Nutrition FAQs

Why is nutrition important for depression or anxiety?
Foods that are high in refined sugar and carbohydrates can actually trigger and contribute to
depressive and anxiety symptoms. Eating fruits and vegetables (organic when possible) can help
to alleviate these symptoms. Sugar, specifically affects the brain/body in three ways: creates
inflammation, derails hormones, and starves your brain, damages other cell membranes/vessels
in the body. Eating foods high in protein will help keep blood sugar stable which will in turn
increase energy and balance mood. Paying attention to any food sensitivities you have is
important because these often cause unpleasant physical symptoms, which in turn affect one’s
overall mood. Eating complex carbohydrates will help increase serotonin to your brain.

Why is nutrition important for addiction recovery?
Those in addiction recovery or who struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety and depressiontypically have depleted nutrients or are nutrient deprived; this not only creates physical but also worsening mental health issues. Good nutrition will help repair the health of your brain and body and any prior damage to help you operate at an optimal level. Having adequate vitamins and minerals in your diet will also help repair/build organ tissue, increase energy, and strengthen immune system.

I eat pretty good, why would I need to detox?
Over the years, many new chemicals have been introduced in the environment; we take these in
through our skin, breathing, as well as eating/drinking. Toxins can be found in the water we
drink, medications we take, skin care products we use, and the air we breathe. In addition, to
other stress in our life, these toxins can increase the demand on our bodies and our natural
detoxification process can be slowed or halted and toxin accumulation can occur; this causes
tiredness, headaches, digestive issues, neurological issues, as well as other physical illnesses.

I see a lot of people in the area promoting nutrition services.  What makes this different?
We provide individualized nutrition services that focus on increasing the health of your brain and your body. We also use metabolic assessments used to help target specific areas of concern or determine food sensitivities. Another area of difference is cost. Affordability is key in long term success.

I want to lose weight, is that what you focus on?
The focus is on providing individuals with the education, lifestyle changes, and nutrition changes
that will assist with weight loss but more importantly assist with a healthy lifestyle to keep any
weight lost off. But more importantly we focus on your health and building a peaceful relationship with food.

I want to have better health, will a detox help me do that?
Yes, the detoxification process will help repair any damage to cells, get rid of toxins that can
cause physical symptoms, and can assist one in determining any food sensitivities that may be
interfering with their health.

I’ve heard about detoxes before. Will I have to go hungry?
No. This is not about starving yourself. This is about feeding your brain and body whole,
nutrient enriched foods and promoting positive lifestyle changes. You can eat plenty of whole
fruits/vegetables, and lean proteins with the detox.

I’ve heard about detoxes before.  Will I have diarrhea?
No. You may have some increase in urination as you are drinking more water and ridding the
body of toxins that have built up.

What makes your nutrition services different?
Because we are seasoned mental health professionals that have studied the impact of nutrition on your brain and body we can bring the next layer of health right to you…emotional health. Many food related issues are tied directly to the emotional connection you have with food. Although we focus on making healthy choices that will support mental health and addiction recovery, we have a special interest in supporting you emotionally as well. That makes our nutrition services unique to the Fox Valley.