FOODS: THE ALPHA AND OMEGA OF PERSONALIZED HEALTH
Our cellular matrix begins and ends with the foods we eat
TERI COCHRANE
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Our journey to optimal health begins and ends with the foods we consume. Food is not just sustenance; it’s the alpha and omega of personalized health, shaping the cellular matrix of our bodies. While processed foods, preservatives, and factory-farmed meats are recognized culprits in compromising health, many “healthy” staples can also be problematic for individuals with specific sensitivities. Surprisingly, foods like kale, berries, and cruciferous vegetables and chicken which I have deemed to be “The Dirty Bird” may inadvertently contribute to imbalance when misaligned with one’s genetic blueprint and current state of health.
That’s where the Wildatarian approach comes in. This philosophy centers on understanding how proteins, fats, sulfur, histamine, and oxalates interact with our unique epigenetic makeup and therefore our health and longevity arc. Certain genetic predispositions can influence how our bodies process these elements, highlighting the need for a nuanced, personalized approach. The Cochrane Method integrates muscle testing, epigenetic analysis, and clinical assessments to develop individualized food and supplementation plans tailored to address root imbalances. Along with guidance on what to put in on or around your body. This dynamic approach adapts to seasonal and environmental changes, recognizing that triggers like mold or pollen may necessitate seasonal dietary shifts to support detoxification pathways and optimize overall health. For example, during high mold or pollen seasons, dietary and supplement adjustments may alleviate stress on the liver and kidneys, facilitating better detoxification. Similarly, women who are mensing are guided to eat in a certain and different way around the cycles and ovulation times.
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When transitioning off the food plan and reintroducing old foods, it’s common for the body to respond strongly. This initial exaggerated reaction is not a sign of failure but rather an indication of your body’s increasing intelligence and its ability to communicate more clearly. These noticeable physical responses are signals that the food is not aligned with your body's needs.
As the body recalibrates, rebalances, and reengineers cellular expression, these reactions serve as a valuable guide. Over time, individuals become more attuned to their body’s signals, fostering a deeper connection with their health. Through this process, foods are gradually reintroduced, and supplement intake is adjusted, leading to a state of sustained wellness. This approach not only restores balance but also empowers individuals to make informed, long-term dietary choices that truly match their unique needs.
The Wildatarian lifestyle aligns diets with unique health needs
One critical consideration in achieving optimal health is the distinction between organic and non-organic foods. Non-organic produce often contains harmful pesticides like glyphosate, a chemical linked to disrupted protein and sulfur metabolism and compromised gut health. Glyphosate’s pervasive use contaminates water and even some organic crops, underscoring the importance of choosing organic options whenever possible. For individuals in a healing phase, avoiding the “Dirty Dozen” — a list of produce with the highest pesticide residues — is essential. This list includes items such as strawberries, spinach, kale, and apples, which should be prioritized as organic to reduce toxic exposure.
Modern meat production introduces additional challenges. The rise of factory farming has led to meat products laden with antibiotics, hormones, and the most deleterious amyloids, which are misfolded proteins linked to immune disruption and inflammation. These amyloids can resist degradation during cooking or freezing, accumulating in the body and potentially contributing to chronic health issues and autoimmunity. When it comes to conventionally raised chickens, turkeys, and cows, there are three major concerns beyond the obvious ethical issues. First, these animals often have high levels of amyloids in their tissues due to stress from overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. Second, eating these products exposes you to pesticides like glyphosate, mold toxins from their feed, and pharmaceutical residues such as antibiotics, which accumulate in the animals' fatty tissues and ultimately in your body. Lastly, these animals are typically fed unnatural diets of corn and soy, which shift their fat profile toward omega-6, a pro-inflammatory fatty acid.
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Our ancestors consumed a diet with a near-perfect omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of around 1:1, but today, soy-fed chickens can have ratios as high as 20:1. Even “organic” or “free-range” labels don’t guarantee a healthier fat profile if soy is still part of the animal’s diet. This imbalance can exacerbate inflammation and harm cellular function. To protect your health, opt for wild-caught or regeneratively-raised, soy-free options whenever possible. Industrialized dairy poses similar risks, as cows raised in confined conditions are often fed genetically modified and pesticide-laden diets. Even products labeled “organic” may not guarantee humane treatment or a truly grass-fed diet. Consumers are encouraged to seek regeneratively raised, or pasture-fed, pastured finished soy-free meat and dairy to support better health outcomes. The issues extend to farm-raised fish, which often contain inflammatory fatty acid profiles and contaminants like dioxins and PCBs. Wild-caught fish, while more expensive, offer superior nutritional benefits, including higher levels of essential nutrients like selenium and B12. By choosing wild-caught options, individuals can reduce their exposure to pollutants and support their body’s anti-inflammatory balance.
Teri Cochrane
Food reintroduction is a cornerstone of The Cochrane Method
Food reintroduction is a cornerstone of The Cochrane Method, allowing practitioners and clients to measure the body’s response to individual foods. A four-day interval between new food introductions ensures clarity in identifying sensitivities. This gradual process provides valuable insights into how specific foods affect the body, paving the way for a balanced and sustainable diet. Clinical assessments deepen this understanding by examining metabolic pathways and genetic expressions that may influence food sensitivities. The two-tiered approach of metabolic and food testing offers a comprehensive view of health, enabling practitioners to pinpoint triggers and reverse-engineer imbalances.
Achieving optimal health requires an integrative and personalized approach to nutrition. By understanding the interplay between food choices, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions, the Wildatarian lifestyle empowers individuals to align their diets with their unique health needs. This holistic method provides a path to long-term vitality, ensuring that the foods we consume truly support our well-being at every level. Food is your most powerful tool — use it wisely, and you can transform your health from the inside out.
