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A shift is happening with a new era of change in medicine and science that is placing greater emphasis upon redefining evidence based and the inclusion of patient specific criteria in nutrition and lifestyle interventions. According to Dr. Bland, pioneer in Functional Medicine, we are moving from population based clinical trails to n=1, a deeper understanding of individual functional uniqueness.
This paradigm shift embraces Personalized Nutrition Therapy, which I believe is the nutrition of the future. Traditionally, practicing Medical Nutrition Therapy, the clinical nutrition approach focuses on single organ systems and a 'diet for each disease'. With Personalized Nutrition Therapy, the emphasis is on client-focused care with a deep understanding that each person is unique, the body is a whole interconnected system and moving beyond disease management to creating true health by activating healing within.
The art and science of nutrition is complex. It requires experience, intuition and a solid understanding of human biochemistry. There are foundational principles that guide personalized nutrition therapy and are key to creating a plan that supports healing and repair within.
Principle No. 1: Client- Centric versus Disease-Centric (n=1)
An n=1 approach focuses on the individual and not just the disease. Each individual is unique and their diet therapy should reflect that. Rather than applying the same strategy to every situation of high blood pressure, high blood sugar or bloating, personalized plans address specific needs and create therapeutic partnerships to creating sustainable transformation.
Principle No 2: System Biology: The Body As an Integrated Whole
Rather than focusing on organs and their systems as separate, the body is an integrated environment of genes, molecules, cells, organ systems and networks that all work together. Personalized nutrition works with root cause imbalances using symptoms as messages from the body to identify and correct what in the body is out of balance.
Principle No. 3: Dynamic Balance of Gene- Environment Interactions
The interaction between our genes and our environment is constantly shifting which impacts health. Our genes play a role but it is said that our genes do not 'determine our destiny'. We know that epigenetic factors, (epi means above) such as how we eat, how we move, how we manage stress and the environment we are exposed to, can change our gene expression. Personalized nutrition therapy integrates holistic strategies that addresses epigenetic factors.
Principle No. 4: Unique Biochemical Individuality
Every person's body has a unique biochemistry, meaning what works for one person, may not work for another. From nutrient requirements to food sensitivities, personalized nutrition therapy tailors plans to meet unique needs. One person may thrive on a plant-based diet, while another requires more protein or different types of fat.
Principle No. 5: Promoting a Sustained Health Span
The goal of personalized nutrition includes promoting a sustained health span- the number of years of life spent in good health and vitality. Functional nutrition aims to optimize body function in all systems, from digestion to detoxification and hormone balance to cellular repair. Diet therapy focuses on optimizing function in body systems and not just managing symptoms of disease.
Principle No. 6: Health as a Measure of Vitality, Not Just the Absence of Disease
Health is not just about the absence of disease- but experiencing vitality in all areas of life. We often settle for low levels of energy, poor sleep and aches and pains as normal and part of an aging process. These are signs of a body out of balance. Personalized nutrition therapy seeks to restore balance to improve vitality.
Conclusion
Personalized Nutrition aims to restore balance and optimize body function with targeted nutrition, lifestyle changes, adjustments to environment and mind-body practices to achieve a foundation of true health. If you have been following a nutrition plan without seeing results maybe it is time to consider a more personalized approach. Remember, there is no-one size fits all, your body is unique and your nutrition should be too.
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