LIFESTYLE MEDICINE
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” (Thomas Edison)
Lifestyle Medicine is the answer to today’s health crisis. It’s an evidence-based medical specialty, endorsed by the NHS, that uses comprehensive lifestyle changes to prevent, better manage and even reverse the progression of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes as well as mental health conditions. It’s also very effective at addressing health issues such as poor sleep, digestive disorders, hormone imbalances, low mood, anxiety, and weight management.
It follows a compassionate and client-centred approach that focuses on listening and setting realistic goals, while empowering the client with the tools to start improving their health. Some of the evidence-based tools used by Lifestyle Medicine include:
Nutrition - improves nutritional health through specific plans tailored to individual needs; these may include increasing consumption of certain types of foods, swapping for alternatives, or reducing intake of others. Nutritional prescriptions are simple, specific, achievable and realistic.
Sleep support - guides clients achieving good quality sleep and avoiding behaviours that can impair sleep quality.
Mental wellbeing support – teaches stress reduction techniques and supports clients finding purpose in life and improving health through practices such as connection with nature, mindfulness, yoga, meditation, good sleep hygiene, journaling and physical activity.
