Nutrition
Nutrition: the branch of science that studies nutrients in food in relation to growth, maintenance and health of the body.
Nutrients provide the body with energy, building and repairing body tissue and regulating body processes – circulation, respiration, digestion and elimination.
Diet: how you eat for life to remain healthy.
Lifestyle: The typical way of life of an individual, group or culture that includes the habits, attitudes, tastes, moral standards and economic level.
Healthy lifestyle includes: sufficient sleep, physical activity, stress management, nutritious diet, no smoking or excessive alcohol and healthy body weight.
Holistic: seeing the individual as a whole that includes the body, emotions and soul.
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social-wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease.
Wellness: active process by which individuals make informed choices toward a more success existence. Active process of achieving health.
Disease: a condition marked by pronounced deviation from the normal healthy state.
Preventative medicine: the practice of promoting preventative health care to improve patient well-being to ultimately prevent disease, disability and death
People who consult a GP:
▫ Self-limiting infections: 90% of viral and bacterial infections are self-limiting and can heal itself.
▫ Psychosomatic disease: disease that originates from the mind and manifests as a physical disease, like eczema, gut issues and ulcers.
▫ Chronic disease: usually in a state of balance but flares up at times of stress, like arthritis, diabetes, psoriasis and asthma.
▫ Acute disease, trauma and accidents. A disease or disorder that lasts a short time, comes on rapidly and is accompanied by distinct symptoms.
➢ Orthodox medicine involves making a diagnosis, the treatment of a disease and maintenance of health through drugs and surgery.
Practiced by doctors and health care professionals.
But medical costs are high, there are side effects involved and resistance of bacteria to antibiotics increase.
95% of cases are not acute and a natural, lifestyle approach would be better suited (complementary medicine)
➢ Complementary medicine includes a variety of alternative therapies, approaches, philosophies and treatments that are not orthodox used in
combination with conventional medicine.
➢ Preventative medicine: science aimed at preventing disease
➢ Holistic medicine: System of medical care that takes the whole individual into account and responsibility for their wellbeing. Encourages a
cooperative relationship between all parties involved.
Person’s well-being based on body, mind and soul. Treats the symptoms of illness while considering the underlying cause. Attempt at preventing
illness or disease by emphasising optimal health and wellbeing. Illness or disease indicates a loss of homeostasis and makes use of tools and
techniques to support the body’s return to its natural state of health.
Adjustments to address health problems:
1. Follow a more natural, whole-food diet with fresh fruit and vegetables.
2. Correct food supplements that includes micronutrients.
3. Herbs are plants with healing properties
4. Distress lies at the root of most modern diseases
5. Enjoyable exercise is essential for a healthy body and mind
Holistic approach to balance and health
• Influence of music, television and books can be positive or negative
• Exercise as a physical release for fight or flight reaction
• Effect of diet on the body and soul
• The need to care for someone or something
• Communicating with nature to ensure balance between the body and soul
• Awareness of oneself as a spiritual being with emotional, physical and personal identity
• Micronutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids and herbs for holistic health
• Daily relaxation techniques
• Financial security for peace of mind
• Support in a close family sense and in a broader social context
• Close interaction between the nervous, endocrine and immune system
Factors responsible for health or sickness:
Influenced by age, family, history of illness, employment, education and living conditions
A variety of lifestyle, health related and behavioural factors
Behavioural and social issues: smoking, alcohol, poor diet, lack of exercise, safe sexual behaviour and problems resulting from drug use
Stress can lead to gut issues, muscle aches, increased blood pressure, high cholesterol, mood problems, headaches, reduced immune response and
emotional eating
Role of the doctor Role of the somatologist
1. Consult and diagnose patients 1. Give advice and TLC to clients
2. Give advice on seriousness of disease 2. Help clients help themselves
3. Monitor the progress of the disease 3. Look at natural ways to support the body
4. Treatment of symptoms and disease through *May not diagnose
drugs and surgery
, Stress
Stress: a reaction to someone or something that is experienced by the individual via the senses as stressful to the body and the individual then reacts
physiologically, psychologically, emotionally and behaviourally in order to adapt, change and regain equilibrium in response to internal and external
pressure.
Stressor: a situation, person, object or event that an individual experiences as stressful and results in a stress reaction experienced by the entire body
and mind.
