The role you play in your health journey is of primary importance. The greater the investment in your lifestyle, the greater the potential for improvements.
We are all born with particular genetic susceptibilities. Most of the imbalances in your body leading to chronic disease, however, are environmental. Environmental factors can be likened to the pianist who plays the keys of our genes, determining which melodies or dissonances emerges.
Environmental factors that can trigger chronic inflammation (in no particular order):
- Poor Diet
- Allergens
- Pollutants
- Psycho-Social Stress
- Infections
Let uncorrected, chronic inflammation and metabolic imbalances lead to downstream diseases, from developmental disorders to inflammatory bowel disease to metabolic syndrome and heart disease. Even before diagnosable diseases arise, chronic inflammation or poor cellular energy production can make you feel tired, achy, or less resilient.
In our clinical appointments, I work with you to determine which diagnostic tests, supplements, medications, and lifestyle changes can best support your healing process. Much of your “prescription” entails changes in food selection and preparation; changes to your sedentary or overly rigorous lifestyle; stress management and mindfulness practice. This requires a shift in perspective and a significant commitment to swim upstream against our culture of fast-paced, multi-tasking, processed foods-on-the-go norms, but the reward at the end can be great. Keep in mind that this is Slow Medicine.