Personalised nutrition for optimum health
If you’re reading this, then you have probably experienced the role of nutrition in optimising your health. It is essential to ensure that we are consuming the right nutrients in the right quantities to maintain good health in the long term. Social media is very good at telling us that carbs are bad, protein is great, fats are good - or are they bad? - and frankly, I can’t keep up! Personalised nutrition is an emerging field that focuses on tailoring dietary recommendations to the individual's unique biomarkers, lifestyle preferences, and genetic makeup. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of personalised nutrition for long-term health and look at the role the Metabolic Balance® program in this area.
Personalised nutrition considers individual needs and preferences
One of the significant advantages of personalised nutrition is that it considers the individual's unique needs and preferences. Everyone's body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Personalised nutrition takes into account an individual's age, sex, weight, activity level, and health status to develop a nutrition plan that meets their unique needs. Working with a nutrition professional can take this even further, by adapting for budget, family requirements, specific social or sports events or even navigating an extended holiday.
2. Improve nutrient intake
Nutrition is about more than what we eat. Our bodies all respond to different foods in different ways. For example, someone who is lactose intolerant may struggle to get enough calcium in their diet. However, a personalised nutrition plan can include alternative sources of calcium that are suitable for the individual, such as fortified plant-based milk or leafy greens, as well as increase nutritional co-factors that support absorption or conversion within the body. A good example of this is vitamin C supports the absorption of iron, so should be consumed together.
3. Identify the root causes behind chronic conditions
Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes or Hashimoto’s disease can really benefit from tailored dietary plans. The most effective method I use for these cases is the Metabolic Balance® program. This starts with a blood test, detailed health history and follows a carefully structured personalised dietary plan over several months. Throughout the program, we explore beyond the plan to develop a truly bespoke way of eating that suits each client for the long term. I focus on working with my clients to balance good health without excess restriction, to allow for as full a life as possible.
4. Long term sustainability
A justifable criticism of dietary intervention is that it can be hard to sustain in the long term. Instead of following a one-size-fits-all diet plan that may be difficult to maintain, personalised nutrition plans such as Metabolic Balance® take into account the individual's preferences and lifestyle to develop a plan that is achievable and enjoyable.
In conclusion, personalised nutrition is an effective approach to maintaining long-term health. By considering an individual's unique needs and preferences, personalised nutrition can improve nutrient intake, manage chronic conditions, be sustainable in the long term, while leading to better health outcomes. If you are ready to move beyond the generic dietary advice, get in touch to see how I can help you.