September 7, 2025 • 25 mins
Integrative health is a phrase that gets used a lot, but what does it actually mean? Many people confuse it with conventional medicine, alternative therapies, or even quick-fix wellness trends. In this episode of Mindful Objective, Daniel breaks down the meaning of integrative health in simple, everyday language, making it easy to understand even if you’ve never heard the term before.
You’ll learn how integrative health differs from conventional care, why it focuses on prevention and root causes, and how it brings together modern science with ancient practices like Ayurveda. Daniel also explains the important role of health coaching—guidance, accountability, and education that help you make real, lasting changes instead of getting stuck with vague advice like “eat better” or “stress less.”
At Mindful Objective, the approach is holistic: functional labs to uncover hidden imbalances, supplements to support the body, Ayurvedic wisdom for daily balance, and personalized coaching to keep you on track. It’s not about diagnosing or treating disease—that’s what conventional doctors are for. Instead, it’s about empowering you to understand your own body, build habits that stick, and create resilience before problems turn into crises.
If you’ve ever felt like your doctor’s office visits were too rushed, or that something was missing in your health journey, this episode will give you a fresh perspective. Integrative health may be the missing link between “getting by” and truly thriving.
📍If this episode gave you a new way to think about your health—or sparked a question you’ve been holding onto—pass it along to a friend or family member who might benefit. For ongoing insights, resources, and ways to connect, follow along on social media @mindfulobjective.
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📝 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before making dietary changes. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to this disclaimer.
Remember—healing is a journey. Progress often comes from small daily wins, steady steps, and asking better questions. Consider this episode a reminder that you already hold more influence over your health than you may realize.
Stay mindful. Stay well.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to Mindful Objective. I'm your host, Doctor Daniel
Sproule, integrative health practitioner Professor.
Today we're tackling a simple but often confusing question.
What is integrative health? People hear that phrase and
think it's just another form of conventional medicine.
Or maybe they assume it's something mystical or
alternative. Neither is true.
Integrative health is about connecting the dots, your body,
(00:22):
your mind, your daily habits andeven your environment to help
you live healthier. But before we dive in, I want to
be clear, I don't practice medicine.
I'm not here to diagnose, treat or cure any diseases.
As Integrative Health Practitioner, we provide health
coaching, education and guidanceto an integrative health.
We look at the whole picture andsupport your body's natural
ability to heal. We also weave in approaches like
(00:43):
Ayurveda, a traditional system of health from India that
focuses on balance and prevention so that our work
isn't just about supplements or lab tests, but also about living
well. As always, this shows for
educational purposes only. We do not diagnose, treat or
cure any illness or disease. And by the end of this podcast,
this episode, you know exactly what integrative health is, how
(01:05):
it's different from conventionalcare, and why it might be the
missing piece you've been searching for.
So when most people hear the phrase integrative health, they
don't know what to picture. Some think it's yoga,
meditation, and even essential oils.
Others assume it's alternative medicine, something you only try
when nothing else works. And still others think that it's
just another name for conventional healthcare.
(01:28):
The reality is, integrative health sits in its own lane.
It's not about rejecting medicine.
It's not about mystical quick fixes.
It's about seeing you as a wholeperson and bringing together the
best tools from both modern science and ancient wisdom.
Holistic health is great and here's the simplest way to put
it. Integrative health looks at the
(01:48):
whole body and asks why problemsare happening in the 1st place.
Conventional medicine often focuses on what is wrong, like
high blood pressure, bloating orfatigue and then treats the
symptom. Integrative health asked why is
this even happening and what canwe do to bring the body back
into balance. Let's take a real world example.
Say someone has digestive discomfort after meals in a
(02:10):
conventional setting. They might get a quick exam,
maybe a prescription for antacid, and then maybe sent
home. The symptom might calm down for
a while, but the reason for discomfort remains and
integrative health. We ask the bigger questions.
What foods are you eating? How fast are you eating them?
Do you have food sensitivities? Could stress be playing a role?
(02:31):
What's happening in your gut microbiome?
It's a mindful objective. We dig deeper by combining
modern tools and coaching. That might mean running
functional lab tests like a stool test to check digestion or
food sensitivity panel to uncover what's really going on.
Then we build a plan with you step by step.
Maybe includes removing triggering foods, adding gut
(02:52):
supportive supplements, adjusting meal timing, or
weaving in practices like Ayurveda like mindful eating and
seasonal food choices. It's not a Band-Aid fix.
It's a personalized system to help your body heal and function
better. Another important piece is that
integrative health values prevention.
Instead of waiting for a crisis,it looks for patterns and early
signals. Maybe your labs are still in the
(03:14):
normal range, but you're exhausted, irritable, or
sleeping poorly. That doesn't mean nothing's
wrong. It means your body is whispering
before it starts shouting. By addressing those whispers
now, we can prevent bigger issues later on.
This is also why we stress a mindful objective.
We do not practice medicine. We're not here to diagnose or
replace your doctor. What we do is coaching and
(03:34):
guidance. We help you understand your
body, we use labs to inform yourpersonalized plans, and we
support you in making realistic,lasting changes.
Many of our clients worked with both us and their medical
doctor. It's not either or.
We work together. And then there's role of
Ayurveda. Ayurveda, which is thousands of
years old. It's all about balance.
(03:57):
It teaches you that your daily rhythms, digestion and lifestyle
are out of sync. You'll feel unwell.
Modern science is proving this true.
Circadian rhythm. Gut health and nutrition all
play huge roles in long term health.
By weaving Ayurveda into integrative health, we're not
stepping away from science. We're adding another layer of
wisdom that makes care more personalized again to you.
(04:19):
So if you're wondering what is integrative health, here's the
bottom line. It's a whole person, root cause
prevention focused approach thatuses both modern tools and
traditional wisdom to get a mindful objective.
That means functional labs, supplement protocols, health
coaching, and also Ayurveda practices that are tailored to
your unique needs. Again, specifically to you,
(04:40):
integrative health doesn't see you as a condition.
It sees you as a human being whose mind, body and environment
are connected. And when we connect the dots,
that's when real healing begins.So one of the most common
questions I hear is, so how is integrative health different
from what my doctor already does?
