Fred Fornicola (Fitness Professional)and Tom Mantos (Clinical Nutritionist) will be holding a fat loss contest for anyone interested. The contest is based on percentage of fat loss over a 5 month period. Body fat lost and muscle gained are part of the total equation. In addition, we will cover other aspects associated with this time of year.
For those that may get better benefits from a group setting we have set up 5 separate group meetings. These will be held at Premiere Personal Fitness in Asbury Park. These phases will be as follows:
November-Structuring a Plan
December-Handling the Holidays
January-Dealing with Stress and Setting Goals
February-The Winter Blues
March-Maintaining and Getting Ready for Spring
To make the contest more challenging and rewarding we are charging $100.00 per person. If you bring a friend along and he or she signs up for the program, you will receive a $25.00 rebate and only have to pay $75.00. We are looking for a minimum of 10 contestants to participate and the winner will receive a $100.00 American Express Gift card. Second place will receive a $50.00 gift card.
As an added bonus, Tom will be doing body composition analysis at my office for free once per month. That's $175.00 savings!
All you have to lose at this point is some unwanted fat. The first meeting is scheduled for Monday November 1, 2010 at 7 PM so please let me know as soon as possible if you (and anyone else you can encourage to participate) are interested in the program. You have until October 25th to register.
For more information, contact Fred Fornicola at fredfornicola@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Some people making lifting weights their life - nothing wrong with that. Others strength train as a means to enhance their athletic or recreational performance...and that's good too. While others use strength training to be more functional and a "part" of their overall exercise program...and that's great. But remember,... regardless of your reason for training, it's all about improving your health.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Hydrating
Here's the first of what we hope to be many more videos to come from Clinical Nutritionist, Tom Mantos and myself. Tom and I joined forces to develop the Jersey Shore Health & Wellness Group and are planning on doing an ongoing series of tips and information on nutrition, exercise and all aspects of health. Here's Tom talking briefly about the need for proper hydration.
Click here => Tom Mantos discusses the benefits of hydration.
Click here => Tom Mantos discusses the benefits of hydration.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
What's More Important?
A question I often get is "what's more important, good nutrition, strength training or doing conditioning work?" and my answer is usually the same, "what's more important to a car; gas, the engine, oil, wheels, the key, etc., etc"...
If you give it some thought, all aspects could be argued in favor of or against, especially when the individual is keen on one particular area, but the truth of the matter is, I don't feel that you can, nor do you need to separate and distinguish one over the other. Like the car, they all work in unison to support each others functions and in doing so, enable you to have a healthier more functional lifestyle. - Fred Fornicola 908.433.4542
If you give it some thought, all aspects could be argued in favor of or against, especially when the individual is keen on one particular area, but the truth of the matter is, I don't feel that you can, nor do you need to separate and distinguish one over the other. Like the car, they all work in unison to support each others functions and in doing so, enable you to have a healthier more functional lifestyle. - Fred Fornicola 908.433.4542
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Short or Long?
More & more research is showing how high level, interval type training (and that refers to any type of high level/high intensity work) will develop the same if not better results as low or moderate level endurance effort. Basically, you can get done in 10-15 minutes what 45 minutes or more can do if you're willing to work hard.....and without the related overuse injuries that accompany such activity.
SAFE - EFFICIENT - EFFECTIVE.......Premiere Personal Fitness
SAFE - EFFICIENT - EFFECTIVE.......Premiere Personal Fitness
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Number One Reason
The number one reason to engage in a safe, efficient and effective strength training program? To help reduce the risk of injury! Whether you are an elite athlete, desk jockey or an elderly person....everyone is vulnerable to injury.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Fat Loss Contest Results
From February 1st to April 30th, 2010, The Jersey Shore Health and Wellness Group ran its first “Fat Loss Contest”. As the title implies, this contest was geared toward losing fat, not just bodyweight, which required the participants to not only tailor their eating habits but to also engage in a strength training program so as not to lose muscle tissue.
First, the contestants met with our Clinical Nutritionist, Tom Mantos. Tom handled the nutritional/diet portion of the program and placed the contestants on a modified Mediterranean, low glycemic diet. He measured body weight and composition by using bioelectrical impedance and structured a custom vitamin/mineral supplementation program based on each individual’s specific health profile.
Fred Fornicola was the Fitness Professional who administered the physical training for the individuals. The contestants exercise program was based primarily on high intensity strength training done one to two times per week for 30 minutes or less. Very little if any additional cardiovascular exercise was done throughout the program other than what was gleaned from the high intensity strength training sessions.
The results that were encountered were amazing. As a group of 8 (with a median age of 43), the total pounds in body fat that was lost was 137.9 pounds (an average of 17.24 lbs. of fat per person). There was also an increase in muscle tissue that totaled 8.1 pounds (an average of 1 lb. per person). Our winner (a 55 year old male), lost 25.8 pounds of fat and gained 2.4 pounds of lean muscle tissue!
Congratulations to all 8 contestants for doing so well.
First, the contestants met with our Clinical Nutritionist, Tom Mantos. Tom handled the nutritional/diet portion of the program and placed the contestants on a modified Mediterranean, low glycemic diet. He measured body weight and composition by using bioelectrical impedance and structured a custom vitamin/mineral supplementation program based on each individual’s specific health profile.
Fred Fornicola was the Fitness Professional who administered the physical training for the individuals. The contestants exercise program was based primarily on high intensity strength training done one to two times per week for 30 minutes or less. Very little if any additional cardiovascular exercise was done throughout the program other than what was gleaned from the high intensity strength training sessions.
The results that were encountered were amazing. As a group of 8 (with a median age of 43), the total pounds in body fat that was lost was 137.9 pounds (an average of 17.24 lbs. of fat per person). There was also an increase in muscle tissue that totaled 8.1 pounds (an average of 1 lb. per person). Our winner (a 55 year old male), lost 25.8 pounds of fat and gained 2.4 pounds of lean muscle tissue!
Congratulations to all 8 contestants for doing so well.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Testimonials
Jersey Shore Health & Wellness Group - Promoters of “Self-Care”
With its mission to “elevate the well-being of humanity by strengthening the body, mind and spirit – one person at a time”, I am proud to say that I am a living testament to this mission.
