FAQ
1. Why ‘software’? What does that mean exactly?
The human body functions based on a genetic coding, or hardwiring. This gene-based operating system—just like the one that gives a computer (or cellphone) its speed, power and unique capabilities—determines everything about us and it can’t be changed (though this is evolving). What does change on an ongoing basis is everything else about being a living human: our nutrition, movement, rest and sleep, stress exposure and environmental inputs. Because these factors do change, can be changed and are in constant interaction with your hard-coding, they’re analogous to software.
And software matters. This is obvious if, for example, you have an extreme allergy to nuts. Your biology works just fine until you inadvertently eat some hazelnuts which causes your hardware—your operating system—to crash.
Less apparent is an intolerance to gluten, to take a different example (Read more here about my ‘aha’ moment related to gluten as software). In this case, your particular hard-coding is not designed to run properly with gluten as part of your nutritional ‘software’ but there’s not likely to be a dramatic crash. Rather, you may experience a build up over time—like the internal issues in a computer that increasingly begins to lag or freeze—resulting in conditions like joint pain, rashes or autoimmune issues to name a few possible conditions.
Click below for more detail about the concept of human software.
2. Is the notion of ‘software’ just about what we eat?
While the software/hardware analogy is often most clearly demonstrated by our responses to nutritional inputs, in fact there are an endless number of other areas where we can switch software by adjusting a lifestyle practice to better match our hard-coding.
Consider the impact of light (sunlight, artificial light, device light, etc.) on our bodies. If you struggle with your sleep quality, and all the downsides that brings to bear, it may be that your operating system is wired to be highly responsive to different light exposures (Which you’d never have known in the time before electric lights). There are even those for whom a small hit of light from opening a fridge in the late evening can heavily impact the biochemistry of falling or staying asleep. Supporting your particular operating system by switching ‘software’ inputs, i.e. light colour and type, timing of exposure etc, can yield game changing impacts.
3. What is functional medicine and what’s the relationship to human software?
Functional medicine is an evidence-based, root cause, ‘integrated systems’ approach to human health. It’s a healing framework that resolves disorders—from basic to complex— by taking a deep look into the details of human physiology to find and correct imbalances. It also recognizes the unique genetics and physical makeup of every human being—of our operating system, so to speak.
The concept of human software works within the same understanding: that only you have your unique operating system and if you’re running on software for which you’re not designed, it may be causing significant health issues. Switching and correcting for adverse software or adding in software you’re currently not running can set the stage for a return to more resilient health.
4. Won’t I have to do a lot of expensive testing?
Switching your human software does not require labs or blood tests. And switching software can be implemented with no additional financial output beyond lifestyle costs like eating differently, or buying special clothing or equipment you might want in support of a particular switch.
One of the simplest yet most effective methods of optimizing your own software is through elimination and reintroduction, especially in the case of nutrition. Here, any number of approaches are possible. You may want to drop a single, particular food or food type for a set period, then note any reactions or responses after reintroduction.
Or you may be curious about the results of doing a full 30 Day Reboot—one of the most potent healing modalities available and a laser focussed way to find the software that supports your best health.
The same principle can apply in other areas of impact by either addition or subtraction. Addition might take the form of beginning some form of mindfulness practice to offset too high stress levels. And subtraction might involve the elimination of all sources of blue or bright light three hours before sleep.
Above all, the goal is to identify and switch away from all the software sources that were not designed to run on your operating system.
5. Who is a good candidate for switching software?
Anyone who is struggling to get a handle on a troublesome health state may experience improvements by switching software—with sometimes very dramatic results.
For example, whether your six year old has terrible eczema, or if your aging, but otherwise robust, mother is showing signs of cognitive decline, a switch in software might have a considerable impact (this latter may require quite a robust switch).
Any health challenge in the area of sleep, energy levels or physical fitness, mood or migraines, digestive performance, blood sugar levels or elevated blood pressure are just a few conditions where a thoughtful switch in software may move the needle toward health improvements.
6. Isn’t switching software very complicated?
The beauty of a ‘human software’ approach to health is that it’s very simple in its concept, flexible in its implementation and potentially powerful in its outcomes. You choose the what, where, why, when and how much and if it makes sense for you, we work together on the best steps forward.
7. Tell me more about how health coaching works?
The first thing to know about health coaching is not only are we not like sport coaches, we’re not medical doctors. We don’t prescribe medications or order lab tests. And we don’t ever simply tell you what you should be doing.
Instead, the foundation of the health coaching relationship recognises that when it comes to your health, there are two experts: The first is YOU - because you really are the best expert on what you can and cannot do, what you like and dislike and the resources you have that support you. And your health coach is an expert at helping uncover your best approach to the software switch and behaviour change you can handle.
But to clarify, a health coach does come loaded with expertise in the area of behaviour change: in habit formation, stages of change, realistic, step-at-a-time action plans, and overcoming obstacles and accountability (otherwise known as helping you to ‘stick with it’).
Also built into health coaching is much more time spent exploring solutions. You’ll get long appointments that feel more like conversations, but which are surprisingly effective. You’ll also feel part of a safe, respectful, non-judgmental partnership of equals, both pulling on the same team, so to speak.