Stress is transmitted via: Effects of stress on the body:
▪ Senses ▫ Immune function: reduced resistance, increased malignancy risk
▪ Higher centres in the brain cortex ▫ Skin: trigger neuro-inflammatory conditions
▪ Hypothalamus, pituitary gland and brain stem ▫ Brain function: stress response, behaviour, cognition, memory
▪ Sympathetic nervous system ▫ Cardiovascular: effects heart rate, blood pressure, lipids and clotting
▪ Adrenal glands ▫ Digestive tract: IBS, ulcers, gastritis
▪ Thyroid gland ▫ Musculoskeletal system: arthritis, gout, backache
▫ Endocrine: low/high blood sugar, weak immune system
Stress management techniques:
Improves functioning of the cardiovascular system, decreases stress hormone secretion, improves absorption of oxygen, improves self-image, relieves
signs of depression, anxiety and tension and raises energy levels.
1. Get to know yourself and diagnose negative stress
2. Positive thinking and optimistic attitude
3. Wholesome nutrition, correct supplementation and gentle exercise
4. Time management, planning and organisation
5. Time for relaxation
6. Balance left and right brain activities
7. Tolerance, flexibility and adaptability
8. Enthusiasm as a permanent part of who you are
9. Sense of humour
10. Wisdom
11. Spiritual nourishment and growth
12. Communing with nature
Positive stress phase Negative stress phase
• Increased creativity • Reduced productivity and creativity
• Increased productivity • Reduced feeling of wellbeing and happiness
• General feeling of wellbeing and happiness • Avoiding social contact
• Optimally functioning immune system • Reduced resistance due to poor immune system
• Organs and systems fail and ageing accelerates
, Nutrients and their functions
Fibre and phytochemicals are only found in plant based foods
Fibre: balances blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol, stimulates the immune system and supports good gut bacteria.
Phytonutrients: reduces inflammation in the body, neutralizes free radicals, enhances immunity and protects against cardiovascular disease and
osteoporosis.
Healthy diet protects from
Malnutrition: under- or overnutrition and nutrient deficiencies
Chronic diseases: obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer
Best diet
Emphasize whole plant based foods: Fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds and herbs and spices
Lean protein: legumes, low fat dairy, fish, chicken, lean meat and eggs
Limit salt, sugar, trans fat and saturated fat: processed foods, instant meals, take-aways, high fat meals, alcohol and fizzy drinks
Keep dehydrated: water, smoothies and tea
High-fibre carbs: peas, lentils, corn, potatoes, fruit, veg and whole grains
Healthy (unsaturated fat): avocado, nuts, seeds, peanut butter and fatty fish
Lean protein: lentils, beans, peas, eggs, lean meat and poultry
Antioxidants: bright fruit and veg
Dietary reference intake
Set of standard recommendations that defines the amount of energy, nutrients and dietary components that healthy people need to best support health
and values used when assessing diet. DRI helps to prevent deficiency diseases but does not take individual circumstances into account.
DRI does not take disease or health conditions into account. 85% of people who eat healthy do not meet the DRI levels.
Nutrition needs are increased by smoking, drinking, alcohol, pollution, menopause, exercise, infections and stress
▫ Recommended dietary allowance (RDA): average daily amount of a nutrient considered to meet the needs of a healthy person
▫ Adequate intake (AI): not enough data for RDA and is thus based on the average daily amount that appears to be sufficient.
▫ Estimated average requirements (EAR): average amount that will maintain a biochemical or physiological function in half the people of a give age or
gender group.
▫ Tolerable upper intake levels (UL): the maximum daily intake of a nutrient that is likely to be safe for most healthy people.
Age 19-30 Vit A Vit C Vit D Vit E Vit B12 Calcium Magnesium
Male 900 µg 90 mg 5 µg 15 mg 2.4 µg 1000 mg 400 mg
Female 700 µg 75 mg 5 µg 15 mg 2.4 µg 1000 mg 310 mg
Values for vit D, calcium and magnesium increases for the group 31+.
General functions of micronutrients
Acts as antioxidants and provides support to enzymes in the body. Micronutrients are involved in every biochemical action that takes place in every cell of
the body and acts as co-factors or co-enzymes for all the enzymes in the body.
They also act as hormone regulators and are involved in the genetic depression of the DNA molecule in each cell nucleus.
Enzymes
Enzyme is a complex protein molecule consisting of different amino acid chains. Catalysts that ensure the efficacy, rate and quality of all biochemical
actions in the body. If enzymes don’t have enough co-enzymes and co-factors the reactions will diminish which also then diminishes the function of the
cell, organ function and the entire system.
