Introducing the Foundations

Because the Foundations of Health serve as such a vital role in the way I approach my work in holistic nutrition, let me introduce them to you, share a bit about their relevance, and the core ideas that guide each one.

You’ll often see me refer to them simply as, “the Foundations”, and they are:

1. Nutrient-dense diet
2. Sleep
3. Stress management
4. Digestion
5. Blood sugar regulation

Let’s dive in and learn a bit more.

Nutrient-dense diet: building blocks

The food we eat serves as the starting point for the material and fuel that will eventually make its way to every cell in our body.

• A nutrient-dense diet ensures our bodies are supplied with the basic building blocks it needs to create the architecture of our entire physiology
• Observing the time-honoured findings of our nutritional pioneers teaches us the value that comes from whole food, that is properly grown and prepared, as well as,
• Seeking food that is bio-individually appropriate; of sufficient quality and balance
• Fatty acids, minerals, and hydration are of immense importance within holistic nutrition and can be considered sub-categories within this area

Sleep: repair and restore

While sleep isn’t “nutrition” per se, to not recognize it as an indispensable process for our body and brain, would be for us to become overly focused upon food in the picture of health. In truth, no other area of health (or supplement) can compensate for or replace what sleep provides us.

Sleep is essential in:

• Allowing our bodies the opportunity to repair, restore function, and detoxify our tissues and organs (especially our brain)
• Allowing our brains to consolidate the information taken in over the course of a day, creating new connections, leading to new insights
• Re-synchronizing our endocrine systems
• Obtaining sleep that is of sufficient quality and quantity and well-timed for our body systems to function optimally is, of course, the objective here

Stress management: minimize the stressors and build the defenses

Withstanding attacks on our existence, is one of our most primal reflexes.

At its core, it’s simply about survival and resilience – but, in today’s modern world, where avenues of stress are abundant (spanning from emotional and mental stress, to toxins in our environment), the need for us to up our ability to consciously become aware of and manage these multi-directional stressors is essential for our wellbeing.

Our stresses accumulate and are carried by the body as a toxic load - carrying too much stress for too long can invite disease.

Thankfully, our body is equipped with mechanisms to manage stress, but it’s essential for us to support these natural processes so it can do the job it was designed to do. Becoming aware of our potential sources of stress, and then establishing habits and rituals that help us consistently release, minimize, and build our defenses against it allow us to contribute to these vital processes in our health.

Digestion: absorb and defend

Digestion is said to be the body’s primary healing priority and we are learning more and more everyday about how the health of our digestive system is interwoven into so many areas of our overall health. As such, the need to care for this vital system and process is paramount.

• Digestion is the gateway of life sustaining nutrients into the body which can only be absorbed if digestion is operating as it should
• It begins in the brain and moves north to south; this means that the sensory perception of food and process of chewing evoking salivary secretions, while may seem trivial, they all set the stage for the process that is to follow
• It takes place in a relaxed and rested state. Taking the time to slow down and enjoy each bite is so important
• Our digestive system is not only responsible for the breaking and absorbing of nutrients, but also defending us against invaders taken in via the digestive tract, housing a large portion of our immune system

Blood sugar regulation: balance and flexibility

And now, our grand finale of the Foundations – blood sugar regulation.

We often see this term and associate it with something only relevant to diabetics, and that simply isn’t true.

• Optimal blood sugar regulation is earned with every bite and many corners of our lifestyle. Its effects are far-reaching into our physiology and as such, none of us are exempt
• Stable blood sugar through proper nutrition (balanced snacks and meals), means our cells have the metabolic flexibility they were designed to have, giving us sustained fuel for energy, optimal function for movement as well as our brain and emotional states

With sugar and processed food available in such abundance, temptations are all around us and the need to navigate our way to optimal food choices and lifestyle practices that will support our long-term health is a must.

I hope this gives you a foundation on the Foundations!

My posts will always be anchored within the Foundations and I’ll be sure to add in the core ideas that guide each area, as a reminder.

Most importantly, for whatever I may be sharing, I will always offer practical ways to integrate it into your workday and life.

Please don’t worry about understanding all the technical terms, if any make their way in there. What matters most is that you are connecting the dots and starting to develop an awareness of your body and the signals it is sending you.

“Know thyself.”