Written by: Mirela Simic, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Have you ever wondered what exactly nutritionist can do for you? Since we live in modern times, we often find ourselves caught up by the demands of high-pressure careers having more stressful lives than our predecessors ever did. Trying to find a balance between family, friendships, work or even running a business has become a norm.
Whilst all those aspects of our lives are significant to us, sometimes they can take a toll on our health. At times that toll does not become apparent until we're facing the repercussions in the form of persistent fatigue, poor sleep, anxiety, hair loss, mental exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, brain fog, frustration and so on. I've walked this path of complete burnout personally, and it was during this exhausting period lasting more than three years that I became acutely aware of the impact that a hectic lifestyle, coupled with our individual genetic predispositions and poor lifestyle choices can have on our overall well-being. Frustrated by the lack of answers and solutions from various medical specialists and naturopaths, I embarked on a personal journey to become a nutritionist. Through years of dedicated study and the practical application of my newfound knowledge, I not only reclaimed my health but also uncovered effective strategies for managing and resolving symptoms that had become constant in that period of my life.
Today, my expertise lies in guiding individuals who grapple with chronic health conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and autoimmune ailments. The discomfort and stress caused by symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, forgetfulness, persistent fatigue, bloating, hair loss, unrelenting hunger, and weight gain are all too familiar to many. However, it doesn't have to be this way. I wholeheartedly believe that there is nutritional, lifestyle and supplementation approaches that can provide relief and restore your vitality.
Personalized nutrition plans for well-being
Nutritionists don't offer generic advice; rather, we tailor the advice to fit your specific needs, lifestyle, and health objectives. Whether you're managing a particular health condition or aiming for overall wellness, my recommendations are personalized to match your unique profile. It's also important to note that from a biochemical point of view, we are all different from each other and as such we have different requirements when it comes to nutrition. Our nutritional needs also change throughout our lifespan and it's important to address those changes to prevent complications such as osteoporosis, heart disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, and even certain cancers.
Nutritionist approach for addressing nutrient deficiencies
Many people suffer from nutrient deficiencies without realizing it. The most common ones I came across in my practice are iron, B12, Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium as well as protein and fibre deficiencies. That may sound like it's not a big deal but each of those nutrients is important for our health and wellbeing. Let's take calcium for instance, most people know that it's needed for bone health, but did you know that it's essential for our muscle and neurotransmitter (serotonin, dopamine...) function too? ¹ All nutritional deficiencies over time represent themselves as different symptoms such as hair loss, brittle nails, inability to lose weight, IBS, oedema and mental conditions and over a period can/will lead to chronic health conditions. ² As a nutritionist, I help people identify these gaps in their diet and recommend the right foods and supplements to restore balance and support health.
Lifestyle modifications for health and vitality
Achieving optimal health is not solely about what you eat; it also encompasses what you think and how you live your life. This includes advice on the type of exercise to do, stress management, sleep, and other key factors that contribute to your overall health. In my practice, I provide guidance on making lifestyle changes that complement your dietary choices and oftentimes refer my clients to other professionals in my network that I feel would help them.
Empowering you
The key to lasting well-being is ultimately in your hands. I find it once I educate the clients on this is why they have been experiencing your symptoms and how they are connected they tend to make better choices in their lives. My role as a nutritionist is to equip all my clients with the knowledge, support, and guidance to make informed choices about their health based on scientific facts.
As a nutritionist and personal trainer that has been in health and fitness industry I find it that the cornerstone of Well-being is Optimum Nutrition
In my definition optimum health is not just the absence of disease; it's a state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It's the feeling of vitality, the ability to tackle daily challenges with energy, and the capacity to enjoy life to the fullest. Optimum health is about balance, resilience, and a harmonious relationship with our bodies.
Nutrition is the cornerstone of well-being. It provides our bodies with the essential building blocks they need to function optimally. Good nutrition is like fuel for a high-performance machine; it ensures that our bodies operate at their best. The fundamental way that appropriate nutrition contributes to optimum health is by providing your body with a wide range of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats. A varied diet ensures that you're getting the necessary components for every bodily function. In my opinion, a balanced diet is key. This means consuming a variety of foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats ensures you get a broad spectrum of nutrients. ³ While it's essential to eat a variety of foods, it's equally important to practice moderation and portion control. Balance your intake and avoid excesses, especially when it comes to sugar, salt, alcohol and unhealthy fats.
In addition to balance, hydration is also important. Staying properly hydrated is often overlooked but is essential for numerous bodily functions. Water is the essence of life, and it plays a critical role in digestion, circulation, and overall well-being. And lastly paying attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues is vital. Eating mindfully helps you avoid overeating and fosters a healthier relationship with food.
In conclusion, achieving optimum health through appropriate nutrition is a journey that requires dedication, mindfulness, and personalized strategies. Your body is your most precious asset, and investing in it through proper nutrition can lead to a life filled with energy, and vitality.
Mirela Simic, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
With over a decade of experience in high-pressure jobs, moving across countries, and establishing her own PT studio, she understands the toll of a busy lifestyle on one's health. After suffering from chronic burnout, and a range of debilitating symptoms, she embarked on a journey to become a nutritionist. Specialising in helping individuals with chronic health conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and autoimmune issues, she focuses on personalised nutrition and lifestyle adjustments to restore vitality and well-being.
References:
[1] Berchtold MW, Brinkmeier H, Müntener M. Calcium ion in skeletal muscle: its crucial role for muscle function, plasticity, and disease. Physiol Rev. 2000 Jul;80(3):1215-65. doi: 10.1152/physrev.2000.80.3.1215. PMID: 10893434.
[2] Kesari A, Noel JY. Nutritional Assessment. [Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580496/
[3] Cena H, Calder PC. Defining a Healthy Diet: Evidence for The Role of Contemporary Dietary Patterns in Health and Disease. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 27;12(2):334. doi: 10.3390/nu12020334. PMID: 32012681; PMCID: PMC7071223.