Diseases
System affected depends on genetic susceptibility and the effect of stress, lifestyle and environment.
The genetic predispositions in the enzyme chain breaks causing asthma, high blood pressure, eczema, atherosclerosis and diabetes.
Genetic testing to determine an individual’s risk factors for disease
Allows for personalized dietary advice. Genetic tests identify cellular dysfunction regarding detox mechanisms, ability to handle oxidative stress, the ability
of DNA to repair and susceptibility to inflammation. Emphasis can then be placed on specific nutrients to reduce the risk of disease through correct dietary
and supplement advice.
Reduced enzyme functioning
Enzyme failure is caused by a lack of support by co-enzymes and co-factors which includes other vitamins, minerals and micronutrients. The immune
system suffers first due to reduced enzyme functioning.
Marginal vitamin status
Grey area between optimal health with adequate nutritional status and clinical-deficiency diseases. There are degrees of deterioration in vitamin status
and it occurs over a long period of time.
Stages of vitamin depletion
1. Precursor stage - Reduced storage of specific vitamins and minerals in tissue due to reduced intake of micronutrients or abnormally high demands
of enzymes and micronutrients by the metabolism. Symptoms include increased fatigue, listlessness and vague complaints of a reduced feeling of
wellbeing or vitality.
2. Biochemical stage - reduction in enzyme activity and change in metabolism that can be measured by looking at the end result of a specific enzyme’s
activity. Tests are expensive but not practical. If enzyme X is not functioning properly C will be low and X needs boosting.
3. Physiological stage
Enzyme activity is reduced even further and can be measured by determining enzyme levels in the blood.
Symptoms include: loss of appetite, severe fatigue, listlessness, depression, disturbed sleep and reduced immune function.
Includes most chronic diseases.
4. Clinical stage
Non-specific symptoms are aggravated and the classic symptoms and signs of vitamin deficiency diseases appear.
Patients improve dramatically if given the correct vitamins via injections.
5. Anatomical stage
Changes and degeneration in tissue morphology are far advanced and without vitamin therapy intervention the patient will suffer from irreversible
tissue damage or die
Nutrition: the branch of science that studies nutrients in food in relation to growth, maintenance and health of the body.
Nutrients provide the body with energy, building and repairing body tissue and regulating body processes – circulation, respiration, digestion and elimination.
Diet: how you eat for life to remain healthy.
Lifestyle: The typical way of life of an individual, group or culture that includes the habits, attitudes, tastes, moral standards and economic level.
Healthy lifestyle includes: sufficient sleep, physical activity, stress management, nutritious diet, no smoking or excessive alcohol and healthy body weight.
Holistic: seeing the individual as a whole that includes the body, emotions and soul.
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social-wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease.
Wellness: active process by which individuals make informed choices toward a more success existence. Active process of achieving health.
Disease: a condition marked by pronounced deviation from the normal healthy state.
Preventative medicine: the practice of promoting preventative health care to improve patient well-being to ultimately prevent disease, disability and death
People who consult a GP:
▫ Self-limiting infections: 90% of viral and bacterial infections are self-limiting and can heal itself.
▫ Psychosomatic disease: disease that originates from the mind and manifests as a physical disease, like eczema, gut issues and ulcers.
▫ Chronic disease: usually in a state of balance but flares up at times of stress, like arthritis, diabetes, psoriasis and asthma.
▫ Acute disease, trauma and accidents. A disease or disorder that lasts a short time, comes on rapidly and is accompanied by distinct symptoms.
➢ Orthodox medicine involves making a diagnosis, the treatment of a disease and maintenance of health through drugs and surgery.
Practiced by doctors and health care professionals.
But medical costs are high, there are side effects involved and resistance of bacteria to antibiotics increase.
95% of cases are not acute and a natural, lifestyle approach would be better suited (complementary medicine)
➢ Complementary medicine includes a variety of alternative therapies, approaches, philosophies and treatments that are not orthodox used in
combination with conventional medicine.
➢ Preventative medicine: science aimed at preventing disease
➢ Holistic medicine: System of medical care that takes the whole individual into account and responsibility for their wellbeing. Encourages a
cooperative relationship between all parties involved.
