Let’s be clear, food is medicine.

We all must eat food to survive, which seems simple enough. But, food and nutrition is an intensely complex topic, deeply tied to health, culture, our identity, our microbiome, as well as governments, corporations, safety, and sustainability issues.

Our current food climate focuses on an ever-evolving array of new products, highly refined foods, fad foods and diets, and singular macro-nutrients (think: fat, sugar, protein, carbs…). This focus has left us with our heads spinning and in true dis-ease, suffering from over-weight, chronic disease, and inflammation-based disorders.

Food as medicine employs the anti-inflammatory and profoundly reparative nature of nutrient-dense foods. Ways of eating that incorporate whole foods and plant-forward nutrition can help stave off disease and keep you well.

Adopting a whole foods plant-forward way of eating does not mean you have to become vegetarian or vegan; an ultimate goal of 75 - 80% minimally-processed plant-based foods is generally sufficient to heal the body and stave off inflammatory conditions. Getting there may take some time and effort, but once you do, the way you feel — vibrant, alive, energetic — makes it a 100% worth it.

Plant Power.

Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, and other plant-based protein sources like nuts and seeds, naturally increases the amount of antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and polyphenols in your system, which subsequently decreases the level of inflammation in your body.

This, in turn, can help people lose excess weight, optimize wellness and energy, prevent chronic illnesses including cancer, and heal conditions such as autoimmune disorders, allergies, diabetes, coronary artery disease, mental health issues, and other inflammatory issues.

Microbial diversity is crucial.

There's an ever-growing understanding of the gut microbiome, the bacteria in your gut that can promote health and wellbeing or sway you toward disease.

The latest research shows that this diversity is undermined by diets rich in sugar, meats and processed foods and the intake of plant-based foods can do exactly the opposite.

With the right guidance, you can take the steps to enrich your gut microbiota by gently modifying your diet to one containing a variety of plant-based foods and foods rich in pre- and probiotics.

Dr. Shah focuses on anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, fiber-filled, whole food prescriptions (the “what”) and guidance (the “how”) to help enliven your body, brain, and gut microbiome.

She uses plant-based foods as the foundation to help you construct an eating plan to heal better. She always meets you where you are, folding in changes that you’re feeling ready to make.

Furthermore, Dr. Shah can help you systematically investigate your diet if you are suffering from food allergies or intolerances that may be exacerbating your health issues. Depending on what is going on, lab testing may also be employed to provide additional insight into the issues you are facing.

Dr. Shah never wants you to feel like you are sacrificing what you love to eat. After all, we only live on this earth once (as far as we know!) and she firmly believes we must enjoy our time here. She also realizes different humans have different food needs. Her goal is for you to be able to eat in a way that is sustainable to your lifestyle, gives you joy, and simultaneously optimizes your health + makes you feel better .