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Alternatives E-Newsletter Number Nine

Saturday 19 May 2012

Focus on Nutrition - Sally Humphris

Our bodies, every cell, bone, muscle, nerve fibre and every drop of blood, are made from the food and drink we choose to consume.   This is why I believe nutritional therapy has a big role to play in any health plan.  The macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate and fat) plus the micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and enzymes) found in natural foods all help to create a vibrant being.  When we use food therapeutically we facilitate the body’s inherent ability to heal and maintain a state of health.

In order to do this each body system must function well.  The digestive, detoxification, immune, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems are interlinked, when one functions below par the others are affected.  For instance an imbalance of the immune system causes inflammation which has a role in the furring up of the arteries thus affecting the cardiovascular system.  The bacteria in our digestive system can alter the waste products of oestrogen detoxification creating harmful hormonal metabolites which affect the endocrine system.  No one system works independently. 

The nutritional therapy I practice follows a Functional Medicine approach which is systematic and scientific.  To begin with I assess the function of each body system and then I look at the interaction between systems to see why symptoms arise.  In addition Functional Diagnostic Testing, which involves stool, urine and blood samples, can be used to identify specific metabolic imbalances, nutrient deficiencies and digestive disturbances.    

Once all this information has been collected I use my knowledge of nutrient metabolism and biochemistry to assess which nutrients are needed therapeutically.  These nutrients are supplied through the diet which is the foundation of nutritional therapy and via therapeutic doses of supplements.  The diet plans are specific to each client and also achievable therefore encouraging new lifelong healthy eating choices. 

Wishing you health and happiness

Sally

Supplements are available at Alternatives health store at the clinic.

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