Holistic Health

The World Health Organization estimates that between 65 – 80 percent of the populations in developing countries use holistic naturopathic interventions in the form of functional foods, plant extracts, medicinal herbs, natural vitamins, minerals, supplements & self-care therapies as a primary form of healthcare.

Reference: ^② Ian C. Langtree (16 Jan 2020), Holistic Health Care: Information, Facts and Statistics. Medical News & Research: Alternative Medicine & Holistic Health. Accessed 16 April 2025. Available at https://www.disabled-world.com/medical/alternative/holistic/care-statistics

Baby boomers (born 1946–1964) are the largest population group now requiring healthcare. They’re voicing more concerns about health, quality of life & healthy ageing than prior generations. Frailty in older adults—marked by neurodegeneration, cognitive decline, malnutrition, immobility and more—is a major challenge. Chronic diseases and nutrient deficiencies worsen this cycle, impacting function and increasing risk.

Reference: ^② Ian C. Langtree (16 Jan 2020), Holistic Health Care: Information, Facts and Statistics. Medical News & Research: Alternative Medicine & Holistic Health. Accessed 16 April 2025. Available at https://www.disabled-world.com/medical/alternative/holistic/care-statistics

Healthy metabolism or metabolic function supports processes by which the body breaks down nutrients like sugar, fats, and proteins to produce energy from the foods & drinks you consume, to keep you alive and functioning well every day. like such as health maintenance, hormonal, electrolyte & fluid balance, heartbeat, breathing, body temperature, menstrual cycle, reproduction, cell growth & repair, movement, sleep, digestion, inflammation, detoxification, and self-care activities.

Healthcare providers will do a routine medical history, family medical history, physical exam (weight, body mass index, waistline circumference, blood pressure) and order specific blood tests that measures 14 different substances in a sample of your blood to assess metabolic health, including metabolic panels, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol & triglyceride fats profile, and tests for specific markers or criteria like blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, haemoglobin A1c, iron, & vitamin D level. These tests also help evaluate liver, digestive, kidney, & blood circulation function, chemical balance in your body as well as overall metabolic status.
Metabolism is influenced by age, gender, weight, muscle-to-fat ratio, hormone function, life-stage, & lifestyle (diet, hydration, exercise, sleep, stress, smoking, & alcohol intake). Healthcare providers often recommend metabolic testing for individuals that are at risk, noticing changes or presenting with symptoms such as weight gain, difficulty losing weight, excessive thirst, frequent urination, mood swings, fatigue, poor sleep, blurred vision, headaches, dry skin, thinning hair, unusual hair growth (face, neck, chin), darkened skin patches (neck, armpits, under breasts), irregular periods & brain fog.^1,2
Regular health checkups are crucial for monitoring metabolic health, especially for those at risk of metabolic syndrome or other related conditions. These checkups help identify potential problems early on, allowing for timely intervention and lifestyle adjustments.

Reference: ^① MedlinePlus. Metabolic disorders. Accessed 16 April 2025. Available at https://medlineplus.gov/metabolicdisorders.html.
^② Pfizer. Metabolic Disorders Overview, Accessed 16 April 2025. Available at https://www.pfizer.com/disease-and-conditions/metabolic-disorders.

Yes, metabolic health is strongly linked to a holistic approach to health. Holistic health is more than just treating symptoms, it is about understanding how every part of your life influences your well-being. A holistic perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, social & occupational well-being, and addresses the underlying lifestyle factors that contribute to metabolic syndrome.

Berberine is not like Ozempic. It is a plant-based compound, whereas Ozempic is a regulated prescription medication. Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, belongs to a class of drugs called Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that help to regulate blood sugar levels. While Ozempic was only officially approved for the treatment of type-2 diabetes in 2017, a secondary effect became apparent during clinical trials where patients were experiencing weight loss. Various studies show that some participants using semaglutide lost up to 15% of their body weight,1 a figure unmatched by other weight-loss treatments. This discovery led to the drug quickly being prescribed off-label for weight management in individuals with obesity or related health conditions. Since then, interest in the drug has skyrocketed, driven even further by growing product launches & endorsements from high profile celebrities, prominent & authoritative figures, as well as the widespread attention on social media platforms.¹
While the appeal is understandable, experts warn that using Ozempic without a prescription, or for reasons other than diabetes management, comes with risks, long-term safety, effectiveness, & the sustainability of weight loss achieved especially amongst non-diabetic users remains unclear. ³

Berberine isn’t a classical adaptogen and is not considered one. Berberine and adaptogens share some similarities in that they can both potentially support overall health and well-being, but they are not the same thing, and they differ significantly. Berberine is a plant-based alkaloid compound found in several plants, including:

• Barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, oregon grape, phellodendron, phytosome, and tree turmeric