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Holistic Nutrition

 
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Many would argue that nutrition is oftentimes neglected in medical education, as physicians often offer limited nutrition advice directly related to their field. For example, inflammation is a major contributor to diabetes, heart disease and cancer, as well the aging process itself.

Moreover, high levels of insulin can promote inflammation. Therefore, being mindful of sugar, starch, and glycemic load is of great importance to people battling those diseases, as is the consumption of omega-3 fats, which reduce inflammation.

Holistic nutrition, considered to be part of holistic health, is the modern natural approach to promoting a healthy balanced diet while also taking into account the person as whole. Holistic nutrition looks at the total person, including his/her lifestyle, dietary intake, and supplements, as well as prevention and the use of non-toxic, natural therapies.

Holistic nutrition weighs the immeasurable, such as how food makes us feel, in addition to its nutrient and caloric value. The nutrients in food are, of course, catalysts for the chemical processes that take place in our bodies millions of times per day.

Food supplies the energy necessary to function in our daily lives, while also providing important nutrients to build and regenerate body tissue, bone, muscle, fat and blood.

Holistic nutrition appreciates the effect that certain foods have on our bodies, favoring whole foods directly from nature. Real fruit is preferable compared to fruit juice.

Whole grains are preferred over processed white bread. Fresh fish is ideal compared to canned tuna.

Since some foods make our bodies feel energized while others have a more lethargic effect, one objective of holistic nutrition is to strategically use food as fuel to help people feel the way they want at the right times.

There has been a significant increase in the amount of organic and natural food products available today. Understanding which food products are most affected by conventional food growing and processing methods empowers people to prioritize when shopping for organic foods.

Holistic nutrition also recognizes the importance of understanding one’s relationship with food. First and foremost, good food should taste good.

Those advocating holistic nutrition would argue that preparing food and eating should be enjoyable experiences with a variety of tastes and textures and rich colors.

Sources:

Why Holistic Nutrition is the Best Approach? Web. www.huffingtonpost.com. Accessed 23 Jan. 2012.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-katz-md/holistic-nutrition_b_842627.html

Holistic Nutrition. Web. www.holisticnutrition.com. Accessed 23 Jan. 2012. http://www.holisticnutrition.com

What is Holistic Nutrition Anyways? Web. http://holistikhealth.com. Accessed 23 Jan. 2012.
http://holistikhealth.com/blog/what-is-holistic-nutrition-anyways

Reviewed January 24, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

Add a Comment1 Comments

Great post, Shenia. Holistic Medicine and Nutrition are becoming a way of life for many people because of the many benefits they have seen through changing their lifestyle and searching for natural ways to cure ailments. My colleague and I frequently write blog posts (found at http://bit.ly/zSoR4b) which demonstrate the many ways that holistic approaches can successfully be implemented. Thanks for the great info and education on holistic nutrition.

February 14, 2012 - 10:20am
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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