Metabolic Health

A recent study published in the journal Gut has shown that diet plays a significant role in preventing serious cases of COVID-19. The study followed over half a million people and found that those with the highest scores for a diet rich in healthy whole plant-based foods had a 9% lower risk of developing COVID-19 at all and a 41% lower risk of developing severe COVID-19. Similar results have been found in a study focused on healthcare workers, emphasizing the importance of a plant-centric or pescatarian diet in reducing the risk of severe illness.

The study does not suggest that a completely vegetarian or vegan diet is necessary to see these benefits. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods, especially from plants, rather than processed and refined foods. This includes prioritizing vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and unrefined oils, while avoiding refined grains, refined oils, and toxins commonly found in non-organic and conventionally raised animal products.

Additionally, fasting can further boost the immune system by allowing the body to cleanse and repair itself. Even compressing the eating window by a couple of hours can provide significant benefits, allowing for 14 hours of fasting overnight. Prioritizing a healthy diet and incorporating fasting can help reduce the risk and severity of COVID-19, along with other chronic conditions.

In a blog post titled "Phytochemicals for Immune Health" by Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson, the importance of consuming phytochemicals for immune health is highlighted. Phytochemicals are substances found in plants that act as powerful antioxidants, increasing resistance to disease and boosting immunity. The post emphasizes the need to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds in order to obtain these phytochemicals. It also mentions that frozen fruits and vegetables are nearly as nutritious as fresh ones, as they can be picked at the peak of freshness. Additionally, while supplements can be beneficial, it is recommended to obtain phytochemicals from real food sources rather than relying solely on supplements. Overall, the post encourages individuals to prioritize whole, unprocessed foods for optimal immune health.

In a blog post titled "Digestion is the First Healing Priority," Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson emphasizes the importance of addressing digestion as the first step towards healing various health issues. Nicholson explains that issues such as skin problems, fatigue, hormone imbalances, and chronic pain cannot be resolved until digestion is healed, as every chronic disease or symptom has a gut health component. Proper digestion ensures the absorption of essential nutrients needed for various bodily functions, such as immune system function, hormone synthesis, cognitive function, and blood sugar management. The blog post also delves into specific factors that contribute to poor digestion, such as inadequate food breakdown, pathogens, and an unhealthy microbiome. Nicholson concludes by highlighting the effectiveness of functional laboratory testing in identifying and addressing digestive issues.

In this blog post, functional nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses the signs of low stomach acid and its possible causes. Symptoms such as feeling unwell after eating, bloating, constipation, and seeing undigested food in the stools can all be signs of low stomach acid. Nicholson explains that medications, high carbohydrate and refined food intake, digestive enzyme deficiencies, leaky gut, imbalanced gut microbiota, high alcohol intake, gut infections, stress, and eating too fast can all contribute to low stomach acid. However, the good news is that low stomach acid can be naturally remedied once the root cause is identified. Nicholson emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying issues and offers solutions such as functional testing and nutritional supplements to rebalance the body.

Migraine headaches can be debilitating, lasting for hours to days and accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Understanding the causes and triggers of migraines is key to finding relief. Stressors, lack of sleep, and certain foods can contribute to migraines, so reducing these triggers is important. Additionally, there are natural remedies available, such as vitamin B2, magnesium, and ginger, that can help alleviate migraine symptoms. Lifestyle changes, including getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and managing blood sugar levels, can also be effective in preventing migraines.