Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Paleo Vs. Vegan


Which diet is right for you?


Paleo Vs. Vegan is definitely a hotly debated topic in the world of nutrition.  I recently read an interesting article in which several advocates of each dietary approach were interviewed.  I especially like what the Moderators have to say. I think it is great when someone finds a diet that works well for him or her.  I become concerned when they insist that it is the best diet for everyone.  As Dr. Lipman said, "...we are all biochemically unique, and there is no one right diet that works well for everyone."  

I am often asked what diet I recommend.  I do make general suggestions because there is nutritional advice that applies to most people, but even the recommendations of drinking more water or eating more green vegetables are not appropriate for all people at all times.  I prefer to base my recommendations on a person's individual needs. Clients come to me because of a specific health issue or with the desire to lose weight.  In order to make dietary or lifestyle recommendations, I need to understand their specific blood chemistry from a nutritional perspective in order to determine why they are currently out of balance.   Do they have one of the “deal breakers”? 
  • a blood sugar imbalance
  • an anemia
  • an infection (viral, fungal or bacterial)
  • thyroid imbalances
  • adrenal imbalances
  • digestive issues
  • an inflammatory process
These are “deal breakers” because they inhibit the body’s natural ability to heal.  Most of us understand that our bodies have an innate ability to heal or self-correct when provided with the right environment.  If you have experienced this amazing healing force within your body, then you are less likely to take the wonderful “home” you live in for granted and you are more likely to begin to notice even the little miracles along the way. 

If someone is “married” to a specific diet and they are sick, fatigued, over-weight or in pain, then maybe they are dealing with one of the health issues mentioned above or maybe their current dietary choices aren’t therapeutic for them.  They may only need to make small adjustments or they might need to make more comprehensive shifts to facilitate their body’s instinctive healing wisdom.

I'd love to hear your thoughts after reading the article!



Wishing you a happy, healthy, nourished day!
  
michelle