Even with a degree in Nutrition, I get confused by all of the info on diet out there. I loved reading this book by Australian functional dentist, Steven Lin. I feel it really explained the breakdown of our health as well as the effect nutrition has on our mouth. Here are a couple takeaways about diet and key nutrients to start implementing. Dr Lin’s book is based largely upon the research of Dr. Weston Price. He recommends ancestral eating, which includes consuming unrefined, unprocessed, whole foods that have been around for thousands of years.

Start Eating: Wild meat (grass fed, local, organic). Organ meats (especially beef liver). Fish and seafood (wild-caught). Chicken and eggs (pasture raised). Fruits and vegetables (local, seasonal, organic). Nuts and seeds (organic, especially almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds). Traditional fats (butter, lard, tallow, olive oil, coconut oil, grass fed and cold pressed). Dairy (grass fed, raw, full fat, organic). Bone broth (ideally homemade from grass fed meat). Grains (organic and freshly ground.)

He also discussed three key nutrients that help keep our teeth and gums healthy. Vitamin A: Retinol form, an animal source; Supports bone development through cell turnover and with vitamin D, activates growth and development of genes through the body. Vitamin D: Specifically, D3, an animal source; helps the body absorb calcium, the building block of the skeletal system, and activates thousands of genes that influence the body right down to cell growth and differentiation. Vitamin K2 : Also an animal source (Vitamin K2 MK-4); the bone development support factor for vitamins A and D that activates the proteins to direct calcium into the right places.* MK-7 Vitamin K2 is sourced from fermented foods. The New Year is a wonderful time to make healthy changes. The more I understand why I am making a change the more likely I am to stick with it. I highly recommend the book. Also, I have found some great supplements that incorporate his recommendations. –Dr. Heather Stamm

Please email Dr Chrissy at drchissyc@gmail.com and she can send you a link to purchase some of my favorites.

See our winter newsletter! From patient stories, recommended diets, stress management, and even our seasonal favorite Paleo meal and how to make it!