The Foundations of Health

The Nutritional Therapy Association believes that great health can be achieved through a bio-individual holistic approach to nutrition and lifestyle.

“We believe that many of modern society’s health problems result from weaknesses in the body’s physiological foundations brought on by poor nutrition.”[1]

Nutritional Therapy Practitioners use this bio-individual holistic approach as the foundation that our techniques and tools are built upon. The body has a great capacity to heal itself, as long as it has the nutrient it needs. NTPs will always teach their clients to listen to their own bodies. NTPs will guide client in how to recognize these signals. We believe that you are the biggest export on your own body. No one else will know more about you than you.

The pillars to great health starts with the 6 foundations:

 Whole food, Nutrient-Dense, Properly Prepared Diet

This is the foundation that all other foundations are built upon.  Eating a properly prepared, nutrient-dense, whole food diet provides all the energy and building blocks needed for a balanced body and mind.

Consuming grass-fed/finished meats, organic fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised poultry and eggs as well as wild caught sea food that is local, unrefined, minimally processed is just what mother nature intended.

Digestion

Nutrition is the most important foundation but without proper digestion to break down and absorb the nutrients that food contains, there will be imbalances in our bodies, even though you’re eating nutrient dense foods. Proper digestion provides nutrients that build and fuel every cell in your body. These cells in turn make up all organs and tissues. The old saying goes “You are what you eat”, in reality “You are what you absorb”. Good health in just not possible without proper digestion.

Blood Sugar Balance

Glucose or “Blood Sugar” is a form of fuel that circulates in our blood all our lives. Too little Our nervous system works hard to keep our blood sugar within a certain range. Too much can damage our cells and organs. Too little, we feel tire, cranky and hungry. It is common to see your co-workers yawn in the afternoon then go on a coffee break for their needed “boost”. Proper blood sugar regulation will give you consistent energy levels throughout your day. No “boost” or “Fix” needed.

Hydration

Water is by far the most important nutrient. The functions of water in the body are too numerous to list here. Water makes up about 60% of our bodies. It is vital we consume an adequate amount of clean water for overall health. As vital as water is, it’s also a common deficiency in our society and in my opinion undervalued. Just remember water is life and life is water.

Mineral Balance

Minerals are the great facilitators of the body. They play an indispensable role in all systems including building bone, muscle function, brain, digestion and heart to name a few. They also help in the making of enzymes and hormones. The body cannot make minerals, so it is important them from nutrient-dense sources and sea salt.

Fatty Acid Balance

Believe it or not, Fats are an integral part of a nutrient-dense whole food diet. It’s not just protein that provides building block for our bodies, healthy fats are used to make hormones and cell membranes. They also play a vital role in our bodies proper inflammation response. Best of all, healthy fats are just so tasty and satisfying. Remember most fats are your friends.

[1] Nutritional Therapy Association. “What Is Nutritional Therapy? Holistic and Bio-Individual Nutrition - The NTA.” Nutritional Therapy Association, 8 July 2019, nutritionaltherapy.com/what-is-nutritional-therapy/.