Basic nutrition concepts for integrative professionals

Photo Cred: Freepik

By Integrative Practitioner Staff

Food is a source of energy for growth, development, and repair. It is information that can turn genes on or off and assists in detoxification and metabolism. Poor quality food can create disease in the body, whereas high quality food in the right amounts can prevent or reverse the disease process.

Every person requires the following six main nutrients to function optimally. Phytonutrients are included as an additional consideration:

• Protein: Chains of amino acids responsible for structure and function.
• Carbohydrate: A primary energy source that assists with gastrointestinal function and elimination.
• Fat: Creates and maintains healthy cell membranes, provides energy, and helps with immune modulation.
• Minerals: Cofactors in many reactions in the body. Macrominerals include calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium and sulfur, and are required in large amounts. Microminerals, or trace minerals, include cobalt, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc and are required in small amounts.
• Vitamins: Often cofactors in many reactions in the body. Fat-soluble include vitamins A, D, E, and K and require fat for digestion and absorption. Water-soluble include vitamin C, and B vitamins, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenate, pyridoxine, biotin, folate, and cobalamin.
• Water: Aids in the cushioning of tissues, hydration of cells, temperature regulation, waste removal, and aids in proper digestion.
• Phytonutrients: Natural constituents of plants that provide health-boosting benefits by aiding in detoxification, strengthening the immune system, and balancing hormones. Found in plant-based foods, spices, herbs, and teas.

Using a nutrition intake form and patient food diary, practitioners can get a good sense of where they need focus when choosing the appropriate meal plan. For example, if a food diary shows limited fruits and vegetables, the patient is likely deficient in many vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. The provider can use this knowledge to tailor recommendations.

There are several modified meal plan protocols available to practitioners and patients. The practitioner may opt to start with one as a base and adjust based on the specific needs of the patient. Some examples of meal plan protocols used in integrative practice include:

1. Elimination
2. Low fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP)
3. Ketogenic
4. Cardiometabolic
5. Gluten and dairy-free
6. Mitochondrial

While a meal plan may target specific symptoms, it may not be the best option for the patient. Practitioners should offer the most appropriate meal plan suggestion but provide alternatives and allow the patient to choose. There may also be circumstances where the practitioner starts with basic nutrition goals and does not utilize a specific meal plan.

While nutrition is a powerful intervention on its own, to receive maximum benefit, lifestyle must be addressed. Lifestyle affects the ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Creating specific goals around stress management, exercise, sleep, and social relationships can help obtain full benefit from the tailored nutrition plan.

Editor’s note: This article features an excerpt from Components of a Successful Nutrition Protocol. Photo courtesy of Freepik.