mindfulness, and positive lifestyle changes can reduce their impact and promote healing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), journaling, and engaging in healthy social connections are excellent ways to begin the healing process.
Own Your Health Journey
Taking charge of your health means actively participating in your wellness journey. By understanding your roots, addressing trauma, adopting preventive care, and embracing holistic practices, you can create a foundation for a fulfilling life.
Empower yourself to thrive—not just survive—and take proactive steps toward lasting well-being. You are in the driver’s seat of your health—steer toward a balanced, vibrant future.
Tags
Health Journey, Metabolic Breakdown, Proactive Health, Prevention and Wellness, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Holistic Health, Role of Nutrition, Physical Activity, Mental Health, Stress Management, Preventive Care, Health Empowerment, Knowledge and Awareness, Health Support Networks, Childhood Trauma Healing, Resilience in Health, Path to Wellness