And that is a fair question. On the surface, they might look
(05:00):
similar. We both talk about nutrition,
lifestyle, and health goals. But when you take a closer look
at the mindset, the tools and even the goals are very
different. Conventional medicine is one of
the greatest achievements in ourmodern world, that's for sure.
If you break your arm, need surgery, you're dealing with a
life threatening infection. There's no better system to save
your life. Doctors and nurses are trained
(05:22):
to act fast, use technology, andprovide treatments that can
stabilize and reverse emergencies.
We're all lucky to be alive in atime when conventional medicine
exists. Think living 500 years ago?
Man, that would have been a nightmare.
But here's the truth. Conventional medicine is
primarily reactive. It's designed to step in after
something has gone wrong. You usually see your doctor when
(05:44):
symptoms are severe enough to get you attention.
And because the system is built around diagnosing and
prescribing, the solution often ends up being a medication or a
procedure. That approach is valuable, but
when it's needed, but it doesn'talways get to the root cause.
Integrative health, on the otherhand, is proactive.
Instead of waiting until your body's in crisis, we look at the
(06:04):
early sign that something's off.We ask why is the problem
showing up in the 1st place, andthen we work with you to restore
balance before issues actually grow.
Let me give you an example. Imagine someone recurring
migraines, right? Someone like me.
In a conventional setting, the focus might be on prescribing a
pain medication or drug to reduce frequency of headaches.
That might help in the short term, but it doesn't explain why
(06:26):
the migraines are happening. In Integrative Health, we
explore nutrition, hydration, sleep quality, stress
management, hormone balance, andeven your gut health.
We might run functional labs to check nutrient levels or food
sensitivities, and from there, we build a plan that addresses
your triggers and supports your body naturally.
Another key difference is time and personalization.
In most doctor offices, you might get 10 to 15 minutes with
(06:49):
your provider. That's not enough time to talk
about your sleep, your stress, your digestion, your daily
habits, or your health history and mindful objective.
We take the time to understand the full picture.
Sometimes I do talk too much, sosorry for that.
We don't ever hand out A1 size fits all advice, right?
Every person has a unique story,and that story matters.
(07:10):
That's where coaching comes in. We don't just tell you what to
do, we walk with you as you do it.
Let's say your doctor tells you to lower cholesterol.
That's important advice, but youleave asking, now what?
What do I eat? How does this fit into my life?
Here at Mindful Objective, we help you create a plan that
works with your schedule, your preferences, and your goals.
(07:30):
Maybe that means teaching you how to prepare heart healthy
meals, using functional labs to check inflammation markers, and
supporting you with supplements that fill that nutrient gap.
It's also worth noting that integrative health doesn't
reject conventional care. In fact, we often work alongside
these medical doctors. If someone has thyroid issues,
for example, we may encourage them to stay with their
prescribed medication. Or we explore gut health or
(07:53):
stress reduction or nutrient support.
The two approaches complement each other.
And then we have Ayurveda. Conventional medicine doesn't
usually take daily rhythm, seasonal eating, or body
constitution into account, but Ayurveda does.
When you combine that ancient wisdom with modern science, you
get a more complete picture of what the body needs.
For instance, conventional medicine might suggest fiber for
(08:15):
digestion, while Ayurveda might recommend warm cooked foods at
regular times of the day. Together, those two approaches
often work better than just one alone.
So here's the bottom line. Conventional medicine saves
lives when there's a crisis. Integrative health builds health
before crisis happens. And at my objective, we focus on
prevention, personalization, androot cause care with functional
(08:36):
labs, supplements, Ayurveda practices, and step by step
coaching. We're not here to replace your
doctor. We're here to fill those gaps
and give you the tools that conventional care often doesn't
have time or structure to provide.
When people ask what's the difference, they usually say
this conventional medicine asks,what's wrong and how do we fix
it? Integrative health asks, why is
(08:57):
this happening and how do we bring the whole body back into
balance? But you see, both are important,
but they're very different ways of thinking about our health.
And one of the most powerful parts of integrative health, and
something that often surprises people, is the role of coaching.
A lot of people come to us expecting a model that looks
like a doctor's office. They think we'll take their
symptoms, make a diagnosis, and hand them a treatment plan.
(09:21):
But that's not what integrative health is about.
It's definitely not what we do at Mindful Objective.
Instead, we focus on coaching, guidance and that education.
Think of it like having someone walk beside you step by step and
build healthier habits and make changes At last.
Coaching is what brings the gap between knowing what you should
do and actually being able to doit.
(09:41):
Let's be honest, most people already know some of the basics.
They know eating vegetables is healthier than eating fast food.
They know they should sleep more, drink water and exercise
regularly. But no one doesn't always
translate into action. Why?
Because life gets in the way. Work is busy, stress is high,
Family obligations leave little time for yourself.
But that's where coaching matters.
(10:02):
And a mindful, objective Coaching starts with listening.
We want to understand your story, your challenges, and your
goals. Maybe you're struggling with
fatigue, or you want to lose weight, or you're dealing with
daily digestive discomfort. Once we know your story, we use
these tools like functional lab testing to see what's actually
happening beneath the surface. From there, we design and plan
(10:23):
that specific to you. But the real difference is how
we implement it. We don't just hand you a packet
of information and send you off on your own.
We walk with you. If we decide together that the
mornings need more protein, we talk about how to fit that into
your routine. If stress is keeping you up at
night, we look at realistic relaxation strategies.
Just meditate for an hour, but things that actually stick with
(10:44):
you. Another piece of the coaching
puzzle is accountability. Change is hard when no one's
checking in on you. But when you know we're here to
have a follow up, you're more likely to stay consistent.
And when setbacks happen, and they always do, we help you
adjust. Instead of quitting, maybe you
travel for work or fall back in old habits.
Instead of beating yourself up, we strategize together and how
(11:05):
to do better next time. Remember, it's not about
perfection, it's about making positive changes.
And remember, education is just another pillar in what we do.
We don't just say take this supplement.
We explain why your body may need it, how it supports your
system, and what results you can't expect.
