A simple way to improve your health (that’s not diet or exercise)

Summary

The website content discusses the importance of social connections for health, as advised by a new doctor and supported by research and an old Japanese proverb.

Abstract

The article emphasizes that maintaining a strong social community is a key factor in improving one's health, a perspective shared by a new doctor during a routine health check-up. This advice aligns with scientific evidence suggesting that social well-being contributes positively to both mental and physical health. The author draws a parallel to the Japanese proverb that even a delicacy like sea bream doesn't taste good when eaten alone, highlighting the value of sharing meals with others. The piece advocates for a shift in focus from diet and exercise to the social aspects of eating, suggesting that enjoying food with people can lead to a more fulfilling and healthy life.

Opinions

The author believes that if you are not satisfied with your doctor, you should consider switching to one you trust and feel cares for you.
Alcohol's health benefits are seen as stemming from the social aspects of drinking rather than the beverage itself.
The happiest and healthiest individuals are those with high-quality relationships rather than the rich and famous.
The Japanese proverb implies that shared experiences, such as eating together, enhance enjoyment and well-being.
The article promotes the idea of quality over quantity in social interactions and suggests that peace with our well-being can be found by not fixating on macros or calorie counts.
The author posits that the ultimate goal of good health is to enjoy life, which can be achieved through lifestyle practices inspired by simple Japanese philosophies.

Lessons from an old Japanese proverb

I had my annual physical at the doctor’s a few days ago– I went to a new doctor because I didn’t like my old one (Note: Yes, if you don’t like your doctor you should switch! They are providing a service, and especially when it comes to your health, you should be working with individuals that care for you, and that you trust).

She was asking me a few routine questions about my lifestyle habits, and the topic of drinking came up. I told her I didn’t drink much and she was like, good! Less is better.

“If you hear that alcohol is good for your health, it’s probably the social aspects of drinking, not the drink itself. Drink with people, but I don’t encourage you to drink with people.”

It was the first time that I heard a doctor speak to me about the health benefits of a strong social community. Oftentimes I hear the usual on exercise, eating vegetables, not too much meat, etc. but not about our social health. After my appointment, I switched to her to be my primary care doctor.

There is strong evidence that having a strong social life is good for your health– not just mentally, but physically as well. In fact, the happiest and healthiest people on the planet are not necessarily the rich and famous, but those who have the highest quality relationships.

It reminded me of the old Japanese proverb,

Eaten alone, even sea bream does not taste delicious.

鯛も一人はうまからず (Taimo hitoriwa umakarazu)

Sea bream is a celebratory delicacy in Japanese cuisine, usually a prized centerpiece dish like a dry-aged ribeye or juicy, crispy turkey in American culture. But eaten alone, how good could something delicious taste?

Illustrations by Kaki Okumura

If you’re looking for a simple way to improve your health, one easy way to do that is to share your meals and snacks with others– make it an occasion! Quality over quantity, and by reshaping our relationship with food to not be dictated by macros or calorie count, we can find peace with our wellbeing.

Because is that not the whole point of good health, to enjoy life?

Warmly,

Kaki

A simple way to improve your health (that’s not diet or exercise)

Lessons from an old Japanese proverb

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