Married to Health 2024: Plant-Based Integrative Nutrition

DeliveryRank chats with James Marin, co-founder of Married to Health (along with his wife Dahlia), and a pioneer in plant-based nutrition. As an expert dietitian, he specializes in integrative approaches to health, combining medical nutrition therapy with whole food plant-based diets to prevent, treat, and reverse diseases. James is dedicated to providing patient-centered care that is eco-friendly and innovative, offering virtual services globally to support optimal health and well-being.

James, what inspired you to start Married to Health and focus on plant-based integrative nutrition?

The inspiration for our practice stemmed from a noticeable gap in the healthcare system. My wife and I have been registered dietitians for over a decade, working across various settings such as public health, outpatient clinics, community health centers, and large hospitals. We consistently felt there was a significant need that was not being met. This led us to create our own practice. We wanted to establish a space where we could dedicate ample time to our patients, delve deeply into the root causes of their health issues, and not be constrained by the limitations of insurance and billing processes. Thus, we built this practice to fulfill that vision.

How do you combine Eastern modalities with Western techniques in your nutrition programs?

We recognize the myriad benefits that plants offer. Many pharmaceuticals in Western medicine are derived from plants, highlighting their powerful therapeutic properties. Our approach marries these concepts by adopting a holistic perspective. We advocate for consuming whole plant foods to thrive, utilizing plant extracts for their antimicrobial properties, and appreciating the advanced pharmaceuticals developed from plants and fungi.

By combining the best of Eastern and Western medicine, we employ functional and integrative modalities, recognizing the ubiquitous presence and benefits of plants in all these practices. Whether through whole plant foods, plant extracts, or pharmaceuticals derived from plants and fungi, we see immense value in each method. Our goal is to customize and individualize our approach for each patient, drawing on the best practices from all modalities whenever possible.

Can you explain the significance of your eco-friendly approach and how it impacts patient care?

Regenerative nutrition is centered on the idea that our approach to health and nutrition should improve the environment alongside our well-being. Whether it's dietary choices or medical nutrition therapy, we strive to leave the environment better than we found it. It's not enough to simply achieve health outcomes like reducing cholesterol or gaining muscle if, in the process, we harm the planet with excessive use of protein powders, wrappers, and plastics.

Regenerative nutrition emphasizes the simultaneous regeneration of soil, the environment, and ourselves. This approach often aligns with a plant-based diet, though it doesn't require being 100% plant-based. It's about being mindful of the environmental impact of our purchases and actions.

For instance, some protein powders are detrimental to the environment due to their reliance on the dairy industry, which has significant water and land usage impacts. Additionally, the processing and packaging of these products often involve materials harmful to both health and the environment. However, there are brands like Complement that use regenerative sources and compostable packaging, demonstrating a more conscious approach.

Ultimately, regenerative nutrition encourages us to consider the broader implications of our dietary choices and to seek options that benefit both our health and the planet.

Can you explain the connection between gut health and mental health?

There is indeed a significant connection between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. Remarkably, the majority of our serotonin and many other neurotransmitters are produced in the gut. This axis highlights how the gut communicates and supports the brain more than the brain supports the gut.

If you're experiencing depression, anxiety, focus issues, or cognitive challenges, it's essential to examine your gut health. We often say that the gut is the nexus of all health, and this holds true for overall well-being. The gut-brain connection is profound and crucial for maintaining mental and physical health.

What role does the gut play in the immune system, and how can we support it to prevent autoimmune diseases?

The gut is truly the epicenter of autoimmune disease. Behind the gut lining lies the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), which marks the beginning of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. In simple terms, if you experience chronic gut issues like constipation, it serves as an early warning sign. Many people tend to overlook these signs, relying on supplements or over-the-counter drugs without addressing the root cause.

As these symptoms persist, the mucosal layer of the gut continues to deteriorate, leading to a leaky gut. This condition allows food proteins to leak into the immune system, causing it to become overactive. This overactivity leads to autoimmune diseases, where the immune system starts attacking the body's own tissues. Consequently, individuals may develop allergies, food intolerances, and various autoimmune conditions affecting the thyroid, colon, and other parts of the body.

If left unchecked, this progression can even lead to cancer, with a noticeable rise in colon cancer and other cancers. This progression underscores that the majority of autoimmune diseases begin in the gut.

How do you tailor your treatment plans to individual patient needs, especially for those with complex conditions like SIBO and IBS?

SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, is precisely what the acronym implies. Our guiding principle is to "test, not guess." Many people speculate or rely on a single test, but we believe in comprehensive testing to definitively understand your needs.

For example, a simple test we use is the corn test, where we track the digestion speed by observing corn in your stool. This basic test helps us gauge your digestive process. More complex testing includes breath tests, commonly used for diagnosing SIBO. These tests measure the production of hydrogen, methane, or hydrogen sulfide gas, which are produced by the food we eat. Normally, our digestive system and lungs expel these gases healthily, but an unhealthy gut traps these gases, causing inflammation. This can be likened to holding your breath—while it's manageable for a short period, prolonged retention can be harmful.

We've curated the most effective and cost-efficient tests over the years, from simple corn tests to comprehensive breath tests, to ensure we accurately diagnose and create the right protocol for you.

If you would like to find out more about Married to Health, visit https://www.marriedtohealth.com/