For example, if your labs show low magnesium, we'll talk about
magnesium effects on your sleep,your stress levels, and even
(11:26):
your digestion. When you understand the why, the
changes make sense and you'll bemore motivated to follow
through. This is also where we weave in
Ayurveda. Coaching isn't just about food
and supplements, it's about lifestyle.
Ayurveda gives us that simple, practical ways to bring balance
in the daily routines. Maybe it's encouraging you to
eat your largest meal at midday when digestion is strongest.
(11:46):
Maybe it's helping you design A evening wind down routine to
calm your nervous system. These aren't overwhelming tasks.
They're small, manageable changes that add up.
But remember, all of these things are specific to you.
So there's people that don't eata lot of protein in the morning.
There's people that get up earlier than others, there's
people that workout first thing in the morning, there's people
(12:07):
that fast most of the day. So how do you take these
supplements? So that's why that
one-size-fits-all approach does not fit.
And that's where every individualized LAN is specific
to the person and my projective.The combination of functional
lab supplements, Ayurveda and coaching create something
powerful, a personalized path forward.
Again, no two people have the same plan and no two people live
(12:29):
the same life. One client may need more stress
support, another may need gut health healing, another may
simply want more energy for playing with their kids.
Coaching allows us to adapt to your needs, not fortune A1 size
fits all solution which you get often in conventional medicine.
You bump your knee and your doctor usually says the same
thing they say to every other patient, take this, do this,
(12:51):
same stomach issues, maybe they all say you know what, take this
antacid or go see a specialist. The same wording, the same
thing. So they just go based on
symptoms and treat that symptom right.
But again, that's not what we do.
And the truth is, most people don't fail because lack of
information. They fail because the lack of
support. Coaching gives you that support.
(13:13):
It gives you someone in your corner who believes in your
ability to change, helps you problem solve when things get
hard, and keeps you moving forward when life throws
challenges at you. My different clients know and
friends know when it comes to the subject.
I love to talk. Sometimes I talk a little too
much and go over my time limits,my own time limits, but it's,
it's a passion of mine, right? I know there's a lot of things
(13:34):
out there that people do not know when it comes to
integrative health. And that's what excites me,
right? That excites me to do these
podcasts that excites me to meetwith different people and kind
of explain different things thatthey didn't know about,
especially when they come from that side of just listening to a
medical doctor. So there's so much to explain
when it comes to this and fill in that gap of information on,
(13:54):
hey, you know, what did you lookat this?
Did you do this? And a lot of people do not know
any of this exists. So if you ever feel stuck, like
you know what to do, but you know, can't seem to do it,
remember coaching may be that missing piece.
And that's exactly what we focuson in my objective, helping you
not just know what to do, but actually make it reality in your
life. And on to when we talk about
(14:16):
Ayurveda stuff. When people first hear the word
Ayurveda, many don't even know what to think about that word.
Some assume it's spiritual or mystical practices.
Also others imagine complicated rituals that don't fit in the
modern life. But the truth is, Ayurveda is
one of the oldest systems in thehealth in the world, and its
wisdom is incredibly practical even today.
(14:36):
Mindful objective. We use Ayurveda as one of our
guiding frameworks because it brings in balance,
personalization, and timeless insights into integrative
health. So let's talk about what exactly
is Ayurveda? The word itself means the
science of life. It originated in India over 3000
years ago and been passed down through generations.
Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on treating
(14:58):
illness once it shows up, Ayurveda emphasizes prevention
and balance. It teaches you that when your
body, mind, and daily routines are aligned, health flourishes.
When they're out of balance, symptoms appear.
And you may see this a lot if you go to a chiropractor.
They strongly believe in Ayurveda and one of the most
useful aspects Ayurveda is the idea of doshas or body
(15:19):
constitutions. There's three main doshas, vada,
Pitta and kapha, and each personis unique combination of them.
For example, someone with a dominant VADA constitution might
naturally be energetic, creative, fast moving, but also
more more prone to anxiety, dryness, undigestive
irregularities. Someone with more Pitta type
(15:40):
might be more sharp, focused anddriven and may also deal with
inflammation, heartburn, irritability.
And the Kapha type might be calm, steady and nurturing but
could struggle with sluggishnessand weight gain even if it's out
of balance. Now why does this matter?
Because it means health recommendations aren't
one-size-fits-all. What your body works for your
neighbor might not work for you.Ayurveda personalized health in
(16:02):
a way that surprisingly is modern.
For example, modern nutrition might recommend eating raw
salads for everyone because they're high in nutrients.
Ayurveda would say raw salads might be great for someone with
strong digestion, but someone with a Wicker digestive fire,
cooked vegetables might actuallywork better, and science today
confirms this. People with digestive issues
(16:22):
often do better with warm cookedmeals.
Another area Ayurveda shines is daily routines.
This includes waking up with thesun, eating meals at a regular
time, saying creating evening rituals for better sleep.
Modern research now shows the importance of circadian rhythm
for hormones, metabolism and even your mental health.
Ayurveda was teaching that, you know, thousands of years ago.
(16:45):
So remember, at Mindful Objective, we often incorporate
Ayurveda into coaching in small accessible ways.
For example, if a client has trouble sleeping, instead of
just recommending melatonin, we may encourage Ayurveda inspired
evening routine, turning off screens an hour before bed,
sipping a warm herbal tea, practicing deep breathing, and
being in bed by 10:00 PM. If someone struggles with
(17:07):
sluggish digestion, we may suggest adding digestive spices
like ginger or cumin with your meal, drink in warm water
instead of ice cold, and eating the best and biggest meal at
midday when digestive is strong.Ayurveda also emphasizes
seasonal living. In a winter, heavier, warmer
foods may help the body be balanced.
In the summer, lighter, cooling foods prevent overheating.
(17:29):
Today, nutrition science supports the idea that seasonal
eating is beneficial. It improves nutrient diversity
and supports digestive gut health and helps regulate your
immune system. What's powerful about Ayurveda
is how it integrates with functional labs and modern
approaches. For example, if someone's lab
show high stress hormones, we might use the herbs like
(17:50):
ashwaganda, which Ayurveda is been used for centuries in
clients. If their digestion is off, we
may combine probiotics and targeted supplements with
Ayurvedic food recommendations. The combination of ancient
wisdom and modern testing makes the plant stronger and more
personalized. A lot of clients at Mindful
Objective tells that Ayurveda feels like the missing piece.
