Eat, Think, and Do Your Way to Optimal Health With Balance of Nature’s Triad of Health

We at Balance of Nature believe that complete health can only be achieved through personal accountability. Dr. Douglas Howard, formulator and founder of Balance of Nature, developed The Triad of Health during twenty years of practice to help clarify our personal health responsibilities.

The Triad of Health is composed of three sides, each side representing different dimensions of health. There’s Physical Health, Spiritual Health, and Chemical Health.

Physical Health (or, in simpler terms, “do”) has everything to do with what you do and how your body functions, all the way down to the cellular level. This side of the triad includes consistent physical activity and proper function of your physical body. How often do you exercise?

The following are some example of things you could work on to better your physical health:

• Walk once a day for at least 30 minutes
• Do some squats while watching TV
• Exercise 3 to 5 times a week
• Increase the intensity of your workout from moderate to vigorous activity

Spiritual Health encompasses spiritual, mental, and emotional health. This side of the triad includes what you think, how you think, your relationships, and your attitude. We believe complete health cannot dismiss your relationship with God and daily personal meditation. In simpler terms, remember “think” for Spiritual Health. Spend time with friends or family, and stay positive!

To work on your spiritual health, you can try:

• Keeping a journal
• Doing breathing techniques
• Meditating
• Pausing to relax
• Being socially active
• Working on hobbies

Chemical Health involves every function of your body. This side of the triad includes what you eat, drink, breathe, absorb, or consume in any way. The body is a fantastic chemical laboratory—the substances you choose to expose it to affect its intricate functions and processes. Think “eat” for this aspect of health. Supply your body with the right fuel.

Here are some examples of how you could work on improving your chemical health:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Limit your sugar intake
• Only eat out once a week
• Cook more plant-based meals
• Revise your grocery list to eliminate heavily processed foods

Why do we need all three sides? To achieve complete health, you must strive for a balanced life. You must continually build and strengthen your health triad. When you take responsibility for your own health and strengthen any two sides of your health triad, the third will naturally be motivated to follow.

For example, if you are trying to become more fit you’ll exercise more, but you might also eat better. This goal employs both the Physical and Chemical Health sides of the triad. If you want to treat certain symptoms, a Health Coach may advise you to take more Fruits & Veggies and Fiber & Spice to combat inflammation and promote circulation in addition to other benefits.  You might also join a class and interact with others striving for similar goals, or keep a fitness journal. This would benefit the Spiritual Health side.

“In order to take full control of your health, you must educate yourself, set goals, and make good choices,” Dr. Howard said.

Making healthy changes can be simple. Eat better, healthier foods. Choose some carrots instead of some chips. Park farther away from the door so you walk more. Take a breather and schedule yourself some “me time.”

It is important to set whole health goals. Balance of Nature Preferred Customers are assigned a personal Health Coach to help you make goals and guide you on your road to better health. Our Health Coaches are trained in each aspect of the The Triad of Health and will help you set and achieve whole health goals.

In trying to reach your goals, it is important to be consistent. Consistency is really key to succeeding not only with Balance of Nature, but with your health, too. For instance, with Chemical Health, your body needs time and consistent nutrition to achieve maximum results. If you continually give your body what it needs, it will gradually experience significant changes.

We know developing a new habit can be difficult. But stick with it; it will be worth it. Set reminders if necessary!

Most importantly, take accountability! You are responsible for your health, and you are the only person who can really improve your health. Your day-to-day choices and actions have the greatest effect on your current and future health. So choose better health.

When you reach optimal health, or even almost reach it, we’re sure you’ll notice a difference. When you improve your health, your overall quality of life will be better, and you’ll be better able to live life to the fullest. Instead of having to sit things out due to aches and pains, you could be able to actively participate. Additionally, when you improve your health, your risk of developing numerous lifestyle diseases decreases, so you can be around for longer.