{"id":2500,"date":"2023-10-08T17:28:11","date_gmt":"2023-10-08T17:28:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/integrativa.pt\/?p=2500"},"modified":"2026-04-11T19:32:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T19:32:03","slug":"what-is-health-a-view-based-on-flexibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/integrativa.pt\/en\/o-que-e-a-saude-uma-visao-baseada-na-flexibilidade\/","title":{"rendered":"What is health? A view based on flexibility"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Health is one of the most important aspects of our lives, but it's not always easy to define. For a long time, it was understood only as the absence of disease. However, this view is limited and doesn't reflect the way the body actually works on a daily basis.<\/p>\n

For me, health goes far beyond not being ill. Being healthy means that the body has the capacity to deal with life's challenges, be they physical, emotional or environmental. It's the ability to respond to stress,<\/em> adapt to change and recover effectively.<\/p>\n

Health as adaptability<\/h4>\n

The body is constantly changing and adapting. Health reflects precisely this ability to maintain balance even in demanding situations. It's not about never feeling tired, stress<\/em> or discomfort, but to be able to adjust and return to equilibrium after these moments.<\/p>\n

From this perspective, health can be understood through three fundamental areas: mental, immune and metabolic.<\/p>\n

Mental flexibility<\/h4>\n

Mental flexibility is related to the way in which we deal with the stress,<\/em> daily pressure and emotions. Having mental flexibility means being able to adapt to difficult situations, recover more easily after demanding periods and maintain a general sense of emotional stability.<\/p>\n

Immune flexibility<\/h4>\n

The immune system protects the body from external agents such as infections. Immunological flexibility refers to the ability of this system to respond appropriately, without overreacting or underreacting. A balanced immune system adapts to the body's needs at any given time.<\/p>\n

Metabolic flexibility<\/h4>\n

Metabolic flexibility refers to the body's ability to regulate energy and adapt to changes in diet, lifestyle and environment. A flexible metabolism allows the body to better utilise nutrients and maintain internal balance throughout the day.<\/p>\n

Health in everyday life<\/h4>\n

Life is made up of constant challenges. Being healthy doesn't mean avoiding stress<\/em> or difficulties, but rather having the resources to deal with them. Health is built on how the body responds, recovers and reorganises itself in the face of the demands of everyday life.<\/p>\n

Taking care of your health therefore involves more than preventing illness. It involves creating the conditions for the body to maintain its ability to adapt, through adjusted habits, conscious choices and attention to the body's needs over time.<\/p>\n

Seen in this way, health is a continuous, dynamic and daily process that depends on how we look after our body and mind.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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David Brand\u00e3o<\/strong> <\/a>| Osteopath and Physiotherapist<\/p>\n

Specialised in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology<\/p>\n

Physiotherapist Card: 3652 | Order of Physiotherapists \/\/ Osteopath Card: C-0031697 | ACSS<\/h6>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n