Hey there Reader,

I know, this is not the usual day or time you hear from me, but something is on my heart and mind and I didn't want to wait to share it with you.

Please, please, please... if at all possible, try a diet and lifestyle approach for whatever chronic problem is bothering you before you decide to take a prescription medication.

Now, I'm not talking about an acute problem like an infection or an injury that you need immediate care for.

I'm talking about that recurring headache or stomach ache, the eczema that flares up at the least provocation, and that blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol that is steadily creeping up.

Medications often have side effects. Not only can they be unpleasant, but sometimes they lead to the need to use another medication to deal with it. That second medication can also have side effects, and before you know it, you're on several drugs for things you never had a problem with before.

Many medications also cause problems with the vitamin and mineral balance in your body. Sometimes your body may use them up faster in the processing of the medications, and sometimes they lead to conditions that make too much of that vitamin or mineral stay in your blood.

Medications and supplements often have interactions with each other. Sometimes common foods can even react with medicines.

There are lots of vitamins, minerals, nutrients like Omega 3 fatty acids, and foods such as garlic and ginger that can be easily utilized as a first line of 'defense' against many chronic health problems.

BUT, these often are advised against using in individuals who are taking medications.

For example, garlic and Omega 3-rich fish oil are great for the health of the cardiovascular system, BUT if a person is taking blood thinners or anti-hypertensives (blood pressure medications), adding garlic and fish oil can make blood too thin, or bring blood pressure down too low. These medications and foods/supplements shouldn't be used together unless the person's doctor is monitoring their patient closely

I love supporting my clients' health with whole foods and high quality supplements, but sometimes my hands are quite tied when they are on certain medications.

What would have happened if that person with high blood pressure would have tried dietary and lifestyle adjustments BEFORE getting on those medications?

If they help? AMAZING!

If not, we add in some other strategies or try something different.

Medications will always be there if diet and lifestyle changes don't produce the desired result.

But when a person is on one, two, or more medications, it is much more difficult to go back and try to do diet and nutritional interventions without a doctor who is willing to put in the extra work to monitor the patient (and probably get way outside his/her comfort zone at the same time... what do you mean what my patient eats could have something to do with their health?).

If what I've described so far isn't enough, consider this: nutrition and lifestyle interventions for one specific health concern often positively impact the entire body.

Things that help your gut feel better can make your brain feel better, too. Things that support your heart can improve things in the bedroom, too (I wouldn't joke about something like that!)!

And problems you didn't even know you had start to improve or even disappear.

The body has incredible healing capacities, if only we will give it the tools, building blocks, and opportunity to do just that.

This is what excites me so much about nutrition for supporting (even creating!) health and wellbeing!

Give the body what it needs, and it will do what needs to be done.

Let me help you use food, daily habits, and nutrients to experience a level of health and wellness you didn't know was possible!

Please share this email someone you think needs to know that there is hope for healing with nutrition!

With Hope for your Health and Healing,

Valerie

P.S. Reply to this email if you want to have a conversation about how we can work together.

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The content of this email is intended for inspirational and informational purposes only, is not a substitute for medical advice, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your routine.