Our recent podcast episode features an enlightening discussion with Greg Elliott, an esteemed exercise physiologist, osteopath, and co-founder of HealthQB Technologies. The conversation delves into the multifaceted world of health and wellness, focusing on the biopsychosocial model of health, the effects of stress, and the revolutionary role of wearable technology and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) in health management.
The biopsychosocial model of health posits that optimal health and wellness result from an intricate interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. It argues against viewing these factors in isolation, highlighting their interconnectedness in impacting our health. Elliott explains how stress, an integral part of the biopsychosocial model, affects the autonomic nervous system and, by extension, our health.
Stress, according to Elliott, is not inherently detrimental. The key lies in achieving a balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of our autonomic nervous system. He mentions a fascinating study on nuclear shipyard workers, shedding light on the dose-dependent relationship between stress and health. When managed effectively, stress can have a positive impact on our health, enabling us to adapt and recover from various life challenges.
In the context of health and wellness, HRV measures the variation in time between each heartbeat, acting as a biomarker of stress and overall health. Elliott provides practical guidance on measuring HRV and choosing wearable devices for the same. He stresses that these devices are not diagnostic tools, but catalysts for behavioral change and progress tracking.
The podcast also delves into the realm of wearable technology, which has revolutionized personal health and wellness management. The quality and interpretation of data provided by wearable devices can provide valuable insights into an individual's health. Wearable technology has potential in clinical settings, offering a more efficient means of health tracking and intervention.
The conversation also touches on the potential application of HRV in hormone replacement therapy and predicting pregnancy. HRV is not only affected by factors such as age, pregnancy, and menopause, but can also provide insights into the holistic health of an individual. However, Elliott cautions against focusing solely on the average HRV, highlighting the importance of considering the coefficient variance, which indicates fluctuations in HRV over time.
In summary, this enlightening podcast episode explores the biopsychosocial model of health, the role of stress and HRV, and the revolutionary impact of wearable technology in health and wellness management. It underscores the need for a holistic approach to health and wellness, advocating for an individualized approach based on an individual's unique biological, psychological, and social factors.
