Many people believe that a functional medicine practitioner is only focused on diet. I hear this often …”All you will do is tell me what to eat and what not to eat.”
Is this true?
Well yes and no. A big part of functional medicine is food. Why is food so important? Well, let’s dive in!
What does food do for our bodies?
Food provides us with nutrition that is needed for our cells to function. But not all foods are created equal. Some foods can lead to cell dysfunction. Think about the Standard American Diet (SAD). It’s acronym is SAD because this diet can literally make you SAD!
Studies show a strong correlation between the SAD and decreased diversity of the microbiome leading to imbalances in neurotransmitter production such as serotonin (our happy hormone) which is synthesized primarily in the gut.
The SAD has been linked to increased inflammation because the foods are highly processed and refined, therefore lacking in nutrients that our cells need to function. The SAD diet throws off the bacterial balance in our guts, allowing pathogens to grow and thrive leading to more inflammation and immune dysfunction.
Over time …
Chronic disease develops, autoimmune disease develops, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even cancer develops.
So, diet is a synergistic component of balanced and individualized healthcare.
What about detox?
Detoxification is also a vital part of health. And yep, you guessed it…the more colorful vegetables, healthy fats, quality proteins, and micronutrients you can get in through food the better your detoxification will be.
Detoxification, or detox, is a process by which toxins and harmful substances are removed from the body. This is an important part of maintaining optimal health for several reasons.
- Elimination of Toxins: We’re exposed to various toxins daily, from the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even the personal care products we use. Over time, these toxins can accumulate in our cells, tissues, and organs, causing various health issues. Detox helps in eliminating these toxins from our body and reducing the burden on our organs, particularly the liver and kidneys which play a significant role in detoxification.
- Boosts Energy Levels: Many people report feeling more energetic and alert during and after detox programs. This is often due to the removal of toxins that can cause sluggishness and fatigue.
- Supports Digestive Health: Detox diets often involve consuming whole foods and lots of fluids, which can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption. It also promotes healthy bowel movements, aiding in the removal of waste from your body.
- Enhances Immune Function: By freeing up our bodily systems from toxin overload, our immune system gets a boost and is better able to fight off illnesses.
- Promotes Healthy Skin: By eliminating toxins from the body, detox can improve skin clarity and elasticity, leading to a healthier, glowing complexion.
- Aids Weight Loss: While not a stand-alone weight loss solution, a well-planned detox can kick-start a healthier diet and lifestyle, aiding in weight management.
What are some foods that are important for detox?
- Cruciferous vegetables: Arugula, Bok choy, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower, cabbage (all varieties), collard greens, dark leafy veggies, kale, radish, watercress, etc.
- Proteins: grass fed, wild caught and free range meats and eggs
- Healthy fats: avocadoes, avocado oil, olives, olive oil, flax oil, fish
Why is detox important?
Look at detox like this … we all have a toxic cup. This cup gets filled by toxins we come into contact with daily from things like …
- Water
- Food
- Air
- Cleaning products
- Body care products
- Environment
If our body cannot process these toxins and remove them, our toxic cup fills up and can spill over into our organs causing disease and cell malfunction …
Chronic disease develops, autoimmune disease develops, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even cancer develops.
What should you do at home?
Eat a whole-food diet! Get in lots of colors daily by eating colorful vegetables and some fruit. Make sure you are getting in enough protein and healthy fats. Drink lots of clean water and get good sleep.
If you struggle with insomnia, pain, food sensitivities, and abdominal symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea, this is a sign that you may need additional guidance and possibly treatment for conditions like SIBO, leaky gut, or help with detoxification. A functional approach is the best approach to treating your symptoms.
Do you need help with your food choices or detoxing?
This is why we are here. We hold your hand along the way to guide you and to keep you on track. Wondering if detoxing is right for you? Schedule a FREE consult today with one of our team from WaveonWave Health. We are located at 401 Ocean Ave Suite 200-A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
