Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.
hippocrates
Personal Philosophy on Nutritional Therapy
Our bodies are amazingly capable of restoring balance when given the proper raw materials. I believe in providing the body with the proper tools to do what it is designed to do. Although I do use supplements, herbs and homeopathy in my practice when necessary, I prefer to focus on restoring balance within the body through whole-food nutrition, mindfulness, and other emotional and spiritual factors.
My goal is to teach my clients how to truly nourish and care for their body and soul on every level. I personally believe that relying on supplements to heal the body can often be yet another Band-Aid that only conceals the real issue, which doesn’t allow you to get down to the root of the problem. In addition to that, I feel that it only perpetuates the conditioned false belief that healing comes from outside of us, rather than from within.
Your healing comes directly from you – no one else.
My responsibility as your practitioner is to empower you, and provide you with the tools and resources needed so that you can take your health and happiness into your own hands.
What is Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional Therapy is a science based, yet holistic approach to nutritional counseling focused on the fact that food, as nature intended, is a form of medicine that can heal, protect, nurture and support good health. It is both a system of healing and prevention that can help improve every system of the body.
Nutritional Therapy can help you sort through the maze of conflicting dietary information out there today. It custom tailors practical dietary changes combined with supplementation (when needed) to correct nutritional deficiencies and restore balance and health to the body.
Nutritional Therapy is all about bio-individuality, meaning there is no “one size fits all” (or even one size fits most) when it comes to health. However, there are certain foundations of health that do not vary between individuals. These foundations are Digestion, Blood Sugar, Minerals, Fatty Acid balance and Hydration. Imbalances in any of these will manifest as different health problems for each person. The strength of Nutritional Therapy lies in its ability to detect and correct underlying dysfunction in these foundations.
Symptoms are the last thing to appear, which means whatever your concern is, it has been building for most likely, years. Nutritional Therapy is about finding the root cause of the symptoms and restoring balance in the body to create long-term health.
How is a Nutritional Therapist Different From a Nutritionist or Dietician?
Nutritional Therapists uses a holistic approach to health. Not only do they identify what your bio-individual needs are when it comes to a healthy diet, they also identify underlying causes of symptoms in the body, and correct the imbalance through diet and lifestyle changes. They use whole food nutrition, herbs, and homeopathy to assist in your body’s natural healing process.
Pets need support too – Check you the Standard Process veterinary formulas!
Nutritional Therapy Can Support:
- Adrenal Health
- Allergies (food & environmental)
- Digestion
- Blood Sugar Balance
- Fatty Acid Balance
- Mineral Balance
- Cardiovascular Issues
- Detoxification
- Emotional Wellness
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Hormone Imbalances
- Immune Support
- Infertility
- Joint and Muscle Pain
- Pre & Post Natal Support
- Skin Problems
- Sleep Issues
- Weight Management
- And so much more!
These are just some examples of common issues that can be supported with nutrition, but the reality is, there isn’t really anything within the body that can’t be supported with Nutritional Therapy. A good diet and proper understanding of health are essential to any healing process.
Nutritional Therapy can help any situation because our bodies were designed to be healed with food! When you give the proper building materials to your body, it will support the natural healing process.
The Process
Prior to your initial consultation, you will fill out a health history form, nutritional questionnaire, and a food journal.
At your first session we will discuss in detail your health concerns and goals. After evaluating the information you have provided via your new client forms, functional clinical assessment, and consultation, together we will decide what dietary considerations would be the most beneficial for you at the moment. We may also consider additional nutritional support that would assist with the healing of your body.
Nutritional Therapy is not a quick fix. The process takes time and effort, but the rewards are tremendous.
Why Are Supplements Sometimes Necessary?
The sad truth is, it is difficult to get all of our nutritional needs from food anymore. The soil is so severely depleted, in order to get the iron that was available in one cup of spinach in 1945, you would have to consume 65 cups today.
Unfortunately, unless someone actively participates in correcting nutritional deficiencies, one may suffer from malnutrition. The body can heal from anything except starvation – and this is why disease is so rampant. When you combine lack of nutrition with the toxic overload we are exposed to on a daily basis ranging from our food supply, water, environment, hygiene and cleaning products, it is clear to see why health is declining.
Supplement Quality
Most supplements you buy from the drug store (and many health food stores) are synthetic. Creating synthetic vitamins are much more cost effective for companies. They are able to produce mass amounts, for much less expense, resulting in big money for them.
The body does not recognize synthetic supplements as nourishing, which creates more work and toxins for your body. Supplements should be purchased from trusted providers and companies, and should come from whole food, high quality herbs, and homeopathy.
Why is a Program Encouraged?
For new clients, a 6-week, 3-month, or 6-month program is highly encouraged in order to establish a thorough care plan with a “beginning, middle and end” (reevaluation), which then allows for greater assessment of progress and how to move forward. Not only this, but as mentioned previously, Nutritional Therapy is not a quick fix, you are healing an entire body from the inside out. It takes time to work through not only the physical health layers, but the emotional layers as well. It is not wise to do too much too fast, leaving the body in a state of shock (which could ultimately cause more harm). Slow and steady is the key.
My goal is not to simply “sell you a program”. My intention is to walk beside you, until you feel comfortable on your own.
Programs are offered at a discounted rate to ease the financial concern, as well payment assistance options for those who need it. If you would like more information about program options or the care process, please schedule a free consult to learn more.
WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING
“I had been experiencing unexplained stomach pain for 8 years. I had seen countless doctors, and yet none could give me a reason or even help me in any way. Within just a few weeks of sticking to the recommendations Autumn gave me, my stomach pain was gone and I was in complete disbelief! I had lost weight, increased my energy, my skin tags disappeared, my swollen lymph nodes had decreased in size, I was sleeping better, my digestion was great, and over all I had less aches and pains in my body! I had no idea this was possible!”
– AMBER, GERMANY
Disclaimer:
Rev. Autumn Smith, FNTP is not a licensed medical doctor or mental health counselor. She does not treat, cure or diagnose in any way – nor does she claim to. Information provided on this site, or in person, is not to be used to replace medical advice. If you feel that you have a medical issue, you should seek the advice of your Physician or health care practitioner. Please note that nutritional therapy – or any alternative healing modality – is only a complimentary tool to be used to assist in the healing process, and is not meant to replace traditional medicine. By continuing to browse this website, or by receiving services, you agree to the above information.
Alchemy Healing 