In the United States, poor diet was once associated with undernutrition. Today it is more often associated with excess, particularly excesses in calories, saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars, and sodium. The poor diets and sedentary lifestyles of the American public have led to high rates of obesity, overweight, and diet-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. (See this article in National Library of Medicine.) It has been estimated that poor diet quality and physical inactivity contributed to approximately 16.6 percent of U.S. deaths in 2000, compared to 14 percent in 1990. Now, that number is probably even higher.

The three main causes of death in the United States are heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Together with diabetes, the sixth leading cause of death, they are the major contributors to the morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in this country. All of these chronic diseases are made more likely by the presence of overweight, obesity and poor nutrition.

However, did you know that less than 15% of physician visits include any nutritional counseling? With more chronic disease and ailments originating from nutritional deficiencies than ever before, our healthcare climate is in dire need of an alternative solution.

Nutritional Therapy centers on the idea that real health can be achieved through a holistic and bio-individual approach to nutrition and lifestyle; and that many of modern society’s health problems result from weaknesses in the body’s physiological foundations brought on by poor nutrition.

Therefore, the purpose of nutritional therapy is to bring about positive health changes through a modified diet. Many chronic conditions can be managed or eliminated with lifestyle and dietary changes.

In addition to being a Naturopath, I am a Certified Nutritional Consultant. In fact, my early career in health and wellness was in nutritional consulting and helping people with food allergies. 

Nutritional therapy includes assessment of nutritional status, evaluation of nutritional needs, and counseling to achieve optimal outcomes. Ask me how I can help you with your nutritional needs.