The Quest to Be Well: A Conversation with Clinical Nutritionist, Stephanie J Moore
In a world obsessed with quick fixes and fad diets, Stephanie, a clinical nutritionist, offers a refreshing perspective on health and wellness. She believes that the quest to be well is not about chasing a number on the scale or fitting into a certain mould, but rather about creating a sustainable lifestyle that supports your body’s natural ability to heal and thrive. This is crucial for individuals of all ages, from young adults navigating new dietary challenges to seniors seeking to maintain their independence and quality of life, including those living with dementia.



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Dementia and Nutrition:
For individuals living with dementia, maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for both physical and cognitive well-being. Nutritional deficiencies can exacerbate cognitive decline and contribute to other health problems. A balanced diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods to nourish your body is essential. However, it’s important to be mindful of potential challenges faced by individuals with dementia, such as difficulty swallowing, changes in appetite, and forgetfulness regarding mealtimes.
“Dementia can manifest in various ways, with Alzheimer’s being the most common form. Emerging research suggests a strong link between dementia and poor blood sugar control, mirroring the relationship between type 3 diabetes and neurological diseases. This connection highlights the critical role of blood sugar regulation in brain health. As explained in my book, ‘Eat Your Brain Happy,’ fluctuations in blood sugar can significantly impact cognitive function, contributing to both neurological decline and mental health issues. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining stable blood sugar levels for overall brain health, a factor often overlooked beyond its association with weight gain and diabetes.”
Stephanie’s background is as diverse as her approach to nutrition. With a master’s degree in psychotherapy and a degree in nutritional medicine, she brings a holistic perspective to her work. She believes that true health is achieved by addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of well-being. This is particularly important for individuals with chronic conditions, such as those living with autoimmune diseases or dementia, who may face unique nutritional challenges and require a multi-faceted approach to their care.
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The Importance of Gut Health: A Foundation for Overall Well-being
She emphasises the gut microbiome’s significant role in overall health. A healthy gut can improve digestion, sleep, and even mood. This is vital for individuals of all ages, including older adults who may experience digestive issues and age-related changes in gut microbiota.
In our recent podcast with Stephanie, our Host Luca delved deeper into the critical role of gut health in overall well-being, particularly its connection to autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s disease. This is particularly important for individuals with autoimmune conditions, as addressing gut health can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall immune function. Watch the full interview via the youtube link above for the full conversation.
A Personalised Approach to Nutrition: No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Stephanie rejects the idea of a one-size-fits-all diet. She believes that the best way to eat for your health is to consider your individual needs and preferences. This is especially important for individuals with specific dietary restrictions, such as those with allergies or intolerances, as well as those with chronic conditions that may require specific dietary adjustments.
The Dangers of Modern Medicine: A Call for Holistic Approaches
Stephanie acknowledges the importance of modern medicine in certain situations. However, she also expresses concern about the overreliance on symptom management and prescription drugs. She believes that a holistic approach, which integrates nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and, when necessary, appropriate medical interventions, offers a more sustainable and effective path to long-term health. A multi-disciplinary approach to care, including the invaluable expertise of a clinical nutritionist, is crucial for individuals living with long-term conditions.
The Dangers of Conventional Dietary Advice
Stephanie also critiques the prevailing dietary guidelines, particularly the emphasis on low-fat diets and the demonisation of red meat. She highlights the significant influence of food industry sponsorship on these guidelines, raising concerns about the scientific validity of the recommendations. This is crucial for individuals of all ages to be aware of, as it empowers them to make informed choices about their own health.
The Power of Food as Medicine: Nourishing Your Body for Optimal Health
Stephanie believes that food is a powerful tool for healing and prevention. She emphasises the importance of eating whole, unprocessed foods to nourish your body. This is crucial for individuals of all ages, as a well-balanced diet can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve overall quality of life.
Key Takeaways from Stephanie’s Approach:
- Focus on Health, Not Weight: Let go of the obsession with weight loss and focus on creating a healthy lifestyle that supports your overall well-being.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how different foods make you feel and adjust your diet accordingly. This is crucial for individuals with chronic conditions, as they may need to make specific dietary adjustments based on their individual needs and tolerances.
- Address the Root Cause: Don’t just treat symptoms; seek to understand the underlying cause of your health problems. This is particularly important for individuals with chronic conditions, as addressing the root cause of their health issues can lead to significant improvements in their overall health and quality of life.
- Food is Medicine: Nourish your body with whole, unprocessed foods to promote healing and prevent disease. This is crucial for everyone, a healthy diet provides the foundation for optimal health and well-being.
The Importance of Lifestyle Factors
Beyond diet, Stephanie emphasises the crucial role of lifestyle factors, including sleep, stress management, and appropriate physical activity. She cautions against excessive exercise, highlighting the potential for overtraining and the detrimental effects of chronic stress on hormone production. These lifestyle factors are crucial for individuals of all ages, as they play a significant role in overall health and well-being.
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritising Gut Health: Addressing leaky gut syndrome can significantly improve overall health and reduce the risk of autoimmune conditions. This is particularly important for individuals with autoimmune conditions, as addressing gut health can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall immune function.
- Questioning Conventional Dietary Advice: Be mindful of the potential influence of food industry sponsorship on dietary guidelines. This is crucial for individuals of all ages to be aware of, as it empowers them to make informed choices about their own health.
- Embracing a Whole-Foods Approach: Focus on nutrient-dense foods, including high-quality protein sources like grass-fed beef and organ meats. This is crucial for individuals of all ages, as a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods provides the foundation for optimal health and well-being.
- Addressing Lifestyle Factors: Prioritise sleep, stress management, and appropriate physical activity. These lifestyle factors are crucial for individuals of all ages, as they play a significant role in overall health and well-being.
Stephanie’s insights underscore the importance of a holistic approach to health and well-being, emphasising the interconnectedness of diet, lifestyle, and mental and emotional well-being. By understanding the importance of these factors, we can empower ourselves to make informed choices that support optimal health and well-being throughout all stages of life, regardless of any health challenges we may face.
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Ready to learn more?
If you’re interested in learning more about Stephanie’s approach to nutrition, contact her directly through her website or social media channels. Or purchase one of Stephanie’s books ‘Eat Your Brain Happy’ & ‘Why Eating Less & Exercising More Makes You Fat’ both available on Amazon.
The Live In Care CompanyÂ
This interview was conducted by The Live In Care Company. For more information on how live-in care can support your loved one, contact The Live In Care Company’s experts today at 0118 449 2373