Nutrition
WHAT IS IT?
Naturopathic Nutrition is a holistic and health centred approach to diet, that addresses specific health conditions, preventative health and general well being. Naturopathic nutrition focuses on nutrition provided by whole foods – that is natural, unprocessed foods, as nature intended us to have them. Naturopathic nutrition focuses not only on calorie/kilojoules and RDI’s (recommended daily intakes) – the main focus of dietetic nutrition – but also optimum nutrient intakes to address specific health conditions and preventative health. Naturopathic nutrition focuses on food as medicine, as well as using therapeutic doses of specific nutrients to affect a change/improvement in a range of health conditions.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
We all know that the food we eat provides us with the energy to function. But did you realise that every part of our body, every single cell – is made up of the foods that we eat?
What foods are your cells made of? Do these foods provide the building blocks to healthy, functional cells – or sluggish, dysfunctional cells that lead to poor health, low vitality and disease?
By assessing your current health status, plus your current nutritional intake, our nutritionists can assess if you are lacking (or getting excess of) certain nutrients that could be helping or hindering your health goals. Specific foods and/or nutrients may be recommended to address imbalances, and/or affect a biological change to enhance your health.
TREATMENT
Our nutritionists will discuss with you your health goals and concerns, then examine your medical/health history and eating habits to determine what dietary changes (as well as lifestyle factors) could improve your health. Specific evidence-based nutritional supplements may be prescribed in some circumstances.
Our nutritionists can also provide you with ideas, recipes and shopping tips to help you integrate what you have learned. Their goal is to educate you on how to get the most out of what you eat, and to enjoy it too!
FAQ's
- Do I have to give up chocolate/coffee/wine/McDonalds/my favourite vice?
Maybe! Moderation is key, and getting joy from eating the foods you love. The nutritionists job is to make sure you are getting enough of the good things so that a little bit of the so-called “naughty” foods/drinks can be tolerated. There job is also to teach you how to enjoy the foods that will look after you.
There are instances however, such as food allergies/intolerances, or more serious health conditions, where you may be advised to hold off on the foods/drinks that may be holding your health goals back. The nutritionists focus is always to try and bring the body back in to balance, so that healthy moderation can be enjoyed, but you may need to work with me and eliminate specific aggravating foods/drinks for a period of time. All of this is with the idea in mind that you will learn what works best for you, and what your body needs (and doesn’t need!) to feel well. This gives you the power to make educated choices for yourself.
WHO DO I SEE?
Violet Wasson is Vital Health Care Centre’s nutritionist.