VITALISM are numerous specific diets that can be are personalised and individualised in vitamedicine for the person ’ s health needs . The Mediterranean diet has numerous health benefits , including enhancing cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health , and in treating depression . 32 , 34 Vegan and vegetarian diets are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals and have cardiometabolic and digestive health benefits . 32 , 34 , 35 The Palaeolithic diet has cardiometabolic health benefits . 34 , 36 The glycaemic index diet has cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health benefits as well as reducing inflammation and oxidative stress . 32 , 34 Specific foods can be utilised for their health benefits , for example , Açaí for its antioxidant capacity , 37 apples for vascular function and reducing inflammation , 38 broccoli for its nutritional constituents and detoxification , 39 and onions for bioflavonoid content and vasodilatory properties . 32 Chocolate has numerous beneficial properties , such as antiinflammatory , antioxidant , improving insulin sensitivity , modulation of glucose metabolism , anti-atherogenic , antiplatelet , antithrombotic , and vasodilatory properties . 40 Increasing nut consumption shows numerous benefits , including reducing inflammation , oxidative stress , and blood pressure as well as improving insulin resistance , lipid profile , and glycaemic control . 41 Additionally , reducing sugar is imperative for improving health . Increased intake of sugar is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease , cardiometabolic syndrome , type 2 diabetes , hyperinsulinaemia , cardiorenal disease , fatty liver disease , dyslipidaemia , obesity and overweight , general weight gain , gout , dental caries , and hyperactivity . 42
While the focus in vitamedicine is on wholefoods , specific nutrients from particular wholefoods can be personalised to optimise health . Some examples are B vitamins for energy metabolism , cell signalling ,
43 , 44
and nervous system function , vitamin A for immunity and skin health , 44 vitamin C as an antioxidant , for metabolism of connective tissue , and for immune health , 44 vitamin D for hormone metabolism , calcium metabolism , and health of the immune and nervous systems , 44 vitamin E for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties , 44 , 45 vitamin K for blood health and bone homeostasis , 44 and omega-3 for cell membrane , cell signalling , coagulation , and its anti-inflammatory properties . 32 , 44 , 46-49 Minerals , such as calcium for cell signalling 50 and mineralisation of bone , 51 magnesium for the synthesis of ATP , DNA , and RNA , muscle health , and nerve transmission , 44 and zinc for the metabolism of RNA and DNA , gene expression , immune system health , and signal transduction , 44 also play a role , as do probiotics , in improving the health of the digestive and immune systems , and mood . 52
Support with herbal medicines Herbal medicines have been used around the world for thousands of years and play a significant role in restoring health . 53-57 The World Health Organization ( WHO ) estimates that approximately 80 % of the world ’ s population use traditional medicine for their primary health care needs . The majority of this medicine involves using plants , plant extracts , or the active components from plants . 58 In vitamedicine , herbal medicines are used to support the healing process and promote optimum health . Herbal medicine formulas are personalised and individualised . Some examples of regularly used herbals are ashwagandha , passionflower , sage , saffron , and turmeric : ashwagandha as a revitaliser and adaptogen for reducing anxiety and stress and improving memory , cognition , stamina , and endurance ; 44 passionflower for reducing stress , nervousness , and anxiety ; 44 sage for improving memory , cognition , mood , and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress ; 44 , 56 saffron for its antioxidant , antiinflammatory 59-61 neuro-endocrine , and neuroprotective effects ; 59 and turmeric for its anti-inflammatory , antioxidant , immunomodulatory , hepatoprotective , and neuroprotective properties . 44
Daily physical activity and regular movement Vitamedicine promotes daily physical activity and regular movement . Physical activity and exercise are essential for overall health 62 and are associated with decreased risk of heart disease , type 2 diabetes , stroke , cancer , colon cancer , mortality , 62 and osteoporosis . 63 Physical activity is also associated with improved cognitive and emotional health . 63 Dance combines physical exercise with emotional involvement63 and has positive benefits on wellbeing , 64 anxiety , 62 depression , 62 stress , 65 and fitness . 65 Yoga has numerous benefits , such as reduced waking cortisol , evening cortisol , systolic blood pressure , resting heart rate , heart rate variability , fasting blood glucose level , total cholesterol , and low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) -cholesterol . 66 Research indicates the potential for yoga to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder . 67 In vitamedicine , physical activity can be personalised to meet the person ’ s needs .
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