As a Holistic Personal Trainer it is important to understand that the body is made up of a system of systems.
All the systems are related. If one system fails or is affected by disease then this effects the other systems.
For example: Respiratory issues will effect the Nervous System and induce anxiety. Absorbing unnatural foods through the Digestive System may trigger off an auto-immune disease in the Immune System. An over worked Nervous System will suppress the Reproductive system.
A fit person is not necessarily a healthy person. Just because you look good in the mirror and have ripped abs doesn’t mean all your systems are functioning well.
I have dealt with many clients that look great but are suffering from digestive issues, depression, skin problems, poor sex life, adrenal burnout, fatigue etc.
The following 10 Systems make up the Human Body and should all be addressed if you want to live a long, happy and healthy life.
# 1 – Skeletal System
The framework of the body. Not only do the bones of the body act as protection for the vital organs but also as anchor points for all our soft tissue. Your bones are alive and constantly regenerating, placing stress on your bones is vital for their health.
Watch out for:
Problems with the Joints like the Spine, Pelvis, Ankles/Wrists. The bones connective tissues, Cartilage and Ligaments. Bone Fractures. Also, Osteoarthritis / Rheumatoid Arthritis.
# 2 – Muscular System
The muscular system attaches to the skeletal system and produces movement. The body is basically a system of pulleys moving around your joints. The muscles have a rich supply of blood enabling them to repair and recover quickly.
Watch out for:
Muscle and Tendon Strains, Tears, Tendinitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
# 3 – Nervous System
The nervous system is the body’s computer sending messages quickly around the body. You have an automated system that governs things like breathing and heart rate. The nerve endings of your body relay information back to the spine or brain for immediate reaction.
Watch out for:
Problems with vision. Bad Sleep Cycles. Nerve Damage that includes dead spots on the skin. Anxiety. Smell, Taste, Touch and Hearing problems. Balance issues. Strokes, Migraines, Meningitis.
# 4 – Endocrine System
The hormonal system of the body. Hormones originate from the glands. Hormones send messages around the body. Hormones cause specific reactions in the body like the release of Adrenalin or Insulin.
Watch out for:
Adrenal Fatigue and Anxiety Issues. Pancreas, Thyroid & Parathyroid problems. Issues related to the Testes or Ovaries. Diabetes level 1 or 2.
# 5 – Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system involves the blood stream and the transportation of oxygen to the working tissues. The more economical the oxygen transportation system the more efficient the muscles can continue to work.
Watch out for:
Problems with the Blood, Arteries, Veins, and Capillaries. Heart issues including attacks, angina, atherosclerosis, valves disorders, embolism, thrombosis, arrhythmia, and hypertension (or high blood pressure)
# 6 – Respiratory System
Breathing in and breathing out oxygenates the blood as well as removing the waste carbon dioxide. The better the respiratory system the more oxygen in the blood and the more efficient the muscles can work. Incorrect breathing patterns will directly affect the Nervous System.
Watch out for:
Problems with the Lungs, Common Colds, Influenza, Bronchitis, Asthma, and Emphysema.
# 7 – Urinary System
The body’s purification system with the assistance of the Kidney’s. The more you drink the more the kidney’s have to work. The more toxins you drink the more your kidney’s are stressed.
Watch out for:
Problems with the Kidney’s, Incontinence, and Kidney Stones.
# 8 – Digestive System
Often referred to as existing outside of the human body the Digestive system runs from mouth to anus. In many ways the digestive system is blocked off from the rest of the body to avoid things that shouldn’t be eaten entering into the blood stream. The digestion system is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing the nutrients into the body.
Watch out for:
Problems with Mouth & Throat, Salivary Glands, Teeth, Stomach, Small Intestines, Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Large Intestine or Colon, Digestion, Enzymes, Peptic Ulcers, Gastritis, Hiatus Hernia, Alcoholic Liver Disease, Portal Hypertension, Gallstones, Pancreatitis, and Diverticular disease.
# 9 – Lymph & Immune System
The immune system keeps us healthy and fights off those deadly bacteria with the help of the white blood cells. The lymphatic system is a separate system that transports lymph or recycled blood plasma. Also absorbs and transports fatty acids.
Watch out for:
Viruses, Bacteria, Superbugs, Malaria, Fungi, Parasitic Worms, Allergies, and Immunization.
# 10 – Reproductive System
Helps us reproduce offspring. Often one of the first systems to be affected when other systems are not functioning well. Nature does not want unhealthy people to reproduce!
Watch out for:
Menstrual Cycle issues, and Contraceptive pills. Prostate, Testicular cancer, Hydrocele, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Breast Lumps, and Prolapsed Uterus.
The Problem with Western Medicine
The western style of medicine often uses a reductionist style of treatment, focusing in on the symptom and removing it or treating it with drugs. This approach only pushes the problem deeper down only to raise its ugly head elsewhere.
In my opinion, only way to achieve optimal health is to look at the body as a complete whole and not as a separate collection of systems.
Is this how you approach your health?
Really interesting, great read. I have never really thought about being fit but being unhealthy. Really opened a new door for me, thanks.
Cheers Michael, yes it seems common place these days. Many people are skinny fat!!
Nutrition.
There are a lot of powders around especially the heavily marketed Athletic Greens plus a whole range of competitors (see Amazon). What would be useful would be a review but even better would be a guide as to how to choose and (if people have the money) how claims can be checked. If one writes to the manufacturers with their competitors products, asking for comparisons, they just reply ‘see the label’ which doesn’t really help much. I do understand that many of the ‘fitness gurus’ (especially in USA) have investment in or links to Athletic greens and thus won’t comment or criticise so perhaps a ‘How to’ choose the best powder, would help. Also, on the subject of nutrition, your take on whole grains – eat them or not.This site: http://www.truthaboutabs.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/never-eat-this-for-breakfast-healthy.html is clearly against whole grains – and yet another site has just brought out high protein bread at 30g for two slices. What’s your take on whole grains?
Hi Sarah, I don’t advocate taking any pills, powders or supplements. Most people need to focus more on their daily nutrition as this has by far the biggest impact on their health. Nothing can replace Mother Natures Pantry, it’s what we evolved eating for millions of years! As for grains see my article here: https://www.gbpersonaltraining.com/is-it-time-to-go-against-the-grain/
I have been following your blog for some time and I love how clear and concise all of your information is! You have given me so many tips and exercises I want to try, and its getting me really looking forward to keeping fit and healthy!
I have been following your blog for some time and I love how clear and concise all of your information is! You have given me so many tips and exercises I want to try, and its getting me really looking forward to keeping fit and healthy!
My pleasure Laura, pleased I could help. If you have any suggestions for future articles just let me know.