The word “integrative” sounds sexy but what does it really mean? Here is my definition and how I approach my work….
Nutrition plays an important role in integrative medicine and has spawned a relatively new field that blends the use of food and supplements to promote optimal health and help treat disease. The practice of integrative nutrition takes a holistic approach to wellness recognizing that the foundation for optimal health and healing begins with a health promoting diet.
Integrative medicine is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.
Food and supplements aren’t meant to replace traditional medicine; nutritionists are not physicians. The food and nutrition component of integrative medicine shares the philosophy of focusing on the whole person. It’s not just about eating the recommended number of fruits and vegetables each day or counting calories. Instead, it looks at ways to heal the whole person through food, vitamins, minerals, and dietary and herbal supplements—working in conjunction with conventional medicine as appropriate. This approach is highly collaborative.
It’s not one size fits all ever. Our bodies are unique biochemical environments and everything we put into them in terms of the nutrients- or lack thereof- makes a difference. Our daily choices determine if we are moving towards wellness or away from it. For many they will also determine whether we age well and what, if any, chronic diseases we will face.
My goal is to optimize your overall health and wellness with a focus on nutrient rich whole foods with the addition of specific vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients when appropriate. This integrative approach is designed to empower you as well as transform your lifestyle and relationship with food- not make you feel starved or deprived.
I promise you this approach can and will work for you. Wishing you health and wellness from within.
Consider it a gift to yourself to make 2015 your year to look and feel better. Learn more, ask questions or schedule online at kyoungnutrition.com.
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