Person’s well-being based on body, mind and soul. Treats the symptoms of illness while considering the underlying cause. Attempt at preventing
illness or disease by emphasising optimal health and wellbeing. Illness or disease indicates a loss of homeostasis and makes use of tools and
techniques to support the body’s return to its natural state of health.
Adjustments to address health problems:
1. Follow a more natural, whole-food diet with fresh fruit and vegetables.
2. Correct food supplements that includes micronutrients.
3. Herbs are plants with healing properties
4. Distress lies at the root of most modern diseases
5. Enjoyable exercise is essential for a healthy body and mind
Holistic approach to balance and health
• Influence of music, television and books can be positive or negative
• Exercise as a physical release for fight or flight reaction
• Effect of diet on the body and soul
• The need to care for someone or something
• Communicating with nature to ensure balance between the body and soul
• Awareness of oneself as a spiritual being with emotional, physical and personal identity
• Micronutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids and herbs for holistic health
• Daily relaxation techniques
• Financial security for peace of mind
• Support in a close family sense and in a broader social context
• Close interaction between the nervous, endocrine and immune system
Factors responsible for health or sickness:
Influenced by age, family, history of illness, employment, education and living conditions
A variety of lifestyle, health related and behavioural factors
Behavioural and social issues: smoking, alcohol, poor diet, lack of exercise, safe sexual behaviour and problems resulting from drug use
Stress can lead to gut issues, muscle aches, increased blood pressure, high cholesterol, mood problems, headaches, reduced immune response and
emotional eating
Role of the doctor Role of the somatologist
1. Consult and diagnose patients 1. Give advice and TLC to clients
2. Give advice on seriousness of disease 2. Help clients help themselves
3. Monitor the progress of the disease 3. Look at natural ways to support the body
4. Treatment of symptoms and disease through *May not diagnose
drugs and surgery
, Stress
Stress: a reaction to someone or something that is experienced by the individual via the senses as stressful to the body and the individual then reacts
physiologically, psychologically, emotionally and behaviourally in order to adapt, change and regain equilibrium in response to internal and external
pressure.
Stressor: a situation, person, object or event that an individual experiences as stressful and results in a stress reaction experienced by the entire body
and mind.
Stress is transmitted via: Effects of stress on the body:
▪ Senses ▫ Immune function: reduced resistance, increased malignancy risk
▪ Higher centres in the brain cortex ▫ Skin: trigger neuro-inflammatory conditions
▪ Hypothalamus, pituitary gland and brain stem ▫ Brain function: stress response, behaviour, cognition, memory
▪ Sympathetic nervous system ▫ Cardiovascular: effects heart rate, blood pressure, lipids and clotting
▪ Adrenal glands ▫ Digestive tract: IBS, ulcers, gastritis
▪ Thyroid gland ▫ Musculoskeletal system: arthritis, gout, backache
▫ Endocrine: low/high blood sugar, weak immune system
Stress management techniques:
Improves functioning of the cardiovascular system, decreases stress hormone secretion, improves absorption of oxygen, improves self-image, relieves
signs of depression, anxiety and tension and raises energy levels.
1. Get to know yourself and diagnose negative stress
2. Positive thinking and optimistic attitude
3. Wholesome nutrition, correct supplementation and gentle exercise
4. Time management, planning and organisation
5. Time for relaxation
6. Balance left and right brain activities
7. Tolerance, flexibility and adaptability
8. Enthusiasm as a permanent part of who you are
9. Sense of humour
10. Wisdom
11. Spiritual nourishment and growth
12. Communing with nature
Positive stress phase Negative stress phase
• Increased creativity • Reduced productivity and creativity
• Increased productivity • Reduced feeling of wellbeing and happiness
• General feeling of wellbeing and happiness • Avoiding social contact
• Optimally functioning immune system • Reduced resistance due to poor immune system
• Organs and systems fail and ageing accelerates
, Nutrients and their functions
Fibre and phytochemicals are only found in plant based foods
Fibre: balances blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol, stimulates the immune system and supports good gut bacteria.
Phytonutrients: reduces inflammation in the body, neutralizes free radicals, enhances immunity and protects against cardiovascular disease and
osteoporosis.
