Optimum Nutrition for Optimum Health

1363 Words6 Pages
Optimum nutrition is needed for optimum health. All humans need a balance of essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, lipids and proteins to sustain life. Life is clearly seen to be enhanced when these vital nutrition needs are met as the body functions more efficiently and exists in a state of health. Imbalances in nutrition can lead to disease and ill-health, ailments that are in line with less than optimum health and a lowered quality of life. Naturopath's focus, amongst other things, on achieving optimum nutrition needed by clients to obtain optimum health. In times when diet may not be able to fully provide optimum nutrition, herbal medicine or supplementation may be considered to bridge the gaps in an individual's nutritional needs, in order to achieve their best state of health. 'Let your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food' (Hippocrates, ND) Food is a fundamental aspect of our everyday lives. Much more than just experiencing pleasurable sensations when enjoying good food, our diets provide our bodies with the energy, carbohydrates, proteins, essential fats, vitamins and minerals to live, grow and function properly. Eating a balanced diet is essential for good health and well-being. 'The body's ability to remain well under anything other than ideal conditions is a direct result of the nutrition received on a daily basis' (Scott, 2012).⁠ The World Health Organisation describes health as 'a complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity' (WHO, 1948)⁠. 'Optimum health' could be used to describe the highest state of health, a life of complete balance and without illness. In order to achieve this elevated level of well-being, we must provide our bodies with the right ingredients to function at it's highest level. Optimum health cannot exist independently of optimum nutrition.
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