Dalibor Dujmic, a regular content contributor to the low-protein community at Nutricia Metabolics, shares a quick reminder on how to keep body, mind, and spirit in balance as we move into the new year.
In our busy world, it can often feel like we’re juggling too many things at once. But it’s possible to live a balanced and fulfilling life. Here are some practical ways to maintain your wellbeing.
Wellbeing is not just one thing – it’s everything
Wellbeing includes your physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as financial stability and a sense of purpose. For people with PKU, high phenylalanine (Phe) levels can affect both mental and physical wellbeing — I’ve experienced this myself.
Body: take care of your physical health
Stress - whether from daily life or high Phe levels - can affect eating habits, leading to cravings for sugar and processed foods. Over time, this can result in:
- Weight gain and obesity
- Metabolic changes and an increased risk of heart disease or diabetes
- A cycle of emotional eating that worsens stress
- Digestive issues such as bloating
- Sleep disorders
- For people with PKU, stress-related eating can also increase the temptation to choose high-protein foods over low-protein options. It’s important to prioritise your diet and health to avoid these pitfalls.
What helps maintain physical health?
- Following your low protein diet consistently
- Taking your prescribed protein substitute
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding smoking
- Getting enough sleep
- Staying hydrated
- Attending regular medical check-ups
Mind: Look After Your Mental Health
Your mind is the director of your life. When you’re mentally balanced, you can manage challenges, make good decisions, and build meaningful relationships.
A healthy mind helps you to:
- Stay positive and focused
- Make thoughtful choices
- Build and maintain strong connections
- Maintain a healthy self-image
Physical and mental health are closely linked. When your body isn’t well, you might experience fatigue, brain fog, or low energy.
For people with PKU, mental health is influenced not only by daily stress but also by Phe levels. Research shows that people with PKU may have a higher risk of mood changes, anxiety, and depression if levels are not well controlled.
What Helps Maintain a Healthy Mind?
- Self-care: Rest, good nutrition, hydration, and regular exercise
- Mindfulness: Learn to live in the moment and manage stress better
- Social connection: Nurture positive relationships with those around you
Soul: Embrace Emotional Health
Emotional health means acknowledging your feelings and managing them in healthy ways. When you’re emotionally balanced, you can handle both the highs and lows — and know when to ask for help.
Elevated Phe levels can impact emotional stability, sometimes leading to irritability, anger, sadness, or loneliness. These feelings can strain relationships with loved ones. If it’s hard to manage your Phe levels for yourself, remember — do it for the people who care about you.
Caring for your body, mind, and spirit isn’t just a wellness trend — it’s a lifelong journey toward feeling good inside and out. Managing PKU well supports all aspects of wellbeing, helping you live a healthier, more balanced life.
By Dalibor Dujmic
Sources:
What is well-being? Definition, types and well-being skills - Psychology Today, 24.08.2024
How Stress Can Make Us Overeat - Harvard Health, 24.08.2024
The importance of mental health - verywellmind.com, 24.08.2024
Expert Consensus on the Long-Term Effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy and Its Impact on PKU - PMC (nih.gov)
What is emotional health and how does it affect you? - webmd.com, 24.08.2024
