Lifestyle medicine seems a rather fancy word for what is essentially a mixture of holistic and physician-led approach to our health, based upon the idea that the body can heal itself.

With lifestyle medicine, a much broader view to a patient’s health is taken. Instead of looking at one aspect in isolation - diet, exercise, sleep, medication etc. are all considered.

Lifestyle medicine is based on the Six pillars of Health:

1. Diet

One pillar of good health is eating a nutritious diet regularly. Healthy foods reduce inflammation, promote healthy weight loss and lowers the risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Many diets come and go, but advice for healthy eating remains the same… Eat whole and unprocessed foods! This includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

2. Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. Lifestyle medicine focuses on sleep hygiene education, relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which can help to improve your sleep and overall health.

The aim is to get a good seven to eight hours of restful and undisturbed sleep a night considering the individuals age, lifestyle, and overall health.

3. Stress management

Even though it can seem like an everyday fact of life, managing stress is an essential part of preventive and lifestyle medicine. Stress management is easily overlooked with regards to the role stress plays in overall health.

In some cases stress can lead to improved health and productivity - or it can lead to anxiety, depression, obesity, immune dysfunction and more. Helping patients recognise negative stress responses and encouraging Lifestyle medicine interventions such as yoga, Pilates, meditation, and mindfulness, will all help to reduce stress and improve overall health.

4. Increased physical activity

Regular exercise is extremely important for overall health. It helps on many levels and reduces stress, improves cardiovascular health and prevents chronic conditions and diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Physical activity doesn't have to mean pumping weights at the gym or running for hours on end. Even moderate exercise, like brisk walking or a swim, can have significant health benefits when done regularly and in connection with the other pillars of health.

5. Avoidance of Risky Substances

Substances such as tobacco, alcohol and recreational drugs can have a clear negative impact on our health. These substances can become ingrained in our daily lives without us even realising it. Treatments often take time, different approaches, and many attempts. Patience and support are an important part of breaking risky substance habits.

6. Social Connections

Good social connections are not only good for our mental and emotional health, but also our physical wellbeing. Lifestyle medicine might recommend interventions such as group therapy, support groups or community-based programs to help build healthy relationships and meaningful connections. Leveraging the power of relationships and social networks can help reinforce healthy behaviours.

The benefits of Lifestyle medicine

Taking a holistic approach to medicine can have a profound impact on your health. Make no mistake: there’s work involved. With a physician-led approach though, patients have a supportive coach alongside them for the journey. Anyone willing to do the work and focus on six pillars of health as outlined above, can achieve incredible results.

Fewer trips to your GP and less medicine

Lifestyle medicine can help to reduce dependence on medication by taking steps to address the root causes of chronic diseases - such as stress, poor diet, social isolation or other factors.

A much healthier life

By getting straight to the heart of the matter and treating the whole as opposed to one specific condition, patient outcomes can be greatly improved.

A personalised and prioritised patient experience

By providing a holistic approach, a client gets the full attention of the GP with regards to all aspects of the clients life and lifestyle as well as the time, information and motivation to achieve the 6 pillars of health.

The roles of self-awareness

Self-awareness is key to helping individuals manage their own health. It can help us align our behaviours with our personal goals. Being kind to yourself, recognising your stressors, and understanding what prevents you from living a healthier lifestyle will help you adopt healthier practices.