Definition of health, as it is suggested by health authorities (see, for example, Definition of Health in Frequently Asked Questions of World Health Organization), is based on complete physical, social, and mental well-being. This definition of health is referred to as health triangle.
However, when we consider this definition of health, we realize that it is exceptionally difficult these days to find people people with complete physical well-being or in good physical health. Physical health means that all organs and systems of the body are functioning normally. This includes the eyes, immune system, digestion, and many others that should all be free from all pathologies and deviations in relation to the medical norms. Just a requirement of physical health is satisfied by probably less than 10% of modern people.
Definition of health applied to the physical and mental well-being
The next mystery in this accepted definition of health relates to this division on three health components (physical well-being, social well-being, and mental well-being). Is it common or even frequent that a person can have complete physical well-being, but be mentally impaired? Can one have good mental and physical health, but poor social well-being? Who defines what is social well-being. There are questions here that relates to the question about the unity of the body, mind, and spirit.
Can we find a factor that is common for those who do not have physical and mental well-being? Yes, such factor exists even though it is rarely discussed and most people do not know about it. In order to answer this question related to the correct definition of health, we can consider what is common for people with mental problems and chronic diseases.
“All chronic pain, suffering and diseases are caused
from a lack of oxygen at the cell level.”
Professor AC Guyton, MD, Textbook of Medical Physiology*
* World’s most widely used medical textbook of any kind
* World’s best-selling physiology book
Therefore, health and definition of health will remain a mystery unless we find the main causes of low body oxygenation in people with mental and physical health problems. Why do they have less reduced body and brain oxygen levels?
Since oxygen is provided due to our respiration, we need to analyze what is going on with their breathing parameters. If they breathe at rest in accordance with medical norms, then we can look for other factors that define oxygen transport. However, medical research studies (hundreds of studies) claim that people with mental and physical problems do not have normal breathing parameters. They have those breathing characteristics that reduce body and brain oxygenation. To find out more, visit the web page Definition of physical health.