It explains why they struggled with certain issues and gives
(18:12):
them practical tools they could use daily.
It shifts the mindset from fixing the problem to living
balance. That shift alone can transform
the way you think about your health.
So when we say integrative health and mindful objective, we
mean literally. We integrate modern science,
functional labs, supplements, and health coaching with ancient
wisdom of Ayurveda today. They create the system that
(18:33):
respected both from where we come from and where we are
today. Ayurveda may be thousands of
years old, but its lessons are timeless.
Balance your digestion. Honor your body's rhythms,
personalize your routines, and health will flow.
It will follow. And when you combine that with
today's science, what do you get?
You get a complete picture of your health that's practical,
(18:54):
sustainable, and deeply effective.
So we did talk about definitions, differences,
coaching and Ayurveda, right? But in the end of the day,
people want to know what does integrative health actually look
like when you're working with somebody?
It's one thing to understand thetheory, it's another thing to
see how it plays out in your daily life.
So let's paint you a picture. At Mindful Objective, the
(19:15):
process usually begins with listening.
We want to hear your story, yoursymptoms, your goals, and even
small details about your daily routine.
Many clients come in saying I'm not sick, but I don't feel
great. Or my doctor says my labs are
fine, but I know something's off.
And that's the sweet spot here. And integrative health, when
this is where it can make a hugedifference.
From there, we often use functional labs, right?
(19:36):
These aren't the same standard labs you might get from your
doctor's office. As any of our new clients, they
see these labs and never knew they existed and can't believe
how much details are within these labs.
They're more detailed and they're designed to uncover
imbalances that aren't always obvious.
For example, we might run organic acid test to see
nutrient levels and gut health markers.
We might use a food sensitivity test to check for hidden
(19:59):
triggers or inflammation. We might order a hormone panel
to understand why you're tired or not sleeping well.
These labs give us deeper insight on to what's really
happening in your body. Once we have that information,
we build a plan. But here's the key.
It's not a generic plan. It's personalized to you.
Two people might struggle with fatigue, but both causes can be
very different. One person may be low on iron,
(20:20):
another might have thyroid imbalance, and another may have
poor sleep quality and stress. Their plans won't look the same.
Here's an example. Imagine someone who struggles
with afternoon crashes. Conventional medicine might say,
grab a cough of coffee or take anap.
And in grative health, we're going to look deeper.
Maybe labs show blood sugar imbalances.
In that case, we guide them towards meals with protein and
(20:42):
healthy fats. We'll teach them to avoid sugar
spikes and possibly use supplements like chromium or
magnesium to support that balance.
We'll also look at that lifestyle.
Are you staying hydrated, managing stress, getting quality
sleep Together? Those changes could eliminate
crashes completely or take digestion.
A client comes in with constant bloating.
Instead of just handing out an antacid, we might use a stool
(21:05):
test to see what's going on. Maybe it's, you know, low
digestive enzymes. Maybe it reveals bacteria
imbalances. From there, we create a plan
that can include enzyme support,probiotics, Ayurveda tips like
eating warm cooked meals and slowing down your eating.
Are you eating too fast? The bloating doesn't just
disappear with the pill, it goesaway because we address the root
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cause. The goal of integrative health
is identifying that root cause, not conventional medicine.
Another area where integrative health shines is stress and
energy. Many clients feel burned out.
Instead of just telling them to relax, we provide actual
strategies. That might include guided
breathing exercises and magnesium supplementation, or
again, those Ayurvedic adaptogens like ashwagandha.
(21:46):
To support resilience, we also look at routines.
Are they pushing their bodies atnight when rest is needed?
Are you working out at night? Are you doing 2 stressful
workouts during the day? Are they getting morning
sunlight to reset circadian rhythm?
Small adjustments in these areascompletely shift energy levels
and your mood. So what's unique and mindful
objective is that we combine allof this with coaching and
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accountability. It's not about just giving you a
supplement plan and handing oversupplement and lab results.
It's about teaching you why these steps matter, helping you
fit them into your real life, and adjusting as you go.
If something doesn't work, we pivot.
If you hit a roadblock, we problem solve together.
That's the difference between temporary improvement and
lasting change. Clients often tell us that this
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process feels different from anything they tried before.
It's not rushed. It's not a one-size-fits-all
approach. It's not just treating the
symptom. It's about feeling truly seen
and understood. Many times people leave saying
this is the first time someone has actually really connected
all the dots. For me, that's where integrative
health looks like. It's also worth pointing out
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that you do not need to wait to be sick to start.
Some of our most successful clients came in simply wanting
to feel better. More energy, improved sleep,
fewer cravings, and wait finallystarted moving in the right
direction. Integrative health isn't only
for people in crisis, it's for anyone who wants to optimize how
they feel and perform each day. So in real life, integrative
health looks like this. Personal lab testing, food and
(23:11):
supplement plans tailored to you, Ayurvedic routines that
restore balance, coaching for accountability and ongoing
support so you're never left on your own.
It's looks like creating health,not just managing a disease and
a mindful objective. That's our mission, to help you
take charge of your health journey with tools that last a
lifetime. So as we close out today's
(23:33):
episode, let's circle back on the big question.
What is integrative health? It's not one tool, 1 supplement
or routine. It's a way of looking at your
body as a whole and asking not just what's wrong, but why is it
happening and how to bring back balance.
At Mindful Objective, we do not practice medicine.
I want to be clear about that. We do not diagnose, treat a cure
(23:53):
disease. What we do is health coaching,
education, and personalized support.
We use functional labs to uncover hidden imbalances,
supplements to fill nutrient gaps in Ayurvedic wisdom to
restore rhythm and balance. And we wrap all this up with
coaching so you're never on thisjourney alone.
The goal is empowerment. Instead of being a passive
patient, you become an active participant in your own health.
