The medicinal advantages of healthy food cannot be understated. A well-balanced diet that includes unprocessed fresh foods, variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts/seeds, and very small amounts of fish & animal foods can help support overall health and prevent a number of chronic diseases. The key to success is avoiding sugar, unhealthy oils made from seeds and processed foods. Some people avoid all animal foods like fish, meat, dairy, eggs and alcoholic drinks. Your body will thank you for choosing healthy food and lifestyle.
Medicinal advantages of eating healthy foods
Healthy weight and prevent obesity. For starters, a well-balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity, which is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Plus, you will be happier.
Essential vitamins and minerals. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for optimal health. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, which are important for maintaining healthy skin and eyesight, as well as a strong immune system. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
Reduce the risk of chronic disease. Eating healthy food can also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Diets that are high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated and trans fats, can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation in the body. A diet that is high in fiber and low in added sugars can also help control blood sugar levels and prevent the development of diabetes. Avoiding all sugar is even better. Some natural sweeteners are okay like organic date powder and monk fruit. Functional medicine health professionals have also used food, herbs and nutrients to reverse heart disease, diabetes, leaky gut, inflammation and other chronic diseases.
Mental and emotional benefits. In addition to the physical benefits, healthy eating can also have mental and emotional benefits. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of healthy foods can help improve mood and cognitive function, and may even help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. Healthy diet for children not only hugely improves mental health, but also promotes healthy brian development leading to happiness and success as an adult.
What is natural Immunity?
Our immune system is capable of fighting off infections and viruses (like C0V!D). Optimizing your diet is one of the most important ways you can increase your natural immunity. Plus, a healthy diet can taste great. Learn about diet and nutrients needed for a healthy immune system. Explore what top medical experts recommend for protecting your immune system, boosting your gut health, and priming your immune system. Learn how you can eat to reduce inflammation and prevent things like brain fog, headaches, fatigue, and numerous other daily struggles. Two great places to start your learning journey is Food Revolution Network and Dr. Mark Hyman.
Diet, sleep and exercise: A balanced diet consisting of a range of vitamins and minerals, combined with healthy lifestyle factors like adequate sleep and exercise and low stress, most effectively primes the body to fight infection and disease. Exercise with weights that builds muscle gives better results in a shorter time than cardio exercise like running and biking (spinning).The design of our immune system is complex and influenced by an ideal balance of many factors, not just diet, and especially not by any one specific food or nutrient.
On a daily basis, we are constantly exposed to potentially harmful microbes of all sorts. Our immune system, a network of intricate stages and pathways in the body, protects us against these harmful microbes as well as certain diseases. It recognizes foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites and takes immediate action. Get great details from the Harvard School of Public Health article “Nutrition and Immunity”
What is functional nutrition and medicine?
Systems-oriented approach: A functional nutritionist or physician is a health practitioner who uses a systems-oriented approach to nutrition and wellness to help individuals identify and address the root causes of their health problems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to develop personalized nutrition plans and collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure that their patients receive comprehensive and effective care.
Not a “one-size-fits-all” approach: If you are looking for a holistic approach to your health, a functional nutritionist or physician may be the right choice for you. Functional nutrition is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Every person is unique, and a functional medicine professional takes this into account when developing a nutrition and treatment plan. They understand that different people have different needs and that a person's health needs may change over time as they heal and grow.
Latest scientific research and clinical practices: Functional nutrition and medicine are evidence-based fields that utilize the latest scientific research and clinical practices. These professionals stay up-to-date with the latest advances in the field and continually improve their knowledge and skills. This is an effective approach to helping individuals achieve optimal health.
Root causes of health problems
By addressing the underlying causes of health problems, functional nutritionists can help individuals achieve sustained health and wellness. This approach can be especially beneficial for individuals with chronic health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, digestive problems, and hormonal imbalances.
They take into account a person's overall health history, lifestyle, and current symptoms to develop a comprehensive understanding of their health status. Functional health professionals differ from traditional dietitians, nutritionists and doctors in that they do not simply focus on what a person is eating, but also on how their body is functioning.
They use a variety of tools to help identify the root causes of health problems, including comprehensive dietary assessments, laboratory tests, and functional medicine assessments. These tools help practitioners determine imbalances in the body that may be contributing to health issues, such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, food sensitivities, parasites and gut dysbiosis.
Symptoms of gut dysbiosis include chronic fatigue, digestive problems, trouble urinating, acid reflux or heartburn, vaginal or rectal infections or itching, food intolerance, gas, and bloating, inflammation and aching joints, acne, skin rashes, and psoriasis.
Parasites can be an underlying contributing factor to many chronic health problems and a big reason why previous attempts at healing have been unsuccessful. Most everyone has some sort of parasite – even healthy people with no symptoms. Children and adults with weakened immune systems are most at risk, but it can happen to anyone. Some parasites fuel disease and others benefit health.
Personalized nutrition plan. Once the root cause of a health problem has been identified, a functional health professional works with the individual to develop a personalized nutrition and supplement plan that addresses the underlying issues. This may involve changes to the person's diet, the addition of specific supplements, and lifestyle modifications.
Coordinate care with other healthcare professionals. Functional health professional may also work with healthcare providers to coordinate care and ensure that their patients receive the most comprehensive and effective treatment possible. They may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, and naturopathic doctors, to provide a holistic approach to health and wellness.
“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts
See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.
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