Posted by HIFAS DA TERRA EDUCATION On 05/20/2022
When holistic nutrition appears
Historically, the term "Holistic" It has had many different connotations. The term «Holism » It has its origin in the Greek Holos, which means «whole". Later, in 1926, Jan Smuts resumed the term in his book Holism and Evolution <1>. In this he argued that the specialization of scientific disciplines has created a "Silos mentality", which leads to a myopic approach to knowledge. Smuts used evolution as a case study to defend holism, but his thinking became precursor of interdisciplinary approaches and integrators of health and medicine.The ayurveda in the holistic concept
As such, holism does not intend to extract knowledge or approaches to a specific dogma, culture or perspective. On the contrary, it aims to adopt a broader vision. Today, practices such as Nutrition and Holistic Medicine They extract knowledge from various disciplines, such as traditional Chinese medicine and ayurveda. He Ayurveda, for example, try restore and promote health and balance. According to Ayurvedic practices, health is not only the absence of disease, but maintenance of a harmonious balance between physical, mental, spiritual and environmental factors. Nutrition, of course, plays an integral role in maintaining this balance. He Ayurveda aims to promote optimal nutrition Through the formulation of food groups that work in harmony, induce adequate digestion and promote the maximum absorption of essential nutrients.Medicinal fungi
Certain foods and supplements can play an integral role in achieving this objective, namely, certain species of Medicinal fungi. Next, we analyze the practice of holistic nutrition and why fungi are a vital part of this integral approach to health and well -being.The growing acceptance of holistic health
Before presenting the concept of holistic nutrition, it should be explained why these methods are gaining more and more popularity. When health professionals have in count everything that surrounds a patient "That is, your general well -being as opposed to specific ailments," patients feel better attended. They cease to be a statistic or a symptom to become an individual with unique needs.Comprehensive, holistic approach
After years of dealing with the same ailments, many patients seek comprehensive (or even holistic) approaches to health and well -being. In the same way, those who use conventional medicine to treat serious diseases such as cancer can resort to Integrative methods to relieve side effects of medications or treatments. In addition, for patients with chronic or rehabilitation diseases, these approaches have long -term benefits. Holistic nutrition and health care can Prevent future diseases or relapses by favoring harmony between the mind, the body and the spirit. This can be achieved through multiple strategies, from body -based manipulative therapies, such as massages, Mind and body practices, like him yoga, and, of course, adjustments in the Diet and nutrition.The principles of holistic nutrition
Holistic nutrition, as well as holistic medicine, takes into account the person in its entirety when designing healing or healthy diets. While conventional dietitians can draw plans based on symptoms, a holistic nutrition professional will evaluate others agents that may be causing a poor nutrition that leads to the disease. Holistic nutrition analyzes the physical, emotional and spiritual health of the individual to design a road map towards long -term recovery and well -being, based on nutritional principles.Holistic Medicine Professionals
At present, holistic nutrition is not subject to a license or certification by an official regulatory body. However, there is enough demand and emerging evidence to justify official training and professional credentials. Usually Good holistic nutritionists work in collaboration with other health professionals to identify biochemical imbalances and toxicities that contribute to poor health.Applied Holistic Medicine
For example, when food is treated with pesticides, fertilizers and hormones, they affect the normal chemical processes of the body. These substances can have a chain effect on other parts of the body in addition to the digestive tract, including brain functions. Therefore, holistic nutritionists usually recommend food and organic supplements that Restore chemical and hormonal imbalances to promote health in general. This also works in the opposite direction; Some hormones that occur naturally in the intestine have an impact on neurological health. For example, some High levels of a hormone of satiety could reduce the probability that a person develops Alzheimer's disease <2>. Therefore, dietary choices are related to emotional, mental and neurological health, placing the body as a complete system.Medicinal fungi as part of holistic nutrition
The Medicinal mushrooms and fungi They have a high nutritional value, more than any vegetables or fruit, and have been consumed for many years for its flavor, its ecological benefits and its Therapeutic properties <3>. The healthy value of fungi has been appreciated by different cultures for centuries. The ancient Greeks believed that mushrooms They gave strength; The Romans called them the "Food of the gods", and the ancient Chinese culture referred to them as the "Elixir of life". Throughout the history of humanity and cultures, their sensory characteristics and their biological composition have made them popular medicinal and culinary ingredients.Fungi properties
