Quality of Health and its Components

The quality of health and the holistic approach is probably the most important topic we should adhere to since Health is 100% our well-being and very much determines 100% of longevity. Take note of the pie chart above, your health and your quality of life are 70% related to what we can manage and control. In other words, our Quality of Health correlates to the choices we make (things we can control) and those attributes given to us at birth, genetic dispositions (things that we can manage). We can also have a say in our environment, however, this is a universal issue and does not solely rely on our input. When we look at this chart from a holistic, whole health perspective it shows the importance of balance, the very root of following the philosophies of Holistic Health and achieving an anti-inflammatory lifestyle (longevity without chronic disease).

An anti-inflammatory lifestyle is directly linked to Holistic Health practices. The 8 pillars of Holistic Health represent just that, maintaining a balanced lifestyle to avoid disease in the first place, both physical and physiological. The 8 pillars consist of the study of eight (8) different disciplines as they apply to natural laws of living. They are the physical, the nutritional, the emotional, the social, the spiritual, the intellectual, the financial, and the environmental aspects of life. As we become aware and understand where changes are needed in our mode of living we are maintaining a healthier organism.

You may have heard of the recent fanfare of the Blue Zones. People living in these zones maintain century-old traditions of living in a manner where healthy longevity is achieved by a well-balanced life and from an academic perspective, a lifestyle that equates to the 8 pillars of Holistic Health. Yes, they practice Holistic Health! They are active people in motion; they grow their food; emotions are nurtured; strong social connections support healthy living; spirituality is a way of life; intellectual stimulation is a no-brainer; the environment around and in which they live is well-cared for; and the financial, well where there is a community there is always a net, if needed. Actually, this is the way our species evolved; not to live in such disconnection as we do today.

Genetic Dispositions: Why should we all place huge importance on understanding family history or genetics? These factors are important in learning more about your health and preventing disease and on the flip-side flourishing in your “gifts” that have been handed down from generation to generation.

Does this mean that if your family is predisposed to Cancer you will eventually get Cancer, absolutely not, yet why live a lifestyle that may promote said disease? Understanding your “wiring” per se, and learning about your inherited mix of traits can be enlightening and an eye-opener in living a healthy life.. but also the advantages of the inherited mix of your chromosomes.  

Let’s take for example the ability of rhythm and dance. Evidence indicates that certain individuals are born with a predisposition to specific behaviors and talents and that at least some of these qualities may represent evolved attributes when the results were combined and analyzed, it was clearly shown that dancers exhibited particular genetic and personality characteristics that were not found in the other groups.

The dancer “type,” (and this is yours truly Dr. Sixto), clearly demonstrates qualities that are not necessarily lacking but are not expressed as strongly in other people: a heightened sense of communication, often of a symbolic and ceremonial nature, and a strong spiritual personality trait.– Dr. Sixto

Genetics and Holistic Health:  These are two interconnected areas that can greatly influence overall well-being. Genetics refers to the study of genes and how they are inherited from one generation to the next, while holistic health focuses on considering the whole person and addressing all aspects of their well-being—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—to achieve optimal health.

Genetics plays a significant role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to certain diseases and conditions. Some health conditions can have a strong genetic component (health issues, possible genetic dispositions), and understanding one’s genetic makeup through techniques like genetic testing can provide valuable information about potential well-being risks and enable individuals to take proactive measures to prevent or manage these conditions.

Holistic health, on the other hand, emphasizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of a person’s life and aims to promote balance and harmony within the 8 pillars of Holistic Health, which when combined help us attain not only a copasetic state of being but is key to leading an anti-inflammatory lifestyle (healthy longevity). It recognizes that a healthy lifestyle is influenced by these factors (8 pillars) and by addressing these factors in a holistic manner (whole health), individuals can achieve optimal health and well-being.

Holistic Health and Genetics can intersect in various ways. For example, by considering an individual’s genetic makeup, healthcare can be personalized to optimize treatment effectiveness and safety. Understanding a person’s genetic profile can even help dietary recommendations to support specific needs and genetic predispositions can help in making lifestyle modifications to optimize well-being.

On the other hand, Holistic Health practices help individuals understand and target those answers we seek to challenges that occur in our lives, specifically those that appear to be concealed or hidden somewhere in our subconscious. Those that help us transition into growth and manage healthy lifestyle choices.

In summary, holistic health recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body, and genetic factors, research suggests, can influence an individual’s susceptibility to a healthier existence. It is important to note that while genetics can influence health outcomes, it is not the sole determinant. Environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and social determinants of health also play significant roles. Holistic health approaches aim to address all these factors to promote overall well-being and improve health outcomes.

For further information on how you or a loved one could benefit from a Holistic Wellness, Whole Health path, please do not hesitate to contact me at sixto@drsixto.me.

To your Whole Health and Wellness, naturally!

Dr. Sixto J. Sicilia

Holistic Health & Nutrition Practioner

Founder, issimoUSA