Holistic Nutrition is all about educating yourself on the different ways food can impact your body. Everybody - and every body - is different, and as holistic health professionals, we emphasize approaching each person as a unique individual, with unique dietary requirements. 

This requires working in a collaborative way to get you on the road to enjoying optimal health. Avoiding processed, sugary foods and instead choosing whole, organic options will help you to get the right balance of protein, vitamins and other vital nutrients. As a result, you’re more likely to enjoy maximum levels of energy throughout the day, as well as better physical and emotional health.

Here are some of the ways following a holistic  nutrition plan can benefit you.

Strengthen Your Immune System 

Your body and immune system can only work with what you give it — so it makes sense that providing it with high quality fuel may result in better efficiency. 

For a stronger immune system, holistic nutrition incorporates the following:

  • Fruits and vegetables (and lots of them!). The antioxidants they contain can help combat free radicals (chemical by-products that may damage your DNA and suppress your immune system).

  • Omega-3 fatty acids. These may increase your body’s ability to produce immune-regulating compounds. 

  • Plenty of water. We all know drinking more water is good for us. Try to drink around 2 litres per day, which will help your cells eliminate waste and work more efficiently.

  • Garlic. Love it or loathe it, garlic is known to possess properties that fight viruses and bacteria. 

  • Ginger. This natural anti-inflammatory should make a regular appearance in your meals. You can also add it to hot water to make ginger tea, and it’s a great addition to raw energy balls. 

Keep Your Blood Sugar Balanced 

Increasing your soluble fibre intake can regulate your blood sugar and help you maintain healthy  insulin levels. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is super important to avoid long-term health issues, manage your weight and for feeling good overall.

Soluble fibre dissolves to make a gel-like texture that helps regulate digestion, and can help keep you feeling full for longer. You’re also less likely to experience that mid-afternoon slump (hello sugar cravings!) if you’re eating foods throughout the day that keep your blood sugar balanced.

Try to up your intake of foods like broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, beans, berries, chia seeds, peas and green beans to keep your blood sugar and energy regulated throughout the day.

Improve Your Digestion

Dysfunctional digestion is probably one of the most common issues we come across as holistic nutritionists. Eating a lot of processed foods and not getting enough nutrients will wreak havoc on your body and its ability to function at its best.

Whole grains, leafy greens, avocado, lean protein and low-glycemic fruits (like berries) are all digestive superfoods. Incorporating more of these into your diet can relieve symptoms of gut sensitivity - like gas, constipation and diarrhea - to promote a healthier digestive function, and a happier mind and body! 

Get a Better Sleep and Increase Your Energy Levels 

We’ve all experienced sleeplessness or bouts of broken sleep. It definitely leaves us feeling worse for wear - but there are wider health implications, too. 

While it doesn’t sound like a big health issue on the surface, not getting enough sleep can actually result in more serious problems like obesity, high blood pressure and a weaker immune system. Thankfully, the foods we eat can play a big role in achieving those all-important eight hours a night! 

Almonds, walnuts and fatty fish all promote a better night’s sleep, as well as fruits like kiwi and cherry juice. Read more about the nine best foods and drinks to have before bed.

Boost your Mood 

The last few years have seen an increasing amount of research into the link between our diets and our mental health. Because the gut and the brain are in separate parts of the body, people often don’t make a connection between the two. However, they’re actually joined by the vagus nerve, which carries signals between them, and many serotonin (happiness) receptors are found in the gut. 

A 2020 study that researched the link between dietary habits and depression, found that a diet rich in “vegetables, fruits, fibre, fish, whole grains, legumes” and with less added sugar and processed foods, “may have a significant effect on preventing and treating depression for the individual.”

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