how to eat well dr. erika ristok, n.d.. brief introduction to naturopathic medicine a distinct...
TRANSCRIPT
How to Eat Well
Dr. Erika Ristok, N.D.
Brief Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine
A distinct profession of primary health care Diagnose and treat “dis”ease as well as
promote optimal health Encourage body’s inherent healing ability
Training
Minimum seven years of post-secondary education Includes at least three years of pre-medical studies Four years at an accredited college e.g. CCNM Course work includes: basic medical sciences,
seven naturopathic modalities, internship at the Naturopathic College Clinic
Licensing exams
Basic Principles
Find the cause of disease Support and stimulate the body’s own healing
capacity Treat the whole person Individualized care Focus on prevention of disease
Therapies used:
Clinical nutrition Botanical medicine Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Homeopathic medicine Hydrotherapy Physical therapy Lifestyle counselling
Getting the Most from our Food
CHEW RELAX LOCAL
SEASONAL WILL IT SPOIL? VARIETY & MODERATION
EAT LIKE A CAVEMAN!
ALKALINE VS. ACID
READ INGREDIENTS
Chew
Part of mindfulness First stage of digestion Give your fork a rest
Relax
Deep breaths Calm environment Be in the present Gratitude Fight or flight effect
Local
Sustainability Local economy Use of resources e.g. shipping, refrigeration Nutrient depletion
Eating with the Seasons
Food quality Traditional Oriental Medicine
Will it Spoil?
“Eat nothing that won’t spoil, but eat it before it does”
Chemicals/preservatives Nature preserves by drying and freezing Pasteurization
VARIETY & MODERATION
Breakfast? Food sensitivities Rotate foods Buffet: not for every day! Protein – growth and repair vs. overacidity Carbohydrates: energy vs. blood sugar
rollercoaster
EAT LIKE A CAVEMAN!
Eat low on the food chain Fruit, veg, nuts & seeds, grains,
beans/legumes Good quality meats Raw; minimally processed
ALKALINE VS. ACID
Effects of diet on pH level Promote alkalinity by soaking grains/legumes Saliva is alkaline Emotional and physical stress
READ INGREDIENTS
Can you pronounce them?? Shop the perimeter of the grocery store
Key components of a Whole Foods Diet
Good quality proteins Whole grains Vegetables, vegetables, vegetables Fruit Healthy oils
Challenge: try these out!
Seaweeds, e.g. dulse Raw nuts & seeds Nut butters Dark leafy greens Bitter-tasting foods Quinoa Millet Kasha
Beans: aduki, mung… Lentils
Think colour when you make your selections
Children
Food Boosters for Kids by Amanda Cross Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld
(search “Children Nutrition” at Milton Public Library; many great titles)
Websites
The World’s Healthiest foodsNutrient-rich foods to promote vibrant health and energywww.whfoods.com
Portfolio Eating PlanRecipes for lowering cholesterol levels; good for anyone implementing healthier diet and lifestyle interventionswww.almondboard.com/HealthProfessionals
N.B. these links are provided on www.erikaristok.com
River of Health
River of Health
Diet/Nutrition Exercise Outdoors/Nature Water
Spirituality Good rest Happiness Genetics