Becky Latorre, FNTP
Do our food choices influence our over all health? Will the weekly fast food burger and fries affect our bodies on a cellular level? Can we change the expression of our genes and ultimately influence the our state of health, by the food that we put in our mouths? The answer to these questions is a big Yes!
Nutrition pioneers, Dr. Weston A. Price and Dr. Francis M. Pottenger Jr., noted rapid declines in health when healthy populations gave up traditional diets and replaced them with processed, refined, nutrient poor diets. The good news is that health returned when the processed, nutrient poor diets were replaced with a nutrient dense, whole food diet.
We are all unique, so our genes will respond differently to certain foods and lifestyles. However, certain foundational principles must be in balance for us to achieve optimal health. These foundations of health include nutrition (aka nutrient dense, properly prepared, whole food diet), digestion, blood sugar regulation, fatty acid balance, hydration, and mineral balance.
Each person’s unique needs should always be considered but basic recommendations for proper nutrition would include the following:
- eat whole foods rather than processed and refined
- include clean sources of fats, avoiding refined, industrial seed oils
- eat a variety of local, seasonal, organic fruits and vegetables
- when tolerated, eat properly prepared foods by soaking and sprouting nuts, grains, and legumes to maximize the bioavailability of nutrients and minimize effects of antinutrients
- choose grass-finished meats, pasture-raised poultry and eggs and wild caught seafood
Digestion is fundamental to nutrition because we are what we can absorb. The diet is important of course, but digestion must be functioning properly for our cells to get the nutrients they need to be fueled and to do their jobs well.
Blood sugar regulation is important to prevent sharp spikes or drops in blood sugar which can cause damage to our cells and tissues. We can better maintain a steady balance of blood sugar by adjusting the quantity and quality of proteins, carbohydrates and fats that we consume. Reducing stress levels, getting adequate sleep and moving regularly help to maintain steady blood sugar levels as well.
Proper fatty acid balance influences health in the body and plays numerous important roles including healing, regulating inflammation, provide building blocks for cellular membranes and hormones. Fats also act as a calorie-dense energy source and also keeps us full longer. It is best to get fats from quality sources such as grass-fed animals, pasture raised eggs, nuts, avocados, cold pressed olive oil and organic coconut oil.
Mineral balance is important for a body to function properly. Minerals are considered the “spark plugs” for our cells. However, we can’t make them on our own. They have to be consumed through our diet. The best way to get more minerals is by consuming a properly prepared, nutrient dense-dense, whole foods diet and drinking clean electrolyte-rich water.
Speaking of water, water is the most important nutrient and is also one of the most common deficiencies. Proper intake of water is important in supplying adequate water to cells and tissues. Similarly to digestion, we must be able to absorb the water that we drink so we need clean electrolyte-rich water for that to happen. A good rule of thumb regarding proper intake is to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water. For example, if someone weighs 150 pounds they should drink at least 75 ounces of water a day.
Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of the foundations of health. As well, understand that we influence these foundations by the foods that we consume. Your health is in the balance, in the balance of the foundations. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like help in balancing your foundations. With a little help and guidance, you can make important changes that will better your health and your life.
References:
Nutritional Therapy Association.(2019). Student Guide. Basics of Nutrition Module. Olympia, WA
Price. W.A. (2018, 8th editon).Nutrition and physical degeneration. Lemon Grove, CA, Price-Pottenger