National Nutrition Month: What You Really Need to Know

By Dr. linell king

NutritionThe pillars of health are all connected. One is not the answer to all your health conditions and longevity goals. The foundations of health include physical activity, reducing stress, improving sleep, socialization, and contribution to society and nutrition.

Nutrition alone will rarely solve all issues, but it is a primary pillar for overall health and wellbeing within the body and brain. The problem is nutrition is confusing, and there are way too many opinions out there, making people feel lost. The fact is not one diet is suitable for every person. People have specific needs and genetics that need to be taken into account.

Naples Vitality offers insight and nutritional coaching through various eating strategies to help you live your best life. Dr. Linell King prefers a Paleo-style diet to support overall dietary needs, but that can also be adjusted to fit each person’s goals and needs.

Some of the eating strategies Naples Vitality offers guidance for patients with include:
• Paleo
• Autoimmune Protocol
• Ketogenic
• Plant-based

The Paleo Diet
The paleo diet usually includes fish, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, seeds, and nuts. Derived from the dietary habits during the Paleolithic era between 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago, this form of nutrition limits food groups that developed after this time period, some of them being legumes, grains, and dairy products. This goal of this diet is to return to a form of nutrition that resembles that of early human life. It is believed that food groups that developed through farming are more difficult for the body to absorb.

Dr. King recommends 2 to 3 servings of vegetables at each meal, adequate protein (preferably wild-caught, organic, free-range, and grass-fed), and plenty of healthy fats such as olive, avocado and coconut oil. Think of eating a rainbow of colors like berries, dark leafy greens, purple cabbage, carrots, sweet potato, beets, and brussel sprouts, and make protein more of a side to your plant-rich meals. Cauliflower is a great substitute for potatoes and rice, and there are fantastic paleo bread options made from almond or coconut flour.

The (AIP) Autoimmune Protocol Diet
An autoimmune disorder includes any medical condition where one’s immune system mistakes bodily tissue as harmful and attacks them. Some autoimmune disorders include lupus, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Common illnesses such as diabetes and thyroid disease can also be caused by an autoimmune disorder. The autoimmune protocol diet is structured to help alleviate inflammation throughout the body caused by symptoms of autoimmune disorders. Similar to the paleo diet, this form of nutrition incorporates meats, fish, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. This diet includes nutrient-rich foods and avoids inflammatory ones to prevent or reduce leaky gut incidents and in doing so, reduce the immune system from mistakenly attacking the body.

The Keto Diet
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that can provide the body with plenty of health and wellness benefits. By significantly decreasing your carbohydrate intake and replacing them with healthy fats, you are stimulating ketosis, a metabolic process that enhances the body’s ability to burn fat for energy. Many studies have shown that the keto diet can successfully help you lose weight while providing benefits against cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

About The Plant Based Diet
Many people argue about what diet is best, but one thing that they all agree upon is that we need to eat more plants. Plant based whole foods focuses on minimally processed foods that provides the body with the various micronutrients that the body needs to fuel and heal itself. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian, this eating strategy is one that focuses on providing the nutrients the body needs to repair and heal while still providing healthy proteins and fats from a plant-based source.

To get expert nutritional guidance and other natural alternatives for your health and wellness needs, please visit naplesvitality.com or call 239-307-0036.

Linell King MD, renowned internist and author of “Mastering Vitality” received his medical degree from the University Of Wisconsin School Of Medicine, and completed his residency at The Johns Hopkins University Sinai Hospital Program of Internal Medicine.  He has been practicing for twenty years; currently at his “Naples Vitality” office in Naples, FL.

Our practice size is limited to ensure the best possible care for our clientele; we qualify and accept patients committed to working collaboratively to create improved health and continued success.

Naples Vitality
239-465-0098
www.Naplesvitality.com

3411 Tamiami Trail N. Suite 200
Naples, FL 34103