Foundations of Naturopathic Nutrition

Book excerpt: Nutrition is a vital part of the complementary approach to health. This uniquely comprehensive and evidence-based text provides a detailed and systematic guide to the principles of clinical nutrition from a naturopathic perspective. The text begins with an overview of basic physiological principles and the body's protective systems, such as the antioxidant, detoxification and immune systems. The focus then moves to an in-depth examination of food components, including essential nutrients, such as protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, as well as nutritional bioactives, such as coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, phytochemicals, digestive enzymes and probiotics. There is detailed information on how each food component is digested and metabolised in the body, and guidance on its impact on health, including an explanation of the effects of inadequate and excessive intake. The types of supplements available together with dietary sources are also explored. Discussions of important nutritional topics are featured - for example, water as therapy, obesity, anorexia nervosa, high-protein diets, hypoglycaemia, diabetes, phytosterols, gamma-tocopherol, vitamin E and mortality, vitamin C and cancer, infantile scurvy, acid-forming and alkaline-forming diets, hair analysis, sodium and blood pressure, and coenzyme Q10 and cancer. Summary boxes, case studies and quizzes will help readers consolidate their knowledge. Foundations of Naturopathic Nutrition is an essential reference for everyone studying nutrition from a complementary health perspective. 'I thoroughly recommend this book as a learning aid for students, and as an excellent reference guide for experienced practitioners.' - Jackie Day, President, Naturopathic Nutrition Association (UK) 'A fabulous resource, not only for practitioners but also all those with an interest in nutrition.' - Professor Alan Bensoussan, Director, National Institute of Complementary Medicine, University of Western Sydney 'The foundation nutrition text we've all been waiting for. Fay Paxton has drawn from her many years of clinical nutrition experience, combining it with relevant research-based evidence, to produce an exhaustive body of work that is unique in its specific relevance to naturopathic and complementary medicine students and practitioners.' - David Stelfox, Associate Program Leader, Naturopathy, Endeavour College of Natural Health