Using Holistic Nutrition to Heal from Chronic Illness
There are many reasons why people get sick in the modern world. Poor diet, chronic stress, toxic load, traumatic experiences, and more. In order to overcome chronic illness, taking a holistic and comprehensive approach is essential.
In the pursuit of well-being, holistic nutrition offers a powerful approach that encompasses both the mind and body. Chronic illnesses can dramatically impact and reduce one's quality of life, but by adopting a holistic nutrition approach, individuals can embark on a journey of healing, rejuvenation, and attaining the highest levels of wellness. Below, we will delve into how holistic nutrition can help you overcome chronic illness and promote well-being.
Understanding Holistic Nutrition:
Holistic nutrition is a philosophy that emphasizes the connection between nutrition and overall health, combining the principles of whole foods, natural ingredients, mindful eating, and stress reduction. It goes beyond treating symptoms and focuses on addressing the root causes of illness, taking into account physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Nutrient-Dense Whole Foods:
A key aspect of holistic nutrition is consuming nutrient-dense whole foods that nourish the body and support the healing process. By incorporating pasture-raised meats, healthy fats, and organic plant foods, you will provide essential macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for optimal function. Conventional or processed foods on the market may provide an otherwise healthy person to scrape by on the bare minimum. However, someone with chronic illness must avoid these low-quality foods at all costs and instead invest in nutrient-dense clean alternatives.
- Heal the Gut Lining With Soft, Warm, and Nourishing Foods:
If you have an unhealthy digestive system, you cannot be healthy. 80% of the immune system and 70% of the nervous system are located in the gut lining. If the gut is damaged or inflamed, the rest of your body is guaranteed to be impacted negatively. In order to overcome chronic illness, you must take steps to heal the gut lining. The most effective way to do so is by using soft and warm foods. You want to treat your gut lining like a growing infant. Delicate and very sensitive. Eating nourishing soups and broths that are warm and do not require much digestive power are the best places to start for the most severe cases of chronic illnesses.
- Mindful Eating:
Holistic nutrition also emphasizes the importance of mindful eating. By taking the time to savor each meal, we promote better digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients. Mindful eating helps develop a deeper appreciation for the nourishment we provide our bodies, fostering positive emotions and reducing stress-inducing behaviors like overeating or eating too fast. Give thanks and enjoy every small bite of every meal. Remind yourself and appreciate all of the careful steps and preparation that it took to get your meal from the farm or earth, all the way to your dinner table.
- Stress Reduction:
Reducing your stress is a fundamental piece in achieving health and wellness. The human body has not evolved to handle the stress that comes with modern life. If you have high levels of stress hormones such as cortisol or adrenaline in your body, you may find the healing process to be slowed if not completely halted. Because of this, you must learn to reduce your stress whenever possible, as well as regularly include daily exercises that help you handle your daily stressors. Start by building a morning routine to start your day off right! Meditation, cold therapy, exercise, journaling, and getting morning sunlight are simple and effective additions to a stress reduction routine.
- Eliminating Toxins:
Holistic nutrition recognizes the harmful effects of toxins, such as pesticides, herbicides, and antibiotics, that are present in many modern food sources. By minimizing the intake of processed foods, additives, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners, we reduce the burden on our body's detoxification systems, allowing for optimal functionality and healing. Purchasing foods from small local farms is an excellent way to ensure you know exactly what you are putting in your body and minimize your toxin load.
- Cultivating Awareness:
To achieve the highest levels of wellness, it's essential to cultivate self-awareness. Symptoms are the body’s way of communicating with you. If you are not in touch with these signals, you can easily find yourself getting worse. Nurturing the connection between mind and body promotes a more profound understanding of one's nutritional and physical needs.
Conclusion
By emphasizing the consumption of nutrient-dense whole foods, promoting mindful eating, and supporting gut health, individuals can embark on a transformative journey of healing and restoration. Holistic nutrition empowers individuals to take control of their well-being, providing the tools and knowledge needed to create a healthier, more vibrant life. If you are struggling with chronic illness, do not lose hope. When you put all of the pieces together, it is amazing what the body can do.
-By Alex Lonnquist, NTP
Are You Ready To Heal Your Chronic Illness?
Now you have a better understanding of what it takes to heal. You might be feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start. We at Captain Soup are here to ease the burden and effort required to achieve wellness. Let us take care of the healing food, so you can save time and focus on the other necessary parts of healing.
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