As we continue our series on Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis, I wanted to point out what sorts of recommendations may result after a careful evaluation of blood tests. Note also the signs of nutritional imbalance that should alert one to pursue health assessment and testing with a trained practitioner.
When interpreting blood chemistry lab results, there is a Functional Range and a Pathological Range. Test values that fall between the Functional Range and the Pathological Range are considered subclinical and can indicate the beginning stages of disease. They should be used as markers, indicating something that is not as good as it should be; or they can be a sign of a developing condition that is not bad enough to treat medically…at least not yet.
Blood tests have been used as a tool for measuring health for a long time. However, they have been used primarily as a means for diagnosing disease. Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis is a fresh new look at an old tool of measure with the intention of preventing disease before it takes hold of one's health.
A holistic health coach will assist you in developing a comprehensive, confidential nutrition analysis. Specialized training enables a holistic health coach to ask you pertinent questions necessary for defining personal health goals and providing you a customized nutrition program.
A holistic health coach can come from different educational backgrounds. Many receive training in the nutrition arts. Others have a certificate or degree in health coaching. Or there can be a combination of these along with other complimentary or alternative modalities. It is important that a hired health coach will explain his or her qualifications and training.
A holistic health coach is trained to recognize the need to consult with other qualified professionals in other specialties. When your needs require assistance in those areas of expertise traditionally and legally set aside for others, a holistic health coach will encourage and support you in seeking other qualified help.
May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month. You may be hearing talk about Celiac Disease or gluten as you move along your way this month. I often cringe when I hear people talking about going gluten free and how great they feel. Celebrities talk about this new diet and how it's caused them to lose weight. Chelsea Clinton had a gluten free wedding cake on her special day. Everywhere you turn now you can find gluten free options to commonly glutenous foods. So why do I cringe? I cringe because I don't believe people really understand what it means to be gluten free for someone with Celiac Disease.
Holistic Nutrition is founded on an understanding of the big picture as was discussed in my previous blog post "What is Holistic Health?." It addresses the different aspects of the whole person and how the different parts may be affecting overall health.
Holistic nutrition understands that the we need to be fed emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. And what we are fed has a direct impact on who we are: You are what you eat! A holistic nutritionist acknowledges the bodyʼs need for pure, unadulterated, whole, natural, nutrient rich foods and water.
The following is a presenation I created for a final in one of my graduate school courses. It is a bit rough, but the information is valuable and I wanted to share. Obesity in America is a growing problem, but even moreso amongst the Latino community. About 11% of Latino youth are obese, compared to 8% overall. This is an issue that must be addressed.