Why Nutritional Medicine?
Sooner or later, Nutritional Medicine will become the foundation of the practice of mainstream or conventional medicine. Pioneers in 20th century medicine argued that many diseases could be prevented or treated by adjusting the concentration of molecules already present in the body such as vitamins, mineral, amino acids and hormones. Today, scientific research and clinical medicine (including my own) have shown that dietary modifications and administration of nutrients and natural substances are often effective for preventing and treating a wide range of symptoms and illnesses. Even better, a nutritional approach rarely subjects patients to the disturbing and often disabling side-effects of pharmaceutical treatments. In addition many of the side effects experienced by patients following a nutritional approach are positive such as more energy, fewer sugar cravings, less aches and pains, better sleep and better concentration.
After 15 years of practicing Nutritional Medicine, the essence of nutritional therapy is “take out the bad and put in the good.” This translates into modifying the diet so as to reduce and or eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates, trans fatty acids, food additives and other unhealthy constituents of the SAD, Standard American Diet. In contrast, we put in the greens, vegetables and fruits full of micro-nutrients that support the body’s remarkable ability to repair itself. Nutritional therapy also includes the use of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs and other natural compounds that help restore health, individualized according to the patient’s needs. Depending on the clinical situation, these natural therapies can be used along with or in place of pharmacological remedies.
Our use of nutritional remedies is supported by our 15 years of clinical experience and the textbook, Nutritional Medicine, by Alan Gaby, MD with more than 15,000 references to support or refute a nutritional approach. Following Dr. Gaby’s lead, we evaluate patients for four distinct but overlapping metabolic/endocrine/immunological disorders that frequently play a role in the development of numerous chronic conditions. Over the years I have come to appreciate that 80 to 90% of chronic diseases have an inflammatory component and the most common cause of inflammation is the food we eat. The first common disorder that is often behind many chronic symptoms and diseases is a hidden food allergy or sensitivity. The most irritating foods common foods are dairy, grains, soy, eggs and citrus. Scores of patients have found significant relief with an allergy elimination diet that removes these common foods. The second disorder, reactive hypoglycemia is about sugar fluctuations. Treatment for this common cause of illness includes avoiding sugar and refined carbs, eating small meals more often and using supplements that support sugar metabolism. Third is undiagnosed, subtle hypothyroidism despite normal test. These patients benefit from a “treat the patient, not the lab” approach with low doses of thyroid hormone. The fourth disorder is yeast overgrowth or candidiasis that is characterized by overgrowth of or sensitivity to, Candida albicans. Here symptoms overlap with the other mentioned disorders and is treated with anti-fungal medications and dietary modifications similar to reactive hypoglycemia.
Overwhelming scientific evidence confirms that vitamin deficiencies are associated with disease processes and the overall condition of one’s health. Vitamin, mineral and antioxidant deficiencies have been shown to suppress immune function and contribute to chronic degenerative processes such as arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Suboptimal vitamin status is more common in the United States than one would think.
Our Integrative Approach
We place a great deal of emphasis on nutrition education and counseling. Our approach makes the transition to healthy eating an empowering and positive experience. Our team at the Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine help you understand the difference between carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that enhance health and those that harm. You’ll learn how to read food labels and how to eat right when dining out. Tips how to shop and healthy eating when dining-out are available and we share recipes for many delicious meals.
Testing is available for those who want a measure of their nutritional status. We offer a blood micronutrient test- an innovative assessment of a patient’s nutritional status. Over 31 vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants are evaluated. By testing for vitamins, minerals and antioxidant levels we are able to identify deficiencies and supplementation can help in the management of chronic and immune diseases as well as provide valuable information for early detection and prevention for the proactive patient.
What Conditions benefit from Nutritional Medicine?
Most inflammatory conditions and chronic diseases such as:
- Autoimmune disorders/Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Obesity
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
- Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia
- Attention deficit disorder
- Allergies and Asthma
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Cancer and Immune Dysfunction
There is no question that a poor diet increases risk of cardiovascular disease. Dietary changes can reverse disease markers. Blood pressure declines when you eat more potassium-rich fruits and vegetables and less sodium. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels fall with adequate fiber and fewer saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. It has been clearly established that excess dietary fat is associated with increased risk of cancer, while diets high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are protective against cancer.
In addition to helping you learn about the power of nutrition, our TLC educators will help you clarify past mistakes, uncover problematic foods, and design a personalized diet for your specific problems and tastes. We will also provide support to help you stay on track as you settle into your new way of eating.
A complete evaluation and comprehensive review is completed for each patient. Together we will explore your goals and discuss your treatment plan options. Our team at Whole Health MD will regularly monitor your progress and track the effectiveness of your program making adjustments if necessary. Our goal is to support you and advise you every step of the way.