MY BELIEF is that our health is intrinsically linked to the health of our food chain and playing the primary role in food production is the path to a higher state of health and happiness. In order to sustain a healthful food chain our food should be free of chemicals and respect should be given to the condition of the soil and region it is grown in, and to the well being of the people and animals involved. Over the years I have learnt the importance of sourcing food as close to the farm as possible and eating to each season, enjoying a huge benefit to my state of health both physically and emotionally.
WHAT HAS INSPIRED YOUR BELIEFS AS A HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST?
Nutrition to me stems from culture and cuisine with confidence placed on the traditional ways that have succeeded for many generations. I have always had a deep appreciation for food, with the happiest memories of my mother’s wholesome cooking and a respect for meal times enjoyed as a family. With an interest in living a natural and sustainable existence, I moved to Sri Lanka as a volunteer following the 2005 tsunami, where I took part in the recovery efforts as an aid worker and as a photographer. Through my love for a small fishing community, on the southern tip of the island, I played a role in the creation of Talalla Health Retreat as well as a socially sustainable fashion label, where helping restore and inspire livelihoods whilst living in a remote tropical oasis proved life changing. I developed a deep appreciation for eating the foods that were locally available, a particular favourite was the local buffalo curd, and completely removed myself from processed foods. Together with a new found love of the ancient wisdom of Ayuverdic medicine, including a devout daily yoga practice, I found myself living closer to nature, all of which allowed my health to transform to a place where I never imagined I could be.
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION?
Parallel to starting a family, I undertook my Advanced Diploma in Nutritional Medicine at the most established natural health college in Australia, Nature Care College. I have been working as a certified nutritionist since 2018 and I am a professional member of the Australian Tradition Medicine Society. With particular interests in female reproductive health, digestive health and paediatrics, I am currently completing a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathic Medicine at Endeavour College in Sydney, Australia. My path to study natural medicine has been a defining decision in my life and I have benefited my family from consciously choosing to make our world as natural as possible.
WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY?
From clinical experience I have come to realise the importance of a treatment plan which is uniquely centred around each person’s individuality as well as a thorough holistic evaluation of the underlying health problem. Through educating myself in the adverse outcomes of symptomatic and curative treatment and the truth that lies behind our current food industry, including the misleading labelling and marketing, fad diets and miracle cures, I feel I have found my calling to inspire those around me to support their body’s own innate ability to heal itself, make educated choices and live an honest existence with abundant energy, vitality, peace and happiness.
Jessica Smouha