Fred Fornicola of Premiere Personal Fitness and Tom Mantos of The Center for Alternative and Preventive Medicine have supported my personal mission of placing “self-care” at the tip-top of my priority ladder.
As an energetic New Yorker throughout my 20s, 30s and 40s, I experienced high levels of physical fitness and good health. When I became a homeowner in Asbury Park at age 50, all of my energy and focus became about the “darn house” and “care-giving of family at home and on the workplace” resulting in my “self-care” taking a back seat. I was stuck and in a pickle. Diabetes flared up and my ability to maintain a healthy relationship with exercise and food became a constant struggle.
Good fortune arrived with the powerful team that helped me return “self-care” to the tip-top of my priority ladder. The first on my team was the lovely Carol Veizer, founder and Director of the New Jersey Center for Healing Arts, with whom I receive outstanding supportive counseling.
Then came the dynamic duo of Fred Fornicola and Tom Mantos of the Jersey Shore Health & Wellness Group! Initially, I was resistant and distrustful of advice from a nutritionist and guidance from a personal trainer. In my mind, I felt that these guys could not understand the complexity of me, thus I was combative and stubborn. Yet, I continued to show up week after week.
I could not have been more wrong. Both Fred and Tom are gifted practitioners who have demonstrated the ability to fully understand the complexities of their clients and have crafted exercise and nutrition regimes tailored to fit me and only me. The combination of Fred’s varied, interesting and fun workouts alongside the simple and easy to grasp Mediterranean diet, supplements and bi-monthly support from Tom, I was on the road to elevate my well-being.
12 weeks into my journey with Fred and Tom, I have lost 25lbs and 8.4% of body fat alongside gaining 2.4lbs of muscle. My diabetes and lipid profiles have dramatically improved. I workout once per week with Fred and once or twice per week solo. Fred has taught me how to maximize the greatest benefit in the shortest amount of time. Tom has introduced a world of delicious smart foods to my life - whole foods – sensible quantities – whole grains, fish, chicken, meat, nuts, olives, greens, veggies, Greek yogurt and fruits. If it wasn’t on the planet 100 years ago, then I will do my best to not consume it. And let’s be real here, my tailored food plan includes time for an occasional single meal departure from this healthy, lean eating lifestyle to enjoy a rich indulgence.
My “self-care” journey continues each and every day and I am thrilled to have rekindled a kind and loving friendship with that very special guy – “me”.
Thank you Fred and Tom for supporting my tip-top priority - “self-care”. If you are not there for yourself, how can you be there for others? - Steve Albert
Not Just Another Winter
This past winter began for me as any other winter, cold and depressing. One day came an email out of the blue; Fred and Tom were challenging their clients to a fat loss contest.
Structured differently than any old weight loss contest, this one measured percentage of fat lost and muscle gained, in addition to overall weight lost. I began to focus on calorie burn in my workouts with Fred and learned a lot about various types of training and intensity. Each time I weighed in with Tom, he impressed on me the need to continue to eat throughout the contest and gave me loads of tips on healthy eating for my outrageously busy lifestyle. My tax season kicked in and the stress started to mount, but Fred's intermittent support emails and my structured appointments for training and nutrition were just the ticket for my success.
My results? This winter I actually lost weight instead of gaining (which is usually not the norm for me), and by the end of the contest I had reached my final weight goal of 120 after 3 years of consistent effort on my part and excellent coaching on the part of Fred and Tom.
Thanks guys, I could not have done it without you!! - Susannah
With its mission to “elevate the well-being of humanity by strengthening the body, mind and spirit – one person at a time”, I am proud to say that I am a living testament to this mission.
Fred Fornicola of Premiere Personal Fitness and Tom Mantos of The Center for Alternative and Preventive Medicine have supported my personal mission of placing “self-care” at the tip-top of my priority ladder.
As an energetic New Yorker throughout my 20s, 30s and 40s, I experienced high levels of physical fitness and good health. When I became a homeowner in Asbury Park at age 50, all of my energy and focus became about the “darn house” and “care-giving of family at home and on the workplace” resulting in my “self-care” taking a back seat. I was stuck and in a pickle. Diabetes flared up and my ability to maintain a healthy relationship with exercise and food became a constant struggle.
Good fortune arrived with the powerful team that helped me return “self-care” to the tip-top of my priority ladder. The first on my team was the lovely Carol Veizer, founder and Director of the New Jersey Center for Healing Arts, with whom I receive outstanding supportive counseling.
Then came the dynamic duo of Fred Fornicola and Tom Mantos of the Jersey Shore Health & Wellness Group! Initially, I was resistant and distrustful of advice from a nutritionist and guidance from a personal trainer. In my mind, I felt that these guys could not understand the complexity of me, thus I was combative and stubborn. Yet, I continued to show up week after week.
I could not have been more wrong. Both Fred and Tom are gifted practitioners who have demonstrated the ability to fully understand the complexities of their clients and have crafted exercise and nutrition regimes tailored to fit me and only me. The combination of Fred’s varied, interesting and fun workouts alongside the simple and easy to grasp Mediterranean diet, supplements and bi-monthly support from Tom, I was on the road to elevate my well-being.
12 weeks into my journey with Fred and Tom, I have lost 25lbs and 8.4% of body fat alongside gaining 2.4lbs of muscle. My diabetes and lipid profiles have dramatically improved. I workout once per week with Fred and once or twice per week solo. Fred has taught me how to maximize the greatest benefit in the shortest amount of time. Tom has introduced a world of delicious smart foods to my life - whole foods – sensible quantities – whole grains, fish, chicken, meat, nuts, olives, greens, veggies, Greek yogurt and fruits. If it wasn’t on the planet 100 years ago, then I will do my best to not consume it. And let’s be real here, my tailored food plan includes time for an occasional single meal departure from this healthy, lean eating lifestyle to enjoy a rich indulgence.
My “self-care” journey continues each and every day and I am thrilled to have rekindled a kind and loving friendship with that very special guy – “me”.
Thank you Fred and Tom for supporting my tip-top priority - “self-care”. If you are not there for yourself, how can you be there for others? - Steve Albert
Not Just Another Winter
This past winter began for me as any other winter, cold and depressing. One day came an email out of the blue; Fred and Tom were challenging their clients to a fat loss contest.
