Gwyneth Paltrow and Holistic Health

Gwyneth Paltrow recently launched a website, GOOP.com, her personal site about living a better life. When her dad was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, she started exploring Eastern medicine and the body’s ability to heal itself. She introduced him to the macrobiotic diet and acupuncture in an effort to heal him. While he didn’t like all aspects of macrobiotics, he loved acupuncture. Through this process she said she realized that there’s no universal plan for better health, no perfect diet or way of solving problems. Everyone’s body is different and each person must learn what works for them.

She did find a few guidelines, which are similar to the Integrative Nutrition approach.

Good sleep is integral to health. This is the time your body regenerates itself and will contribute to your energy and appetite level the next day. If you are a restless sleeper, relaxation techniques can help. Aim for at least 8 hours.

Crowd out chemicalized, junk food. Most people who reduce sugar, chemicalized, artificial junk food in their daily diet feel more energized. If you are already sick, cutting back on these foods helps your body recover its health and vitality. Add in more leafy greens, grains and fruits.

Increase your movement. Developing a regular exercise program to suit your particular body type and lifestyle will help you lose weight, alleviate stress and cut back on other aches and pains.

Many students come to our school to cure their own health problems or to help a loved one improve their health. Sometimes it takes a life-threatening disease for us to reevaluate how we take care of ourselves. Why wait? You can start making these changes today.