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What is Lifestyle Medicine?

“Lifestyle as medicine has the potential to prevent up to 80% of chronic disease. No other medicine can match that.” (Dr David Katz)

Lifestyle Medicine

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Lifestyle Medicine 𑁍

Lifestyle Medicine is the foundation of good health.

Lifestyle Medicine is built on a foundation of evidence-based, peer-reviewed research that empowers people to be active partners in their own healthcare. It is an approach to healthcare that goes beyond the conventional status quo to deliver a truly holistic, 360-degree healthcare program.

We think of many chronic health conditions as ‘par for the course’ when it comes to modern life. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Many of these can be prevented, stabilised and,  in some cases, reversed by applying therapeutic lifestyle modifications. Conditions including Cardiovascular Disease, Type 2 Diabetes,  Neurological Conditions and mental health conditions all share common risk factors that can be positively addressed with Lifestyle Medicine.

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In practical terms, Lifestyle Medicine can be thought of as the bridge between clinical practice and health promotion, where the role of the doctor is to provide high-level knowledge and actionable strategies to support impactful lifestyle changes. These are often referred to as the Six Pillars:

𑁍 Nutrition

𑁍 Exercise

𑁍 Sleep

𑁍 Stress Management

𑁍 Avoiding toxic substances

𑁍 Social connectedness

Of course, some people and conditions will still require prescribed medicine and/or procedures however, Lifestyle Medicine is both an integral and valuable component of any treatment plan.

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Are you eligible for plant-based medicine?

Take our pre-screening questionnaire to find out if prescribed plant-based medicine could be suitable as part of your healthcare plan. 

“I opened Life Medical Mullumbimby because I believe that everybody should have access to high-level medical care and guidance. Together, let’s shape a future where proactive, preventive healthcare is the foundation for a vibrant community."

— Dr Sam Gartland

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FAQ’S about Lifestyle Medicine

  • Lifestyle Medicine is an approach that empowers people to make changes to their lifestyle to stabilise and, in some cases, reverse disease and improve their quality of life. Lifestyle Medicine uses evidence-based principles to address the underlying causes of disease. It typically includes modifying areas such as nutrition, movement, exercise, stress management, and community, along with equipping patients with the tools to avoid risky substances. The ultimate goal is to empower people with the skills and knowledge to optimise their health and improve their quality of life.

  • Lifestyle Medicine treats the underlying causes of illness rather than the symptoms. It has a strong emphasis on prevention, improving quality of life and optimising physical and mental health. It is a patient-centred approach to health that empowers people to take an active role in their health.

    Lifestyle Medicine is a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to health that empowers people to address the underlying causes of health issues. Whereas conventional medicine relies on medicine and surgery to manage disease, a Lifestyle Medicine approach utilises the power of healthy lifestyle choices, nutrition, exercise, stress management and social support, alongside conventional treatments to ensure the best possible outcomes, reduce the need for medications and improve overall well-being.

  • Lifestyle Medicine is built on six key pillars that form the foundation of its approach to health and wellness:

    1. Nutrition: Emphasising whole, plant-based foods and minimising processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats to nourish the body and prevent chronic diseases.

    2. Physical Activity: Encouraging regular exercise and movement to improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and mental well-being.

    3. Stress Management: Teaching techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises to reduce stress levels and promote emotional resilience.

    4. Sleep Optimisation: Highlighting the importance of sufficient, restorative sleep for overall health, cognitive function, mood regulation, and immune function.

    5. Avoidance of Risky Substances: Advising against tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use to protect against various health issues and enhance longevity.

    6. Social Connection: Recognising the significance of meaningful relationships and community involvement in promoting mental and emotional well-being.

  • Yes. Lifestyle Medicine is proven to be effective in treating disease and chronic conditions by treating the underlying causes. There is quality research to demonstrate its efficacy in managing and treating a range of illnesses. This includes reversing Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes, slowing the progress of prostate cancer, and improving the outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Anxiety and Depression, CPOD, Cognitive Impairment, Irritable Bowel Disease, and others.

    Lifestyle Medicine can improve health outcomes and overall quality of life. However, it is crucial to work with a qualified doctor to ensure treatments are safe, evidence-based and complementary to conventional medication.

  • Yes. There are many reputable, peer-reviewed papers supporting the outcomes of Lifestyle Medicine.

  • Your private health fund may cover some of the services available at Life Medical Mullumbimby. Contact your provider to find out if you are eligible.

  • Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based approach to reducing the risk of modern chronic health conditions. In the EPIC Study (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition - one of the largest studies of diet and health ever conducted) 23,000 people were tracked over an eight-year period. Simply following four simple health behaviours had a dramatic effect on health outcomes

    4 Simple Behaviours:

    1. Not Smoking

    2. Exercising 3.5hrs/week (30min a day)

      (Averaging 30 minutes/day, combining cardiovascular training and muscle resistance exercises).

    3. Eating a diet that emphasises whole plant foods.

    4. Maintaining a healthy BMI (<30)

      (Body Mass Index, or BMI, refers to the relationship between height and weight. The indicator for obesity is 30, so these people did not have to be “super thin”, they just cannot qualify as obese).

    Resulted In:

    ● 93% Less diabetes

    ● 81% Less Heart Attacks

    ● 50% Less Strokes

    ● 35% fewer cancers

    The people who followed these four behaviours had 14 additional years of life.[1]

    [1] Ford ES, Bergmann MM, Kröger J, et al. Healthy living is the best revenge: findings from the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam study. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2009 Aug;169(15):1355-1362. DOI: 10.1001/archinternmed.2009.237. PMID: 19667296.

  • Your first visit to a Lifestyle Medicine Doctor involves a comprehensive review and assessment of your medical history, diet and mental wellbeing. The practitioner will discuss with you evidence-based lifestyle modifications and formulate a personalised treatment plan.

  • Yes. Addressing the underlying causes of disease and chronic conditions is more effective than just using medication to manage the symptoms. In some cases, embracing the benefits of Lifestyle Medicine means it may be possible to avoid both the more serious aspects of a disease and stronger medications which may have serious side-effects.