Health should not be a commodity.
Intrinsic health as the new health paradigm.
Happy Tuesday, health heroes.
Let me challenge a common health belief. Our culture often treats our health as something separate from ourselves—something to manage, control, or fix. We talk about our health as if it’s on the other side of the fence. “My health is eluding me” or “I want to get to a place of better health.”
Its as if health is a destination – like Hawaii. You dream of going there someday. But wait. You are your health, aren’t you?
This dialog around how we talk about health makes me curious. Why is it that we see our health as something separate from ourselves? Does everyone across the globe see their health this way, or is this an American phenomenon?
After some research, it appears it is a Western viewpoint, not a global one.
In many Eastern traditions, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda (from India), health is seen as a balance between mind, body, and spirit. Rather than seeing health as something separate that can be "fixed" through medicine alone, these systems emphasize harmony and the integration of lifestyle, diet, emotions, and spiritual well-being.
In Mediterranean countries, health is often synonymous with lifestyle. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh vegetables, fish, olive oil, and whole grains, is not a "diet" but a way of life. It’s intertwined with social gatherings, slower living, and strong community ties. This integrated approach helps people see health as a daily practice rather than something that is only addressed when problems arise.
Health is intertwined with spirituality in many Latin American cultures, especially in rural areas. Healing practices often involve spiritual rituals, traditional remedies, and a strong belief in the power of faith and prayer. This perspective often views illness as a result of spiritual imbalance or disconnection from tradition.
But here in the U.S., health is often treated as something that can be managed or fixed with medical interventions. The healthcare system is mainly reactive, addressing problems after they arise rather than focusing on prevention. Health is often seen as an external commodity we purchase—through doctor visits, medications, or surgeries—rather than something we nurture and develop within ourselves.
Our view of health in the U.S. reflects a common mindset where health is often managed as a series of external tasks—dieting, exercising, taking medication—rather than an integral part of who we are.
The truth is, our health is not an external entity; it is an intrinsic part of who we are.
I’m not alone in this thinking. Aristotle argued that well-being, or eudaimonia, is achieved by living in alignment between mind and body. He believed that balance and harmony are essential to health, viewing the body as the "house" of the soul, which must be cared for to avoid ruin.
Similarly, in his book Medical Nemesis, Ivan Illich challenged the notion that health is something that can be "fixed" by the medical system. He took it a step further by arguing that true health comes from within, and that over-reliance on medical interventions detracts from people’s ability to heal naturally and take ownership of their health. As Illich aptly put it, "Health is not a product, but a mode of being."
I believe we embody our health. It is woven into every fiber of our being. When we start to see ourselves as one with our health, everything changes. We no longer 'manage' our health—we embrace it, nurture it, and support it as an essential part of our identity. This mindset shift allows us to move beyond merely reacting to health issues and towards a proactive, compassionate approach to caring for ourselves.
There are many benefits to this perspective of shifting their mindset from a reactive, management-first approach to a more integrated and proactive one. Here are a few.
Benefits of Shifting Our Health Perspective
When people see their health as an intrinsic part of themselves rather than something external to control, they become more mindful and intentional in their health choices. Here’s how it supports better health decision-making:
It promotes ownership and accountability. When individuals realize they embody their health, they take full ownership of it. Health decisions no longer feel like obligations, or something handed off to a doctor or health system. This ownership leads to more thoughtful decisions because people feel personally invested in the outcome.
It encourages proactive care. Instead of waiting for health problems to arise and addressing them, this mindset fosters proactive self-care. People begin to ask themselves, "What can I do today to support my health?" They are more likely to prioritize preventive measures like exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management, which are crucial for long-term well-being.
It lets you align decisions with personal values. When people understand that their health is a core part of who they are, their health decisions tend to align more with their personal values and beliefs. They make choices that reflect what truly matters to them—whether that’s balance, vitality, or longevity—rather than just responding to external pressures or quick fixes.
It reduces short-term fixes and impulsive decisions. This mindset combats impulsive health decisions, such as reaching for quick fixes or fads. If you see your health as something integral to you, you’re more likely to make long-term, thoughtful decisions instead of looking for fast results that may not align with your overall well-being.
Your health literacy and curiosity improves. By viewing health as a part of oneself, curiosity about what truly benefits health increases. People are more likely to research, ask questions, and explore different options rather than blindly following conventional advice or the first treatment offered. This critical thinking leads to more informed and personalized decisions.
You begin to foster compassionate self-care. When people embrace their health as part of themselves, they are more compassionate and kind in their health choices. Rather than punishing themselves through restrictive diets or extreme measures, they choose interventions that nurture and support their well-being, leading to more sustainable and healthier choices over time.
Confidence in healing increases. By internalizing the idea that you are your health, people gain a stronger belief in their ability to heal. This confidence drives them to explore the best options and to follow through with actions that support long-term healing instead of feeling powerless or dependent on external forces to "fix" them.
Approaches to changing the health conversation.
So what would it take for a nation to change this health narrative to one of intrinsic health? I have some ideas (but I would love to hear yours, too):
👨🏽⚕️ Encourage doctors to use their time with patients differently, even within the limited time constraints. Instead of focusing solely on diagnosing and treating symptoms, doctors can frame health discussions in a way that fosters long-term health ownership.
🧢 Teach kids and young adults how to take care of their bodies, souls, and minds.
📲 Create health education materials that shift the narrative from disease prevention to self-nurturing.
🧘🏽♀️Teach mindfulness techniques to old and young alike to foster health self-awareness.
🖥️ Offer webinars, workshops, or retreats across the country to raise awareness and provide practical applications for integrating health into daily life.
🪢 Share stories and real-life examples of health transformation achieved by embracing intrinsic health to inspire others.
🫚 Teach people to be curious about their health and how they manage it.
🤾🏾♂️Create communities that support and reinforce the intrinsic health mindset shift.
🏹 Create public messaging to promote health as part of identity instead of promoting pharmaceuticals.
Personal adoption of intrinsic health
I must admit that embodying health, not just managing it, is a complex concept, even for me. We will have to teach ourselves this new way of thinking to start embracing our health outside of the healthcare system. We will have to begin to see our health as something to embody and nurture rather than something that needs to be fixed.
But what a relief it will be when we do. The intrinsic health mindset will empower people to take control of their health. It shifts the pressure from managing health to aligning everyday actions that benefit overall well-being. Doesn’t that feel better already?
Why not start with you? Remember regularly that your actions tell your body what you think of it. Start thinking of your health kindly because keeping your body healthy expresses appreciation and gratitude for you.
That’s all for this Tuesday’s letter!
If you like this topic, I’m speaking about it this Friday in the glamorous city of Cheyenne, Wyoming — I’d love to see you there.
What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment or send me a DM, the door is always open.
In good health,
Dr. Alice
A little more about Dr. Alice Burron and The Health Navigator Group:
You can find more about The Health Navigator Group at our website: www.thehealthnavigator.org
On Instagram: @the.health.navigator
And learn more about Dr. Alice Burron at her website: draliceburron.com
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