(24:15):
You learn how your body works. You gain tools to make your life
make sense. You build habits that last long
after our time together. And the best part?
You don't have to wait for that crisis to start.
Integrative health is for anyonewho wants to feel better, sleep
deeper, think clear, and preventfuture problems before they take
hold in that body. If you're curious what this look
like for you, visit mindfulobjective.com, Explorer,
(24:38):
Functional Labs supplement storeor even our coaching programs.
Take it one step further of yourfuture self.
You'll thank yourself for it. As always, the reminder this
podcast for educational purposesonly.
It's not intended. Diagnose, trade, cure, prevent
any illness or disease. Always consult with your
licensed healthcare provider before making any changes to
your health routine. Until next time, staying
(24:59):
mindful, stay curious and keep moving forward in your health
turn. Stay well.
Welcome to Mindful Objective. I'm your host, Doctor Daniel
Sproule, integrative health practitioner Professor.
Today we're tackling a simple but often confusing question.
What is integrative health? People hear that phrase and
think it's just another form of conventional medicine.
Or maybe they assume it's something mystical or
alternative. Neither is true.
Integrative health is about connecting the dots, your body,
(00:22):
your mind, your daily habits andeven your environment to help
you live healthier. But before we dive in, I want to
be clear, I don't practice medicine.
I'm not here to diagnose, treat or cure any diseases.
As Integrative Health Practitioner, we provide health
coaching, education and guidanceto an integrative health.
We look at the whole picture andsupport your body's natural
ability to heal. We also weave in approaches like
(00:43):
Ayurveda, a traditional system of health from India that
focuses on balance and prevention so that our work
isn't just about supplements or lab tests, but also about living
well. As always, this shows for
educational purposes only. We do not diagnose, treat or
cure any illness or disease. And by the end of this podcast,
this episode, you know exactly what integrative health is, how
(01:05):
it's different from conventionalcare, and why it might be the
missing piece you've been searching for.
So when most people hear the phrase integrative health, they
don't know what to picture. Some think it's yoga,
meditation, and even essential oils.
Others assume it's alternative medicine, something you only try
when nothing else works. And still others think that it's
just another name for conventional healthcare.
(01:28):
The reality is, integrative health sits in its own lane.
It's not about rejecting medicine.
It's not about mystical quick fixes.
It's about seeing you as a wholeperson and bringing together the
best tools from both modern science and ancient wisdom.
Holistic health is great and here's the simplest way to put
it. Integrative health looks at the
(01:48):
whole body and asks why problemsare happening in the 1st place.
Conventional medicine often focuses on what is wrong, like
high blood pressure, bloating orfatigue and then treats the
symptom. Integrative health asked why is
this even happening and what canwe do to bring the body back
into balance. Let's take a real world example.
Say someone has digestive discomfort after meals in a
(02:10):
conventional setting. They might get a quick exam,
maybe a prescription for antacid, and then maybe sent
home. The symptom might calm down for
a while, but the reason for discomfort remains and
integrative health. We ask the bigger questions.
What foods are you eating? How fast are you eating them?
Do you have food sensitivities? Could stress be playing a role?
(02:31):
What's happening in your gut microbiome?
It's a mindful objective. We dig deeper by combining
modern tools and coaching. That might mean running
functional lab tests like a stool test to check digestion or
food sensitivity panel to uncover what's really going on.
Then we build a plan with you step by step.
Maybe includes removing triggering foods, adding gut
(02:52):
supportive supplements, adjusting meal timing, or
weaving in practices like Ayurveda like mindful eating and
seasonal food choices. It's not a Band-Aid fix.
It's a personalized system to help your body heal and function
better. Another important piece is that
integrative health values prevention.
Instead of waiting for a crisis,it looks for patterns and early
signals. Maybe your labs are still in the
(03:14):
normal range, but you're exhausted, irritable, or
sleeping poorly. That doesn't mean nothing's
wrong. It means your body is whispering
before it starts shouting. By addressing those whispers
now, we can prevent bigger issues later on.
This is also why we stress a mindful objective.
We do not practice medicine. We're not here to diagnose or
replace your doctor. What we do is coaching and
(03:34):
guidance. We help you understand your
body, we use labs to inform yourpersonalized plans, and we
support you in making realistic,lasting changes.
Many of our clients worked with both us and their medical
doctor. It's not either or.
We work together. And then there's role of
Ayurveda. Ayurveda, which is thousands of
years old. It's all about balance.
(03:57):
It teaches you that your daily rhythms, digestion and lifestyle
are out of sync. You'll feel unwell.
Modern science is proving this true.
Circadian rhythm. Gut health and nutrition all
play huge roles in long term health.
By weaving Ayurveda into integrative health, we're not
stepping away from science. We're adding another layer of
wisdom that makes care more personalized again to you.
(04:19):
So if you're wondering what is integrative health, here's the
bottom line. It's a whole person, root cause
prevention focused approach thatuses both modern tools and
traditional wisdom to get a mindful objective.
That means functional labs, supplement protocols, health
coaching, and also Ayurveda practices that are tailored to
your unique needs. Again, specifically to you,
(04:40):
integrative health doesn't see you as a condition.
It sees you as a human being whose mind, body and environment
are connected. And when we connect the dots,
that's when real healing begins.So one of the most common
questions I hear is, so how is integrative health different
from what my doctor already does?
And that is a fair question. On the surface, they might look
(05:00):
similar. We both talk about nutrition,
lifestyle, and health goals. But when you take a closer look
at the mindset, the tools and even the goals are very
different. Conventional medicine is one of
the greatest achievements in ourmodern world, that's for sure.
If you break your arm, need surgery, you're dealing with a
life threatening infection. There's no better system to save
your life. Doctors and nurses are trained
(05:22):
to act fast, use technology, andprovide treatments that can
stabilize and reverse emergencies.
We're all lucky to be alive in atime when conventional medicine
exists. Think living 500 years ago?
Man, that would have been a nightmare.
But here's the truth. Conventional medicine is
primarily reactive. It's designed to step in after
something has gone wrong. You usually see your doctor when
(05:44):
symptoms are severe enough to get you attention.
