If you are struggling with a mental health issue, it can be devastating to find out that your physical health isn’t as good as it used to be. This news may be surprising, but you are not alone. While physical and mental health were previously discussed separately, scientists have discovered that they are linked. Here, the osteopathic physicians at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health in Honolulu, HI, discuss how they are connected and what you can do to improve your overall well-being.

Your Physical & Mental Health

How Are Your Physical & Mental Health Linked? 

In the past, scientists believed that patients struggling with painful illnesses might experience altered emotional responses. However, it has been recently discovered that physical symptoms are actually caused by hormones in the brain. When someone experiences mental stress, the endocrine system creates a physical response. For example, a person dealing with depression might experience symptoms such as chronic pain and headaches. If you think your mental health is causing a change in your physical health, don’t hesitate to contact an osteopathic physician.

How Can You Improve Physical & Mental Health?

By making a few changes in your daily life, it is possible to improve both your physical and mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you need at least seven hours of sleep to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Consistently getting less than seven hours per night puts you at risk for illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

Another way to stay healthy is to make time for outdoor activities. The vitamin D you get while spending time outside contributes to the production of serotonin in your brain. A deficiency of this hormone is said to be linked to adverse changes in mood. Starting an outdoor exercise routine not only ensures you’re getting the right amount of vitamin D, but it also improves physical health by reducing your risk for heart disease.

Do you need to speak with an osteopathic physician about your mental and physical illnesses? The skilled doctors at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health are here to support you. Specializing in sports medicine, osteopathic manipulation, and nutritional medicine, their physicians are experienced in helping patients of all ages. To learn more about their services, visit their website. If you would like to schedule an appointment, give their staff a call today at (808) 521-8170.