Winding my way down a new path….
#FunctionalMedicineNutrition
In the quiet moments of my youth, I felt a profound connection to the natural world. Guided by an innate intuition, I tended to animals and plants, sensing their needs and rhythms without formal instruction. These early experiences wove a tapestry of understanding, revealing the intricate connections between all living beings. As the seasons turned, this awareness deepened, illuminating the delicate dance between our health, the environment, and the cycles that bind us.
My thanks to MenoChannel and Let’s all talk Menopause for their support!
For over 4 decades, my journey has been one of nurturing and discovery, rooted in the enduring traditions of women’s wisdom. From advocating for the well-being of loved ones to delving into the subtle energies that influence our health, I have passionately sought to unearth the roots of wellness and imbalance. This path has led me to embrace integrative nutrition and hormone health, each step forward enriching my appreciation for the body’s system of balance and harmony.
Recently, out of curiosity I embarked on a comprehensive exploration of my health through functional medicine. This journey, began with an extensive series of tests—20 vials of blood drawn to conduct 114 different analyses. Such a thorough examination is uncommon in conventional medical practice, where standard check-ups often involve only a handful of basic tests, and then prescriptions. This deep dive provided a detailed picture of my health, highlighting both strengths and areas needing attention with plenty of suggestions that I began implementing immediately. You can take these labs to your regular Dr. as well, as they provide all of the documentation you need. Be prepared though, that most of then will not even be familiar with something as powerfully revealing as a small ldl particle test (Lipids) This is our chance to create medicine that works beautifully for us all. If you’re curious, check out Function Health. It was amazing.
The experience was profoundly enlightening, sparking a fascination that led me to consider, albeit briefly, why I had left the dream of pursuing medicine so many decades ago. I’m 65 though, so ultimately, I have chosen a different path, one that aligns more closely with my passion for holistic well-being and personal empowerment and one that will allow me to work with people everywhere, through teaching, coaching and supporting.
One of the most profound realizations from this experience was understanding how modern medicine often treats the body in isolated segments. We consult specialists—a cardiologist for the heart, a urologist for the urinary system—as if each operates independently. However, our body’s processes are deeply interconnected; the metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal systems, among others, function in unison. Reflecting on my past efforts to assist loved ones, I now recognize the potential of an integrated approach to medicine, acknowledging the body’s inherent harmony—to foster true healing and balance. One that relies as I always have on food, not pills, to create optimism, vitality and health.
In our current healthcare paradigm, the focus predominantly lies on diagnosing and treating illnesses as they arise, often compartmentalizing the body into distinct systems managed by various specialists. While this approach is invaluable for addressing acute conditions—prompting me to seek immediate care in emergencies—I am deeply committed to fostering a culture working with Functional Medicine Doctors that prioritizes prevention. By emphasizing holistic well-being and proactive health measures, together we can cultivate a society where individuals thrive, reducing the incidence of preventable diseases and alleviating the burden on our healthcare system.
So now, I’m standing at the threshold of an exciting new chapter, pursuing a certification in Functional Medicine Nutrition to honor the sacred interconnectedness of our bodily systems. This holistic approach resonates deeply with the understanding that our health reflects the delicate balance within us and our environment. By delving into the symphony of our body’s functions, we can uncover the roots of imbalance and cultivate a state of vibrant well-being. By understanding where our food comes from and how it’s grown, we can optimize our nutrition for ourselves and our children and in my case, my grandchildren. I want to leave Wolfie a world that works for him and with him, not against him.
Complementing this journey is my enduring love of herbalism, the ancient practice of utilizing plants for healing. For decades, herbalism has been integral to my path, acknowledging the wisdom inherent in nature and offering gentle yet profound remedies that align with our body’s natural rhythms. This practice not only enriches our physical health but also reconnects us to the earth, fostering a sense of unity with the natural world.
As I weave these all of these practices into my life, I invite you to join me on this journey of holistic well-being. Through workshops, personalized coaching sessions if you desire and shared reflections on platforms like Substack and Instagram, we can explore the transformative potential of Functional Medicine Nutrition and herbalism together. Let’s embrace a holistic approach to health, nurturing our bodies, minds, and spirits in unison.
Thank you for walking this path with me. Together let’s cultivate a sanctuary where wellness is accessible, personalized, and deeply rooted in the sacred tapestry of life.
Because as I’ve always said.. The most elegant prescription is truly at the end of your fork.
With Affection Always,
Beth
