Why Your Body Works Better as a Whole: The Science Behind Holistic Health

Why Your Body Works Better as a Whole

Have you ever tried to fix one thing in your life—like your sleep—but still felt tired, foggy or unmotivated?

That’s because your body doesn’t work in isolation. It’s a network of systems that rely on each other. When one system is struggling, others have to work harder—and over time, this affects your overall health.

This is why a holistic approach ( whole systems approach )—supporting your mind, body, and lifestyle together—isn’t just a nice idea. It’s essential for true, lasting wellbeing.

Let’s explore how your body’s systems work together—and what happens when they don’t.

Your Body Is a Team: Not Solo Players

Think of your body like a team sport. Every player (organ system) has their role—like the digestive system, the immune system, the nervous system—but they all need to communicate and coordinate.

When one player is injured or underperforming, the others compensate, but not always effectively. That’s when fatigue, inflammation, pain or emotional changes start to show up.

Let’s look at a few examples:

1. The Gut–Brain Connection

Your gut and brain are constantly talking to each other via the vagus nerve. This connection is known as the gut–brain axis.

·       About 90% of serotonin, a feel-good brain chemical, is made in the gut

·       If your gut is inflamed or your microbiome (good bacteria) is unbalanced, you may feel anxious, low or foggy

·       Research shows poor gut health is linked to depression, mood swings and even cognitive decline (Carabotti et al., 2015)

So: If your digestive health isn’t supported (e.g., poor diet, stress), your mental health may suffer—even if everything else seems fine.

Holistic tip: Eat fibre-rich foods, reduce ultra-processed foods, and support your microbiome

 

 2. Sleep, Hormones, and Metabolism

When you don’t sleep well, your hormones get disrupted, especially those involved in:

·       Blood sugar regulation (insulin)

·       Hunger and fullness (ghrelin and leptin)

·       Stress (cortisol)

Poor sleep leads to cravings, weight gain, and fatigue—making it harder to exercise, think clearly, or feel motivated. Over time, this can even increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes (Medic et al., 2017).

So: Working on sleep hygiene isn't just about feeling rested. It improves immune health, mood, and metabolism too.

Holistic tip: Prioritise good sleep routines alongside nutrition and activity

 3. Muscle and Bone: Use It or Lose It

Muscles support bones. Bones support posture. And movement helps pump blood, regulate hormones, and support brain health.

If you don’t use your muscles:

·       They shrink (sarcopenia)

·       You burn fewer calories at rest

·       You lose strength, balance and independence

But regular strength-building activity—even gentle resistance training in your 70s+—can reverse this decline and protect you from falls and frailty (Peterson et al., 2010).

 So: Exercise doesn’t just help your muscles. It supports your heart, brain, immune system and metabolic health too.

 Holistic tip: Move daily in a way that feels joyful—walking, dancing, stretching or light strength work

4. Mental Health and Physical Health Work Together

Stress isn’t just a feeling—it causes real physical changes:

·       Raises cortisol (stress hormone)

·       Suppresses immune function

·       Affects digestion

·       Increases inflammation

Chronic stress can worsen almost every condition—from high blood pressure to gut problems and even joint pain.

On the flip side, practices like mindfulness, journaling, breathwork or visualisation can:

·       Lower stress

·       Improve sleep

·       Support your immune system

·       Help you make better health choices

 So: Caring for your mind is an essential part of caring for your body

The Research Is Clear

Health isn’t just about “treating one part.” It’s about supporting the entire person.

A few key studies:

·       Gut–brain axis: Carabotti et al. (2015), Annals of Gastroenterology.

·       Sleep and metabolic health: Medic et al. (2017), Nature and Science of Sleep.

·       Resistance training in older adults: Peterson et al. (2010), Ageing Research Reviews.

So What Does a Holistic Approach Look Like?

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about connecting the dots:

·       Nourish your gut → feel better emotionally

·       Sleep deeply → manage weight and energy

·       Move regularly → boost brain and bone health

·       Manage stress → support hormones and immunity

Each small action you take helps the rest of your body work better. That’s the power of synergy.

We’re not just made up of parts—we are whole beings.

Your body is talking to you all the time. When you learn to listen and support it from all angles, real transformation begins.

Let’s stop treating health like a to-do list…
And start treating it like a relationship—with your whole self

.Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health routines. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for supporting my work.