"Echoing the wisdom of the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates around 400 BCE, 'Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food', we are reminded of the intrinsic connection between nutrition and health.
Overused as it may be, I believe it is lost on many in today’s society.
Food is energy and it is our body's fuel - it is what powers our movements, brains, and overall well-being.
The food you use to fuel your body is important, but your ability to ABSORB the nutrients from your food is key! Every person is unique, and how they digest food and absorb nutrients can be equally unique. Just as you wouldn't fill a car requiring premium gasoline with unleaded fuel, we must recognize the importance of providing our bodies with the proper 'fuel' to function optimally.
- Having the energy for family, friends, and community.
- Performing well at work.
- Getting the nutrients you need to move your body well.
- Enjoying the BUCKETLIST items you worked so hard for!
When working with people, I meet you where you're at. My approach is (and I was trained) based on functional and alternative medicine principles: FOOD for YOUR UNIQUE BODY (and don't discount Lifestyle).
Our food labels express sugar in different ways and with many names.
UCSF SugarScience says there are 61 names for sugar on food labels, including maltodextrin and barley malt. It's important to understand where and how much sugar you consume - not only for weight and how you're fueling your body but also because sugar elicits significant inflammatory responses within the body.
An average adult digestive tract from beginning to end is approximately 30 feet. If you have been plagued with bloating, abdominal cramping or pain, diarrhea, constipation, or other uncomfortable symptoms - whether persistent or intermittent - I will look to identify triggers and food modifications to help you rebalance your microbiome.
A gentle note (and no surprise): aging and hormonal imbalances can make our gut and digestion much more sensitive.
Supplementation can be an expensive yet an effective strategy for ensuring the intake of essential nutrients crucial for achieving and maintaining optimal health and wellness. However, It’s a balancing act with meal planning.
Meal planning can save money and increase the diversity of your meals, thereby enhancing variety and nutritional richness, which benefits your microbiome, how you fuel your body, and your overall immune health.
This is an area of struggle for me. I’ve thrown away more food than I care to admit. When I’m "on my game" with meal planning, I’m not as wasteful, I usually spend less money, and cleaning the refrigerator takes less time!
Your doctor says your labs are “normal”, but you know your own body and you know your energy is not 100%. Your numbers came back abnormal and your doctor recommends medication intervention which is not the direction you prefer to take.
A friend or family member is diagnosed or hospitalized with a health condition that offers a cautionary flag to you. Perhaps you’re seeking guidance regarding lab results - you want to be more educated in general or for the next conversation you have with your doctor.
This topic is close to my heart!
Note: I will never offer medical advice or suggest you do anything without consulting your doctor.
Advice for daily habits: