Food is more than just fuel—it can be a powerful tool for healing and longevity. A mindful approach to food can transform your health and extend your life. Ella Davar knows this firsthand. In the latest episode of A Healthy Point of View podcast, Sam Tejada, CEO and founder of Liquivida®, welcomes longevity dietitian and gut health expert Ella Davar. Their conversation delves deep into the intersection of nutrition, gut health, and mindfulness, offering valuable insights into how we can live longer, healthier lives.
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Ella’s Path to Nutrition
Ella’s journey into nutrition was driven by her own health struggles. While working on Wall Street, she faced challenges like bloating, stubborn acne, and weight loss difficulties. Despite visiting various doctors and trying countless diets, she found no lasting solutions. It wasn’t until a dietitian introduced her to food sensitivity testing that her relationship with food and her health took a dramatic turn. By eliminating foods that triggered her sensitivities, Ella experienced newfound energy, clearer skin, and better overall health. This transformative experience inspired her to become a dietitian who helps others improve their relationship with food.
Food as Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Adopting the timeless wisdom of Hippocrates, who famously said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food”. Ella learned that instead of seeing food as an enemy—something to be feared due to calorie counts or allergens—she used it to fuel and heal her body.
Nutrition can be overwhelming, with constant shifts in trends and advice. Yet, the key pillars of health—diet, exercise, and sleep—remain unchanged. These elements are essential for enhancing longevity and quality of life, regardless of the latest dietary trends.
The Gut-Brain Connection: More Than Just Digestion
Gut health plays a crucial role in overall wellness. The gut microbiome doesn’t just impact digestion—it affects mental health, immunity, and inflammation. A healthy gut can be the foundation of improved health and a longer life. Ella’s Gut-Brain Method combines mindfulness with nutrition, addressing the root causes of chronic health issues and promoting a sustainable, holistic approach to well-being.
Mindfulness in nutrition goes beyond what we eat. It involves understanding how we relate to food emotionally and psychologically and addressing the barriers that prevent lasting change. This deeper connection to our bodies helps foster healthier, more consistent habits.
Gut Health and Its Impact on Disease Prevention
A staggering number of people suffer from gut-related issues, from autoimmune diseases to IBS and chronic inflammation. Ella emphasizes that the first step toward healing begins in the gut. She advocates for comprehensive testing to evaluate gut health, including stool tests to check for inflammation, microbiome imbalances, infections, and even parasites. Addressing these issues with a tailored approach to nutrition can be life-changing for those suffering from chronic conditions.
Dairy intolerance is another common food sensitivity. Ella explained that while some people may thrive on dairy, others may have reactions to milk proteins. She recommends starting with goat or sheep’s milk products for those with dairy intolerance, as they may be gentler on the gut.
Biohacking Your Health: A Personalized Approach
Mindful eating, deep breathing exercises, and customized nutrition plans can all be considered ways to biohack your health. Biohacking is about tailoring health practices to fit your individual needs. Ella advocates for a personalized approach to diet, including deep breathing techniques before meals. This practice stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
The Importance of Self-Care: Love Yourself First
Self-care isn’t just about physical health—it’s about emotional and mental well-being too. Reconnecting with your body and listening to its needs is essential for long-term health. Taking proactive steps to care for your body and mind can lead to more fulfilling, healthier years. Ella’s powerful message is simple: “Love yourself enough to get to know yourself, to treat yourself like you really, really love yourself.”
By understanding the deep connections between food, emotions, and overall well-being, individuals can create personalized strategies for better health. Through her Gut-Brain Method program, Ella’s goal is to guide others toward optimal health with compassion, mindfulness, and practical advice.
For more resources and to learn about her program, Ella’s website and social media platforms provide a wealth of information on achieving long-lasting health and well-being.