Structured differently than any old weight loss contest, this one measured percentage of fat lost and muscle gained, in addition to overall weight lost. I began to focus on calorie burn in my workouts with Fred and learned a lot about various types of training and intensity. Each time I weighed in with Tom, he impressed on me the need to continue to eat throughout the contest and gave me loads of tips on healthy eating for my outrageously busy lifestyle. My tax season kicked in and the stress started to mount, but Fred's intermittent support emails and my structured appointments for training and nutrition were just the ticket for my success.
My results? This winter I actually lost weight instead of gaining (which is usually not the norm for me), and by the end of the contest I had reached my final weight goal of 120 after 3 years of consistent effort on my part and excellent coaching on the part of Fred and Tom.
Thanks guys, I could not have done it without you!! - Susannah
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
An Unstable Practice
Standing on a wobbly object - especially while lifting weights - does not build stability, in fact, it impairs it. Why? Because you are promoting unsafe stressors on the tendons, ligaments and joints of the ankles, knees, hips and lower back. So get on the ball by getting off the ball.
- Fred Fornicola
- Fred Fornicola
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Natural Interval Training
Sunday’s I usually darn my weight vest and take my dog, Angel, for a walk at one of the local parks by my home. I use a vest primarily because I gain no real value of just meandering along on a walk and prefer a little more of a stimulating challenge. It’s also a great reminder to me of how it felt when I was lugging around all that extra weight years ago….but that’s another story for another time.
At this time of year (winter) and because Angel and I go out so very early morning, there are very few people in the park and therefore, I let her off the leash to romp around as I walk the park. If it snows (which we’ve had a ton of this year), we’ll trudge through the accumulation and encounter one helluva an adventure. As we take in the fresh air and sunrise, I watch her innate behavior as she sniffs this and that, pees here and there, sprints to here next spot and just has a good ‘ole time being outside and moving around. Interesting are her instinctive movement patterns that enable her to do our 3+ miles without her ever really getting tired as she is now pushing 9 years of age. Because of her intermittent bouts of sniffing, peeing, walking and sprinting so naturally, she has a built-in capacity to handle this workload as she would otherwise not as proof of when my wife takes her for a two mile run and she’s “dog tired”. However, when we’re done, she comes into the house and heads right outside the back door to play around some more. It’s apparent that she recovers well from her exercise as she isn’t panting when we’re done and she is able to be relaxed and breathing normally as soon as she lay’s down. In addition to her ability to have this recovery ability, this exercise pattern is a lot less stressful on her joints, pads and of course, her heart.
Now don’t confuse increased heart rate as not being stressful, I’m referring to a good stress that strengthens the heart and not a pattern that add strain to the heart in an ineffective way. It seems apparent, then, that this stop-and-go pattern (from the research I’ve read) offers a greater value to strengthening the heart rather than adding unproductive stress to it. Those who partake in some type of high level effort, high intensity training are already reaping the benefits of this exercise pattern, those who are not may want to consider some form of interval training to enhance their cardiovascular and muscular systems to improve their heart, lungs and musculature. Hmm, I guess you could say that maybe an old dog can teach us new tricks.
Fred Fornicola
Fitness Professional
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Guidance
Possibilities are endless when you have the correct guidance and application - if you aren't making progress in your strength, health or fat loss - maybe it's time for you to seize the moment and call us for a free consultation to discuss your goals.
Fred Fornicola
Tom Mantos
JERSEY SHORE HEALTH & WELLNESS GROUP
Fred Fornicola
Tom Mantos
JERSEY SHORE HEALTH & WELLNESS GROUP
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Reduce Stress With Exercise
Times are tough right now. Economy is hurting, government is throwing us some curves and people are feeling the pressure....no one is impervious to it. The key to a lot of this is how we handle it, trying to keep things in perspective. With all of this surrounding us one of the best things we can do is not give up on ourselves and more now than ever is when we need to take care of our health. Don't short change yourself by sitting on your butt, get up and relieve some stress...invest in yourself.
Reduce Stress With Exercise
Reduce Stress With Exercise
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Why?
Are you following a set of rules simply because "they say" or mimick what "they do" because you saw, read or listened to someone? Ask "why", understand "why", and most importantly, make sure the guidance you are receiving is from a source that truly understands "why". Make sure your information is from someone who has experience and isn't just regurgitating information without knowing "why" themselves.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Premiere Personal FItness Training Programs
Listed below are the available programs at Premiere Personal Fitness. These programs will enable you to train within your own personal capacity to increase your strength, improve your cardiovascular system and lose body fat. Please click on each program for more detailed information and feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at 908.433.4542.
- Fred Fornicola, Fitness Professional
- Fred Fornicola, Fitness Professional
Premiere Personal Fitness - The "Essential" Training Program
Premiere Personal Fitness - The "High Performance" Training Program
Premiere Personal Fitness - The "Elite Lite" Training Program
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Be One of the Elite
Took in the second of my two strength workouts for the week this morning. Started off with a couple organic dates about an hour before I trained and 8 ounces of water. I performed 1 compound "pulling" exercise (one movement that works the back, biceps and forearm muscles), 1 compound "pressing" movement (one exercise that works the chest, shoulders and triceps) and 1 compound lower body exercise (the area of the hips and thighs). The muscles of the calves, lower back, upper back and abdominals are thoroughly worked as ell with these particular movements and in the way that they are performed. My total workout time was under 10 minutes. This workout and similar one's are part of the "Elite" programs offered at Premiere Personal Fitness. Call or email for more information.Fred Fornicola 908.433.4542
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Core
My interpetation of the "core" differs greatly from conventional thought. The core, for me, consists of the entire body from top to bottom, left to right and front to back. There aren't many activities - recreational, athletic or functional - that don't include the whole body to some degree so why just make one area a priority.
Our New Website
Please take time to visit our new website for detailed information on Fred Fornicola and Tom Mantos, plus sign up for newsletters and health tips from Fred and Tom.
