Naturopathic Foundations For Health

Living your healthiest life should feel simple and easy. We often overcomplicate the notion of health and make things seem more complex than they need to be. By getting back to basics and keeping things simple, focusing on the prevention over cure, and the core foundations for health, you can establish powerful daily practices and get into a nice flow to set you on the right track for a healthy and balanced life in 2022. 

NUTRITION

Holistic nutrition encompasses the belief that no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach exists in our modern society. What may work for one individual may be entirely inappropriate for another individual. However, there are some key practices that one can adopt to form a solid nutritional foundation for healing & optimum health.

• Consume a variety of whole food nutrient sources (aim for 20-40 per week).
• Find love in the foods you are eating & consume meals mindfully.
• Aim to vary your intake of fruits & veg by introducing 1-2 new foods each week and/or alternating nutrient sources.
• Ensure you consume a wide range of whole food protein & fat sources each day.
• Maintain adequate hydration levels by consuming 2-3L of water per day. 

MOVEMENT

Movement is essential for whole-body health. Not only does it stimulate our digestion & detoxification process, but it also supports our metabolism, cardiovascular health & reduces stress. Movement is going to look different for everyone. For some, long-distance running is best for their bodies; for others participating in Pilates & Yoga benefits their body most. Move your body in the way that feels the most natural to you and ensure you find joy in the exercise you are participating in. Once you have established these key attributes to an efficient exercise program, simply ensure that you are participating in at least 30 minutes 3 x per week to exert the optimum health benefits for your body. 

MINDFULNESS

As Naturopaths, we believe that in order to ultimately reduce your risk of chronic disease, your stress levels must be supported and reduced regularly to combat the impacts that our stressful society can have on your body. Intentionally checking in with your body and implementing daily practices that help minimise stress has a potent effect on the level of health we experience and is often an essential aspect of naturopathic treatment. Meditation, Breathwork & Mindfulness practices can be powerful tools to boost your mental, physical & emotional wellbeing when practised regularly. 

Consider yourself the author of your health story and aim to participate in each of these practices daily. As simple as it seems, these small daily practices will have a profound effect on your health and wellbeing in 2022 and beyond.