And because the system is built around diagnosing and
prescribing, the solution often ends up being a medication or a
procedure. That approach is valuable, but
when it's needed, but it doesn'talways get to the root cause.
Integrative health, on the otherhand, is proactive.
Instead of waiting until your body's in crisis, we look at the
(06:04):
early sign that something's off.We ask why is the problem
showing up in the 1st place, andthen we work with you to restore
balance before issues actually grow.
Let me give you an example. Imagine someone recurring
migraines, right? Someone like me.
In a conventional setting, the focus might be on prescribing a
pain medication or drug to reduce frequency of headaches.
That might help in the short term, but it doesn't explain why
(06:26):
the migraines are happening. In Integrative Health, we
explore nutrition, hydration, sleep quality, stress
management, hormone balance, andeven your gut health.
We might run functional labs to check nutrient levels or food
sensitivities, and from there, we build a plan that addresses
your triggers and supports your body naturally.
Another key difference is time and personalization.
In most doctor offices, you might get 10 to 15 minutes with
(06:49):
your provider. That's not enough time to talk
about your sleep, your stress, your digestion, your daily
habits, or your health history and mindful objective.
We take the time to understand the full picture.
Sometimes I do talk too much, sosorry for that.
We don't ever hand out A1 size fits all advice, right?
Every person has a unique story,and that story matters.
(07:10):
That's where coaching comes in. We don't just tell you what to
do, we walk with you as you do it.
Let's say your doctor tells you to lower cholesterol.
That's important advice, but youleave asking, now what?
What do I eat? How does this fit into my life?
Here at Mindful Objective, we help you create a plan that
works with your schedule, your preferences, and your goals.
(07:30):
Maybe that means teaching you how to prepare heart healthy
meals, using functional labs to check inflammation markers, and
supporting you with supplements that fill that nutrient gap.
It's also worth noting that integrative health doesn't
reject conventional care. In fact, we often work alongside
these medical doctors. If someone has thyroid issues,
for example, we may encourage them to stay with their
prescribed medication. Or we explore gut health or
(07:53):
stress reduction or nutrient support.
The two approaches complement each other.
And then we have Ayurveda. Conventional medicine doesn't
usually take daily rhythm, seasonal eating, or body
constitution into account, but Ayurveda does.
When you combine that ancient wisdom with modern science, you
get a more complete picture of what the body needs.
For instance, conventional medicine might suggest fiber for
(08:15):
digestion, while Ayurveda might recommend warm cooked foods at
regular times of the day. Together, those two approaches
often work better than just one alone.
So here's the bottom line. Conventional medicine saves
lives when there's a crisis. Integrative health builds health
before crisis happens. And at my objective, we focus on
prevention, personalization, androot cause care with functional
(08:36):
labs, supplements, Ayurveda practices, and step by step
coaching. We're not here to replace your
doctor. We're here to fill those gaps
and give you the tools that conventional care often doesn't
have time or structure to provide.
When people ask what's the difference, they usually say
this conventional medicine asks,what's wrong and how do we fix
it? Integrative health asks, why is
(08:57):
this happening and how do we bring the whole body back into
balance? But you see, both are important,
but they're very different ways of thinking about our health.
And one of the most powerful parts of integrative health, and
something that often surprises people, is the role of coaching.
A lot of people come to us expecting a model that looks
like a doctor's office. They think we'll take their
symptoms, make a diagnosis, and hand them a treatment plan.
(09:21):
But that's not what integrative health is about.
It's definitely not what we do at Mindful Objective.
Instead, we focus on coaching, guidance and that education.
Think of it like having someone walk beside you step by step and
build healthier habits and make changes At last.
Coaching is what brings the gap between knowing what you should
do and actually being able to doit.
(09:41):
Let's be honest, most people already know some of the basics.
They know eating vegetables is healthier than eating fast food.
They know they should sleep more, drink water and exercise
regularly. But no one doesn't always
translate into action. Why?
Because life gets in the way. Work is busy, stress is high,
Family obligations leave little time for yourself.
But that's where coaching matters.
(10:02):
And a mindful, objective Coaching starts with listening.
We want to understand your story, your challenges, and your
goals. Maybe you're struggling with
fatigue, or you want to lose weight, or you're dealing with
daily digestive discomfort. Once we know your story, we use
these tools like functional lab testing to see what's actually
happening beneath the surface. From there, we design and plan
(10:23):
that specific to you. But the real difference is how
we implement it. We don't just hand you a packet
of information and send you off on your own.
We walk with you. If we decide together that the
mornings need more protein, we talk about how to fit that into
your routine. If stress is keeping you up at
night, we look at realistic relaxation strategies.
Just meditate for an hour, but things that actually stick with
(10:44):
you. Another piece of the coaching
puzzle is accountability. Change is hard when no one's
checking in on you. But when you know we're here to
have a follow up, you're more likely to stay consistent.
And when setbacks happen, and they always do, we help you
adjust. Instead of quitting, maybe you
travel for work or fall back in old habits.
Instead of beating yourself up, we strategize together and how
(11:05):
to do better next time. Remember, it's not about
perfection, it's about making positive changes.
And remember, education is just another pillar in what we do.
We don't just say take this supplement.
We explain why your body may need it, how it supports your
system, and what results you can't expect.
For example, if your labs show low magnesium, we'll talk about
magnesium effects on your sleep,your stress levels, and even
(11:26):
your digestion. When you understand the why, the
changes make sense and you'll bemore motivated to follow
through. This is also where we weave in
Ayurveda. Coaching isn't just about food
and supplements, it's about lifestyle.
Ayurveda gives us that simple, practical ways to bring balance
in the daily routines. Maybe it's encouraging you to
eat your largest meal at midday when digestion is strongest.
(11:46):
Maybe it's helping you design A evening wind down routine to
calm your nervous system. These aren't overwhelming tasks.
They're small, manageable changes that add up.
But remember, all of these things are specific to you.
So there's people that don't eata lot of protein in the morning.
There's people that get up earlier than others, there's
people that workout first thing in the morning, there's people
(12:07):
that fast most of the day. So how do you take these
supplements? So that's why that
one-size-fits-all approach does not fit.