JERSEY SHORE HEALTH & WELLNESS GROUP WEBSITE
JERSEY SHORE HEALTH & WELLNESS GROUP WEBSITE
Friday, March 12, 2010
GIve Up Some TV Time
According to Nielsen Media Research, the average person watches four hours, 35 minutes of television each day (275 minutes). To me, those numbers seem excessive, but I’m sure most people catch at least 60 minutes each day (and more on the weekends). If an individual were to give up 60 minutes a week (and I’m allowing for some drive time here as well) of their TV time and engage in a properly planned exercise program, they could achieve significant strength and cardiovascular benefits – as well as an all-important better shaped body.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Figure 8's with Kettlebell
A great way to train the lower body, abdominals and cardiovascular system.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
"Natural Approaches to Preventing Cancer"
I will be doing a seminar at Brookdale Community College on "Natural Approaches to Preventing Cancer" on Friday March 12 from 11:30-1:30. I will be covering lifetyle strategies you can start now that will reduce your risk factors to cancer. Please call 732-224-2395 to register. Hope to see you then. - Tom Mantos
Friday, February 26, 2010
Coming Soon....
The official Jersey Shore Health and Wellness Group website is nearing completion and will provide you with more detailed information on what we offer.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Why We Need To Supplement Our Diet (PART 3)
The following are the 3 basic nutritional support modalities which include the following:
1. Prophylactic nutrition: This is using supplements in the prevention of health related problems along with dietary and lifestyle modifications. Prevention of disease is the real key to living a longer and better quality life.
2. Therapeutic nutrition: This is related to specific nutritional health problems or diseased states. By temporarily increasing the intake of specific nutrients we help to compensate for our bodies increased needs caused by trauma, disease, surgery, stress etc. In this way we supply the body with critical co-factors to stimulate the bodies healing mechanisms.
3. Accesory nutrients: These are the nutrients that our body already makes. In some people they become a conditionally essential nutrient when the body does not make enough to meet its demands as in a diseased state. In this manner they must be supplied to the body in higher dosages by supplementation. Some accesory nutrients include carnitine, inositol, co-enzyme Q10, lecithin, glutathione, glutamine, amino acids ,and many others.
Balanced intake: The most important rule in taking supplements is to use the proper balance of all the nutrients. The ratio of one nutrient to another is critical in maintaining a balanced intake and support of cellular function. The presence or absence of a nutrient may effect the availability, absorption, metabolism, or dietary needs for others. The form of the vitamin may also be importasnt, because some binding (chelating) agents help to absorb the nutrient and deliver it more efficiently. The cheap one a days advertised as the best multiple out there are the worst. You can not fit everything you need into a one a day vitamin. If you have health problems it is best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional trained in nutritional medicine.
Well folks this concludes my 3 part series on supplements. If you have any questions or comments please give me a call.
Tom Mantos
(732) 219-9636
www.MetabolicNutrition.Meta-ehealth.com
1. Prophylactic nutrition: This is using supplements in the prevention of health related problems along with dietary and lifestyle modifications. Prevention of disease is the real key to living a longer and better quality life.
2. Therapeutic nutrition: This is related to specific nutritional health problems or diseased states. By temporarily increasing the intake of specific nutrients we help to compensate for our bodies increased needs caused by trauma, disease, surgery, stress etc. In this way we supply the body with critical co-factors to stimulate the bodies healing mechanisms.
3. Accesory nutrients: These are the nutrients that our body already makes. In some people they become a conditionally essential nutrient when the body does not make enough to meet its demands as in a diseased state. In this manner they must be supplied to the body in higher dosages by supplementation. Some accesory nutrients include carnitine, inositol, co-enzyme Q10, lecithin, glutathione, glutamine, amino acids ,and many others.
Balanced intake: The most important rule in taking supplements is to use the proper balance of all the nutrients. The ratio of one nutrient to another is critical in maintaining a balanced intake and support of cellular function. The presence or absence of a nutrient may effect the availability, absorption, metabolism, or dietary needs for others. The form of the vitamin may also be importasnt, because some binding (chelating) agents help to absorb the nutrient and deliver it more efficiently. The cheap one a days advertised as the best multiple out there are the worst. You can not fit everything you need into a one a day vitamin. If you have health problems it is best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional trained in nutritional medicine.
Well folks this concludes my 3 part series on supplements. If you have any questions or comments please give me a call.
Tom Mantos
(732) 219-9636
www.MetabolicNutrition.Meta-ehealth.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
Static Contraction Machine
There's a new toy at Premiere Personal Fitness (courtesy of my buddy Joel). This machine allows you to perform static contractions (isometrically provide force) and gives a digital read out of your performance. Static contraction training will allow you to perform movements that you may not have otherwise been able to do due to orthopedic restrictions (joint problems, injuries, lack of flexibility).
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Premiere Personal Fitness
PREMIERE PERSONAL FITNESS offers
*One-on-One Personalized Training in a Private Environment
*Group Conditioning Classes
*An Opportunity to Get Stronger, Leaner and Fit in 30 Minutes, Two Times per Week
*No Contracts, No Obligations - Just a Personal Commitment to Succeed
For a FREE Consultation, call Fred Fornicola at 908.433.4542 or email at fredfornicola@optonline.net.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Why We Need to Supplement Our Diet - Part 2
In part one I covered nutritional related diseases. In part 2 I will be focusing on factors that increase our need for supplementation. These include the following:
1. Biochemical individuality: Each person has a unique physiology, which sets us apart from anyone else in the world. A person's nutritional requirements can vary widely based on his particular makeup. We all vary in our ability to digest food, absorb nutrients into the body, transport nutrients into the cells and tissues, and excrete waste products. Due to inborn errors in metabolism, some people may require 100-1000X the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) for optimal functioning. These inborn errors in metabolism are being documented more and more frequently.
2. Environmental factors: Our bodies become burdened and depleted by increased contamination of the food, land, and water. These chemicals (xenobiotics) can diorectly induce a disease state in the body and of course increase the demand of specific nutrients for optimal function.
3. Well balanced diet myth: A recent USDA survey involving 21,500 people over 3 days showed that not a single person consumed even the meager RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) of the ten nutrients studied.
