Reply To: Materia Medica of Foods
Hi Claudia,
I totally understand and agree – there’s no way I’m meeting DVI’s on a daily basis. I believe there are strategies, like making very nourishing soups, stews, smoothies, and loaded oatmeals (sweet or savoury), but my main motto is to try to incorporate as many vegetables and fruits as possible. Sometimes, it’s much less than I’d like, but I’m human and can only do my best. A greens powder can be beneficial for this, as well as a high quality protein powder but that’s an added cost that is not accessible for everyone. The mental pressure of meeting these suggestions is likely adding to stress, which has negative effects on digestion and absorption.
My general recommendation is to eat whole foods in their unprocessed form, try new recipes/vegetables to increase variety, and maintaining presence while you eat to enable proper digestion. If there is a deficiency that is known (iron, for example) then I recommend a good iron supplement to increase your levels while also eating iron-rich foods (heme being the best absorbed by the body).
For you as a future graduate, I would say jump in to suggesting foods for the people you see in consultation! You don’t need them to see their doctor first to prescribe foods (as long as it’s safe for them). A patient-centered approach means understanding your client’s goals and limitations, and working with them to achieve these by educating and suggesting accessible food options that will be easy to incorporate. Supplementation can be included in this if needed and safe. For Molly, if she is vegan, a B12 supplement is always recommended. I believe it’s 5-6 years before the body really needs additional supplementation if vegan, or if there are specific symptoms your client is experiencing, but I usually just suggest it regardless if someone is vegan.
I recommend people see their Doctor if there is a concern about nutritional deficiencies, medications, or new / preexisting health conditions to get a blood test. It’s more so with supplementation you want to be careful with (especially fat-soluble vitamins as these can be stored in the body). But, as an example, I know many people who haven’t had their iron levels checked but have all of the symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia, so sometimes I just recommend they get one as many folks don’t have a family doctor (especially people who menstruate!)
All to say, as you become more and more acquainted with signs and symptoms of specific nutrient deficiencies, you will become more comfortable and familiar with suggesting certain foods, ways of cooking, and supplements if that is needed. It’s really about working with your client with where they are at, and going from there.
I hope this helps!
Riley