We’ve all been there. Sitting down at the table looking at the hundreds, or maybe even thousands, of cardboard pieces in a pile thinking “there’s no way I’m going to finish this.” But, you do. You start putting pieces together, one at a time until the image on the puzzle box begins to take shape. Eventually, maybe a day, or a week, or even a month later, there it sits. A completed beautiful image with lines zig-zagging through it. The satisfaction that comes with finishing a puzzle is quite fulfilling, but imagine if that puzzle represented your life, a healthy, energetic and fulfilling life. Imagine the satisfaction that would come with piecing together your ideal image of what your life looks like. Only, this isn’t a picture on a box, this is your reality.
Our lives are composed of little moments. Moments of great triumph, defeat, confusion, confidence, etc. Each experience unique to our existence, with an individual shape that fits perfectly into our puzzle of life. When things are complicated or messy and the pieces don’t fit together right there are holes in the grand picture.
However, when we can focus on the task at hand and carefully place each piece, the image becomes full. No matter where your journey is starting, your experiences, your perception, your outlook, they all matter and they matter to me. You are unique and so should your nutrition plan be. This is where nutritional therapy stands out among other practices. We focus on you, because dietary choices should never be considered a one size fits all.
On average, human’s genetics vary by 0.1% from one another. Though this seems small, this difference is a big deal. These variances in genes account for differences in appearance, but also enzyme production, our ability to produce immune cells, regulate hormones and experience the world. We perceive the world through our senses: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch, but our bodies experience our environment through chemical signals.
Our experiences shape our health. The growing field of epigenetics has increased our understanding of how the external environment effects our internal environment. Recent studies have demonstrated that these effects can last for months, or even years.
Nutrition states during developmental stages in childhood and puberty can impact our health long into adulthood. Obtaining the proper amounts of folate and B vitamins promote healthy growth and development of cells, while calcium ensures bones develop strength and proper density. If these nutrients are not consumed in high enough levels, alterations in development and the gut microbiota can occur.
An often overlooked entity of the body, the microbiome, consists of bacteria, enzymes, fungi and other microbes that work extra hard to keep us healthy. This environment is sensitive to external stimuli, and is directly exposed to environmental components through food and drinks. Our food sources contain a many healthy nutrients, but depending on how they are grown and processed, may also contain unwanted toxins, chemicals and pesticides. Substances such as these can have a great influence over the health of the microbiome, hormone production and additional chemical signaling throughout the body.
So why does all of this matter?
It is important to talk to your nutritional therapy practitioner, NTP, about your experiences as it allows us to learn even more about you. Learning what you ate as a child gives us insight into what nutrients you had in abundance and what you may have been missing. If there was a deficiency in the diet, don’t blame your parents. If you have kids you’ll know first-hand how tricky it can be to get a picky eater to finish their vegetables. Don’t take it personally when we ask, we are simply trying to piece together the puzzle pieces that create your life so we can best support you!
As our lives progress, our environments change. We live in an excited world of endless possibilities and continual advancement. It’s important to discuss these with your NTP as well! Your current habits are the ones that have the most profound immediate impacts on your health and well-being. Another important piece in your life.
Epi-genetics has changed our outlook on health and wellness. It has opened new doors to greater understanding of how the outside environment impacts our internal environment. You’re experiences and story are important. You don’t have to overshare, or talk about things that make you uncomfortable, but being open with your nutritional therapist increases our knowledge of you and lets us create a plan that meets your goals and respects your bio-individuality. The most important thing to remember is to share your story. Describing your habits, and perceptions can help your NTP determine not only what, but how to help you achieve your goals. If you chose to work with one of us, you will see how your experiences not only matter to you, but also to us and your health.