4. Soil depletion: In farming, we replace the fertilizers and nitrogen compounds, which the plants need to grow. The essential nutrients of the soil are not replaced, leading to soil depletion. Couple this with the use of pesticides.
5. Food processing: The processing of foods has led to signifcant reduction in the essential nutrients, anti-oxidants, and fibers of the food.
6. Food cosmetic treatment: Consumers today must also cope with a broad array of colorings, waxes, and disenfectants whose long term effects only time will tell. We do know this that people react negativelyto colorings and dyes in the food. Many children with behavior disorders react to these agents, which is verified by doing IgG sensitivity testing and improvements in behupon avoiding the agents.
7. Trauma/stressors: conditions such as disease, impaired liver detoxification, physical, and emotional stress, alcohol, medications, electromagnetic fields are all documented to riob and deplete our bodies of essential nutrients.
8. Lifestyle choices: Each person's lifestyle also directly effects their needs for specific nutrients. Considerations include exercise, food and beverage choices, refined carbohydrate intake, food additive consumption, chemical adulteration of the water, alcohol use, drug use, air and water quality, and bioenergenics patterns.
Tom Mantos
(732) 219-9636
www.MetabolicNutrition.Meta-ehealth.com
1. Biochemical individuality: Each person has a unique physiology, which sets us apart from anyone else in the world. A person's nutritional requirements can vary widely based on his particular makeup. We all vary in our ability to digest food, absorb nutrients into the body, transport nutrients into the cells and tissues, and excrete waste products. Due to inborn errors in metabolism, some people may require 100-1000X the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) for optimal functioning. These inborn errors in metabolism are being documented more and more frequently.
2. Environmental factors: Our bodies become burdened and depleted by increased contamination of the food, land, and water. These chemicals (xenobiotics) can diorectly induce a disease state in the body and of course increase the demand of specific nutrients for optimal function.
3. Well balanced diet myth: A recent USDA survey involving 21,500 people over 3 days showed that not a single person consumed even the meager RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) of the ten nutrients studied.
4. Soil depletion: In farming, we replace the fertilizers and nitrogen compounds, which the plants need to grow. The essential nutrients of the soil are not replaced, leading to soil depletion. Couple this with the use of pesticides.
5. Food processing: The processing of foods has led to signifcant reduction in the essential nutrients, anti-oxidants, and fibers of the food.
6. Food cosmetic treatment: Consumers today must also cope with a broad array of colorings, waxes, and disenfectants whose long term effects only time will tell. We do know this that people react negativelyto colorings and dyes in the food. Many children with behavior disorders react to these agents, which is verified by doing IgG sensitivity testing and improvements in behupon avoiding the agents.
7. Trauma/stressors: conditions such as disease, impaired liver detoxification, physical, and emotional stress, alcohol, medications, electromagnetic fields are all documented to riob and deplete our bodies of essential nutrients.
8. Lifestyle choices: Each person's lifestyle also directly effects their needs for specific nutrients. Considerations include exercise, food and beverage choices, refined carbohydrate intake, food additive consumption, chemical adulteration of the water, alcohol use, drug use, air and water quality, and bioenergenics patterns.
Tom Mantos
(732) 219-9636
www.MetabolicNutrition.Meta-ehealth.com
Sunday, February 7, 2010
You Have To Earn It First
If you’re just starting a dieting regimen, you need to stick to your plan for at least 30 days before taking any liberties – i.e. grabbing a cookie here or a piece of candy there. Keep the following analogy in mind next time you want to cheat on your diet: Let’s say you start a new job and after your first week you walk into your boss’s office at 3PM and tell him you’re cutting out early to get a jump on the weekend. How do you think that’s going to fly? You haven’t earned that reward yet – just like you haven’t earned the reward of cheating on your diet yet if you haven’t put the time in. Now let’s consider a week’s vacation from work. You definitely have to put in your time to be able to request time and take off from work – same holds true for a real “cheat meal” if you are newly into your new eating plan. The point is simple; be diligent in your quest to stick with your program, resist temptation and develop solid habits and then feel free to reward yourself every now and again as you should in every day life. – Fred Fornicola
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Why We Need to Supplement Our Diet - Part 1
The human body manufactures about 100,000 different chemicals. There are about 90 essential nutrients that the body does not make and must be consumed. Under certain conditions such as disease states the non-essential nutrients may become essential. These essential nutrients supply the body with enzymes and co-factors which run most of our biochemical pathways in the body. These nutrients include vitamin, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and specific plant compounds. The following contribute to nutritionally related diseases:
*Nutritional Deficiencies:
Deficiency disease states result from not consuming enough of a specific nutrient to prevent a nutrient dependent disease. This would include "scurvy" from a vitamin C deficiency, "beri beri" lack of thiamine (B1), and protein/calorie malnutrition as seen in starvation we see in third world countries called "kwashiorkor".
*Undernutrition/Overconsumption:
This results in diseases not only from nutritional deficiencies, but also the opverconsumption of too much saturated fat, sugar, alcohol, and white refined products. These disorders can manifest themselves as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, hypertension, osteoporosis, arthrtitis, etc.
*Genotrophic Disease:
This refers to poor nutrition which does not meet the unique demands of our genes resulting in poor function and disease. The way our genes express themselves in health or disease is mostly influenced by our environment (lifestyle, diet, exercise, stress) according to The Human Genome Project. Research is showing that genes can be turned on and off like a switch depending on what we do to them. We are all biochemically unique and require different levels of nutirents for optimal functioning. This new field of nutrition is called Nutrigenomics which is the study of the interaction of diet and genes.
Tom Mantos
(732) 219-9636
www.MetabolicNutrition.Meta-ehealth.com
*Nutritional Deficiencies:
Deficiency disease states result from not consuming enough of a specific nutrient to prevent a nutrient dependent disease. This would include "scurvy" from a vitamin C deficiency, "beri beri" lack of thiamine (B1), and protein/calorie malnutrition as seen in starvation we see in third world countries called "kwashiorkor".
*Undernutrition/Overconsumption:
This results in diseases not only from nutritional deficiencies, but also the opverconsumption of too much saturated fat, sugar, alcohol, and white refined products. These disorders can manifest themselves as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, hypertension, osteoporosis, arthrtitis, etc.