And that's where every individualized LAN is specific
to the person and my projective.The combination of functional
lab supplements, Ayurveda and coaching create something
powerful, a personalized path forward.
Again, no two people have the same plan and no two people live
(12:29):
the same life. One client may need more stress
support, another may need gut health healing, another may
simply want more energy for playing with their kids.
Coaching allows us to adapt to your needs, not fortune A1 size
fits all solution which you get often in conventional medicine.
You bump your knee and your doctor usually says the same
thing they say to every other patient, take this, do this,
(12:51):
same stomach issues, maybe they all say you know what, take this
antacid or go see a specialist. The same wording, the same
thing. So they just go based on
symptoms and treat that symptom right.
But again, that's not what we do.
And the truth is, most people don't fail because lack of
information. They fail because the lack of
support. Coaching gives you that support.
(13:13):
It gives you someone in your corner who believes in your
ability to change, helps you problem solve when things get
hard, and keeps you moving forward when life throws
challenges at you. My different clients know and
friends know when it comes to the subject.
I love to talk. Sometimes I talk a little too
much and go over my time limits,my own time limits, but it's,
it's a passion of mine, right? I know there's a lot of things
(13:34):
out there that people do not know when it comes to
integrative health. And that's what excites me,
right? That excites me to do these
podcasts that excites me to meetwith different people and kind
of explain different things thatthey didn't know about,
especially when they come from that side of just listening to a
medical doctor. So there's so much to explain
when it comes to this and fill in that gap of information on,
(13:54):
hey, you know, what did you lookat this?
Did you do this? And a lot of people do not know
any of this exists. So if you ever feel stuck, like
you know what to do, but you know, can't seem to do it,
remember coaching may be that missing piece.
And that's exactly what we focuson in my objective, helping you
not just know what to do, but actually make it reality in your
life. And on to when we talk about
(14:16):
Ayurveda stuff. When people first hear the word
Ayurveda, many don't even know what to think about that word.
Some assume it's spiritual or mystical practices.
Also others imagine complicated rituals that don't fit in the
modern life. But the truth is, Ayurveda is
one of the oldest systems in thehealth in the world, and its
wisdom is incredibly practical even today.
(14:36):
Mindful objective. We use Ayurveda as one of our
guiding frameworks because it brings in balance,
personalization, and timeless insights into integrative
health. So let's talk about what exactly
is Ayurveda? The word itself means the
science of life. It originated in India over 3000
years ago and been passed down through generations.
Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on treating
(14:58):
illness once it shows up, Ayurveda emphasizes prevention
and balance. It teaches you that when your
body, mind, and daily routines are aligned, health flourishes.
When they're out of balance, symptoms appear.
And you may see this a lot if you go to a chiropractor.
They strongly believe in Ayurveda and one of the most
useful aspects Ayurveda is the idea of doshas or body
(15:19):
constitutions. There's three main doshas, vada,
Pitta and kapha, and each personis unique combination of them.
For example, someone with a dominant VADA constitution might
naturally be energetic, creative, fast moving, but also
more more prone to anxiety, dryness, undigestive
irregularities. Someone with more Pitta type
(15:40):
might be more sharp, focused anddriven and may also deal with
inflammation, heartburn, irritability.
And the Kapha type might be calm, steady and nurturing but
could struggle with sluggishnessand weight gain even if it's out
of balance. Now why does this matter?
Because it means health recommendations aren't
one-size-fits-all. What your body works for your
neighbor might not work for you.Ayurveda personalized health in
(16:02):
a way that surprisingly is modern.
For example, modern nutrition might recommend eating raw
salads for everyone because they're high in nutrients.
Ayurveda would say raw salads might be great for someone with
strong digestion, but someone with a Wicker digestive fire,
cooked vegetables might actuallywork better, and science today
confirms this. People with digestive issues
(16:22):
often do better with warm cookedmeals.
Another area Ayurveda shines is daily routines.
This includes waking up with thesun, eating meals at a regular
time, saying creating evening rituals for better sleep.
Modern research now shows the importance of circadian rhythm
for hormones, metabolism and even your mental health.
Ayurveda was teaching that, you know, thousands of years ago.
(16:45):
So remember, at Mindful Objective, we often incorporate
Ayurveda into coaching in small accessible ways.
For example, if a client has trouble sleeping, instead of
just recommending melatonin, we may encourage Ayurveda inspired
evening routine, turning off screens an hour before bed,
sipping a warm herbal tea, practicing deep breathing, and
being in bed by 10:00 PM. If someone struggles with
(17:07):
sluggish digestion, we may suggest adding digestive spices
like ginger or cumin with your meal, drink in warm water
instead of ice cold, and eating the best and biggest meal at
midday when digestive is strong.Ayurveda also emphasizes
seasonal living. In a winter, heavier, warmer
foods may help the body be balanced.
In the summer, lighter, cooling foods prevent overheating.
(17:29):
Today, nutrition science supports the idea that seasonal
eating is beneficial. It improves nutrient diversity
and supports digestive gut health and helps regulate your
immune system. What's powerful about Ayurveda
is how it integrates with functional labs and modern
approaches. For example, if someone's lab
show high stress hormones, we might use the herbs like
(17:50):
ashwaganda, which Ayurveda is been used for centuries in
clients. If their digestion is off, we
may combine probiotics and targeted supplements with
Ayurvedic food recommendations. The combination of ancient
wisdom and modern testing makes the plant stronger and more
personalized. A lot of clients at Mindful
Objective tells that Ayurveda feels like the missing piece.
It explains why they struggled with certain issues and gives
(18:12):
them practical tools they could use daily.
It shifts the mindset from fixing the problem to living
balance. That shift alone can transform
the way you think about your health.
So when we say integrative health and mindful objective, we
mean literally. We integrate modern science,
functional labs, supplements, and health coaching with ancient
wisdom of Ayurveda today. They create the system that
(18:33):
respected both from where we come from and where we are
today. Ayurveda may be thousands of
years old, but its lessons are timeless.
Balance your digestion. Honor your body's rhythms,
personalize your routines, and health will flow.
