We are well aware that the chronic disease epidemic is on the rise. But did you know that a majority of modern-day illnesses (over 85 percent of them) are driven by our behavior and environment and not our genes? This suggests that we have HUGE potential in preventing and reversing chronic diseases not only through treatment (which is critical) but by also adopting healthy habits in our lifestyle!
Adopting healthy habits may sound simpler than it is but let’s remember that Rome wasn’t built overnight. Creating long-lasting and sustainable change takes drive, motivation, and strategy, especially when we’ve been accustomed to certain behavior for a very long time. But most of all, it takes a partner to support you in the process and that’s where health coaches excel. After all, who wants to go about making change alone? Change is hard, but teamwork makes the dream work.
What health coaches do
Health coaches are change agents. Just as doctors are educated and trained to treat symptoms and examine the root cause of illness, health coaches are trained to look at all aspects of the individual’s lifestyle that drove them to that illness in the first place.
Health coaches understand how habits form, and how to reverse them and specialize in helping people overcome obstacles in pursuit of their goals. Furthermore, they are extremely instrumental when placed in a collaborative care model working alongside functional medicine practitioners, nutritionists, and other allied health providers.
How health coaches can help improve gut health
You may be wondering how a health coach can help you improve your gut. After all, isn’t a doctor supposed to be the best person to help with that? Doctors (especially those trained in functional medicine) are indeed needed to pinpoint the root cause and treat the gut from the inside out. But what about assessing the lifestyle and habits that drove the person toward poor gut health in the first place? After all, we want to be able to fix the problem but ALSO prevent it from returning.
When it comes to the gut, let’s say you are on the fence about how healthy your eating habits are and whether they play a role in your poor gut health. Or, you may be under chronic stress caused by relationships or work which can significantly impact the gut too. ALL 5 modifiable lifestyle areas: sleep, diet, exercise, stress, and relationships play a role in how healthy your gut is.
Whichever it is for you, as an ADAPT-certified functional health at Best Life Functional Medicine, I’ll partner with you to improve your eating habits, reduce stress, and much more. Together, we’ll brainstorm micro changes that are attainable and relevant in improving the state of your gut in the long run.
Need the motivation to make those changes? I’ll work with you on that too. Need the knowledge to know what to implement and how? I’ll guide you.
Overall, I am committed to playing a key role in Dr. Libby Wilson’s patient care and helping her patients reach their fullest potential. As Dr. Libby Wilson always says, “think about forever, not fast” when it comes to making changes toward optimal health!
Written by Health Coach Lydia, NBC-HWC