*Genotrophic Disease:
This refers to poor nutrition which does not meet the unique demands of our genes resulting in poor function and disease. The way our genes express themselves in health or disease is mostly influenced by our environment (lifestyle, diet, exercise, stress) according to The Human Genome Project. Research is showing that genes can be turned on and off like a switch depending on what we do to them. We are all biochemically unique and require different levels of nutirents for optimal functioning. This new field of nutrition is called Nutrigenomics which is the study of the interaction of diet and genes.
Tom Mantos
(732) 219-9636
www.MetabolicNutrition.Meta-ehealth.com
Runners Should Watch the Weather
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who regularly run should watch the weather and know how to prevent weather-related injury, say sports doctors.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) now recommends that before heading outside, runners should check the temperature to prevent heat exhaustion, heatstroke, hypothermia (core body temperature below 97 degrees Fahrenheit), and frostbite during running.
The group's newest revised Position Stand, "Heat and Cold Illnesses During Long-Distance Running" appears in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. The statement is meant for medical directors and race officials of distance running events involving elite athletes, and for outdoor events involving recreational joggers. But its recommendations also apply to competitive cyclists, soccer players, and triathletes.
Noting that "the health status of participants varies from day to day," the statement cautions that "compliance with these recommendations will not guarantee protection from environmentally induced illnesses."
The report points out that dehydration is common among participants in prolonged endurance events in both hot and cold weather conditions. It encourages runners to replace fluids lost through sweat by consuming 5 to 10 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes.
It notes that on extremely hot days, on average between 3% and 10% of participants need treatment for heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion (fatigue, sometimes collapse, caused by overexposure to heat), and heatstroke (a life-threatening disorder caused by a breakdown of the body's heat-regulating mechanisms).
To avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke, the ACSM says runners should be adequately fed; drink fluids before, during, and after exercise; and should get themselves used to running in hot climates by training over several days, gradually increasing exercise intensity in the heat. Runners should not exercise if they have an on-going illness, respiratory infection (cold or flu), diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.
As to hypothermia, recommendations include wearing several layers of light, loose clothing that insulates the skin with trapped air. Areas of the body that lose large amounts of heat3head, neck, legs, and hands—should be covered.
Frostbite occurs when fluids in the skin crystallize after exposure to subfreezing temperatures. It can occur within seconds of exposure, says the report, depending on wind speed, air temperature, and body insulation. The ACSM statement says runners can avoid frostbite and hypothermia in cold windy conditions by dressing adequately and protecting themselves against wet skin and clothing.
"Running is enjoyed by more than 20 million people of all ages and fitness levels. By following the recommendations outlined above, runners can help ensure they cross the finish line, rather than be carried over it," says the ACSM.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure. According to the National Institutes of Health, high blood pressure generally includes:
1.) Systolic blood pressure that is consistenly higher than 140. Systolic blood pressure is the "top" number of a blood pressure measurement, which represents the pressure generated when the heart beats.
2.) Diastolic blood pressure that is consistenly higher than 90. Diastolic blood pressure is the "bottom" number of your blood pressure measurement, which represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest.
Hypertension affects approximately 50 million Americans, or one in four adults. Unless severe, hypertension is generally not accompanied by any symptoms. However, it is a serious condition that can greatly increase one's risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The following risk factors are associated with hypertension:
Genetic predisposition or family history of hypertension
African-American descent
Excessive alcohol consumption
Excessive sodium intake
Sedentary lifestyle
Obesity
Depression
Anxiety
Lifestyle adjustments and other functional medicine approaches have been shown to prevent and reduce the risk factors of hypertension. These include - but are not limited to - maintaining a healthy body composition (muscle-to-fat ratio), reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. - courtesy of Metagenics
1.) Systolic blood pressure that is consistenly higher than 140. Systolic blood pressure is the "top" number of a blood pressure measurement, which represents the pressure generated when the heart beats.
2.) Diastolic blood pressure that is consistenly higher than 90. Diastolic blood pressure is the "bottom" number of your blood pressure measurement, which represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest.
Hypertension affects approximately 50 million Americans, or one in four adults. Unless severe, hypertension is generally not accompanied by any symptoms. However, it is a serious condition that can greatly increase one's risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The following risk factors are associated with hypertension:
Genetic predisposition or family history of hypertension
African-American descent
Excessive alcohol consumption
Excessive sodium intake
Sedentary lifestyle
Obesity
Depression
Anxiety
Lifestyle adjustments and other functional medicine approaches have been shown to prevent and reduce the risk factors of hypertension. These include - but are not limited to - maintaining a healthy body composition (muscle-to-fat ratio), reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. - courtesy of Metagenics
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Boosting Your Immune System With Tea
Research has shown for years that drinking tea has many health benefits. Most people are aware that teas – specifically those that are green, oolong, white and black – supply antioxidants to the body, but what antioxidants are we referring to? Well, for the most part, these previously mentioned teas contain flavonoids (a class of water-soluble plant pigments), and they contain one in particular called catechins. So now you’re probably thinking, “what the heck is a catechin?” Well, catechins are one of the most powerful in the polyphenol family. Tea contains four main catechin substances, one of which is about 25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. In fact, research has stated that one cup of green tea provides 10-40 mg of polyphenols and has antioxidant effects greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries. The high antioxidant activity of these teas makes it beneficial for protecting the body from oxidative damage due to free radicals which helps the body ward off dis-ease (heart disease, cancers, inflammation, etc.).
Another consideration is quality. It is quite possible for store bought tea to be good. If a customer chooses loose leaf over tea bags, they greatly improve their chances of getting quality. Tea bags are generally bad because the quality of the tea in the bag is generally poor - having a significant impact on taste (flat, bitter). Shelf life is another matter of importance. If kept properly, tea leaves can be kept fresh for a long time - but quality does diminish - how long has that tea been sitting on the shelf? That's why I will use places likeAsbury Park Roastery who works with tea suppliers who are passionate about what they do - in turn, they are able to provide fine quality loose leaf organic teas to their customers. They handle and store the tea properly to maintain that quality and they also know how long it has been sitting on the shelf. Equally important is they are available to assist and guide - can't buy that at the store. Oh, and one more thing, organic is more significant when it comes to tea versus coffee. The image of someone spraying pesticide on a leaf, then saying, 'here, go put this in hot water for a few minutes and drink it.'
