Our energy level is the best indicator of our health and well being. If you are tired and run down, you cannot stay Healthy!
Our nutritional services address the underlying causes of disease using a unique systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. It is an evolution in the practice of health care that better addresses the health care needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of a wellness practice to a more patient-centered approach, Nutritional Services can address the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. We spend time with our patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among environmental and lifestyle factors that can influence long term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, our nutritional and other services support the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
Why do we need targeted Nutritional Care?
Our society is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptoms.
Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease. In most cases it does not take into account the unique makeup of each individual or factors such as environmental exposures to toxins and the aspects of today's lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise of chronic disease in modern western society.
Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients.
How are our services different?
Our service involves understanding the origin, prevention, and treatment of complex, chronic disease. Hallmarks of a functional gastrointestinal approach include:
Patient-Centered Care
The focus is on patient-centered care, promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to the patient and learning his or her story, the practitioner brings the patient into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual patient's unique needs.
An integrative, science-based healthcare approach
We look "upstream" to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient's history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.
Integrating the best systems of health care
We integrate traditional western lab tests with what is sometimes considered "alternative" or "integrative" medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise. We use the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques. We also use botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, and stress-management techniques.
"Nutrition" ~ The science of food, and the processes by which the body ingests, digests, absorbs, transports, utilizes and excretes food substances.
"Food" ~ A material consisting of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
"Enzymes" ~ A chemical substance in humans, animals and plants that helps to cause natural processes (such as digestion).