Healthy diet protects from
Malnutrition: under- or overnutrition and nutrient deficiencies
Chronic diseases: obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer
Best diet
Emphasize whole plant based foods: Fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds and herbs and spices
Lean protein: legumes, low fat dairy, fish, chicken, lean meat and eggs
Limit salt, sugar, trans fat and saturated fat: processed foods, instant meals, take-aways, high fat meals, alcohol and fizzy drinks
Keep dehydrated: water, smoothies and tea
High-fibre carbs: peas, lentils, corn, potatoes, fruit, veg and whole grains
Healthy (unsaturated fat): avocado, nuts, seeds, peanut butter and fatty fish
Lean protein: lentils, beans, peas, eggs, lean meat and poultry
Antioxidants: bright fruit and veg
Dietary reference intake
Set of standard recommendations that defines the amount of energy, nutrients and dietary components that healthy people need to best support health
and values used when assessing diet. DRI helps to prevent deficiency diseases but does not take individual circumstances into account.
DRI does not take disease or health conditions into account. 85% of people who eat healthy do not meet the DRI levels.
Nutrition needs are increased by smoking, drinking, alcohol, pollution, menopause, exercise, infections and stress
▫ Recommended dietary allowance (RDA): average daily amount of a nutrient considered to meet the needs of a healthy person
▫ Adequate intake (AI): not enough data for RDA and is thus based on the average daily amount that appears to be sufficient.
▫ Estimated average requirements (EAR): average amount that will maintain a biochemical or physiological function in half the people of a give age or
gender group.
▫ Tolerable upper intake levels (UL): the maximum daily intake of a nutrient that is likely to be safe for most healthy people.
Age 19-30 Vit A Vit C Vit D Vit E Vit B12 Calcium Magnesium
Male 900 µg 90 mg 5 µg 15 mg 2.4 µg 1000 mg 400 mg
Female 700 µg 75 mg 5 µg 15 mg 2.4 µg 1000 mg 310 mg
Values for vit D, calcium and magnesium increases for the group 31+.
General functions of micronutrients
Acts as antioxidants and provides support to enzymes in the body. Micronutrients are involved in every biochemical action that takes place in every cell of
the body and acts as co-factors or co-enzymes for all the enzymes in the body.
They also act as hormone regulators and are involved in the genetic depression of the DNA molecule in each cell nucleus.
Enzymes
Enzyme is a complex protein molecule consisting of different amino acid chains. Catalysts that ensure the efficacy, rate and quality of all biochemical
actions in the body. If enzymes don’t have enough co-enzymes and co-factors the reactions will diminish which also then diminishes the function of the
cell, organ function and the entire system.
Diseases
System affected depends on genetic susceptibility and the effect of stress, lifestyle and environment.
The genetic predispositions in the enzyme chain breaks causing asthma, high blood pressure, eczema, atherosclerosis and diabetes.
Genetic testing to determine an individual’s risk factors for disease
Allows for personalized dietary advice. Genetic tests identify cellular dysfunction regarding detox mechanisms, ability to handle oxidative stress, the ability
of DNA to repair and susceptibility to inflammation. Emphasis can then be placed on specific nutrients to reduce the risk of disease through correct dietary
and supplement advice.
Reduced enzyme functioning
Enzyme failure is caused by a lack of support by co-enzymes and co-factors which includes other vitamins, minerals and micronutrients. The immune
system suffers first due to reduced enzyme functioning.
Marginal vitamin status
Grey area between optimal health with adequate nutritional status and clinical-deficiency diseases. There are degrees of deterioration in vitamin status
and it occurs over a long period of time.
Stages of vitamin depletion
1. Precursor stage - Reduced storage of specific vitamins and minerals in tissue due to reduced intake of micronutrients or abnormally high demands
of enzymes and micronutrients by the metabolism. Symptoms include increased fatigue, listlessness and vague complaints of a reduced feeling of
wellbeing or vitality.
2. Biochemical stage - reduction in enzyme activity and change in metabolism that can be measured by looking at the end result of a specific enzyme’s
activity. Tests are expensive but not practical. If enzyme X is not functioning properly C will be low and X needs boosting.
3. Physiological stage
Enzyme activity is reduced even further and can be measured by determining enzyme levels in the blood.
Symptoms include: loss of appetite, severe fatigue, listlessness, depression, disturbed sleep and reduced immune function.
Includes most chronic diseases.
4. Clinical stage
Non-specific symptoms are aggravated and the classic symptoms and signs of vitamin deficiency diseases appear.
Patients improve dramatically if given the correct vitamins via injections.
5. Anatomical stage
Changes and degeneration in tissue morphology are far advanced and without vitamin therapy intervention the patient will suffer from irreversible
tissue damage or die
