What is the purpose of health?

Why strive for good health? Beyond going to the ER in life-and-death situations, why do we spend time and money to avoid illness and improve our well-being? 

I believe the answer is to participate in life. Any improvement in health no matter how minute may increase the quality and/or length of one’s life. So if you have anything to live for now or in the future, you should be interested in optimising your health. For instance, someone who increases the energy that they have in the evening may be able to spend an hour focussing on their creative side hustle. Or someone who suffers from acid reflux may be able to enjoy spaghetti bolognese after treating their dysfunctional digestion. Now that’s a spicy meat-a-ball!

However there is a balance between how much time, energy and money you invest into your health and how much time, energy and money you have to work and enjoy life. If you spend all day preparing organic meals from scratch, working out and meditating then you won’t have time to engage in the activities that most align with your purpose and your joy (unless those activities are preparing organic meals from scratch, working out and meditating).

Sometimes I feel anxious thinking about all of the pollution, plastic, pesticides, ultra processed foods, and stress that threaten my health and the health of my family. But then I remember that the purpose of health is to live well, or as well as possible. That thought grounds me in the moment, and I focus on whatever joys or challenges are present. Lately my joys and challenges have been trying to feed my toddler (ifkyk).

One of the greatest advantages of having a Naturopathic Doctor on your healthcare team is having someone else in charge of your health-optimization-strategy; someone else can worry about the pollution, plastic, pesticides etc. while you focus on living your best life! My patients and I have detailed discussions about treatment options so they can spend exactly the amount of time, energy and money on their health that is best for them. 

The “purpose of health” is to support you with the energy and focus you need to live your life’s purpose and experience whatever joy you may be lucky enough to encounter :)

That’s all for now,

Dr. Joy ND

PS - if you want more energy and focus for your life’s purpose, let’s talk! Book here.