This month the spotlight turns to an essential aspect of our everyday lives that significantly impacts our health and wellbeing: Nutrition.  

Yes!  You are what you eat – every bite providing instructions to your body – turning genes on and off, inflaming your cells or quelching inflammation, fueling your energy or depleting it. 

The truth is – most of us have never been taught about nutrition.  It isn’t part of the curriculum in our schools and we don’t generally receive much instruction from our medical doctors.    A 2021 survey of medical schools in the U.S. and U.K., published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, found that most medical students receive an average of 11 hours of nutrition related training throughout an entire medical program. 

And yet, our food choices can inform our health in profound ways such as; balancing blood sugar for weight management,  healing intestinal permeability thereby improving immune function and digestive disorders, as well as reducing the occurrence of heart disease to name a few common health concerns. The role of nutrition in support of the aging process is paramount as well; micronutrient needs, cellular health and dietary patterns all influence longevity.

Under the Affordable Care Act – many insurance providers will cover from 3 to 10 visits per year for Preventative Nutrition Counseling.  Many will provide coverage for additional visits under Medical Nutrition Therapy.   Use this link  to access a form detailing questions to ask your insurance company to fully understand your benefits or visit www.ccsnutrition.net.

Nutrition guidance and education is an invaluable resource for anyone working to improve their health through diet and lifestyle.  During National Nutrition Month, let’s embrace the importance of personalized nutrition as integral to healthcare. Seeking the expertise of a licensed nutritionist as part of your medical treatment plan can be your first step towards a healthier, happier you.

Have you met with a licensed nutritionist lately?