My experience and training in nutrition has taught me that changing the way you eat can have a huge effect on how you feel. As Hippocrates said, "Let Food be thy Medicine, and medicine be thy food." The food you eat is without a doubt the most important foundation to health. And it's not just what we eat but how we eat, and how we feel about eating. Negative relationships with food are so common - many of us use food to cope with emotions, to feel control over our lives, or we regard it as merely fuel for our bodies, devoid of pleasure. It is well documented that when we eat in a rush, when we're stressed, too quickly or while multitasking, digestion is impaired. That means less nutrients are being absorbed and available for essential processes, and a greater chance of digestive upset.

Diet is a 4-letter word, which is why I prefer the term "food plan." I pride myself in not judging your views on food. In today's environment, diet promotes fanatical thinking and controversy akin to religion or politics. My approach is to work with your existing preferences as much as possible. If indicated, and depending on your readiness, I may suggest dietary changes with feasible substitutions. NDs receive far more hours in diet and nutrient therapy than MDs do, and is an area where naturopathic medicine shines.

There are many types of evidence-based therapeutic dietary plans, which can benefit or worsen certain conditions. Some food plans I may recommend as a temporary trial for a specific purpose, such as identifying food sensitivities or calming inflammation during a flare. Other recommendations may be for longer-term. But even then I know that most of the time, moderation is key and small steps are more effective over time. Strict regimes are invasive and become more problematic in the long run. The body is resilient and food sensitivities are often not permanent. The most effective approach is one that is individualized to both the physiology and preferences of the patient in front of me.