A lot of people ask me about the different types of nutrition counseling, so I wrote a quick article on holistic nutrition. I found holistic nutrition allowed me to help many people. At that time that was of the forms of nutrition counseling I had been trained in and found it the most therapeutic. Later I become trained in Clinical Nutrition, which is superior to holistic nutrition. However, I took the best holistic nutrition offered and still use some of therapies today…
Enjoy the article,
Dr. Robert – New Jersey Holistic Doctor
Holistic Nutrition, what exactly is it?
The dictionary defines the word “holistic” as to the integration of mind, body and spirit. The science and art of holistic nutrition and diet therapies look to bring balance to all of these parts of the human being. The holistic viewpoint sees the human body as a “whole” with intricate systems that rely on one another to operate efficiently.
Holistic nutrition considers diet to be the most important concept. The holistic diet is made up of whole foods that are vitamin mineral and antioxidant power houses. The focus of holistic nutrition is to consume foods that are nutrient-dense while avoiding foods that have been zapped of their life giving nutrition. You would be avoiding processed foods such as junk food, fast food, cookies, cakes, pies, soda, refined grains, etc.
Holistic nutrition also takes into account good digestion and elimination. Inadequate digestion over time can lead to illness and poor health. Good digestion insures that you are absorbing all the nutrients from your diet and supplements.
Holistic nutrition also considers a person’s heritage and biochemical individuality to formulate the optimal diet. There is no one size fits all approach with holistic nutrition. Each persons problems are unique and each diet is tailored to their needs.
Nutrition and diet, why is it important?
Nutrition and our diets are important to every human being because it is our fuel source; our bodies make up and is needed to allow every cell to function properly. The foods we consume and digest properly are at the cornerstone of our beings. In the absence of a quality diet good health degrades and gives way to disease, brain function problems, and the ability to live happily.
Nutrition and diet become essential as we consider the toxic world we live in. To help manage the daily assault on our bodies it is important to have a diet that will provide clean fuel. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low fat meats, fish, nuts and seeds offer a significant amount of nutrients not found in refined foods. The body utilizes vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids from food sources much better when having a complete varied whole foods diet.
Supplementation is becoming necessary for everyone because of the toxic overload and higher amounts of vitamins and minerals we need for optimal health. Discovering what to eat and what to avoid is becoming very important, as we continue to live in a stressful, toxic, nutrient deficient world.
Holistic nutritionists are nutrition counselors whose goals are to help their clients by analyzing their current diet, health status and improve areas of imbalances through diet, supplements and lifestyle changes. A holistic nutritionist recognizes the connection between a person’s biochemical, emotional, mental, and environmental states.
The holistic nutritionist focuses on educating the individual. The client learns how to improve and prevent illness by avoiding foods/diets that contribute to disease. The holistic nutritionist teaches how to make positive lifestyle changes.