Here is a quick description of the four teas mentioned here in the article:
White Tea - buds are plucked before they are open, allowed to wither, then they are dried
Green Tea (unfermented) - leaves are dried, and then heat-treated to stop fermentation
Oolong Tea (semi-fermented) - leaves are wilted, then allowed to go through brief period of fermentation
Black Tea (fermented) - leaves are withered, rolled, fermented and then dried
Monday, January 11, 2010
Where Does Fat Go When You Lose It?
The first thing to remember is that muscle and fat are two different substances, such that one can not be converted into the other. You need to lose fat and build the muscle. Fat is stored in fat cells (adipocytes) which are located all over the body. Depending on factors such as hormones, genetics, and blood sugar regulation you may have more fat cells in certain areas of the body. You have two different body types when it comes to fat cell location upper body heavy (apple shape)and lower body heavy (pear shape). You are born with a certain number of fat cells which you are stuck with. Having said that there are special occasions when these fat cells can multiply. This can happen first in the womb if mom gains way too much weight, you are overfed as a kid in the growing years, pregnancy, and in extreme obesity. So when we lose or gain fat we do not change the number of fat cells only there size. So the fat cells can increase or shrink like a sponge, but the number remains the same.
Lets take a journey and follow the fat to see where it goes when we lose it. The body primarily uses fat for fuel during our normal physical activities or during prolonged aerobic type activities. When the body needs fatty acids for fuel it is transported out of the fat cell and makes its first stop at the liver. The liver has to breakdown these long chain fatty acids (beta-oxidation) into short little 2 carbon fatty acids (Acetyl-CoA) so it can be easily used as fuel. The next step in our journey transports these short little fatty acids (Acetyl-CoA) to the area of the cell that uses these fats for energy or fuel. The part of the cell that does this is the mitochondria which is the powerhouse of the cell. The mitochondria produces all our energy needs for the muscles to work, brain and heart to function. We can increase the number of mitchondria by increasing muscle mass and aerobic capacity. Now we have more engines to burn more fat for fuel. Once the little fatty acid is transported into the mitochondria it goes into a system called the Kreb Cycle which burns up the fatty acids (oxidation) and produces energy. That's where the fat goes.
Tom Mantos
(732) 219-9636
www.MetabolicNutrition.Meta-ehealth.com
Friday, January 8, 2010
Gluten Free Strawberry Muffins
Here's a very easy to make gluten free recipe that makes 12 nutritionally dense and tasty muffins.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl, mix the following dry ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of Arrow Mills gluten free pancake mix
1/2 cup of brown rice flour
1/2 cup organic ground flax seed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2/3 cup raw sugar
After mixing well, add:
1 container (6 ounces) of Chobani strawberry yogurt
2 tablespoons of Smart Balance Butter
4 ounces of soy, almond or coconut milk
10-12 defrosted frozen strawberries (microwave for 2:30 minutes before adding to mixture)
Blend all ingredients in the large bowl until mixed well.
Spray a muffin tin with oil and fill 12 cups with the mixture and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool on a rack and enjoy.
Note: If you prefer, blueberries can be substituted for the strawberries both in the yogurt and fruit.
Grab one or two of these and add a yogurt and you have a great start to your day or a mid-day snack.
Fred Fornicola
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl, mix the following dry ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of Arrow Mills gluten free pancake mix
1/2 cup of brown rice flour
1/2 cup organic ground flax seed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2/3 cup raw sugar
After mixing well, add:
1 container (6 ounces) of Chobani strawberry yogurt
2 tablespoons of Smart Balance Butter
4 ounces of soy, almond or coconut milk
10-12 defrosted frozen strawberries (microwave for 2:30 minutes before adding to mixture)
Blend all ingredients in the large bowl until mixed well.
Spray a muffin tin with oil and fill 12 cups with the mixture and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool on a rack and enjoy.
Note: If you prefer, blueberries can be substituted for the strawberries both in the yogurt and fruit.
Grab one or two of these and add a yogurt and you have a great start to your day or a mid-day snack.
Fred Fornicola
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Fast Food for Your Health
I bet you if I titled this article “Fast Food Kills” you probably wouldn’t have even attempted to look at it, but all you fast food junkies are here to see if in some small way I was going to justify eating at Mickey D’s, right? Well……………………..NO!
Let’s take a look at an average American meal at a fast food establishment such as McDonald’s (I just can’t call a place that serves what they serve a “restaurant”). A meal consisting of 1 Big Mac, 1 order of regular fries and a vanilla triple thick shake to wash it down. According to our food pyramid, it sounds like we have the makings of a solid meal here, right? We’ve got our meat from the burger, our dairy from the shake, bread & potatoes come from our bun and fries and some vegetables from the lettuce (which is ice berg and provides 0 nutritional value) and tomato.
Now, let’s evaluate what this meal entails as far as calories and the macronutrient breakdown. Not adding in any additional condiments like ketchup to dip the fries and extra “fixings” that may be added, this meal consists of the following:
Big Mac: 33 grams of fat, 47 grams of carbohydrates and 24 grams of protein = 580 kcals
Small Order of Fries: 10 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbs and 3 grams of protein = 209kcals
vanilla Triple Thick Shake: 12 grams of fat, 76 grams of carbs and 11 grams of protein = 430 kclas.
Total for this meal: 55g of fat / 140g of carbohydrates (mainly simple) / 38g of protein, totaling a whopping 1,219 calories!!!!
If you are one who frequents Mickey D’s or their equivalent, hopefully you are sitting back in your seat and thinking WOW! Do I eat that many calories at one time? Do I consume that much fat (which by the way totaled over 20 grams of saturated fat)? Do I eat that many useless carbohydrates at one time?
