It's no secret that a healthy diet is a cornerstone to wellness. Conventional and integrative medical practitioners agree that many diseases such as obesity, heart disease, hypertension or diabetes can be treated—or avoided entirely—by improving what you eat. If you're ready to take the first step in cleaning up your diet or want to consider food as medicine for a disease, we can guide you with knowledge.
Working with a certified integrative nutritionist in the Sutter Health network, you’ll discover practical and enjoyable ways of eating delicious foods. We also provide customized advice about menu plans and nutritional supplements. Your initial consult starts with personalized testing and assessments, including measuring body fat, muscle tissue, extra-cellular mass, cell membrane health, and hydration, plus in-depth questions about your lifestyle and concerns. In follow-up visits, you’ll receive a nutrition blueprint and coaching to achieve your goals.
Nutritional support can be targeted for specific medical conditions. For instance, when facing cancer, you may want to reduce the side effects of your treatment to help you stay strong and maintain a healthy weight or energy level. Your nutritionist can adjust your diet or any supplements you may be taking as you progress toward your health goals.
Integrative nutritionists focus on areas such as:
- Weight loss and management
- Sports nutrition
- Digestive function
- Women’s health issues
- Allergy-specific diets
- Vegan, vegetarian, mediterranean, paleo or ketogenic diets
- Low-calorie homeopathic program
- Cancer-specific dietary needs
- Detox and anti-inflammatory diets
- Education and management for diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease
- General nutrition counseling and support
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine, the most ancient healthcare practice known to humankind, exists today in many health systems, including Chinese medicine, naturopathy and Western practice. As part of your nutrition assessment, your integrative nutritionist, acupuncturist or doctor can discuss and suggest herbal supplements that make sense for you.
Therapeutic herbs come in many forms, including raw, juices, tinctures, infusions (teas), powders, extracts, lotions or ointments, and essential oils (aromatherapy). Always work with a skilled healthcare practitioner to avoid any potential interactions with other treatments and to assure the herbal preparation’s effectiveness.
Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements
Healthy food choices and exercise are the basis for optimal health. However, proper use of nutraceuticals can fill gaps in a diet, or be used to address specific imbalances associated with many illnesses. At the Institute for Health & Healing, we offer products selected by our licensed practitioners based on their scientific merit.