It will follow. And when you combine that with
today's science, what do you get?
You get a complete picture of your health that's practical,
(18:54):
sustainable, and deeply effective.
So we did talk about definitions, differences,
coaching and Ayurveda, right? But in the end of the day,
people want to know what does integrative health actually look
like when you're working with somebody?
It's one thing to understand thetheory, it's another thing to
see how it plays out in your daily life.
So let's paint you a picture. At Mindful Objective, the
(19:15):
process usually begins with listening.
We want to hear your story, yoursymptoms, your goals, and even
small details about your daily routine.
Many clients come in saying I'm not sick, but I don't feel
great. Or my doctor says my labs are
fine, but I know something's off.
And that's the sweet spot here. And integrative health, when
this is where it can make a hugedifference.
From there, we often use functional labs, right?
(19:36):
These aren't the same standard labs you might get from your
doctor's office. As any of our new clients, they
see these labs and never knew they existed and can't believe
how much details are within these labs.
They're more detailed and they're designed to uncover
imbalances that aren't always obvious.
For example, we might run organic acid test to see
nutrient levels and gut health markers.
We might use a food sensitivity test to check for hidden
(19:59):
triggers or inflammation. We might order a hormone panel
to understand why you're tired or not sleeping well.
These labs give us deeper insight on to what's really
happening in your body. Once we have that information,
we build a plan. But here's the key.
It's not a generic plan. It's personalized to you.
Two people might struggle with fatigue, but both causes can be
very different. One person may be low on iron,
(20:20):
another might have thyroid imbalance, and another may have
poor sleep quality and stress. Their plans won't look the same.
Here's an example. Imagine someone who struggles
with afternoon crashes. Conventional medicine might say,
grab a cough of coffee or take anap.
And in grative health, we're going to look deeper.
Maybe labs show blood sugar imbalances.
In that case, we guide them towards meals with protein and
(20:42):
healthy fats. We'll teach them to avoid sugar
spikes and possibly use supplements like chromium or
magnesium to support that balance.
We'll also look at that lifestyle.
Are you staying hydrated, managing stress, getting quality
sleep Together? Those changes could eliminate
crashes completely or take digestion.
A client comes in with constant bloating.
Instead of just handing out an antacid, we might use a stool
(21:05):
test to see what's going on. Maybe it's, you know, low
digestive enzymes. Maybe it reveals bacteria
imbalances. From there, we create a plan
that can include enzyme support,probiotics, Ayurveda tips like
eating warm cooked meals and slowing down your eating.
Are you eating too fast? The bloating doesn't just
disappear with the pill, it goesaway because we address the root
(21:25):
cause. The goal of integrative health
is identifying that root cause, not conventional medicine.
Another area where integrative health shines is stress and
energy. Many clients feel burned out.
Instead of just telling them to relax, we provide actual
strategies. That might include guided
breathing exercises and magnesium supplementation, or
again, those Ayurvedic adaptogens like ashwagandha.
(21:46):
To support resilience, we also look at routines.
Are they pushing their bodies atnight when rest is needed?
Are you working out at night? Are you doing 2 stressful
workouts during the day? Are they getting morning
sunlight to reset circadian rhythm?
Small adjustments in these areascompletely shift energy levels
and your mood. So what's unique and mindful
objective is that we combine allof this with coaching and
(22:07):
accountability. It's not about just giving you a
supplement plan and handing oversupplement and lab results.
It's about teaching you why these steps matter, helping you
fit them into your real life, and adjusting as you go.
If something doesn't work, we pivot.
If you hit a roadblock, we problem solve together.
That's the difference between temporary improvement and
lasting change. Clients often tell us that this
(22:28):
process feels different from anything they tried before.
It's not rushed. It's not a one-size-fits-all
approach. It's not just treating the
symptom. It's about feeling truly seen
and understood. Many times people leave saying
this is the first time someone has actually really connected
all the dots. For me, that's where integrative
health looks like. It's also worth pointing out
(22:48):
that you do not need to wait to be sick to start.
Some of our most successful clients came in simply wanting
to feel better. More energy, improved sleep,
fewer cravings, and wait finallystarted moving in the right
direction. Integrative health isn't only
for people in crisis, it's for anyone who wants to optimize how
they feel and perform each day. So in real life, integrative
health looks like this. Personal lab testing, food and
(23:11):
supplement plans tailored to you, Ayurvedic routines that
restore balance, coaching for accountability and ongoing
support so you're never left on your own.
It's looks like creating health,not just managing a disease and
a mindful objective. That's our mission, to help you
take charge of your health journey with tools that last a
lifetime. So as we close out today's
(23:33):
episode, let's circle back on the big question.
What is integrative health? It's not one tool, 1 supplement
or routine. It's a way of looking at your
body as a whole and asking not just what's wrong, but why is it
happening and how to bring back balance.
At Mindful Objective, we do not practice medicine.
I want to be clear about that. We do not diagnose, treat a cure
(23:53):
disease. What we do is health coaching,
education, and personalized support.
We use functional labs to uncover hidden imbalances,
supplements to fill nutrient gaps in Ayurvedic wisdom to
restore rhythm and balance. And we wrap all this up with
coaching so you're never on thisjourney alone.
The goal is empowerment. Instead of being a passive
patient, you become an active participant in your own health.
(24:15):
You learn how your body works. You gain tools to make your life
make sense. You build habits that last long
after our time together. And the best part?
You don't have to wait for that crisis to start.
Integrative health is for anyonewho wants to feel better, sleep
deeper, think clear, and preventfuture problems before they take
hold in that body. If you're curious what this look
like for you, visit mindfulobjective.com, Explorer,
(24:38):
Functional Labs supplement storeor even our coaching programs.
Take it one step further of yourfuture self.
You'll thank yourself for it. As always, the reminder this
podcast for educational purposesonly.
It's not intended. Diagnose, trade, cure, prevent
any illness or disease. Always consult with your
licensed healthcare provider before making any changes to
your health routine. Until next time, staying
(24:59):
mindful, stay curious and keep moving forward in your health
turn. Stay well.
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