Ever since we were young, we've been conditioned to think and talk about our mind and body in broad terms like "my stomach hurts", or "my knees ache", but when there is a breakdown in function, or signs of pain, inflammation, or illness, the best practice in functional wellness says you must go deeper to look at the cellular (or even energetic) level to find the root cause that will lead you down the path to healing.
Mind.Body symptoms, illness, and (dys)function is your body's way of telling you:
it is NOT getting what it needs on a cellular level.
Functional Nutritionists & Functional Medicine Practitioners zoom out to look at the holistic view of a person's lifestyle AND they zoom in to look at cellular function.
Body Systems >> Organs >> Tissues >> Specialized Cells >> Cell Components & Organelles
Our bodies are made up of Body Systems (e.g., digestive system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, etc.).
Each Body System is made up of many individual, but interconnected Organs (e.g., the digestive system organs are mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small & large intestines, and rectum).
Each Organ is made from different types of interconnected Tissues (e.g., muscle, epithelial (skin or surface), connective (fat, bone, cartilage), and nervous).
Each Tissue is made up of several types of Specialized Cells that have specific functions to serve within the tissue (e.g., releasing neurochemicals, producing antibodies, secreting fluids) and have their own minimum and tightly regulated requirements for optimal function.
Specialized Cells are made up of Cellular Components & Organelles (e.g., cell membrane (gatekeeper), nucleus (genetic code), mitochondria (energy production), etc.) which also have their own minimum and tightly regulated requirements for optimal function.
Profile of a Healthy Cell
Intact cell membrane made from different types of healthy fats & other structural components and receptors. (e.g., optimized by eating an optimal ratio of healthy fats)
Steady energy supply produced by mitochondria (organelle inside the cell) and a pool of antioxidants to neutralize free radicals produced in the process to prevent cell death. (e.g., optimized by an anti-oxidant-rich, plant-rich diet, avoidance of environmental toxins, and physical activity)
Vitamin and mineral co-factors for enzyme function responsible for the gazillions of chemical reactions happening in your body every second. (e.g., optimized by a nutrient-rich diet, a healthy gut lining and gut bacteria)
Available protein & cholesterol to make hormones, immune system signals, and other communication molecules that choreograph everything about how your body functions. (e.g., optimized by adequate daily protein intake and managing your stress levels)
Hydration & electrolytes for the shuttling of molecules and gradients of electrical potentials throughout the cells, cell membranes, and extracellular fluids. (e.g., optimized by a plant-rich diet, drinking water throughout the day, and limiting caffeine and alcohol)
Optimal pH balance of the cell's environment so enzymes can function optimally. (e.g., optimized by a plant-rich diet, balanced meals, kidney function, and your overall state of health)
Symptoms of cellular (im)balances:
chronic or intermittent fatigue
blood sugar spikes and crashes
headaches or migraines
vague feeling of (un)well
exercise (in)tolerance
anxiety and/or depression
weight gain, cravings
brain fog or memory loss
frequent infections
low libido, infertility
autoimmune disorders
neurodegeneration
muscle weakness or pain
skin irritations (acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis)
poor sleep quality & quantity
hair and nail weakness
gastrointestinal upset: bloating, gas, pain, food (in)tolerances and sensitivities, diarrhea and/or constipation, poor digestion of proteins or fats, heartburn
How many of these did you just mentally check off? You are not alone!
Heal the root causes of cellular (im)balances to experience:
more energy than you've had in a long time
a positive mood & mindset
pain-fee days & nights
glowing, clear skin
mental clarity & focus
more restful sleep
happy digestion
a healthy weight
resilience to the unrelenting stress of our modern culture
The Wild at Heart Method is uniquely designed to help you transition into a lifestyle that awakens your inner wild and supports your wellbeing.
Subscribe for reWilding inspiration and download the reWilding Retreat Guide: a nature-infused, self-guided retreat to explore on your own or with family and friends designed to help you de-stress, disconnect from technology, soulfully connect with loved ones & nature, nourish your mind.body with healthy whole food, and provide the mental space for mindfulness.
I look forward to supporting you with the right program, service, or referral on your healing journey. Let's walk together for awhile...
We'll stop and smell the wildflowers. Smile a lot. And wander down the road less-traveled.
See you in the wild,
Aj
Angela Juhl, MS, CHWC, CYT
Master of Science in Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine
Wellcoaches™ Certified Health and Wellness Coach
Wild Woman Project Circle Leader
Certified Yoga Teacher
Wild at Heart was founded on the mission: to take a stand against unsustainable cultural norms by empowering YOU to realign your lifestyle & mindset with the wisdom of nature for mind.body.heart & soul healing and rekindling a soulful relationship to the natural world...for yourself, your loved ones, our communities, and our beautiful planet.