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Nutritional Needs are unique, varying greatly among individuals, though we all share the same basic biological design. Whole Life Health consults with clients using a holistic approach. The utmost consideration is given to the way the body and mind work together to move us toward health and safety naturally. Our nutritional consultation will involve identifying physical, psychological, spiritual, emotional and nutritional supports that will allow you to live out your whole life, healthfully.

We begin with the question: what is your current health status? And, next we ask: what would you like to accomplish? Then: what are you willing to do to move forward? The answers we discover will help us outline a plan for your success that will guide you toward your fulfilling new lifestyle and your ultimate transformation.

At Whole Life Health the following topics are covered in proper detail, in terms that are easy to understand, throughout courses, seminars, and private sessions.

The Nature of Nutrigenomics: Defined as the study of food’s effect on gene expression, the science correlates that our genetic variations affect how nutrients absorb, metabolize, and become eliminated in our bodies. Nutrigenomics is proving that it is possible to design a truly personalized healthcare and wellness program. Having pioneered groundbreaking research in this area, Nutrilite offers an exclusive nutrigenomic heart health product and weight management system. For more helpful information, please read the articles in The Optimal Health Revolution entitled “How inflammation is the root cause of the biggest killers” and “How the cutting edge science of nutrigenomics can transform your long term health”.

Being Mindful of Nourishing the Brain: The brain is nourished by all kinds of input- spiritual, sensory, physical, environmental, social, nutritional, and more. All foods that assist in maintaining circulatory and heart health benefit the brain as well. It is so important to learn the foods, herbs, and spices that are known to improve cognition, memory, and mood. And, mindfulness itself is critical to brain health. Training begins in this area to exercise the brain, promoting neuroplasticity, the ability for the brain to generate and regenerate new neural connections and pathways, which allows for positive changes and lasting transformation.

Energy Generating and Regenerating: ATP is the body’s nanomachine, required for all biological activity. While the right diet includes the necessary elements for building and rebuilding it, exercise produces the proper hormones and chemicals to boost overall energy levels and help with normal growth. For example, BDNF or Brain Derived Neuropathic Factor, is released during aerobic exercise, decreasing depression, improving memory, and boosting general brain health. Identifying and avoiding all classes of toxins that may tax the body and drain energy is key. And, adequate sleep time in the appropriate environment can affect energy greatly. All circumstances surrounding sleep can be examined, prescribed, and tested in order to find the optimal conditions in which the body can repair and refresh itself for optimal performance and function.

Adaptogens: Adaptogenic herbs promote and maximize physical and mental stamina. Three criteria of adaptogens follow: 1) Non-Specific resistance- the herb must increase the body’s resistance to a broad range of agents, including physical (heat, cold, and exertion), chemical (toxins and heavy metals), and biological (bacteria and viruses); 2) Normalizing action- the herb should normalize whatever pathological changes or reactions have occurred. For example, regardless of whether the thyroid glad is under- or overactive, a true adaptogen will help steer it to normal function; 3) Innocuous effects- the herb must cause minimal, if any, physiological disturbance or side effects and be very low in toxicity.* (Reference: The Rhodiola Revolution by Brown and Gerbarg; see Real Resources!)

Building Blocks of Basic Health and Nutrition: Macronutrients and Micronutrients: Ever ponder what portions of proteins, kinds of carbohydrates, and functions of fats, are best? Or, which vital vitamins, major minerals, and energizing electrolytes will work well? Let’s discuss what’s for dinner, the size of your servings and your plate!

The Immune System’s Insistence on Digestive Health: Benefiting our bodies by eating the right foods and supplements is only possible when our digestive system is functioning correctly. First, proper hygiene and hydration ensure that saliva is produced to begin the process. Adequate hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes in the stomach further break down the food and completes the next step. And, finally, probiotics, or “good bacteria”, in the intestines allow us to absorb trace minerals while keeping our immune systems healthy. By insisting on a daily intake of the best sources of fiber and nutrients from fruits and vegetables, along with pure, clean water, we can create balance and thrive.

H2O: How 2 Oxygenate- Hydrate: Dr. F. Batmanghelidi suggests, “You’re not sick; you’re thirsty. Don’t treat thirst with medication.” On average, 60-70% of our body weight consists of water. Adequate hydration assists every bodily process, including the generation of the brain’s electrical impulses, oxygenation of the blood, production of hormones, building of muscle tissue, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of toxins- every system. While it is recommended that we consume half our body weight in ounces of water per day, it has been reported that over 90% of humans are dehydrated. Factors such as climate, environment, exercise, and what we eat and drink determine our needs. Even the most mild dehydration can cause fatigue. High blood pressure, arterial clogging, cancer, depression, arthritic pain and many trips to the emergency room for otherwise seemingly “healthy” people have all been linked to dehydration.

Fascinating Phytonutrients: Why We Feel Them: They are simply “nutrients from plants”.  It’s easy to remember we need to eat from 5 color categories each week in order to achieve optimal health! When our bodies actually receive the amount and variety of nutrients they need, we find ourselves remarking how much energy we have, how clear our complexion looks, how focused our thinking has become. However, in the absence of any major illness or hospitalization, many of us have settled for a “satisfactory” on our health report cards, while we utilize over-the-counter pharmaceuticals for chronic conditions, and feel fatigued most of the time. Wherever we find ourselves, everyone on the journey toward whole life health will benefit from eating 9-13 daily servings of local, organic fruits and vegetables from every color of the spectrum!

RED: Lycopene and Ellagic Acid affect prostate health and DNA and can be found in tomatoes, pomegranates, and watermelon.  PURPLE/BLUE: Anthocyanidines and Resveratrol affect cognitive health and heart health and can be found in eggplant, beets, and blueberries.  GREEN: EGCG, Isothiocyanate, Lutein/Zeaxanthin, and Isoflavones affect cell and lung health, as well as provide arterial and liver support function, and can be found in kale, broccoli, and spinach.  WHITE: Allicin and Quercetin affect healthy bones, circulatory health and arterial support function and can be found in coconut, onions, and cauliflower. ORANGE/YELLOW: Alpha and Beta Carotene, Hesperitin, and Betacryptoxanthin can affect eye health, immune function, skin hydration, as well as healthy growth and development, and can be found in carrots, oranges, and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin D Is Vital though Not a Vitamin: Dubbed Vitamin D, it is actually a hormone our bodies make when the sunlight hits our skin. Those of us enjoying our golden years, darker skin tones, and spending too much time indoors are at risk for Coronary Artery Disease, which is a stiffening of arteries due to calcium deposits. In a Harvard Health Letter, a study reported that men with low Vitamin D levels were twice as likely to develop heart disease as men with plenty of D in circulation. Getting out in the sun without sunscreen for 15 minutes, three times per week, should promote the necessary production of Vitamin D. However, in order to ensure optimal levels or absorption are being achieved, request a Vitamin D test from your health practitioner. A supplement of 1,000 mg of D per day is the most efficient way to get the sufficient amount to prevent heart disease and other health consequences, especially in those areas north of the line connecting San Francisco, St. Louis, and Richmond, Virginia during the winter months November through March.

Additionally, journeying toward whole life health can involve talking about: alkaline versus acid body chemistry; low versus high glycemic content; whole versus processed foods; organic vitamins and phytonutrients versus synthetics and additives; bioavailability among products and supplements; prioritizing and proportions of omegas and essential fatty acids; inflammatory foods; allergies and autoimmune response.