Dalibor Dujmic, a regular content contributor to the low-protein community at Nutricia Metabolics, provides a quick refresher on how to keep body, mind, and spirit in balance as we move into the new year.
In our busy world, it sometimes feels like we're juggling too many things at once. But don't worry—it's possible to live a balanced and fulfilling life. Here are some tips to help you maintain your well-being.
Well-being is not just one thing, it's everything
Well-being encompasses multiple aspects, such as physical health, mental and emotional well-being, financial stability, and a sense of purpose. For people with PKU, elevated phe levels can cause a knock-on effect on both mental and physical well-being, affecting overall wellbeing. Believe me, I have experienced it myself.
Body: take care of your physical self
Stress, caused by high phe levels or other factors, can affect your eating habits and lead to an increased need for sugar and junk food. This can result in:
- Weight gain and obesity
- Metabolic changes and an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes
- A cycle of emotional eating that exacerbates stress
- Digestive problems, such as bloating
- Sleep disorders
- For PKU sufferers, stress-related eating may increase the temptation to choose protein-rich foods over low-protein options. It's important to prioritize your diet and health to avoid these pitfalls.
What helps with good physical health?
- Eating a healthy, low-protein diet
- Exercise regularly (at least three times a week)
- Avoiding smoking
- Getting enough sleep
- Drink enough water
- Regular medical check-ups
Your mind is like the director of the movie of your life. When you are mentally balanced, you can better deal with challenges, make rational decisions, and build strong relationships.
A healthy mind helps you to:
- Approach life with a positive attitude
- Make strong and meaningful connections
- Make rational choices
- Maintain a positive self-image
Mental and physical health are inextricably linked. When the body is not healthy, it can lead to brain fog, reduced resistance and less energy.
For people with PKU, mental health depends not only on daily stress, but also on pheh levels. Studies show a link between PKU and an increased risk of mood disorders, anxiety and depression.
What helps maintain a healthy mind?
- Self-care: get plenty of rest, healthy diet, hydration, and exercise
- Mindfulness: learn to live in the moment and manage stress better
- Social connections: nurture positive relationships with people around you
Soul: Embrace Emotional Health
Emotional health means acknowledging your feelings and dealing with them in a healthy way. When you are emotionally balanced, you can handle both highs and lows and you know when to seek help.
Elevated phe levels can affect emotional stability and increase feelings of anger, irritation, depression, and loneliness. This can lead to tensions with loved ones. If it's hard to control your phe levels for yourself, do it for the people who love you.
Combining care for body, mind, and spirit isn't just a wellness trifecta—it's a journey to overall wellness. It's about creating a life that feels good, inside and out.
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