Today, the scientific research It has demonstrated the nutritional value of mushrooms. Rich in fiber, antioxidants and proteins, mushrooms are a nutritious part of a balanced diet. Its protein content, in particular, is significant; with high levels of amino acids and essential fatty acids, its nutritional value is of great importance for the human diet. In addition, they contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamins B1, B2, B12, C, D and E <4>.Huitlacoche
A good example is Huitlacoche protein content, a edible fungus found in Mexican corn cobs. The protein content of the huitlacoche varies between 9.7%and 16.4%, which is much greater than that of corn (10%). Therefore, Huitlacoche is an excellent source of protein for those who have vegetarian or vegan diets. Huitlacoche also contains almost all essential amino acids, such as lysine, serine, glycine, aspartic and glutamic acid, as well as oleic and linoleic fatty acids <5>.Bioactive substances
In addition to having a high nutritional content, fungi also contain various bioactive substances. As an alternative source of antimicrobial compounds, that is, secondary metabolites, Fungi have several holistic benefits that contribute to broader health. Among these compounds are Triterpenes, the Natural sterols, the omega 3 fatty acids And, perhaps the most famous, the polysaccharides, among them the β-glucans. These Bioactive and complex polysaccharides polysaccharide-protein They seem to enhance innate and mediated immune responses. It has been informed that a wide range of these compounds has immunotherapeutic properties, and studies show that they can even present an antitumor activity <5>. In Asia, in particular, several have been made Clinical trials to evaluate the immunostimulating and anti -cancer activity of fungi.Sun mushroom
An example is the Agaricus Blazei Murill, a edible mushroom originally from Brazil that today is cultivated mainly in Japan. Commonly known as the Sun fungus, it is consumed in food or prepared as tea due to its Medicinal properties. Several studies have confirmed that this fungus has antimingogenic, anti -cancer and immunostimulatory activities. The studies In vitro They have shown that it also has a remarkable antioxidant activity, with 62% and 87% suppression of powerful oxidants such as the radical overexide anion, among other activities <6>. This RICH NUTRITIONAL AND BIOACTIVE CONTENTS makes many species of fungi an excellent basis for many different nutraceutics, combining holistic nutrition and medicine. With this potential to promote health due to synergies between bioactive compounds of fungi, these are a cornerstone of holistic nutrition. In addition to Its rich nutritional content, several species have substantial benefits for patients.A comprehensive health approach
The Holistic nutrition Recognize the complex interaction between physical, chemical, emotional and mental well -being, as well as the environmental factors that influence the patient's life and physicist. Therefore, holistic nutrition professionals address diet and supplements from a systemic perspective. Using the Nutrition education as a main toolHolistic nutritionists highlight the importance of an approach as the individual needs of each patient take into account.Mycotherapy and holistic approach
Taking into account their Medicinal and bioactive properties, fungi cover many of the objectives of holistic nutrition And, therefore, they are a key tool. Several have been identified Mushroom species such as rich sources of bioactive compounds, as well as sources of protein and low -fat amino acids. In fact, some species are so beneficial from the nutritional point of view that they can incorporate into the diet as Complete food or powdered superfood supplement. However, many more fungus benefits can be obtained thanks to nutraceutics. Through Metabolites extraction through sophisticated biotechnological methods, the formulas in capsules and liquids can provide a rich dose of these benefits beneficial for health in the case of chronic conditions, the protection of our immune system and people who follow restrictive diets, among others. Holistic nutritionists should seek organic products supported by tests to guarantee the quality of the prescribed product.- Smuts, C. J. (2020). Holism and evolution. Alpha editions.
- Sager W. (January 28, 2019), what you eat could affect your brain and your memory. Science Daily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190128111705.htm
- Sharifi-Rad J, Butnariu M, Ezzat SM, et al. Mushroom -rich preparations for wound healing: from Nutritional to Medicinal Attribute. Front Pharmacol. 2020; 11: 567518. Posted on September 16, 2020.
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- Valverde, M. E., Hernández-Pérez, T., & Paredes-López, O. (2015). Edible mushrooms: improving human health and promoting the quality of life. International Microbiology Magazine, 2015, 376387.
- Hakime-Silva Ra, hairy JC, Khalil NM, Khalil Oa, Brunetti Il, Oliveira Om. Studies of the chemical, enzymatic and cellular antioxidant activity of Agaricus Blazei Murrill. An Acad Branc. 2013 SEP; 85 (3): 1073-81.