Finding The Natural Alternative

Misconceptions of modern medicine

In the early 80s, I was introduced to a holistic nutritionist that that changed my health dramatically.  I was eager to learn everything I possibly could about herbal and nutritional medicine.  I also wanted to share my knowledge with others so that they could become pro-active in their healthcare.  True health is optimal wellness and vitality, not just “absence of disease”.

In 1992, I enrolled in Trinity College of Natural Health and studied herbal medicine, graduating with a certificate as Master Herbalist. I followed this with enrollment in American Academy of Nutrition, College of Nutrition & Integrative Health Sciences, graduated in 1994 as Certified Nutritionist. In 1995 I passed the Board exam for Certified Nutrition Consultants through the American Association of Nutrition Consultants, a nationally recognized organization. I continue my studies in nutritional and functional medicine, as well as restorative endocrinology. 

My dream of opening a nutrition center was realized in 1995 with the opening of The Natural Alternative Nutrition Center. 

We carry the highest quality nutritional supplements, hair and skin care, essential oils, meal replacement shakes, organic teas and a small food section. In addition, I schedule nutritional consultations by appointment where I review an individual’s diet and lifestyle, health goals, and offer nutritional support including an individualized meal plan, lifestyle changes, and supplementation where necessary.

We consume adequate calories each day, yet our bodies are still starving for nutrients, the building blocks of our cells.  A large percentage of our diets are made up of convenience foods that are so removed from their natural state they cannot even be classified as “real food” anymore.  We routinely consume foods that are “genetically engineered”, beef, poultry, pork, and farm raised fish filled with hormones and antibiotics, and artificial sweeteners that are damaging to our health.
Your diet is foundational to health or disease.  The Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that less than 10% of those surveyed eat a balanced diet.  Robert Crayhon, MS, one of the top ten nutritionists in the country, states “we are living longer but more of our life is spent dying, too.”  There is no drug yet discovered that can replace the role of nutrients in the body.  Food and nutrients can heal chronic illness more powerfully than drugs. 

Obesity is considered the leading cause of “preventable” death in our country today. According to the Centers of Disease Control & Prevention, it is estimated that by 2015 75% of adults will be overweight, with 41% considered obese.  Childhood obesity has tripled from 1980-2010, and it is estimated that 1 in 3 children will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
Standard American Diet (SAD) is high in refined foods, unhealthy fats, inadequate lean protein and low in nutrition.

You cannot lose weight or be healthy without fruits and vegetables in your diet!

Most diets contain excessive carbohydrates, not just simple sugars found in candy, cookies, and soda, but also excess starch such as potatoes (French fries) and grains, especially wheat and other gluten containing grains.  Those same diets are deficient in the much needed lean proteins and healthy fats, particularly Omega 3s, that nourish and rebuild our cell structure.  Lifestyle changes and changes in diet work better, safer, and are cheaper compared to drugs or surgery.
Many people are under the misconception that “supplements are not regulated”.  Nutritional supplements are FDA regulated through the passage of Dietary Safety Health Education Act 1994.  Burden of proof of safety of these supplements has been placed on the industry with tougher standards than either food or drugs.

The 28th Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers indicates that from data collected in 2010, there is a “wide margin of safety for dietary supplements”. The results of this report, which report NO deaths due to intake of any vitamin or herbal supplement, are in sharp contract to adverse reactions or deaths due to prescription drugs.

According to the American Medical Association figures , more than 100,000 people die each year from drug toxicity and more than 2 million are injured each year. That said, prescription drugs can be lifesaving in specific cases. I think it’s very important that consumers be pro-active and discuss safer long term options with their healthcare practitioner, utilizing dietary changes and nutritional supplements to address their health issues.  There can be contraindications with supplements and medications, so be certain to consult with your healthcare practitioner knowledgeable in the use of dietary supplements.

Change your diet.  Exercise daily.  Practice disease prevention.

Visit The Natural Alternative (www.naturalalternativenc.com) and find out “what better feels like”.

Bobbi Conner - Owner of The Natural Alternative, 1213 Pine St  Paso Robles, (805) 237-8290, naturalalternativenc.com

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