Functional Nutrition and Healthy Aging
More Than Just Food: An Integrative View of Nutrition
We often use the word nutrition to describe and discuss eating healthy, the quality of food and its nutrient value. Is nutrition just that, the mere value of what we put in our mouths? It must be something more!
An integrative view of nutrition emphasizes more than what we eat. Well balanced nutrition includes the nutrients we consume and our ability to effectively remove waste, quality of water, quality of sleep, time outdoors, physical activity and rest, positive relationships and more.
You may be thinking “this is really all encompassing,” and it is. An integrative approach to healthcare requires a comprehensive approach to life- all aspects of it. It takes on a philosophical approach.
Guiding Concepts I Embrace in Functional Nutrition
Important concepts in Nutrition as a philosophy that I embrace and work with include:
Plant Based Diet
A dietary lifestyle that promotes health internally and reduces chronic disease while promoting peace and goodwill to all creatures of our planet.
Tikun Olam – Doing Good to Heal the World
A guiding concept of my clinical practice, teaches to be a positive steward within the family, community and society. Tikun Olam is a Judaic concept in Hebrew that means “to better or improve the world.” Do good unto others because it makes the world a better place. Read more about Tikun Olam as a practice philosophy here.
Natural Hygiene
A movement championed by Dr. Herbert Shelton (1895-1985) emphasizes natural foods over processed foods, living ethically towards yourself, others, animals and the environment.
Fasting and Internal Cleansing
It is important to regularly cleanse ourselves internally. This can be performed with water fasting, watermelon, juicing and periods of only raw foods.
Heart-Brain Health Connection
What is good for the heart is good for the brain. Investing in our health and relationships for fulfilled lives and a well-preserved cognitive future.
What to Expect in This Nutrition Series
The articles in the nutrition series focus on whole plant-based foods, herbs with notable medicinal properties, medicinal mushrooms, adaptogens and nootropics. Other articles focus on nutrition-philosophy, our relationship with food, natural hygiene, fasting and cleanses; sleep practices, breathing, dis-ease condition specifics etc.
