Nutritional medicine encompasses a broad spectrum of therapeutic qualities. To begin with, food and diet is where the majority of our nutritional intake is derived. With the vast amount of fad diets, commercials and advertising of particular health foods, it can be difficult to know what is right for you.

Nutritional medicine can involve certain diets, avoiding or increasing certain food groups and applying them therapeutically, depending on each individual’s health care needs or disease presentations.

Furthermore, when our bodies are in a state of ‘dis-ease’, our requirements for certain nutrients are increased, which is where we will prescribe nutraceuticals, or nutritional medicines. Some common examples of these nutraceuticals in the clinic include –

• Magnesium and B vitamins for mitochondrial support, or energy production in clients complaining of fatigue
• Pre and probiotics for optimal gastrointestinal health
• Vitamin c and zinc for immune support
• Neurotransmitter support for depression, mood disorders or anxiety using nutrients such as amino acids (tryptophan, tyrosine or L-theanine for example), or 5-HTP
• Liver supporting nutrients for specific conditions such as woman’s fertility, hormonal imbalances or cholesterol issues such as broccoli sprouts, curcuma and N-acetylcysteine
• Berberine and bergamot for Cardiovascular health, among many many more.

Jayna Cox – Naturopath