What most people fail to realize is that not only are they consuming way too many calories, but that most of what they eat provides very little in the way of any nutritional value. I learned a long time ago that eating healthy means more than just “not eating junk”. Your body needs to consume nutrient dense foods daily to assist in fighting diseases such as type II Diabetes, heart disease (the #1 killer in America), stroke, cancer, etc. By ignoring these facts and having the opinion that “it won’t happen to me” increases the possibilities of acquiring a disease due to poor eating habits and lack of exercise. Considering the likelihood that this would never happen to you has made these diseases intangible in your mind, merely a “scare tactic” to encourage you to eat for your health. Hey, we all where the big “S” (referring to Superman) on our chest at times and think that we are indestructible to some degree, but the reality of it all is that we are not and as soon as you realize that proper eating and exercise will benefit your overall health you will be better off.
Don’t keep trying to out run the bullet, it very well may catch you one day………
Fred Fornicola
Let’s take a look at an average American meal at a fast food establishment such as McDonald’s (I just can’t call a place that serves what they serve a “restaurant”). A meal consisting of 1 Big Mac, 1 order of regular fries and a vanilla triple thick shake to wash it down. According to our food pyramid, it sounds like we have the makings of a solid meal here, right? We’ve got our meat from the burger, our dairy from the shake, bread & potatoes come from our bun and fries and some vegetables from the lettuce (which is ice berg and provides 0 nutritional value) and tomato.
Now, let’s evaluate what this meal entails as far as calories and the macronutrient breakdown. Not adding in any additional condiments like ketchup to dip the fries and extra “fixings” that may be added, this meal consists of the following:
Big Mac: 33 grams of fat, 47 grams of carbohydrates and 24 grams of protein = 580 kcals
Small Order of Fries: 10 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbs and 3 grams of protein = 209kcals
vanilla Triple Thick Shake: 12 grams of fat, 76 grams of carbs and 11 grams of protein = 430 kclas.
Total for this meal: 55g of fat / 140g of carbohydrates (mainly simple) / 38g of protein, totaling a whopping 1,219 calories!!!!
If you are one who frequents Mickey D’s or their equivalent, hopefully you are sitting back in your seat and thinking WOW! Do I eat that many calories at one time? Do I consume that much fat (which by the way totaled over 20 grams of saturated fat)? Do I eat that many useless carbohydrates at one time?
What most people fail to realize is that not only are they consuming way too many calories, but that most of what they eat provides very little in the way of any nutritional value. I learned a long time ago that eating healthy means more than just “not eating junk”. Your body needs to consume nutrient dense foods daily to assist in fighting diseases such as type II Diabetes, heart disease (the #1 killer in America), stroke, cancer, etc. By ignoring these facts and having the opinion that “it won’t happen to me” increases the possibilities of acquiring a disease due to poor eating habits and lack of exercise. Considering the likelihood that this would never happen to you has made these diseases intangible in your mind, merely a “scare tactic” to encourage you to eat for your health. Hey, we all where the big “S” (referring to Superman) on our chest at times and think that we are indestructible to some degree, but the reality of it all is that we are not and as soon as you realize that proper eating and exercise will benefit your overall health you will be better off.
Don’t keep trying to out run the bullet, it very well may catch you one day………
Fred Fornicola
Sunday, January 3, 2010
What is Functional Medicine?
The term “functional medicine” was coined in 1993 to describe the medicine of the future.1 In fact, today, many complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, practitioners use a functional medicine approach that includes the following:
1. Patient uniqueness: Each individual is unique. This uniqueness encompasses voluntary activities, such as decision-making, personality development, and emotional response, and involuntary activities like metabolism of nutrients, cellular processing of information, and communication among the body’s organ systems. Functional medicine professionals realize that all individuals have unique metabolic patterns that affect their health needs and thus, the concept of individuality is central to every aspect of functional medicine, from clinical assessment and diagnosis to the broad spectrum of treatment modalities.
Patient-centered approach: Functional medicine practitioners use a patient-centered approach to support wellness. This means that in addition to considering the overall health of the patient, functional medicine practitioners consider the beliefs, attitudes, and motivations, as well as the physical, mental, and emotional aspects, of the patient.
Preventive care: Optimal health is not just the absence of disease. Even the most minor symptoms can foreshadow more serious conditions later in life. This often happens via the “snowball effect,” in which a “minor” imbalance within the body produces a cascade of biological triggers that can eventually lead to poor health and chronic illness. For this reason, functional medicine focuses on the prevention, instead of just the treatment of, even the most minor imbalances.2
Through changes in lifestyle, environment, and nutrition, functional medicine professionals rely on their knowledge of key physiological, genetic, and biochemical processes for establishing an innovative form of total patient wellness amidst the diversity of interests in health care today.1
References
The Institute for Functional Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2002, from http://www.fxmed.com/aboutus/about-frame.html
GSDL Functional Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2002, from http://www.gsdl.com/gsdl/functional_med.html
Information courtesy of Metagenics
1. Patient uniqueness: Each individual is unique. This uniqueness encompasses voluntary activities, such as decision-making, personality development, and emotional response, and involuntary activities like metabolism of nutrients, cellular processing of information, and communication among the body’s organ systems. Functional medicine professionals realize that all individuals have unique metabolic patterns that affect their health needs and thus, the concept of individuality is central to every aspect of functional medicine, from clinical assessment and diagnosis to the broad spectrum of treatment modalities.
Patient-centered approach: Functional medicine practitioners use a patient-centered approach to support wellness. This means that in addition to considering the overall health of the patient, functional medicine practitioners consider the beliefs, attitudes, and motivations, as well as the physical, mental, and emotional aspects, of the patient.
Preventive care: Optimal health is not just the absence of disease. Even the most minor symptoms can foreshadow more serious conditions later in life. This often happens via the “snowball effect,” in which a “minor” imbalance within the body produces a cascade of biological triggers that can eventually lead to poor health and chronic illness. For this reason, functional medicine focuses on the prevention, instead of just the treatment of, even the most minor imbalances.2
Through changes in lifestyle, environment, and nutrition, functional medicine professionals rely on their knowledge of key physiological, genetic, and biochemical processes for establishing an innovative form of total patient wellness amidst the diversity of interests in health care today.1
References
The Institute for Functional Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2002, from http://www.fxmed.com/aboutus/about-frame.html
GSDL Functional Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2002, from http://www.gsdl.com/gsdl/functional_med.html
Information courtesy of Metagenics
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