A young lady struggling with daily worry, feelings of being overwhelmed, insomnia and chronic fatigue comes to the clinic to find solutions. Her stress level has been high for a while, stemming from being a single parent, financial crisis, weight issue, diffuse pain, recurrent infections and irritable bowel syndrome. She has been on a downward spiral and this has affected her daily life and relationships.

'21st Century stress' can force us into a life of multi-tasking, technology addiction, insomnia,  accompanied by poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle and over-indulgence of other substances like coffee, sugar, salt, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, processed foods, drugs and alcohol. This chronic toxic stress and poor lifestyle leads to inflammation spreading like wildfire, setting the entire body ablaze, leading to eventual destruction and disease. 

The ESSENTIAL pillars of health include a plant based, whole food, nutrient-dense diet, regular exercise, good sleep, spirituality, cultivating gratitude and resiliency through mind-body exercises, social connection and self-care. 

Slowing down, finding balance and learning the nutrition hacks to creating resiliency is the key. 

A well-balanced diet is one that includes all the colors of the rainbow. Your cells need A, B, C, D, E, K Vitamins, minerals like Chromium, Zinc, Selenium, Magnesium, Iron, amino acids, good fats, fiber, fermented foods, herbs and spices. Think of nutrients as powerful weapons against stress, each color with its own unique super powers. They help your cells function normally and protect the cells from toxins, pollution, infections that cause oxidative damage. These nutrient-rich foods act as chemical signals which help optimize the cell's anti-oxidant function, energy production and health. 

The Standard American Diet provides empty calories, refined and processed chemicals, salt, bad fats and high sugar foods. They are lacking all the nutrients a cell needs to prevent aging, disease, damage and death. Instead, unhealthy food sends the wrong signals to cells, breaking down the cell's mitochondria, cell membrane, DNA, protein and energy synthesis, cellular function, and eventually makes the whole body sick. 

Food also has a tremendous power to heal. There are herbs, roots and mushrooms that can be added to support the adrenals and help us through a stressful event. The best way to receive benefits from these foods is through dried herbs or teas. Some clinical studies have looked at how adaptogens support vitality, immunity and longevity. 

WIRED?

TIRED?

BRAIN FOG?

SICK?

The best way to receive nutrition is through the food choices you make. If you choose to take a supplement, always consult with your doctor to verify any drug interactions or harmful effects from the product. Just as you would not take a prescription that has not been clinically tested and evaluated by regulatory agencies for safety and efficacy, similarly you would not want to take a vitamin or supplement that is based on testimonials, uncertain ingredients, marketing promises or false labeling. 

Food is Medicine, Energy, Information, Connection.  Making the right decisions with food may seem like a difficult path to follow. Start where you are, make small changes, announce your decision to others, remind yourself of 'why' you need to take back control of your health. Let us guide you on your journey to wellness!

'A journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step'- Lao Tzu.