Holistic Nutrition

Nutrition is the method of assimilating food for the growth and repair of worn tissue. It is also the science and study of correct balance inside the diet to promote well being.

The dictionary defines Holism as the "theory that the fundamental principle of the universe is the creation of wholes i.e. total and self-contained systems from the atom and the cell by evolution to the most complex forms of life and mind." It also defines Holistic Medicine as "a system which treats the complete person, physically and psychologically, rather than basically treating the whole part." Therefore, holistic nutrition looks at the total individual, their dietary intake such as supplements and way of life, and on prevention and the use of non-toxic, natural therapies. The goal is to 'do no harm.' Then with the use of natures healing energy address the requirements of the whole individual. Nutrition is basic to the practice of Holistic Medicine. Right diet plan is the foundation for other therapies and generally makes them unnecessary.

Western society has overcome the predicament of infectious illness due to public wellness measures. Even though, we have eliminated infectious disease, hospitals and mental well being clinics are swamped and society is fragmented and ill-at-ease. We have replaced infectious illness with degenerative diseases.

By definition, evolution ensures that all living issues which exist these days are properly adapted to their environment provided that they live according to the forces which shaped their evolutionary development--this definition does not translate to nutrition. According to the Macrobiotic philosophy it was by consuming entire cereal grains as the principle food that man[type] created his superior intellect. Use of fire for cooking allowed man to alter his food which in turn allowed man to come to be a lot more flexible and adaptable and subsequently the most productive species.

It was the abandonment of this conventional way of consuming in favor of our modern day (Western) diet which has led to most of the illnesses prevalent in contemporary society.

Macrobiotic nutrition has proven that if we return to a diet based on entire cereal grains, vegetables and fruit with animal items, rather than our present reliance on animal merchandise, refined/chemically engineered foods, and sugar, we can regain our physical and mental well being.

Thus, Macrobiotic nutrition establishes Principles of Natural Well being Care:

· Great wellness is a natural state

· The physique works to preserve balance and heal itself

· Acute illness is a manifestation that the body is struggling to heal itself

· Chronic illness is a sign that healing has failed

The Seven Essential Components for Macrobiotic nutrition are located in these food categories:

Carbohydrates - entire grains, (no wheat) beans, vegetables, seeds, fruits

Proteins - beans, bean items, fish, seeds, nuts, meat, eggs, dairy

Fats and oils - cooking oils, nut butters, nuts, seeds, butter

Minerals - salts, sea vegetables, vegetables, fish, meat

Vitamins - vegetables, fruits, sea vegetables

Enzymes - fermented foods, raw vegetables and fruits

Water - spring water, vegetables, fruits

Employing the description of illness development, we can readily recognize the require for change. For convenience the description is described as 3 distinct phases but in practice the stages meld into each other with no clear division.

Development of Illness - Stage 1

By definition there is an imbalance among intake of, and requirement for nutrients. In theory this could be a deficiency but in our modern society it is a great deal more most likely to be an excess.
There could be a loss of appetite or the individual becomes a fussy eater most consumers more than-ride this by consuming ever-alot more tasty processed foods.

The excess may perhaps be stored as fat (nature's way of delivering for lean times which no longer exists).

Prevent the mistake of thinking that if a person is lean they are not overeating. Instead of storing excess, the body may work to maintain a balance by eliminating the excess (Principle 2 above)

This creates one or a great deal more of the following symptoms:

· Increased physical activity, boisterousness (diagnosed as ADHD -- pharmaceuticals are prescribed)

· Persistent hair loss (diagnosed as genetic baldness)

· Dry, scaly skin

· Itchy skin

· Occasional vomiting--(diagnosed as 24-hour flu or an exotic name du jour)

· Occasional diarrhea

· Discharges from orifices - eyes, genital method

· Tooth tartar

· Unpleasant physique odors

· Robust-smelling urine, urinary crystals

· Bad breath

These are warning signs of improper elimination rather than true illness. They show that the physique is making adjustments to preserve its healthy status. If only one of these symptoms is present this is a warning that alterations to the lifestyle - specially diet - are required.

Development of Illness - Stage 2
If imbalance among intake and requirement persists, the develop-up of wastes will eventually lead to impairment of the main organ systems. If the organs of elimination are affected this will accelerate the method of deterioration.

In time, (days/months depending on the individual) signs of accurate illness will seem. At initial these tend to be physiological in nature rather than as a result of degenerative adjustments in the organ systems:

· Signs of inflammation e.g. Pancreatitis, hepatitis, joint swelling,

· Abnormality of the immune method - allergy/intolerance, susceptibility to infection

· Hormonal imbalance - false pregnancy, abnormal oestrus, thyroid issues

· Rheumatism/arthritis

Development of Disease - Stage 3

As the build-up of waste goods continues, the key organs will start to fail. Signs of organ failure could not seem until 75% of the organ function is lost. At this stage the individual is in danger--e.g. Kidney or Liver failure Diabetes Malignant tumors.

This description offers a framework for the categorization of all the illness conditions we experience. Employing this we can form a holistic view of what is happening in the physique and provide a prescription for action.

For example:

1. Idiopathic epilepsy (idiopathic--cause unknown).
Holistically this is a discharge of excess power (Development of disease Stage 1). Thus management would demand a low protein, low fat, and chemical absolutely free, high in complex carbohydrate (unrefined grain). The amount of food needs to be kept low to meet but not exceed wants.

two. Pan-osteitis (bone inflammation) I contain this, not mainly because it is common but because it is comparatively unusual. What causes it? Without the benefit of holistic thinking we wouldn't know exactly where to begin. But we can see that as generalized inflammation it fits neatly into the category of Stage two of the Development of Illness manage and prevention turn out to be obvious.

People today who practice a Macrobiotic food plan encounter:

-physical look, vitality and power comparatively 15-20 years younger

-no prescriptions or seldom use over-the-counter medicines

-seldom expertise headaches--if they do, it can be linked to a certain concern, which is corrected naturally

-less of the so-referred to as 'aging' symptoms

-their weight is low to moderate on the scale for height and body create

-seldom experience colds, flu or allergies.

It is your choice to generate your wellness--decide on nicely.