Introduction
Nutrition is fundamentally about nourishing the body. From a young age, we learn what to eat from our caretakers based on what is readily available. Our basic instinct is to consume what’s within reach, guided by our eyes. This approach worked well until the advent of the Green Revolution, which brought an abundance of vegetables, fruits, and grains. The White Revolution followed, increasing the availability of dairy and meat. Then came the Industrial Revolution, introducing us to frozen foods, refrigeration, preservatives, and plastics.
As society evolved with these food production advancements, we benefited until our bodies began to struggle with the “toxins” produced by preservatives. These toxins accumulated in our fat cells, disrupting hormones like estrogen, testosterone ,insulin and dopamine.
Today, it’s crucial to discern which foods truly nourish our bodies rather than just fill up with calories. Calories alone don’t convert into energy without the right digestive enzymes and hormones- communication network.
An excess of estrogen and insulin now circulates in the bodies, necessitating effective detoxification. This requires consuming foods that support detox organs, promote gut health, and repair the digestive system for optimal nutrient absorption. Additionally, our immune systems need daily boosts to combat the rising prevalence of autoimmune diseases.
This is where a Functional Nutrition Coach or Health Coach can be invaluable. I help you identify which systems need support and determine the foods required for your individual needs- your detox organs as you are as unique as your fingerprint with life experiences, exposure to stress and trauma. A diagnosis, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease, isn’t sufficient on its own. For instance, diabetes may be linked to Candida infection, highlighting the need for personalized, holistic knowledge to address symptoms effectively. You can figure it all out eventually but to get to the root cause and address it before the symptoms spread to different parts of the body or worse, a life challenge uproots you, giving you little or no time to focus on your health issues.
Weight loss might be the overarching goal, but identifying the root cause of weight gain is essential.
Is it due to cortisol and stress, insulin acting as a fat storage hormone, or a malfunctioning thyroid hormone affecting metabolism and calorie burning?
These are just a few symptoms that can help you connect the dots. You can learn more at the “Connect the Symptoms” workshop, held monthly on the fourth Thursday.
If you’re seeking to address the root causes of your symptoms to prevent their recurrence and improve your health with minimal supplements and a diverse diet, consider scheduling a consultation. Connect the dots for a healthier body and a clearer mind, all aligned with your unique identity and needs.